Different

Chapter Forty-Two

*One Year Later*

Rachel's POV--

"Yes, Mace. I am excited to see you again. I know, I know. It has been way too long. Okay, I will call you when I get off my flight. Just make sure you actually come to get me because I don't want to be stuck at the airport. Alright, bye."

Hanging up the phone with Macy, I'm allowed to continue my packing. I have no idea how I have gotten to this point again, but here I am, packing up most of my things and heading back to America. This time is going to be for good because I feel as if it is the right thing to do for me. 

The past year has been the craziest, yet most wonderful year I think I have had in a while. There seemed to be something new and excting every week. First, my family and I, mostly my brother, had a wedding to plan, which happened in Febuary. Don't ask me why they picked then, but they did, and it was one of the most beautiful weddings I'd been to, considering it was the only one. My brother and his bride just looked so in love, and I almost felt a little jealous when they were up front, saying their I do's then leaving to go off on their honeymoon. I desperately wished my love life were in the same place.

Unfortunately, my love life is practically non-existent, and because of that, I took that opportunity to have some me time and get my studies done early. I had just about a year and a half of credits left that I decided to do over last year as well as the summer. Since I had no boyfriend to occupy my time, there was plenty of it spent on studying and taking tests. I don't mind that my summer was spent in a classrrom though because I finally graduated and now have my business degree. Nothing fancy, but it will allow me to choose from a larger array of jobs. 

I believe the hardest part of the whole past year was the fact that I kept thinking of the one guy I had lost. No matter what I seemed to do to try and keep him off my mind, he always made his way back. Whether it be a simple facebook status showing up on my newsfeed or a movie with someone that has the same name, I could never officially get him out of my head. Greg even said that is what happens when you're in love with someone, but how could I be in love with him after what he did? Knowing he still occupies my thoughts everyday and that he still lives in Connecticut, where I'm going tomorrow, is what worries me. What if I suddenly see him and everything just slips right back to how it was? 

"Need any help?" My mom walks into my room with a basket full of laundry.

"No, I should be okay for now. Thanks, though."

She gives me a slight smile and walks out. I can tell that me permantly moving back to the states is hurting my mom, maybe even the most. I am her little girl, her only little girl, so I'm sure watching me move all the way across the world is going to be tough on her. I know that somehow, some way, she is going to make it though. I have no doubt my mom is a strong woman. Plus, she has a new daughter in law now, so it should be okay for the time being. 

I probably would not even be heading back to Connecticut if it wasn't for Macy moving out and needing someone to buy her place. I was already wanting to go back to the states since I moved away when I was younger, and visiting last summer only made me want to go back more. I just didn't know where I wanted to go until Macy mentioned she was selling her place since she and Kyle were moving in together. Those two cute little lovebirds were only a few days away from tying the knot themselves, so it was exicting that I'm actually able to go back in time for that special day of theirs. I know that her place I'm buying is full of interesting memories, but she's willing to give it to me for a decent price. How could I say no?

---

It has only been a few moments since my family dropped me off to catch my plane, and I am already beginning to feel a bit uneasy about this. All I have in my hands are my passport, my carry-on bag, and my one way ticket to America. What if I suddenly decide that going back isn't what I actually want, and what I want is to be back with my family? I have no way of changing my mind because it would cost way too much money that I don't have at the moment. This ticket I hold was already a graduation gift from my parents and brothers. I know this is the right thing to do now, but I'm just not too sure about the future. 

The gate number and flight are quickly called considering I barely made it to the airport on time, just too much hugging was involved. With a pep in my step, I begin making my way to where I will be boarding my plane. This is it. This is when everything in my life changes, and I'm just hoping for the better. 

---

"Macy, I told you I would be here around eleven tonight. Where are you? Please call me back." I leave yet another voicemail on Macy's phone. I should have known that this would have happened and just gotten my aunt to pick me or something. Macy insisted she come get me though because she missed me oh so much. Yeah, she's really showing the love right now. 

"Rachel, oh my gosh. I am so, so sorry I'm late. There was just...and then I got...plus this stupid woman...wow. Okay, hey, Rach." Macy can't seem to complete most of her sentences as she tries to catch her breath. I assume her crazy ass ran all the way from the enterance, which is much farther than I would have ever guessed Macy would run now-a-days.

"Slow down. Take a breather," I motion for her to take a seat on one of the benches next to us. "Why did you decide to run over here? I could have met you half way. You just had to call."

"I know, and I should have. I just felt so bad for making you wait, so yeah, I don't know. I'm such a dumbass sometimes, you understand that about me by now." 

All I can do is nod my head to agree, as she and I finally begin to walk back to Macy's car. She actually ended up parking on the other end of the airport, so I'm not surprised that she was out of breath from running. We make it there though, and I could not be happier to finally be only one short ride closer to being in my new home. 

This will be the first time I have ever officially moved out and lived on my own. My parents always said to wait as long as I can to move out and save up my money. Well, I'm twenty-one now, so I think it's time to leave the nest for the first time. As much as having done and paid for me, I'm desperate to be on my own for once. 

"So, are you excited to be back home?" She says, emphasizes her last word. She always thought I would move back here one day, and I guess it looks as if she was right. 

"Yes, I am excited, very excited in fact. It's bittersweet leaving my parents to come here, but I know that the two of us will be making the best of it, even if you are going off to get married."

Macy and I can't help but laugh slightly at the sound of her getting married. Since we were kids, we both bet that I would be the first to be the one to say I do and sail off into the sunset, so when Macy shared the news with me that Kyle asked her, I was beyond shocked. However, I'm full of joy for the them because I know that they love each other and will always be there for each no matter what. Plus, Kyle is the first guy to actually hear the words 'I love you' come out Macy's mouth. No guy was every good enough and could live up to her standards, until, of course, Kyle.

"I cannot wait for you to come over to our new house. We don't have much furniture since I left most of mine for you, and everything of his was sold in a garage sale, which is going to go towards the money we need for new things."

"I'll try to swing by before you two go off to where ever you're going for your honeymoon."

"Oh gosh, don't even mention that to me right now. We are going to California, and I'm practically already packed for it. I wish we could leave tomorrow." 

"You'll get to go soon, I promise."

Macy tries to keep her eyes on the road as she turns towards me with a genuine smile on her face. There is no doubt that she is the happiest she has ever been since I've known her. I don't think that I would have ever imagined this day to be coming so soon, but it is, and my older cousin is going to be a misses in the next couple days. We just all have to pray things go smoothly.

Rachel's back in the states after a whole year of being away! Eeep, what could happen next! ;) There's only two chapters left, and I cannot wait to finally get them posted! For now, make sure you comment, vote, and share this one for me pretty please!

Oh and also, if you have had ANY quesitons at all while reading this story, post them below! I know that sometimes I might leave things out or switch tthings up on accident, so if you have ANNNYYY questions about the story, the characters, me...ANYTHING...GOOD OR BAD...just ask! I will answer them as a seperate chapter after the epilogue! <333 Love y'all!