Emma and my mom had gone to get some water, so my dad and I were sitting at the terminal with Ravina beside me. And yes, it is as awkward as it sounds. Although I think my parents have decided not to bother me about Ravina and I’s relationship anymore.

She held my hand in both of hers and was resting her head on my shoulder.

I told her she didn’t have to come with us. The drive up to Portland in the back of the taxi was long and strange. We could have said goodbye back home, but Ravina just kissed me and said; I’m going to be next to you for as long as you’re here.

It was November finally. I was going home…

I thought back to my nineteenth birthday less than a week ago. What a time. Ravina let my parents and Emma do whatever they wanted with me during the day and then she met me at the arcade at midnight, having bribed the guy who works there to leave it open for us. Ravina was a badass.

And yes, at some point in the evening we did start making out against the skeeball machine.

I look down at her and smile to myself when I see she’s sleeping. I knew she’d stayed up all last night. We both had. Neither one of us wanting to close our eyes only to wake up today.

Our plane was already here. Leaving in twenty-five minutes. They’d start boarding soon.

I couldn’t believe I’d met this girl, and was already saying goodbye to her. It broke my heart. But Ravina was an artist, she saw the world like that. Heartbreak to her, was probably just fuel.

She stirred slowly, blinking her eyes and raising one of my hands to her lips to kiss the back of it tiredly.

I blush. Ravina, my father’s watching us.

I love that she didn’t care-

“We’re leaving soon.” I tell her.

She nods. “I know. I can’t…” She tries to find the words.

I just smile at her. I know.

“I’ll be calling you every single day.” She repeats for the hundredth time.

I laugh. “If you don’t I’d be very disappointed, but remember the time change. I’ll be annoyed if you wake me up at 4 am.”

She smiles at me, but I can tell she’s trying hard to seem happy. We both don’t want this to be our last moment together, but since it is, we’re trying to make it a good one.

Mom and Emma come back, and Emma winks at me when she sees Ravina holding my hand and leaning on me.

An announcement from the speakers makes all of us turn our heads.

“Flight 205 from Portland to Seoul will be boarding shortly. If all passengers in Group A could line up at this time…”

Ravina’s hand squeezes mine like she doesn’t want to let me go.

“Hey,” I say to her and she looks at me.

I put my other hand on her face and smile, slowly tilting her head down so I can kiss her forehead, one more time.

“I’ll only be about 6 thousand miles away. That’s nothing, Ravina.”

Not when I love you so much.

Her eyes water but she smiles and blinks her tears away.

My dad stands up beside me and I’m sure I’m making my parents uncomfortable by being so openly affectionate in public, but I give zero shits.

Ravina stands with me, and we watch as my family goes to line up at the gate, bags in hand.

Ravina lets go of my hand and sniffs, wiping her eyes.

“I’ll see you soon,” I kiss her quickly on the lips.

She smiles. “I love you, Theo.”

I take one last look at her before turning away and getting in line next to Emma.

Ravina waves once, then turns away.

My heart aches. It feels like something heavy is pressing down on me…

Emma nudges my shoulder.

“Yeah?”

She rolls her eyes.

“Ugh men.” She grumbles. “Go catch up with her, quick. Every second counts and you’ve got a few.”

We’re not boarding yet. My sister’s right.

I grin at her and drop my bag on the floor, hearing my mother sigh in frustration.

“Be right back.” I tell them.

I run down the hall, turning the corner as fast as I can to catch up with Ravina, and see her leaning against the wall by the elevators.

“Rav!” I call.

She looks up at me. She’s crying, but her eyes light up when she sees me and she smiles widely.

I run to her, grab her, hug her tightly and spin her around.

“You make me so happy Ravina Dobs.”

She laughs and hugs me back, her feet swaying.

“Bye, Theo.” She sighs.

I release her.

She stares up at me with red puffy eyes and I frown.

With my thumbs, I wipe her tears away and then kiss her.

“Be good. I’ll be home soon.”

“I thought you were going home.” She mumbles.

I shake my head.

“Not anymore,” I smile, starting to walk away.

“Home is with you, baby.”

And Ravina laughs.

And I think I might just be able to survive whatever happens next, by holding on to the sound of her happiness.