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Thursday, April 22nd

The next few days of the girls' visit were fast.  A part of Alice wished she would appreciate the time she had with her friends but the other part of her couldn't wait to leave.  She knew who'd be waiting for her.

Even so, she tried to enjoy being with Karl and Kal.  Anticipation rose with each morning and night that brought her closer to the departure.  The two had felt it as well and tried their best to make sure she had fun until then.

The car ride to the airport was loud and boisterous, which was a complete opposite of her ride with Technoblade.  When he was sending her off, it was heartaching for both of them.

Now, it felt more like a celebration.  Techno had already wished her a safe flight, the two never ended their message conversations.  Perhaps they were afraid ending one would stop the conversations from happening all together.

"We're gonna miss you so much," Kal gave her a tight hug.  "But I'm so happy for you."

"Thank you," Alice chuckled and pulled away.  "I'll make sure you get to visit at some point."

"Guess I'm just not here," Karl joked.  Alice rolled her eyes and pulled him into the next hug.

"You're always there," She said quietly.  "I love you so much for that."

"I'm gonna have to start going to you, huh?"

"I won't say no to that," She told him. 

"I know," He giggled.  "Love you, Alice."

"I love both of you, thank you so much for making this easier," She said sincerely. 

"One of us has to get out of this country," Kal shrugged.  "Might as well be you."

"Wow, I'm honored," Alice placed a hand over her heart.

"As you should be."

"Send us pictures when you get there?" Karl raised an eyebrow.

"I'll be the best photographer," She promised. 

"Geez, I miss you already," Kal wiped a fake tear away.  "Now go before real ones show up."

"Awe Kal," Alice hugged her again.

"No! I'm not a simp!" She objected, but the way she squeezed tighter contradicted that.  "I'm not."

"Not at all," Alice laughed.  She almost wanted to stay just for these friends.  She knew she shouldn't, but she was glad it was a thought.  It told her how much they mattered.

•

The flight was unbearably long but Alice passed the time by talking to a woman in her sixties.  They were both heading to Brighton for the same reasons.  They both had someone waiting.

By the time they arrived, Alice didn't want to stop talking to this woman.  She was an interesting character. 

"Go on and find that boy of yours," She said sweetly as they got off the plane.