Forever Yours

9: Isaac

I woke up with Alina in my arms that next morning and it was the best thing I'd ever experienced. 

Her soft body tucked into my arms, her airy breathes hitting the skin on my arms, the way she snuggled closer to me even when she felt that I had the inevitable morning wood like most guys do. 

We stayed like that for awhile, even when we were both awake. We just silently laid with each other, enjoying the moment because it was a big moment. It was a huge moment for us. It was a turning point.

But eventually Merlin got impatient with waiting for his breakfast and started meowing like crazy, so I had to get up and feed him.

Alina didn't have a hangover like I thought she would, just a small hangover, but Kenji and Lola were walking zombies so I made all of us breakfast and then we sat in the living room and watched a movie.

If Lola and Kenji were aware of the shift between Lina and I, they didn't say anything. Lina cuddling under my arm while watching a movie isn't new, but my hand on her thigh and my fingers in her hair was. The small touches we snuck with each other was new territory and it was exciting. Lina certainly thought so, with all the smiling and blushing she was doing.

But I think they were too focused on whatever is going on between them. It seemed like a shift happened between them too. Lola was quiet and for once in her life let Kenji hold her, and if I wasn't mistaken, her eyes were a little red, as if she was crying. I don't know what that's about, but our friend group seemed to come to a mutual understanding.

Things changed that night.

Kenji and I only stayed for two more hours after the movie before we had to leave because neither of us had packed for the trip yet. Alina and Lola had simultaneous sad expressions on their faces and it made me think, when was the last time Kenji and Lola spent more than a few days away from each other? Then I realized it wasn't something I wanted to get into. Not when I need to focus on this thing between Alina and I.

Which brings us to right now.

Alina drove with my family to drop me off at the airport. I have to meet my classmates and teacher at the security check point which is right when you walk into the airport. Our boarding passes and tickets are online.

When we walk in, I immediately spot my classmates, Kenji throwing a wave in our direction. Koen has been on my hip the entire time and Lina has been nice enough to give him space with me. He's nervous about me leaving and it doesn't make me feel too great.

"Are you sure you have everything?" My mom asks nervously. "I packed everything for you, just in case. Don't be afraid to use them. I should've volunteered to go" she looks up at my dad with a frown.

"He doesn't need us there" he rubs her shoulder and then looks at me. "He needs to do this on his own"

"I have Kenji," I glance back at him and he shoots me a thumbs up with a huge toothy smile. "Just in case" I mumble. "But Dad's right, I need to do this. I'll be okay"

My mom nods a few times and I wrap my arms around her in a hug. I already decided a few days ago that I was giving them all hugs, even though they make me a little uncomfortable. I need it, and so do they.

The surprise in my moms body is evident but it only takes her a second to wrap her arms around me tightly. "I love you so much Isaac. I know you'll be great"

"Love you too, Mom" I say back to her.

I move on to my dad who stands in front of me with his arms crossed over his chest in his usual stance. His expression is soft, but I can still see the nervousness and apprehension in his eyes which makes his body rigid.