Page 50 of The Roommate Situation

RORY

I’m trying to keep the tears from falling down my cheeks as I drop Parker off at the airport the next morning. The drive wasn’t long enough and now we’re sitting at the drop off zone with cars zooming around us, and I know I’m gonna get yelled at if I stay too long, so we climb out and I pop the trunk. The cold December air bites at my face as Parker grabs his luggage, and I’m a fucking mess. I’m already missing him so much my chest hurts and my throat is tight when I say, “Have a good break.” I can’t even meet his eyes because if I do I know I won’t be able to keep the tears at bay.

“You, too,” he says, his voice soft. “Say hi to your family for me.”

I nod, hands in my pockets.

Chilled fingers grip my chin and raise my face. I suck in air but manage not to cry when I’m finally looking at him. His cheeks are already rosy from the cold and his lips are chapped, hazel eyes soft. He’s beautiful. And I’m so fucking crazy about him.

He lowers his face to mine and kisses me softly. “See you in a couple weeks.”

I nod again as the airport security guard shouts at us to move along. Parker kisses my forehead and then turns and walks away.

I get back in my car and wait for a spot so I can pull out into the traffic again.

As soon as I’m on the interstate, tears are spilling down my cheeks.

It takes me longer than normal to make the drive home because I have to keep pulling over to cry some more, and because I’m distracted I’m not driving the regular speed limit most of the time.

It’s late afternoon by the time I pull into the driveway of my childhood home, and it already feels so strange to be here without Parker.

My family is hurrying down the front steps to wrap me in hugs just like always, and Dad grabs my luggage while Mom ushers me inside, Oreo jumping up and down in excitement, her tail wagging frantically.

I make my way up to my room and stare at my phone for a minute, wondering if I should text Parker and tell him I made it safely, ask him if he’s home yet? But I just keep staring, because I don’t know if he wants to hear from me over break, and I was too scared to ask him before he left.

I slide my phone back in my pocket, looking around my room, and start crying again at how much space there is due to the lack of air mattress. I hate it. I hate being up here by myself. I hate not seeing him interact with my family. I hate that we won’tbe coming up with excuses to shut ourselves in my room and make out.

I cry for a tiny bit longer and then wipe my tears before heading across the hall to Ava and Addison’s room.

“You guys excited for Christmas?” I ask, trying to sound more exuberant than I feel.

They nod and gesture for me to join them. We’re playing a game of Would You Rather, when Mom knocks on the door and smiles at us.

“Would you rather have a pet unicorn or a pet dragon?” Ava asks Mom.

“Oh, gosh that’s a tough one,” Mom says. “Probably a unicorn because dragons are really cool but they might accidently burn something.”

“Yeah, but you could fly!” Addison says.

Mom laughs.

“Unicorns can fly, too,” Ava says.

“Those are called Alicorns,” Addison says, “and you didn’t say Alicorn.”

“Okay, it’s time to get going to the light festival downtown,” Mom says, and the girls squeal, jumping to their feet.

I leave to freshen up a bit from the drive and use the bathroom, then head downstairs.

We take Oreo with us and make our way downtown where there’s miles of different light up displays to see and enjoy, festive Christmas music playing, an ice skating rink and hot chocolate.

My phone buzzes while we’re standing in line for the hot chocolate, and I pull it out to see that Parker has texted me. My heart leaps in my chest and I open the message.

Parker: Hey, little rabbit, thought I’d let you know I made it home safe. I hope you made it home safe, too. I miss you.

Fuck, I have tears filling my eyes and my heart rate spikes even more. He misses me. I let out a breath as I type back.

Me: I made it safely, too. And I miss you too

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