Between Two Eternities || Travis Hamonic

(21) City Counting

"I like the night. Without the dark, we'd never see the stars."

-Stephenie Meyer

"Oh my God. Are you like the Travis Hamonic? From the New York Islanders?"

I try my best to impersonate a valley girl from California, complete with obnoxious gum chewing. I haven't tried any impression since I was in high school, back when things weren't so complicated and dull.

I saw him the moment he walked out of the gate. He's impossible to miss, to me at least. I've memorized everything about him that I possibly can. And he's got his huge hockey bag in tow.

It takes longer than expected to push through the milling crowd and get within arms reach of him.

His back is to me. I could tell that he was trying to find someone in the airport crowd, by the way his neck swiveled over heads and around bodies. Me. He's looking for me.

My heart stuttered much like I imagined my voice would when he turned around.

My phone call with him last night went until three in the morning, and I was eager to get to bed. And then right when I could tell he was going to say goodnight soon (I've gotten very good at predicting what he's going to say on the phone), he asked if I was coming to the airport when he gets back. I hadn't even thought about it, but I immediately responded with a yes.

The flight was supposed to get in at ten am (I arrived at 9:30 just in case), but it had been delayed and the lady at the desk told me it wouldn't arrive until about eleven. I wasn't angry or annoyed at the change of plans; it gave me a chance to catch up on some sleep.

When he turns around, he crosses his arms and looks away with a huge grin. Like expected, my heart flutters.

"I am like so excited to meet you! Can you sign my forehead?" I lay my hands on his crossed forearms and go high on my tippy toes, so we are almost eye level.

Almost.

It's difficult considering he's gotta be at least a whole head taller than me.

He laughs and his eyes glow. As per usual. Damn I love his laugh. And his eyes. Is it possible for a guy to go away and come back two days later looking better than before?

"Good to be back," he says and uncrosses his arms so he can put one around my shoulders. The contact makes my breath hitch in my throat.

He's happy to be back. Because of something I did. Because of me. If that doesn't give you butterflies, then I don't know what will.

To actually have the feeling of being wanted. The most amazing feeling I've ever felt. For sure.

I've never felt that as strong as I do when I'm with Travis.

The only other people in my life with importance to me are Matt and Molly. Matt was always such a sweet boy, but we've never been close until the death. How guilty I should feel that the only thing that brought me and my brother (who is eight years my younger) together is the death of our parents.

Since his thirteenth birthday, things have slowed down. Which is good.

What teenager's best friend is his big sister?

The situation with Aunt Molly is similar. She had a life before me and before me and Matt became hers by the court of law. I don't expect her to need me.

I know that Travis has tons of friends. Anyone he wants. He has fans and girls throwing themselves at him. I'm sure the life of a professional athlete gleams in comparison to the life of a student.