Endless Anti-Romantic

Chapter 18: Still Waiting

Chapter 18: Still Waiting

I've been gone for a year and I have yet to hear anything from Connor. Why should I try making things work when he won't? It's ridiculous. I did go on dates with a few guys some English, some French, some from America. But I never really found anyone like Marcus or Connor. Marcus has tried so hard to keep in contact. It's hard but he's putting in so much effort. I promised him an amazing date night when I get back next year. I was offered another full year paid off and I wanted to take it. When I talk to my dad and Layla on the phone they laugh and say I am getting an accent. I have to speak French to some of the locals here!

"Hi Naomi." I turn around and see my good friend Jacque.

"Hey Jacque! How's life?"

"Amazing. I went on a date with this girl and we really hit it off." I am happy for Jacque but I can't help but feel jealous.

"That's great! What's her name?"

"It's me!" I turn quickly and see Layla.

"LAYLA!" I run over and hug her. "What are you doing here?!"

"Well like last year, I did so well in college, I deserved a break and my dad scheduled time! Then I met this cutie." Layla says ruffling his hair.

"Why didn't you text me?!"

"I wanted to surprise you! I met him at the airport. He's one hell of a cute taxi driver isn't he?" I laugh and pull her into a hug again.

"Jacque you don't mind if I steal her away do you?"

"Not at all." He kisses Layla's cheek. "I'll call you later." Jacque walks out of my room and I squeal.

"I can't believe you're here. Did Jacque tell you what dorm room I was in?"

"Not exactly. He said he went to this school. I said my best friend Naomi Winters went there and that's what we bonded over. Then he brought me up." I laugh again and pull her into yet another hug.

"God I've missed you."

"I missed you too." She pulls away with a sad smile. "Marcus really misses you too."

"I knew he would. It's nice that he's still waiting for me. He hasn't been on dates right? He said he hasn't." She nods.

"He hasn't. Some of the older girls keep approaching him but he always says he has a girlfriend. I hang out with him so much people think I'm his girlfriend." I laugh and nod.

"That great. I can't wait to go see him." She grabs my hand.

"And Connor?" My face grows serious.

"What about Connor?"

"Aren't you excited to see him?" I shrug.

"Maybe. It's iffy right now."

"Why?" I sigh and cuddle with my pillow.

"He's not even trying to communicate with me. Not to mention you and my dad always say he's on dates."

"But it's with Zoe."

"Nonetheless Layla. He said he'd wait. But here I am still waiting and he isn't. Sure I might be excited to see him as a friend but nothing more." She sighs and smiles.

"Well, you have me." I smile and nod.

"Yes I do." She snaps her fingers.

"Oh! I forgot to mention this." She pulls out a piece of paper and hands it to me. As soon as I see the Sigil I know exactly what it is.

"You're gonna be here with me?!"

"That's why I flew down here! Not just coming to visit and break my heart again when I leave!" We hug again and I can't help but feel like things are finally going right.

~~~

Another year later, I'm 21 now and Layla is 22. Layla and Jacque have been in a relationship for the whole year and I couldn't be happier for them. My accent got thicker and from looking at old pictures I've lost a lot of weight and I've finally grown into a beautiful girl. I'm actually happy with how I look. I can't wait until Marcus gets a look at me. I slide on my black ribbed tank and my white ripped skinny jeans. I slide on my silver gladiator scandals and slide on my leather jacket. Layla and I go shopping quite a lot and we have gained a lot of fashion do's and do not's. I was offered another year but that was only half tuition, I didn't take it for that reason as well as me having been away from my dad long enough. He just got engaged to his girlfriend and I couldn't miss their wedding. I also heard that Connor's dad got a girlfriend too. Things are great.

"Ready?" Layla asks. I zip up my carry on and smile.

"Beyond ready. I can't wait to see my dad." We head out of our room and Jacque drives us to the airport.

~~~

"DADDY!" I run over and hug him tightly.

"My god sweetheart you've grown up so much." I laugh and wipe a stray tear. "I've missed you so much baby girl." He kisses the top of my head and grabs my bags. Luckily the airport is only a few miles away from our house. It's inconvenient sometimes but others, like this, is great.

"My dad's here." Layla says pulling me into a hug. "We'll talk later."

"Alright." She walks off and I hug my dad again.

"Ready to go home?" I nod and we walk to the car. "Your accent has gotten really thick." I laugh.

"Well speaking French so long kinda does that to you." My dad grabs my hand and kisses it. "How's Mr. Arrington?"

"He's doing well. Just dealing with Connor." I nod. "No questions about Connor?" I shake my head.

"Nope." My dad sighs.

"You know he really missed you Naomi. He's been getting into all kinds of trouble lately." I shrug.

"Well he's 21 now dad. I don't control him."

"I'm aware of that. But he changed since you've left." Again I shrug.

"Well if he tried to contact me then I probably could have changed that."

We pull up to my house 20 minutes later. I hop out and walk right in.

"Naomi!" I smile and pull Mr. Arrington into a hug. "My god you've gotten so beautiful." He pulls away and laughs. "I bet you were a little heart breaker weren't you?" I laugh and shake my head.

"Maybe. Only because I had a guy waiting for me here though." He smiles wide.

"Really?"

"Yeah. Marcus Colt." His smile fades slightly.

"Really? Well I'm happy for you." He clears his throat. "Connor would be here but he's out with his girlfriend." I nod and smile.

"Is it Zoe?" His dad nods, "She's good for him. I'm happy to hear he's doing well." His dad laughs awkwardly. "I'm actually really tired and it's night time in Paris so I'm gonna go to bed. Sorry for not being much fun."

"After a long flight and packing you deserve rest. Come by any time you want Naomi." Mr. Arrington says with a smile.

"Will do." I wave and grab my bags. "Good night."

"Night." Both my dad and Mr. Arrington say simultaneously. I take off my leather jacket and my scandals as I get into my room. I don't bother looking around and reliving the memories. I get under the covers and drift to sleep.