Runaway to Africa

Goodbye

Jackson and I had a handful of dates in my remaining weeks at the safari camp. Share a few kisses and even one or two passionate nights together. On one of our dates, Jackson even took me out overnight to see if we could find some lions and we did. It was amazing to see them at all, let alone at night. The night before we leave Jackson and I spend most of it together in his tent. I sneak out after I pack my things and get stuff set out for tomorrow. "Hey?" I whisper as I get to Jackson's tent.

"Hey," Jackson whispers back, "why are we whispering?"

I shrug my shoulders, still whispering, "other people are trying to sleep."

"My tent is far enough off no one is gonna hear us." Jackson chuckles, speaking normally.

"Oh." I laugh softly and blush as I stop whispering, "Better safe than sorry, right?"

"I guess so, come on in." Jackson smiles as he turns and steps back into his tent. As I step in I look around, it's not that I haven't been here before, just only once or twice. When Jackson and I had been together we spent most of our time out and about, doing something and exploring together. My parents never protested to Jackson and I spending time together as long as we didn't have family plans later that day, then they just wanted us to wait until that night. I think my parents actually like Jackson.

"Why did I have to meet you in Africa?"

Jackson turns back to me, "well, I mean I lived in Boston when I was a kid."

"At least we'd have a better chance of meeting if you'd stayed there."

"Yeah, but things weren't great for me and my mom in Boston, we needed to get out."

"Oh? I'm guessing it has something to do with your dad?"

"Yeah... it uh... it did." Jackson had told me about his father, that he had lost his mind during his research, but he didn't like to talk about him, so I never pushed.

I walk over to him and hug him, "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. I'll be okay, at least for tonight." Jackson hugs me back and kisses the top of my head.

"Don't remind me that I'm leaving tomorrow."

"Would you consider moving down here?"

I look up to Jackson a little shocked and confused, "What?"

"I mean, not that we've known each other long enough or been together long enough for you to move countries to be with me, but I mean if when you leave and we can make it work long distance, would you consider moving?"

I take a minute and think, "I think I would. If I knew it was going to work long term."

Jackson smile down at me, "really? You would really consider it?"

"Yeah, I would." I laugh softly, "does that mean you want this to be something real? Something special?"

"Its already real and special, but I wanna give it a chance it to turn into something amazing and... once in a lifetime."

I blush softly, "are you being serious or are you just trying to be charming?"

Jackson laughs softly, "No, I mean it. I really do." I smile up to Jackson and the two of us spend the night in each other's arms. When I walk up the next morning Jackson has his hat over his face, like he does just about every morning I've waken up with him. When I get up Jackson stirs slightly, "don't go."

"I have to get ready to leave."

Jackson shifts his hat, "no, you want to get ready to go."

I sigh softly and shake my head, "I want to stay here with you." I lean down and kiss Jackson softly, "But my family would also like me to come home."

"Stay here with me."

"I told you I would think about it, once we give this more time."

Jackson nods, "I know you did. I just don't want you to leave at all."

I smile softly, "I know you don't. I don't want either." I grab my jacket and step toward the door, "We will be heading out in about an hour, tell me goodbye before I leave?"

"For sure, I'll see you soon."

I head out to the room and climb back over the railing. None too soon, because as soon as I get to my bed my mom comes in. "Oh, you are already getting dressed? I figured I'd have to wake you girls up."

I shake my head, "No, I set an alarm. I'm gonna give the girls a little while longer before I wake them up."

"Alright. Remember we are leaving in an hour." My mom steps to leave, but stops and steps in again, "Is Jackson gonna come say goodbye?"

I shrug, "He knows what time we are leaving, I think so."

My mom leaves the room and I get changed before waking the girls and we get ready to leave, about 20 minutes before we leave Jackson knocks on the door. "Come in," My father shouts, knowing it is either the drive coming to help get us packed up or Jackson coming to say goodbye.

I step into the living room and see Jackson stepping into the room, "Hello?" Jackson looks over to me and smiles, "hey."

I smile, "hi."

"You look beautiful."

I blush softly, "You always say that."

"And I always mean it."

My father walks over to Jackson and places a hand on his shoulder, "So Jackson, should we be expecting to see you in New York anytime soon?"

"Uhh..." Jackson looks over to my dad, "I don't know. Is that an invitation?"

"I don't know yet. But I'll think about it."

Jackson helps my dad get some of our things packed into the truck when the driver gets there and as the time to leave draws closer Jackson and I say our goodbyes. I hug Jackson, tightly, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I'm gonna miss you."

Jackson wraps his arms around my waist, "don't worry. You'll be able to call me as soon as you land."

I nod, "Of course, I will."

Jackson nods as the two of us pull away, "don't worry, we can facetime and call. This isn't the end of us. I promise."