Train Wreck

sixty-seven

I shrugged lightly, trying to hold it together, but felt her hand circle my wrist as a silent form of comfort. After a few measured breaths I felt able to reply, simply saying, "I'm going to miss you."

"Then get there safely and get home soon."

Her simple words stuck in my mind as we loaded into the truck, waving goodbye as Lissy stood on the porch with Peach at her side.

The drive was long and winding through the mountains but Benji played DJ and had an entire playlist prepared with road trip songs to keep us occupied. We ate sandwiches packed by Liss and enjoyed chocolate chip cookies she baked the night before, Benji texting his sister to thank her again for the food as I drove. We sang along to "Danger Zone" and "Footloose" then failed miserably at getting the words right to "Yellow Submarine."

It was peaceful and easy, even though my heart ached.

Atlanta was busier than I remembered. We made our way into the downtown area and Benji pointed out their old apartment as well as their favorite park and other landmarks that meant a lot to him. By the time we got to my apartment it was past dinner time so I ordered a pizza and grabbed our overnight bags and the cooler from the car.

On my final trip up to the old place I heard Benji talking and smiled, his voice echoing through the small apartment as he stated quietly, "Lissy, it's nice to get away but I miss you."

"I miss you guys, too, Beep. How is your leg doing?"

Her voice sounded sad but full of forced optimism which was exactly what I expected. Ben was reclined on my couch and chatted awhile with his sister while I filled the fridge with the contents of our cooler.

We have work to do but my mind needs to stop racing first.

Being back here is bizarre. This apartment was my Fortress of Solitude. A place where I kept to myself and reveled in my lonely life. I loved coming home after work at a busy office to silence, appreciated doing whatever I wanted without any accountability.

Now I have a family... a woman I want to marry, a teenager that relies on me, a house, and a dog...

Everything changed so fast, all because of one train ride.

"Here, talk to Remi while I go pee..." Benji shoved his phone in my hands then hobbled away while Lissy giggled.

I raised the camera to my face and instantly smiled when I saw her grin. "I miss you."

She sighed, "I miss you, too. Daisy and Doc are on the way with chinese food, though, and Leah is joining us so we can watch chick flicks and relax. Trisha got caught up at cheerleading so she and Bec are taking a rain check." Liss forced a smile and shook her head softly, I'm glad they're keeping me busy so I don't get too lonely without you guys."

"I have pizza on the way so we can get some packing done tonight if possible, but you packed us so much in that cooler that I don't need to go to the store." I chuckled, shaking my head as I panned over to my fridge so she could see her carefully prepared tupperware containers stacked alongside beer, soda, and condiments that were left from when I called this place home. She had even included overnight oatmeal with yogurt for our breakfast plus croissants from the bakery.

My little lamb thought of everything.

There was a comfortable silence while I considered what to say next, but Lissy beat me to it. "Just don't push yourselves too hard. I want you home safe and sound, not exhausted and overworked. I miss you but am glad you brought him along for this adventure."

Her consideration always impressed me, especially now. "Have I mentioned that I love you? You're so thoughtful..."

Lissy laughed quietly, adjusting the phone to her other hand before sighing. "I love you, too. I'm glad you have some time to unwind before starting to pack the truck. Do you think you'll need a Uhaul?"