In This Life (Sequel to 'In Another Life')

64

She laughed again, and pulled away. "Get some rest. You've got a long flight tomorrow," I said, stepping inside my room. "Yeah, you too T. I'll see you in a few days." I nodded, and closed my door. Once I got changed, I pulled back the covers on my bed and climbed in, grabbing the TV remote. Might as well watch some YouTube, because I knew it was too early for me to sleep. There was a soft knock on my door, as I turned it on. "Yeah," I called out. Kenzie popped her head in. "Hey T. I just wanted to tell you bye, since you probably won't be up when we get up in the morning." I smiled at her. "Yeah, I'm not getting up that early, if I can help it. I hope you guys have an amazing trip. Tell Brandon and Brittany I said hi, and congratulations." "I will. See you T. Love you." "I love you too." When she closed my door, I settled in, ready to watch YouTube. Instead of recent videos, I went way back. Three years back, until I found the Savannah video. This was bittersweet for me, because it was an amazing trip. We had some crazy experiences with the guys, but it was also the last time I saw Colby before we broke up. I hadn't watched it at all. I was in this video, but I never watched it. I couldn't bring myself to do it. Even when I was with Justin, it still hurt too much to watch anything of theirs, especially this one. The one time I tried, I was home alone in mine and Justin's apartment. When it started, and I saw myself standing there, next to Colby, wearing his hoodie, my heart had felt like it ripped in half again. Like it was fresh. So I turned it off, and never ever tried again. I could watch it now though. My phone lit up, just as I was starting the episode. I picked it up and smiled when I saw Colby's text. "Miss you already," it read. "I miss you too," I sent back. I let the video stay paused while I smiled at my phone, and waited for his reply. "What are you doing?" Of course, that was shortened into 'text language,' as wyd. "I'm actually about to watch the Savannah video from the duo channel. You know, the one Denise and I were in. I haven't seen it yet." "What?! How? That was so long ago." Damn it, now I had to confess. "Um...I actually haven't watched anything since we broke up. I couldn't. It hurt too much." "Oh. Well, wait until tomorrow and we'll watch it together. It's been a while since I've seen it. I wouldn't mind seeing you on the screen again." I rolled my eyes, and smiled. "Okay. I'll find something else for tonight to keep me entertained until I fall asleep." "Good. You've got three whole years of videos to look through. I'm sure you can find something. I love you T. I'll see you tomorrow." "I love you too Colby." I set my phone back down and scrolled through the suggested videos list until I came across one from years and years ago. One of their first XPLR videos. I missed that time, who they were, who my friends and I were. Everything was different now. Different but good, I reminded myself. I lay down on my side, and cuddled my pillows, wishing that Colby were lying here with me, as I watched his face pop up on the screen. Eventually, sleep claimed me, a deep happy sleep, that left me feeling rested when I woke up. I stretched my arms over my head, as much as I could, keeping my eyes closed. "Well, good morning gorgeous." I smiled, and cracked my eyes open to the most gorgeous sight ever. "Hey," I replied, my voice raspy from sleep. Colby sat down on the edge of the bed, next to me, and handed me an energy drink. "Breakfast of champions," he replied, smiling at me. I sat up, and scooted back on the bed, then popped the tab on my drink. "What time is it?" I asked, then turned up the cold, fizzy drink. "About ten. I was trying to wait on you to wake up, but I was getting bored." I smiled at him. "I'm sure you were super bored, scrolling all of your socials, noticing all of your adoring fans who would fall at your feet if you gave them half a chance." He rolled his eyes at me, but I noticed the embarrassed smile that grew on his face. "I only have eyes for you," he replied. "So, what do you want to do today? We can go for a drive, if you want. Maybe go relax on the beach." I clapped my hands in excitement, earning a joyous laugh from him. "Can we really? I haven't been anywhere, except the physical therapist and the doctor's office in so long." "Yeah, we really can. If you get your lazy ass up anyway." I handed him my drink, then threw the covers back, revealing my bare legs. "Move, so I can get my lazy ass up then." He laughed again, and stood up, watching me carefully as I moved to stand. "Can we go swimming?" I asked, legit feeling like a kid asking for permission. "Um," I heard the hesitation in his voice with that single syllable. "Don't say no Colby," I begged. "Come on, you can hang onto me in the water, or we'll only go in waist deep or something. I'll take whatever precautions you want me to take, just please, don't say no." I poked my bottom lip out, and put as much begging into my face as I could, while I threw my arms around his neck. His hands automatically gripped my waist, steadying me against him. He stared down into my eyes, uncertainty on his handsome face. "Damn it T. You don't fight fair," he groaned. I squealed, and kissed him, with a loud smacking sound. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I gushed out, hugging him tightly. His arms circled my waist, as he laughed deeply. "Anything to make you happy baby girl."