***COMPLETED*** Around the World and Back [A Patty Walters Story]

Chapter 23: "It's not goodbye, it's see you later."

July 24, 2018
Noblesville, Indiana

*** Britt's POV ***

"I can't believe the day has finally come," I said quietly as Avery and I sat on the couch in the lounge. "I don't wanna leave."

We spent the better half of the morning packing up all my stuff into my suitcase and duffel bag, while I tried not to cry the whole time.

"At least we live down the road from each other," Avery said with a smile, trying to cheer me up. "I'll see you in 11 days from today."

"I know I'll see you again," I said sadly. "I don't know if I'll ever see Ronnie again."

Xoxox

The boys had a late set today - they didn't go on until 8:15, and because my flight didn't leave until 11:30, I decided to stay to watch it.

"I didn't know The Handwritten Letter would have this much of an impact on me," I laughed as I leaned on Britt, watching Patty bounce around on stage. "I don't know how he has that much energy, or how he doesn't trip and eat shit on that mic cord."

"I can't explain the mic cord, but I can confirm that he's got a lot of energy," she laughed as she pulled out her phone to take an Instagram story. "I'm so glad I got to see most of their sets this summer."

They finished their last song and thanked all the fans for coming out, then one by one, they left the stage. Patty, as usual, engulfed Avery in a sweaty hug and tried to kiss her, which resulted in her squealing and running out of his arms. He chased her back to the bus, and Ali, Foley, and Ben walked ahead of Ronnie and me.

He draped an arm around my shoulders and we linked hands. He looked down at me with a small frown that just about killed me.

"Do you have to leave?" Ronnie asked quietly. "You can't stay until Warped is over?"

I shook my head, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"I wish I could," I said as I laughed while my voice cracked. "I have to go home and go back to work. Will you stay for a few days after Warped is over?"

He shrugged, looking away from me as he walked. I think he was tearing up and didn't want me to see it.

"I don't know," he said as he looked ahead at the boys in front of us. "I'll have to see."

We walked the rest of the way in silence with our hands still linked. I knew I had to start my goodbyes, and I was going to save Ronnie's for last because it was going to be the hardest.

"My Uber is on my way to pick me up," I said as I walked into the lounge to gather my bags. "So I guess I have to say goodbye now."

Ben, Ali, and Foley stood up while Patty and Avery waited on the couch. Ronnie was sitting in the front lounge. He was going to walk me across the parking lot to the Uber.

"It was great getting to know you," Ben said as he hugged me. "Thanks for not arguing with me a lot," he laughed. "Good luck at home, get there safely, okay?"

I laughed as I hugged him tightly, pulling away.

"Thanks for not being too much of a dick," I smirked. "Thanks, Ben. It's been fun."

I hugged Ali and Foley, and they both told me it's been a fun few days and to get home safe. As much as I would've liked to, I didn't really get close with them as I did with Ben and Ronnie. I've known Patty for a few years now because of Avery.

"I wish you didn't have to go," Patty frowned as he hugged me tightly, rubbing my back like he always did with his hugs. He may be tiny, but damn, does he have a grip. "It's been fun getting to know you better! It ended so fast."