Exploring with you

Chapter 12: Traveling with you

"Things have been so crazy lately. I think we should take a breather.

Maybe go home for a bit?"

"That sounds great," he says.

"Perfect!"

We spend the day planning our trip to Kansas. I buy two plane tickets for us for Friday and call my parents to see if they can pick us up from the airport. They agree and are looking forward to seeing us.

Thursday night

I just finished packing and head over to Sam's room to see if he needs anything. I go to knock but pause when I hear him speak. He seems to talking on the phone since I don't hear anyone responding.

"I don't know Allison. How can I tell him?"

"I know he's my best friend, but this is different," he says.

What's going on? What can't he tell me?

I decide to knock on his door.

"Can we talk later? Someone just knocked on my door." "Okay, bye."

I hear him walk to the door then open it a second later.

"Hey Sam, I just thought I would see if you needed anything," I say.

"I'm good thanks. Just finished packing. You?"

"Same. Want to watch a movie?"

"Sure, come on in," he says.

We sit down on his bed and he puts on a random movie. I stare at the screen but my mind wanders to the conversation I overheard.

What can't he tell me? I'm his best friend, he knows that he can tell me anything. Right?

"Colbs?"

"Hmm, sorry did you say something?"

"Yeah I said that we should get some sleep, we have an early flight. Are you alright?"

"Yeah, just tired I guess. See you in the morning Sam," I say, leaving for my room.

-Friday-

A sharp ringing fills my ears and I groan, rolling over to turn off my alarm. I get out of bed, dressing quickly so I have time to eat. I grab my suitcase and head downstairs to get something to eat. I enter the kitchen to find Sam making eggs and pancakes. I sit down at the counter, smiling at him. He finishes making the food and sits down next to me, handing me a plate.

We eat in silence until Corey comes downstairs.

"Morning Corey, thanks for driving us," Sam says.

"Of course, brother. Is there any food left?" He asks.

"Help yourself," Sam responds.

Corey grabs a plate and dishes up some food for himself. While Corey and I finish eating, Sam packs up the food into containers and washes the dishes. When we finish eating, Sam and I grab our suitcase and head out to Corey's car.

-Time Skip-

We land in Kansas and head to get our bags and meet my mom and brother. I see them waiting at baggage claim. I run to my parents and Gage, hugging them tightly. Sam does the same with his parents, who are also waiting there. My face falls slightly as I realize that this means Sam and I might be spending more time apart then I thought. Then I feel ashamed of the thought, of course he would want to spend time with his family.

"You okay Cole baby?" my mom asks.

"Yeah, just tired I guess," I say.

"Well, let's get your bag and we can head home so you can get some sleep," my mom says.

I grab my bag and leave with my mom and brother, waving goodbye to Sam and his family. I check my phone when I get to my room and see a text from Sam.

S: everything okay?

C: yeah, why?

S: you just left quickly, I was worried.

C: Just figured you wanted some time with your family

S: I did. but I wanted to be with you longer. I didn't know they were coming to the airport. I told them your mom would drop me off at my house, but I guess they wanted to see me sooner. I thought we would have more time together before saying goodbye.

C: Sammy, we'll see each other soon. you should spend some time with your family.

S: But I miss you.

C: Already?

S: yes.

C: dinner tonight?

S: my parents want a family dinner. I can ask if you can come.

C: that's okay. how about lunch tomorrow?

S: okay.

After dinner, I head to my room, saying that I want to sleep. But really I just want to be alone. My mom told me at dinner that she and my dad are officially getting a divorce. I knew it was coming but it still stinks. I know they are better off apart but I can't help but feel that everything is changing. Not for the first time tonight, I wish Sam was here.

Just as I'm drifting off to sleep, I hear a knock on my window. I get up to see Sam at my window and open it as quietly as I can. He climbs in.

"Sam what are you doing here?" I ask.

"I missed you, I wanted to see you," he says.

"Did something happen?" I ask, concerned.

He shakes his head, "no, I just missed you."

He hugs me and I hug him back, tightly.

"Colbs, are you okay?"

"They made it official, my mom and dad are getting a divorce," I whisper.

He pulls me in for a hug again. "I'm so sorry Colby."

I relax into his hug then he says, "Get your shoes, let's go."

"Where?"

"You'll see come on," he says.

I get my shoes and follow him outside. He leads us to the warehouse and we climb to the roof. We look up at the stars and I lean into his chest. He wraps his arms around me and I feel myself relax.