“If Tom Cruise is boarding the same plane as me, I will not object to sitting in the seat next to him.”
“I can just picture his dreamy eyes looking straight at you and saying, ‘I have the best seat on this plane’ and winking right at you,” she says with a dreamy sigh.
I laugh. “Wow, you’re really going the whole nine yards on this meet-cute aren’t you?”
Gabby giggles. “You know what they always say about me?—“
“That your head is always in the clouds.”
I can practically hear my sister rolling her eyes over the phone as I smile.
“My head isn’t in the clouds. It’s firmly on my head on dry, safe, boring land. I just can’t help it—I love stories that areentertaining and beautiful. Something that packs adventure into everyday life.”
“I get it. Stories are really one of God’s great gifts to man,” I reply, thinking about it. I get why Jesus told so many parables. It’s like we just understand stories better… and they help us understand the deeper meanings in life, and in ourselves. How many characters have I seen myself in when reading a book? Too many to count. Too many times I’ve seen my reflection in them.
“This is why you’re my favorite, sis. You just get me.”
“Not because I bring you back goodies when I see you?”
I can almost hear her mischievous grin on the other side of the phone.
“It has absolutely nothing to do with the fact you’re bringing me back Belgian chocolate. Absolutely nothing at all,” she deadpans.
I laugh. “Alright, sis, I better go finish packing. I’m so looking forward to seeing you again!”
She sighs dramatically. “I know, it must be so hard to be away from such an excellent specimen of human like me,” she tries to deadpan but snorts at the end.
I cackle. “You have no idea, Gabs.” I’ve missed her so much while I’ve been away. When your sister is your best friend, there’s something so special about the bond. It’s even harder when I haven’t found any best friends here. Sure, I’ve made some friends. But there’s something about having a best friend that just gets you. And when that’s your sister? I couldn’t have asked for anything better.
“Love you sis, see you on the other side of the world!”
“See you soon!” I grin. I can’t wait to see my whole family. I have other sisters and a brother, too. But Gabby is the one I’m closest to.
I put down the phone and head towards my closet to pack.
I’m only going to be gone for two months, so I only need to pack one suitcase. It takes me a little over an hour to have everything packed and ready to go. It feels so much better to have everything ready to go so I don’t need to feel stressed tomorrow. Packing at the last minute is definitelynotmy thing.
The thought of seeing my family again is making me so giddy. I’ve loved the life I’ve built in Belgium, but I also love home. Belgium has been such a fun chapter in my life. Just like every chapter, there’s pros and cons. But I’m excited to be present in the moment with my family and friends and enjoynow. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. So I’ll make the most of the next two months soaking up sunshine and laughter. Even if I already am excited for more adventures here, too.
I make my way towards the shower to get ready for bed, and I’m contemplating what I’ll be doing over the next couple of months. I know I’ll be by the beach a lot—maybe every day if Gabby has her way. I’ll sink into some routine. And maybe some adventures. Who knows?
I just know I’m ready.
Tom Cruise didn’t sit next to me. He wasn’t even on the flight. Shame, really.
As I’m grabbing my bag, the anticipation is rising. I just can’t wait to see my sister and my parents on the other side.
I drag my luggage towards the exit past customs, and as the door opens I scan the area for my family. I clock them at the top left, and I see Gabby with a sign.
Oh no.
What on earth?
“Welcome home from jail!” the sign says. She’s also got a bouquet of balloons waiting there for me. My mom is behind her trying to contain her laughter.
People start staring at me as I approach closer, like they’re wondering who’s coming home from jail.
“Gabby!” I gasp.
