Never Again

Chapter 10: Friends

'Abby!'

'Keira!'

Keira spotted her best friend in the large crowd of people dragging their luggage along with them. It had only been a few weeks since they had last seen each other, but it felt like it had been months. She almost fell to the ground when Abby jumped on top of her.

'I've missed you, so much!' she said while squeezing Keira in the process.

'I've missed you too, it's so good to see you. You look amazing!' Keira looked at Abby while holding her hand.

'Thanks! I think it might be down to the fact that they take such good care of me at work,' Abby beamed.

'I think I'm jealous then,' Keira chuckled as she saw the happiness on the face of her friend.

'I've got so much to tell you!'

'I can't wait to hear it all. Life has been rather quiet here in Switzerland,' Keira admitted. She pulled on her sleeve and her eyes darted around the waiting area.

'Don't worry, I'll make you really appreciate the peace and quiet,' Abby swung an arm around Keira.

'Maybe I don't want to know then after all. Let's get out of her though.'

With their arms around each other's shoulders they made their way out of arrivals. Keira had parked her parents' car close by and helped Abby put her luggage into the trunk.

'What on earth did you bring? You're only her for three days,' the suitcase felt like it contained led and Keira almost couldn't lift it up.

'Uhm, you know. Important stuff,' Abby giggled when Keira glanced sideways.

'So, you didn't bring four pairs of shoes like last time, did you?' Keira had lifted an eyebrow and had planted her hands on her hips, eying Abby with a smirk on her face.

'Ehm, no, of course not,' Abby's cheeks turned pink, 'you can only wear one pair, silly.'

'So when I check the suitcase, I'll only find one pair of shoes?' Keira raised her eyebrows once again.

'Yes, only one pair for me. Maybe I brought three other pairs to keep the first pair company though.'

Keira laughed, she knew Abby too well, she had always been indecisive. It was totally normal for her to bring at least three times the amount of underwear she needed and also other items miraculously multiplied when she went on a trip. As long as she would carry her own suitcase, Keira didn't mind. She loved her friend with all of her quirks, the same as Abby did with her.

During the trip home Abby excitedly was explaining all kind of things she had to do during her job. Also describing in detail her colleagues, how she was better than all of them and exclaimed how annoying they could be. All in all it sounded like she was having a really good time, Keira thought. Somehow she felt a bit jealous, Abby was enjoying her life and her she was, hiding in the mountains of Switzerland. Of course she didn't begrudge her, she felt proud that Abby was so happy and doing well. She let Abby talk for the whole duration of the trip back home, she herself didn't really feel like talking and Abby had some amazing stories to listen to. Every now and then she nodded and laughed, while in the mean time she tried to focus on the road. These next few days were going to be awesome.

'Abby darling, how are you?' Rose hugged Abby tightly.

'I'm fine Miss O'Donnell, thank you very much for letting me stay her for a couple of days,' Abby said happily as she let go of Rose.

'No problem, love. It is entirely our pleasure, it's good to see Keira spending some time with friends. Oh and please call me Rose, Miss O'Donnell makes me sound old,' with a sigh Rose rolled her eyes when she spoke that last sentence.