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

Chapter 32: "It's not goodbye, it's see you later."

Britt and Ronnie had driven us to the airport this morning. My mom couldn't miss work because she had an important conference call with a big client, so we had our big tearful goodbye early before she left.

Our ride to the airport was silent, Patty held my hand the entire way there, occasionally squeezing it. My head rested on his shoulder and his head stayed on top of mine.

I had a total of four suitcases, three duffel bags and one carry on bag that had my laptop, all my chargers, my Nintendo Switch, wallet, ID and medications.

After we checked them all in, we walked to the gate, and I mostly stayed silent because I knew if I opened my mouth, I would start crying.

"Give me a hug," Britt said softly as she pulled me away from Patty and hugged me tightly. "I'm going to miss you so fucking much," she whispered as her voice cracked.

"You're making me cry," I laughed as my breath hitched in my throat as I squeezed her. "I'm going to miss you a lot. I'll call you every day."

We swayed back and forth for a few minutes, hugging and crying, before pulling away.

Britt walked over to Patty and hugged him tightly as she broke out into a soft sob.

"Take care of my best friend," she sniffled as she kept her hold on him. "She means a lot to me, and I know she's in good hands, but please...take care of her."

"I promise I will," he said as he squeezed her, rubbing her back. "You know I wouldn't let anything bad happen to her."

As I watched them hug, I turned around and hugged Ronnie as he opened his arms for me.

"I guess this is goodbye to you, too," I laughed as I hugged him tightly. "Make sure Britt is okay. Take good care of her."

"It's not goodbye, it's see you later," Ronnie laughed with a shaky breath as he rubbed my back before pulling away. "She'll be well taken care of. You have my word."

Britt and I hugged tightly one last time before we had to pull away and get onto our plane. As we were walking, I turned around and waved goodbye to them one more time.

"You doing okay?" Patty asked gently after we had gotten settled in our seats. "You haven't said much today."

I shook my head as my eyes filled up with tears, and he immediately pulled me closer to him.

"It's a lot I have to get used to," I sniffled as I wiped my eyes on my hoodie sleeve. "But I'll be okay."

"I'll be here to help you through it all," he whispered as he kissed the side of my head. "Whatever I can do, I'll do it."

My hands slowly started shaking as I buried my head in his neck.

"I've never been on a flight this long," I choked. "I'm not sure if I can do this."

Patty gently took my hands, squeezing both of them and holding them, making me look up at him.

"I'm right here," he whispered as he kissed my forehead. "I won't let anything bad happen to you."

I squeezed his hands somewhat tightly as we took off, keeping my eyes shut and leaning back in the seat. After a few minutes, I opened my eyes and looked over at him again.

"Thank you for being patient," I whispered as I kissed his cheek. "I promise I'll adjust soon."

"Take all the time you need, baby girl."