I know that me leaving is breaking her heart. It’s breaking mine too.
“Well,I’llmissyou.”
Her posture changes, like I just told her she’s the most beautiful person in the world. Her chocolate-colored eyes widen as a smile fills her face. “You wi-will?”
I work up the courage to wrap my arms around her and she takes her hands out of her pockets, wrapping me up as well. “Yes. More than I’ll miss your dumbass brother.”
She nuzzles into me and I hear her take a long breath. “I’ll miss you so much, No.”
I rest my chin on her head, feeling tears burning my eyes.
We’ve never hugged like this before, it’s always just been a quick squeeze in front of other people. This feels brand new to me. It makes me want to stay. I feel dampness forming on my shirt and her body is trembling.
Fuck, I want to tell her to come with me.
I want to tell her I love her.
“Auddie,” I whisper, “please don’t cry.”
She shakes her head rapidly, probably trying to will the tears away. “I’m not, I’m not. I swear,” she replies, turning her face away from me.
I wipe a stray tear off her cheek. “I need to leave so I get there before dark, but I’ll be back.”
“You promise?” Her eyes well up again and I feel my heart split in half.
“I promise, Auddie.” I hug her tightly one last time and I work up the courage to kiss her cheek before getting in the car.
She stands with her hand on her cheek, tears streaming down her face as I back out of the driveway. She doesn’t move as I drive away, watching her out of my rear-view mirror until I can’t see her anymore.
I’m brought out of my memory by the sound of a door shutting as Connor climbs back into the car.
She’s eyeing me with a weird expression.
“What?”
“You look sad,” she mumbles.
“I am sad, Auddie,” I reply honestly. “I feel like I’m reliving leaving for college.”
She gives me a thoughtful smile before her eyes light up. “You never did grab your phone charger, did you?”
I lean towards her with a smirk. “It was already in the car, I wanted to have a minute alone with you.”
She giggles, smacking my arm. “Sneaky little thing, aren’t you?”
“Sometimes.” I nod. “You better go so you don’t miss your flight. Call me if you need me, okay? Or if you’re bored,” I offer.
She nods, blinking.
“You too, Noah. I mean it.”
We hug and I place a quick kiss on her cheek. “Safe travels. I’ll see you around.”
She takes two steps before turning around with shaky hands. “Noah?”
I meet her eyes, fighting every urge I have to sweep her up into my arms and kiss her senseless. “Yes?”
“What happens if I miss you?”
