Solar Eclipse of the Heart

Homeward Bound

Once my parents and I found the car we started the long drive home. Denver Airport is a good four hours from our small town. Believe it or not, that is the closest airport we have. I got to sit in the front seat with mom, and dad sat behind us. They wanted to hear all about my trip, so I sat and chattered non stop. We stopped at the gas station in Yuma to fill up and grab some snacks. 

"Harper," mom called for me.

"Ya mom?"

"Who was that man at the airport? Did he sit next to you on the flight home or something?"

I looked at my mom and scrunched up my face trying to think of what to tell her. 

"I honestly have no idea who he is. He wasn't on my flight at all. It's actually a weird story."

My mom gave me a look that was filled with concern, but also had a hint of curiosity in it. I sighed and began telling her about the man who gave me the package. Then I moved on to the scarred face man sitting beside me the entire flight and ended it with what her and dad had witnessed.

"I know I shouldn't have taken or tried to help but I wasn't really given much of a choice. He kind of shoved it at me without giving me a chance to ask questions. He seemed so desperate that I kind of felt bad for him."

My mother gave me a slight disapproving look and I knew what was coming.

"I know you wanted to be helpful and that you are old enough to make your own decisions. But, you are a young woman who was all alone at an airport. San Antonio isn't Nebraska and you can't trust anyone. He could have tried to kidnap you or worse."

I sighed and dropped my head. I wasn't upset with what my mother said because she was right. I just was disappointed in myself, I knew better. 

"I'm sorry mom. I got lucky this time and won't see those people again."

Right after, dad walked into the gas station to use the restroom. 

"The car is gassed up and ready to go."

Mom and I nodded and we made our way back to our Yukon. We road in silence the rest of the way home. We were all exhausted from the driving and couldn't wait to get home. I put my headphones in and began to play some Fall Out Boy and looked out the window. The only thing that seemed to occupy my mind was Alessandro.