Chapter 23

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Jack:
(TW: depression, thoughts of suicide)

My stomach churned with guilt as I stepped off the plane in Atlanta, I knew deep down that it was selfish of me to be here but I couldn't help but take Sadie up on her offer.  My depression had been getting really bad lately and after I opened up to Sadie about it and she had offered to book me a flight to come visit Finn I couldn't refuse.  The aircon blew through my hair and made me shiver and my backpack cut deep into my shoulders.  Despite the discomfort that flying brings me I couldn't help feeling excited for the first time in a while.  I was gonna surprise my best friend. I knew deep down that he didn't really consider me his best friend anymore but for me he'd always hold that title.

It was almost 6pm and the sun was setting as I stepped into the baggage claim.  Sadie and I had made an arrangement for her to pick me up and take me to set with her.  She said I could stay in her trailer if I liked but honestly I'd rather stay in Finn's, if he's let me.  I couldn't wait to see Finn. Obviously I was excited to see the others aswell, especially Millie and Noah, but there was nobody quite like Finn.  He's always had a knack for bringing me peace of mind.  

My thoughts started turning over and over in my head as I waited for my small blue suitcase to appear on the terminal.  It had only been a few weeks since I left from this very airport and realistically it was too soon for me to be visiting again. I couldn't help the creeping feeling that I was being a nuisance and a burden to my friends.  

I had been calling Finn almost every night and although I knew he wanted to be there for me I could tell it was taking it's toll on him. I couldn't help it though.  My mind had become a dangerous place and my thoughts had been like this for a while, but it was always worse once I left my friends.  My parents were getting  a divorce, they never even told me, I had to find out through my cousin calling to make sure I was okay. They never really seemed to care.  My friends back home didn't seem to care either... unless it was party time.  Finn and Jaeden were probably the only reason I hadn't turned to drugs and alcohol in order to cope.  I had been down that road before but this time they made sure I had stayed on the right path. 

I stepped out of the airport and all of a sudden I saw a flash of fiery ginger and was swept into a hug so tight that all the air was forced from my lungs. I hugged back almost as tightly and my heart swelled. I'd never been too keen on Sadie, but in this moment I was so grateful to have her there.  Noah and Millie sheepishly came up behind her and took turns giving me a hug.  I smiled a genuine smile as Noah took my suitcase from me and wheeled it towards the taxi.  "He doesn't know you're coming so it's all going to be a big surprise!"  Millie said with enthusiasm, "He's gonna be so happy I can already picture it!" She squealed with excitement.  I glanced back at Noah to see his face falter slightly at her words but he brushed it off quickly. 

We all stood outside Finn's trailer as they waited for me to knock.  Adrenaline coursed through my veins and I couldn't help but feel nervous.  Unlike Millie I didn't quite know how he would react to seeing me, maybe he would be disappointed, maybe I would just stress him out by being here.  Caleb had also joined our little group as we got back and so the whole gang was staring at me impatiently.  "Oh for goodness sake," Millie said as she leaned forward herself and knocked on the door, she smiled at me as if she's just done me a huge favor but my stomach dropped as the door opened and a tired-looking lanky boy stood rubbing his eyes looking down at me.  


Finn:
My eyes opened wide in shock as I saw the short boy with curly brown hair standing in front of me.  My heart swelled as I pulled him in for a hug. So many questions were whirling in my mind. How did he get here? Why was he here?  Who arranged this? Over his shoulder, my eyes met Sadies and suddenly I understood everything.   I beamed as I pulled back and looked him in the eyes to make sure this was all real. Millie was squealing in the background and bounded up to up in excitement, "I knew you'd be happy, can't you believe we pulled this off, OMG and we went to pick him up from the airport and everything..." Millie continued but I wasn't paying attention. Laughter poured out of my mouth as I saw Jack visibly relax and slowly turn into his normal bubbly self.  He started complaining about the flight and in no time we had all settled around the living room in my trailer sharing stories over the past month. 

Sadie caught my eye from across the room and I wanted nothing more than for her to come and sit with me, hold my hard, play with my hair, but she still didn't feel ready to tell MIllie and so in front of our friends we were also just friends.  I wondered when she would be ready because I was sick of hiding. I understood we needed to hide what we were from the Duffers but around the people that I'm closest with I just wanted to relax and have her with me.  I hadn't been paying attention to the conversation and suddenly I was tackled by a hyper jack and pushed onto the floor where Caleb effectively also joined the dogpile. 

Being squished on the floor under two very heavy boys left me on my back right at Sadie's feet.  I looked up at her laughing at me and my heart soared with joy.  I knew she was behind all of this and I caught myself thinking I couldn't have asked for a better girlfriend. Then with shattering clarity, I realized she wasn't my girlfriend no matter how badly I wanted her to be.  With the Duffers new rules as well as the fact she didn't even want to tell our friends I don't think she would even want to be... 


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I had literally abandoned this story and forgot I wrote it but here I am 
I know many of you have forgotten about this book but I wanted to start writing again just for fun and I can promise you I'll update regularly 
- Holly ;)


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⏰ Last updated: Oct 06, 2021 ⏰

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