Chapter 68: I Would Rather Stay

Cody

Jasmine is driving me to the airport for my flight back to California. I prefer to stay longer with her, but I have to return to work or risk losing my job. I regret that I only managed a few days here to help, but I can’t take any additional time off. I need to be back by tomorrow morning. It's frustrating. I know I just started, but that shouldn’t excuse it. I had a family emergency, and they shouldn’t restrict my time off, yet here I am heading home. We can’t afford for me to lose my job now—there are rent and bills to cover. Fortunately, Jasmine’s professors are more understanding and are sending her all her coursework so she won't fall behind.

I didn’t want to leave Lily either. She was upset when I told her I had to go. I have no idea when Jasmine will return to California. I plan to come back next weekend. It will only be a couple of days, but it is better than nothing. My mom has given me money for a return flight when I can make it.

“I am sorry, I need to leave,” I sigh as we arrive at the airport.

“It's okay. You should return to work. I understand, and everyone else does as well, so try not to stress.” She smiles while parking the car.

I have a bit of time before I need to leave. “I know, but I prefer to be here with you. I wish I could be there to help.”

“I know you do, my love, but we'll get through this. Thanks for being here over the past few days.”

Lily and their dad are at home. Lily is doing alright, though she occasionally has nightmares. Their dad remains in bed due to injuries to his legs and ribs, and he will be for the coming weeks.

“I will be back next weekend. I will take a flight straight after work and then return on Sunday night. This will be the longest we have been apart since we got together.”

“Cody, you don’t have to come back. You'll be tired from work and flights. It will be tough, but we'll manage, I promise.” She smiles and squeezes my hands.

“I am coming back. I want to help, and the next nine days are going to be hard being away from you. I don’t want to be apart from you any longer than that.”

Yes, we don’t get much time together with classes and work, but we always sleep next to one another and see each other in the morning. Now, we won’t be able to do any of that. It is going to be a challenge. I hate being apart from Jasmine. I promised myself I would never let it happen again after all the years we were out of one another’s lives.

“I dread being apart. I have no idea when I will be returning, not for a few weeks at least, possibly longer, because my mom will need to go back to work at some point. They will need the money, since my dad can’t work. Yes, they have savings, but they only last so long.”

“You stay as long as you need, angel. I will come and go any time I can.”

“I am sorry you are left alone, and I don’t have the money to help with things. It is probably a good thing I don’t have a job right now because it wouldn’t be so easy for me to be here to take care of my family.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, Jasmine. I'll take care of everything. Just focus on your family and studies.”

She nods and leans in to kiss me softly. “I love you so much. I am going to miss you like crazy. Video call me when you get back.”

“I love you as well, beautiful. I'll miss you, too. We'll find a way to make it work.”

“We will.”

I press my lips to her again, placing my hand on her cheek. She smiles into my lips, wrapping her arms around my neck and kissing me back. We part after a brief moment.

“I should head inside,” I sigh, glancing at the door.

“Yes, you wouldn't want to miss your flight.”

I hug her tightly. “I will call you when I get back. I will see you next weekend. Call me if you need anything. I will come straight back.”

Jasmine holds onto me tightly, presses her face into my neck, and quietly sobs. “Thank you.”

“Angel, please don’t cry,” I murmured, gently stroking her hair.

Jasmine's crying will make this more difficult, but it's been an emotional few days.

She hesitates before pulling away from the hug as I gently wipe her tears.

“I told myself I wouldn’t cry.”

“It is okay. It has been a rough few days, and it’s going to be a rough few weeks, too. You are allowed to cry.”

“I know, but I didn’t want to do it now.”

I steal one last kiss from her. “I really should head inside.”

She nods. “I love you. Have a safe flight.”

I caress her cheek. “I love you too.”

I groan and hesitantly get out of the car. I shake my head, reluctant to go inside and wishing I could climb back in. I walk toward the entrance, turning to wave goodbye to Jasmine before stepping in. She waits until I’m gone before driving away. It’s going to be a long week, so I plan to text her during the day and video call every night.

I'm uncertain how we'll handle the time and distance apart. There are only so many times I can afford to fly back and forth. I will make it work, even if I need to drive back someday. Jasmine won’t be able to return, not even for a few days, because she will be needed at home. It will be okay. We’ll manage it, I believe that. Things will be challenging, but we’ll get through them.