Before you go // Jonah Marais

Most people dread going back to school. Usually, I would be one of those many people too. Not this time. I dreaded leaving for our week break, leaving the boys... leaving Jonah. I've been staying at the frat house for months now. I moved in there, taking one of the spare bedrooms. However, I rarely sleep alone. Jonah fell into the habit of reading to me each night, 99% of the time falling asleep with me.

I'm excited to go back to NYU. I'm excited to see Jonah. With his gran no longer in hospital, Jonah went back to his home in Minnesota. I struggled to sleep, so used to falling asleep beside someone. After hours of talking to Alex, the realisation hit me. It hit me like a bus. I like Jonah. I like him a fucking lot.

"When are you going to be here?" Zach's voice booms through the car.

"Soon, Z. I promise when I get back, we can go out for lunch," I chuckle at his impatience.

"We're throwing a party tonight too!" Corbyn yells.

A party might not be too bad. Things have gone back to normal (as normal as things can get.) I haven't had to worry about the whispers or the stares. Nathan and I haven't spoken, but he hasn't tried. Layla gives me smug looks whenever she can, yet it doesn't affect me. I haven't had the chance to wear that green dress yet. Maybe tonight will be good.

"Sounds good. I'll make sure I'm home to help set up."

After a few minutes of convincing, they let me hang up. I was halfway back, following closely behind Alex. Music blares through the speakers of my car, making the ride back a little less boring. My phone dings, lightening up my screen, showing a text notification from Jonah.

"Hey Siri, read me my texts."

"New message from Jonah<3: See you soon Angel x, Siri reads."

A smile forms on my face knowing I'll see Jonah soon. The rest of the drive was filled with excited jitters and a busy mind. NYU comes into view. Everything is still the same as what it was. I park my car with a sigh, finally. I missed this place. I step out of the car, grabbing my travel bag from the backseat. Alex steps out of his car a few metres away, stretching in some weird and wonderful ways.

Alex and I walk to his dorm, rambling over classes and assignments. We sorted through his stuff, putting everything away. Alex and I hung out for a while before I made my way back to the frat house. As expected, Zach was sitting on the couch waiting for me. I watch as his head snaps up from his phone, turning to see who walked in.

"Peyton!" He exclaims.

"Hey bestie," I greet, my arms open wide.

Zach moves from the couch to me in a matter of seconds. I wrap my arms around him, taking in the familiar scent. The back door opens, the sound of feet coming towards us.

"Did you say, Peyton?" Jack voice echoes.

"The one and only," I chuckle, stepping away from Zach.

Zach, Jack, Corbyn and Daniel stand in front of me, smiles across their faces.

"Lil sis!" Daniel cheers, spinning me around.

"Hey, Dani."

"Come to papa," Jack says.

I burst out into a fit laughter, scruffing up his hair. "Hey, idiot."

"Okay, both of you move," Corbyn demands.

"Bean!" I exclaim, hugging him tightly.

I've got 4 of my 5 boys back. 4 of my 5 best friends. The only one missing is Jonah.

-

Zach took us to the diner for lunch. We sat and talked for ages. We spoke for as long as we could before we had to leave. We all agreed to get ourselves ready before we started getting things out for the party. I search through the cupboard for what I want to wear. The knit light lime green dress stands out. I lay it neatly on the bed walking over to my small chest of drawers, taking out my matching lace black bra and panties.

I shower and wash my hair with the pear shampoo and conditioner Jonah brought me. Sitting on the stool in front of a mirror, I dry my hair before styling it in curls. The curls lay neatly over my bare shoulders. Allowing the towel to drop, I walk over to the bed to dress. I look at myself in the mirror again, smiling at the sight. The dress looked amazing. I let out a sigh in content, looking myself over again.

I sit back at the stool, applying some natural makeup. Foundation, mascara, a natural eyeshadow colour and some lip balm. I was never one to really wear makeup. It never interested me. I, of course, put some on when I had things like parties on.

A knock at the door interrupts my thought, "Hold on," I call out.

After quickly finishing the final touches I get up opening the door. Jonah stands on the other side. His hair is messy from the plane, his eyes still their beautiful bright greeny-blue. My heart thumps faster, my stomach fills with butterflies. His eyes travel up and down my body, taking in everything.

"Angel, I- wow" he breathes.

"Jonah," I blush.

"You look amazing love."

"Thank you," I smile, hugging him.

His all so familiar scent fills my nose, making my mind wander. Fuck I missed him. It was a week without him and yet it felt so long. Jonah's arms wrap around my waist, holding me close to him. I feel safe in his arms. I feel at home.

"God I missed you" I mumble.

"What did you say, angel?" Jonah asks.

"I said I missed you."

"I missed you too. Now I'm going to shower and get ready, I'll meet you downstairs."

He pulls away, making me feel cold. I silently agree, watching him walk down the hall towards his room. I walk downstairs, looking around seeing the boys set some things up. I walk into the kitchen, pulling out any cups and drinks I can find.

Tonight is going to be good.