Page 57 of Finally Home

Payton:Just roll the window down and I’ll just launch myself in and we’ll Thelma and Louise it.

Me:Did you actually see the end of that movie?

Payton:*yikes emoji* I guess I’ll have to add it to my list to watch.

Payton:Ooh, maybe we can have a movie night when I’m home next.

My face falls. The next time she’ll be home is Thanksgiving, and I’ll definitely be gone by then.

Payton:Anyway, my brain can’t handle any more curriculum development.Distract me,pleaseeeeeeeeeee. How’s it going on at home? Have I missed anything exciting?

Me:Well, I’m currently tackling “Mount Laundryous.”

I lie back on the giant pile of laundry I’m folding and snap a selfie and send it off.

Me:For a man who wears basically the same thing every day, your brother goes through a redonkulous amount of clothes. And oh my God, he never uses a towel twice.

Payton:Oh boy, I think my brother has definitely met his match

Me:I don’t know about all that.

Payton:Nah, I do. I have all the faith in you, sis. You’re good for him. And maybe you can change him one bad habit at a time. *devil emoji*

My eyes focus on those four words—you’re good for him. How can those tiny words carry so much weight? Instead of letting my thoughts linger too long on that, I decide to change the subject.

Me:So how are things going for real, though?

Payton:I’ve gotten back into my routine easily enough. My dorm bed is shit compared to my bed athome. I love it here, I really do. But sometimes I get homesick after visits.

Me:And things are good with Joel?

Payton:Nice way to slide that in there.

Me:*GIF of sliding*

Payton:Dork! But things are good. The shedevil is still around, but whatever. *devil emoji* *eye roll emoji* We actually have a date tonight.

Me:You and the shedevil?! I guess it’s true to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. LOL

Payton:*middle finger emoji* Okay, I take it back. I think you spend too much time with my brother that his personality is definitely rubbing off on you haha.

Me:I’m only kidding. I’m glad things are good. No matter what, I hope you know that I’m always here if you ever need me.

Payton:You’re the best! Xo

Payton:Maybe you and Ollie can plan a trip out here soon. I can show you all the great places here too.

Payton:Oh shit! I didn’t realize the time. I need to finish up and get back to the dorm to finish getting ready. Talk soon!!! Miss ya.

Me:Have fun. Miss you too.

A whirlwind of emotions flutters through my veins as I stare at our conversation. It’s so easy with Payton. I never could imagine being this close and joking with Scarlett like this. I’m not even sure she would know what an emoji even is.

Thankfully, she had to go, so I didn’t have to make promises I can’t keep. It’s true what they say, all good things must end, right?Fuck. Stop thinking about it, Holland. For fuck’s sake!I’ve got a week to make the most of it before I have to leave.

My phone buzzes yet again. It’s probably just Payton again. But when I lift my phone, I find a text from Ollie. How the hell does he do that, knowing exactly when I need out of my head?

Ollie:*I’m so lonely GIF*

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