Three Weeks With You

Chapter Nineteen: Maddison

I feel like I am living in one of my many day dreams that I've had.
I'm in California, with Ethan at his high school prom.
I have four precious days with him and I intend to soak up every second.
The plan really could not have gone smoother. Everyone was super nice and didn't give the surprise away.
When everything was organised and I boarded the flight, I was overwhelmed with anxiety and excitement and apprehension that I thought I was going to cry.
I almost did.
I knew if I didn't do this, he would come for me. 
He almost did.
I could feel the distance coming between us, I could feel my heart aching more and more.
We needed to be close, to talk, to look into each others eyes and feel each other again.
I could tell we were both hurting, especially him when I said that he didn't need to come to my prom. 
My prom was a great night.
I would have loved it if he was there but I genuinely had the best time with Karlie and Mimi. We got ready together, listened to music, laughed, took photos and went to the after party that night and danced till three in the morning.

I was so drunk I almost gave in and rang him to tell him about my surprise-prom-mission that I was planning. But my friends found me and talked me out of it.
"No. No girl. No." They took my phone off me and didn't give it back till the next day.
I was so grateful and we all laughed about it, still we got a headache and I went home - the hangover was terrible.

The plane ride was so exciting and coming into San Francisco Airport was amazing! So many buildings, colorful houses and the classic Golden Gate Bridge was standing boldly surrounded by the deep blue ocean. This city looked beautiful underneath the sunny morning sky.

That plane ride feels like years ago now.

Joe, Aaron, Naomi and Emma all picked me up from the arrival lounge. It was a funny meeting.

I recognized them all and they pointed and yelled out to me. We laughed and shook hands.

Naomi and Emma were super friendly and excited.

Joe and Aaron seemed pleased and excited.

I was excited.
I loved that they wanted to do this for Ethan too. It shows how such good friends they are.

The drive to Santa Cruz was fun, seeing the ocean and talking to them all.
I felt a thrill knowing I was getting closer and closer to Ethan.
Joe and Aaron did say that he was not in a good way.
"He was honestly about to fly to you yesterday afternoon. We almost had to abort mission and tell him!" Joe described to me.
My heart pounded for him.
"Oh no, maybe I should text him?" I felt suddenly sick with worry. 

So I sent him a reassuring message that pretty much put my whole heart in a text.
I literally have never loved anyone the way I love Ethan.
Just thinking that made my eyes prickle.
So I had gotten ready with Emma and Naomi at Emma's house. I packed my prom dress, shoes, make-up and casual clothes.
Naomi could tell I was getting nervous so she asked what kind of music I like.
"John Mayer" Was the first thing that came out of my mouth.
"Okay, yeah. He's soothing. Lets just think of the lyrics and the melody and chill out. Forget about who your going to see..."Naomi said, trying to help.
"They haven't seen each other since last summer. I can see why your nervous." Emma said laughing.
"It will be fine!" She hugged me.

When we were dressed, make-up on, heels on... my nerves starting kicking in, real bad. Naomi and Emma kept taking photo's, which was fine. It helped me focus on something else.

Finally Joe and Aaron came by in the limo. They walked up to the door and collapsed with laughs and whistles. 
"What!? Babe you look gorgeous!" Aaron said to Emma, she blushed with delight. They embraced and my heart almost gave out.
"Naomi, wow, you look... incredibly hot." Joe stated, in shock.
"Don't sound too surprised" Naomi said pursing her lips. They both snorted and hugged each other in a friendly way, but also could be more?
"Oh, let me get a photo of you guys!" I piped up and grabbed my phone from my clutch.
"Yaaaas Queens!" I laughed and everyone posed.
It was so lovely to see and meet the people who Ethan hung out with.
"Okay lets go" Aaron said, getting over the photo taking.
So we headed over town, towards Ethan's house.
I was looking out the window. Trying to focus on the houses and my surroundings, so I wouldn't feel so nervous.
Finally we stopped. 
The driver tooted the horn a few times.
"Alright this is it" Aaron said and gave me an encouraging smile.
"Go get em tiger" Joe grinned.
"You can do it" Emma and Naomi squealed.
They were getting out their phones, obviously wanting to record and take photos.