*****
“What did your parents say when you told them?” Ricky asked Tate.
“Well... My mom started crying and my dad gave me the wisest advice a man can give another man: always use condoms.”
Everyone burst out into fits of laughter except Hayden.
“Has anyone seen Lily?” He asked, looking around and trying to see above the crowd to try and find her.
“She'll be here, dude, don't worry.” Jeremy gave him a pat on the back. “Let's sit and wait for her.” He suggested. “Okay?”
Hayden nodded and followed Jeremy over to a row of black airport chairs. After about ten minutes, Lily emerged from the crowd.
Hayden ran over to her. “You made it!” He smiled.
She half smiled back. “Yeah, I told you I would be here.”
Flight 253 to Los Angeles is now boarding. A voice announced over the intercom.
This was it. Hayden and the guys were officially leaving.
“I'll write to you. Everyday. I promise.” Hayden said.
“And I'll write back.” Lily said.
She kissed him once before letting him board the plane. She watched him walk away, knowing in her heart that this would be the last time she ever saw him.
Once he had disappeared into the tunnel leading to the plane, she walked over to the long wall of glass and looked out at the plane they were on right now.
The doors were closed and the plane began to pull away, accelerating down the runway. As the plane lifted off the ground, tears sprung to her eyes. She watched the plane go higher and higher through blurry eyes. Eventually, the plane had disappeared and Hayden was gone.
Lily turned to go home and continue on with her life; without Hayden.
Ch. 20
It had been a week since Hayden left and she still hadn't heard from him. It was obvious. He forgot about her. And she wasn't surprised. She knew he wouldn't remember her.
She walked into her house, dropping her bag on the floor by the couch in the living room and walking into the kitchen. A pile of white envelopes sat on the granite counter top. Her mother must have gotten the mail.
She flipped through them, knowing they would all be bills. Yet, she still had that small sliver of hope that one of those envelopes would be addressed to her.
Sure enough, the very last one had her name on it. However, there was no return address. She found that odd.
She turned the white envelope over in her hands and tore away the top, pulling out a piece of white lined paper from inside it. On it, her name was written. The paper had been folded many times. She unfolded it and began to read:
My dearest Lily,
I hope you didn't start to think I forgot about you. Although, knowing you, you probably did. Anyway, the guys and I are doing great here in L.A. We actually started recording a few days ago. I'm really excited for you to hear our very first EP! The guys and I are still working on songs for our first album. You'll recognize a few of the songs on the album when it comes out. How have things been going with you? Staying out of trouble, I hope? I hope you write soon. I'll be waiting for your reply.
I love you.
Love,
Hayden
So it was from Hayden. He had included is mailing address in the letter. She figured he didn't want her to know who it was from until she opened the letter and read it. Lily folded the note, grabbed her bag from the living room and headed down the hall towards her room, closing the door behind her. She tore a piece of paper out of her notebook and began writing her response.
Dear Hayden,
The letters became a regular thing. She would write to him every Tuesday and send it that day. He would get his letter on Friday. He would write to her on Friday when he got her letter and she would receive the response on Tuesday. They talked about how much they missed one another and if they would ever get to see each other again. Then one Tuesday, there was no letter in the mail.
Maybe the mail is late. Lily thought to herself. Or maybe he was just busy with recording and couldn't send his letter until Saturday and I'll get it tomorrow.
Wednesday came and went as did the rest of the days that week and still no letter. The letters had stopped and now it was official. Hayden had forgotten about her.
END
*****
I want to thank you for reading this story and in case you were wondering why it dropped off so suddenly, it’s because there is a sequel called Saviour if you’re interested.
Again, much thanks.
You're the Closest to Heaven That I'll Ever Be Page 10
