Destiny

Chapter 3

“My Great Grandparents aren’t doing good…..They don’t have much time left. So, I can’t wait to go.”

I rolled over and looked into his deep blue eyes.

“Is that the only reason? You can’t at least wait till you turn 18?”

He pulled me closer. “That and I really think you need to find yourself.”

“I feel like you aren’t telling me something.”

I went to roll away from him but he wouldn’t let me.

“I don’t want to wait. I want to go before I turn 18, so I don’t feel the pull to come back and I can stay the year with them.”

I pushed him off of me and got off the bed. “Well, I wouldn’t want to hold you back.” Anger was present in my voice.

“That’s not what I meant. I just want to be able to take care of them and get to know them.”

“And you don’t want me to be in the way. I get it Chase. I would like you to leave now. I am really tired.”

“Please don’t push me away.”

“I don’t need to push you, you are walking away all on your own.” I couldn’t hold it together any longer. I made my way to the bathroom and locked the door.

He knocked on the door but eventually I heard him leave.

I made my way to my bed and fell asleep as my tears soaked my pillow.

I woke the next morning to my mother waking me up.

“Baby you can’t stay in bed all day. I don’t care if you go to school, since it’s really your last day. Kingston can grab your stuff.”

“Thanks Mom, but I just want to stay in bed.”

“No you are not. I know you are upset and sad about Chase, but don’t waste the time you have left with him.”

“ It just hurts so much mom.”

“I know… trust me, I know more than you think.”

“How could you know?”

“Well honey, your Dad and I didn’t start off great and I ran away. So I understand the pain.”

I knew the story. My mom thought we didn’t, but all 6 of her children knew. It was an amazing story of how strong she is and how they grew to love each other.

“Fine…maybe you are right, but I am still made at him.”

“You could be mad at him but enjoy your time together.’

“Ok Mom.”

She pulled me into a big hug. “No, we are going to grab some breakfast and have a spa day.”

“I like the sound of that,” I said, jumping up and heading to the door. “Well come on.”

After some much needed time with my mom, I felt myself accepting that Chase was leaving. I wasn’t happy about it, but she was right. I needed to enjoy the time I had left with him.

It wasn’t long before he and Kingston walked into the house. As soon as my eyes fell on Chase, I realized this wasn’t easy for him either.

He looked like he hadn’t slept in days and it was my fault for acting like a child.

Without hesitation, I ran to Chase and jumped into his arms. “I am so sorry. I don’t want to waste the time we have left fighting.”

He pulled me down and kissed me. “Same baby, Same.”

We spent every waking moment together and before I knew it, it was the day before his flight.

We went to our favorite pizza place and grabbed ice cream after.

Standing in line holding his hand, all I could think was this was the last time for an entire year.

“Hey, where did you go just now?” Chase said, squeezing my hand.

“I was just thinking.” I smiled softly at him.

“What kind of ice cream do you want?”

“Whatever you have is fine.”

I watched as his smile fell but he quickly recovered.

“So, I am going with you to the airport tomorrow.” I said, changing the subject.

“Are you sure? It’s really early.”

“It’s the last time I get to see you for a year…So, Yes.”

He kissed me deeply. “Well, I guess we should finish this ice cream and I feel like I should spend some time on this body of yours.”

I could feel my face turn red and crossed my legs to try and calm my excitement.

We quickly finished out ice cream and made out way back to Chase’s house.

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The following morning, my alarm went off early. I jumped out of bed and quickly took a shower and got ready to go.

I stepped outside to find Chase and his parents in the car waiting for me. I crawled into the back seat with Chase and curled up in his arms.

It was a long drive to the airport but it felt like we made it in no time.

We stood at the ticket counter the farthest we could go with him. His Mom, Laney, was going with him but would not be staying as long as Chase.

“I don’t know if I can do this.” I said as tears fought to escape.

“It will go by so fast and you will be in my arms in no time.”

“Always and forever?’

“Always and forever.”

He kissed me and it was a goodbye kiss for sure. I knew it was only temporary, but it felt like it was forever.

The car ride was silent on the way home. I could feel the desire to go home and just sleep. If I could, I would just sleep for the next year.

I was grateful for the silence in the car ride and thanked Eli for the ride.

I made my way to my room and made sure my ringer was on. Chase promised to call me before he left cell service. I knew it would be close to midnight when I got the call and that was all I could think about.

Kingston woke me for dinner and I forced myself to eat. Right after dinner, I made my way back to my room to wait.

“Hey, do you want to go do something?” Kingston asked, leaning against my door.

“Not really. I just want to sleep till he calls.”

“You know it’s not healthy, right?”

“I can’t help it, King. This is the hardest thing I have ever done.”

“Well, let’s do something you enjoy to take your mind off of it till he calls.”

I knew he wasn’t going to give up. “Fine.”

“Great! What do you want to do?”

For the first time, I realized what Chase was talking about. I had no idea what I liked to do. Usually, when we had free time, I would play video games. I liked video games but it wasn’t something I wanted to do.

“Well, I think I would really like to go hiking.”

King looked at me surprised and smiled.

“Let’s get going.” He put out his hand, which I happily took, and we headed out.