“We are now arriving at Cincinnati Airport, please fasten your seatbelts so we may make our final descent. Thank you for traveling with Delta, have a wonderful day.” I reached over clicking my seatbelt closed, closing my eyes as I squeezed the armrests with both hands. I hated flying, always have and now is no different. At least before now when I flew I didn’t have the overwhelming sadness filling me. I took a deep breath as I felt the slight bump as the airplane skidded to a stop on the runway. I walked out into the crowded airport, though it seemed like everyone was in a blur. I held my carry-on bag tightly in my hand as I made my way to baggage claim. I absent-mindedly went to grab for my bag but, an arm reached out to take it. I turned to see the kind yet solemn face of my father. He gave me a weak smile though it did not seem to reach his eyes. He pulled me into a hug, holding tightly, “I missed you baby girl.” “I miss you too daddy.”, I looked up at him trying to smile bit, failed miserably. He put an arm around me as we made our way to the parking lot. The car ride was mostly complete silence and for that I was thankful. It’s not that I wasn’t happy to see my father and wanted to talk to him, I was afraid if I talked to him I’d start crying again and knowing my father he sensed this about me. He’s always been like that, I guess that’s one of the reason he was such a good social worker. There it was, my childhood home, same as I remember it though I don’t know why I’d expect it to have changed of the short time I was gone. My dad got my bags from the trunk and we made our way inside. As the door opening the smell of my father’s famous homemade chili hit my nose. Any other time that smell would make my mouth water but not now, I didn’t feel like eating. Though it did smell good, comforting..I was home. This house was one of the places I felt safer than anywhere in the world. My dad turned to me, “Spence, why don’t you go up and take a nap. I put clean sheets on your bed this morning.” I gave him a weak smile and made my way across the screened in breezeway and up the stairs. I know what you’re thinking, confusing, I know. My room is above the garage. My dad had it remodeled as a present for the thirteenth birthday. He said that I needed the extra room so I could have a place to work. My dad always the mega sweetheart. I opened the door, I smiled everything had stayed the same way that I left it. Easel in the corner splattered lightly with paint, dresser too. My bed sat face the north side window. Light poured in through the many windows. I loved this room, perfect place to paint..perfect lighting. I closed the door behind me as I dropped my bags where I stood. I went the few feet forward the threw myself on my bed. Feeling the softness and clean smell of the freshly washed sheets. I loved my bed, I never realized until now how much my bed felt exactly like Ashley did…the same comforting feeling. Ashley…I struggled to get my phone out of my pocket without getting up. It took a while but, finally I retrieved it. I sent a message to Ashley telling her that I that I had safely arrived, she had made me promise that exact thing, “to text her as soon as I got home to make sure I got there safe”. I smiled thinking about it, it was sweet that she worried about me, I knew she didn’t believe me when I told her I’d be okay. My phone buzzed, speaking of the sweet brunette, there she is now.
Hey baby..hope you are okay. Please try and get some rest I’m sure you’re tired from your flight. If you need anything, no matter what or what time it is call me.
Xoxo, Ash