:: Chapter (02) :: Where she's back for good "For the last time mom, I've got everything." Cradling my phone between my ear and the crook of my shoulder, I haul my luggage across the airport. "Are you certain you've got everything? I know you were having some last minute packing issues. Is your luggage too heavy? Oh, God. What about breakfast? Did you take your vitamins this morning?" My mom is acting out as usual - worrisome and controlling. The start of a headache simmers in the back of my head as I listen to her fire question after question. I'm jetlagged, exhausted, and my stomach is rumbling. I need food and a nap. Unfortunately, the latter is going to have to wait until I finish unpacking and settling in my new dormitory. I want to carry this conversation when I'm no longer physically and mentally drained, and standing in the middle of a crowded airport with people pushing and shoving past me. "I wish I could be there, you know." My mom sighs deeply. She's currently in South Asia, touring with a team of humanitarian assistants to film some kind of documentary, and help those in dire need. Being a history teacher, she claims that this has always somewhat been her true calling. "I've missed you, darling." The sad note in her tone sends a pang through my chest. "I wish you were here, too," I say, rubbing at my bleary eyes. "I miss you more." After veering my belongings through a throng of bodies, I now sat down on a bench near the entrance from where my friend Oliver promised to pick me up. Mom switches up the direction of our conversation and tells me more about the refugees and orphans she's met on her trip. I listen with as much attention as I can muster, which, not going to lie, isn't a lot. My mind is more focused on the last time I saw my mom when I came down for four days from France during the holidays. I miss her face, her voice and her humour. A feeling of nostalgia crawls over me as I realize that after eight months, I'm finally back at the one place where I grew up and held so dearly to my heart. An endless dose of French macaroons, late night opéras and beautiful Parisian weather can never hold a candle against the feeling of finally returning to my sanctuary – my home. "Just a couple of more weeks, darling. I promise the second I land, the first thing I'm doing is driving up to campus to pick you up. Then we're going to go out for some good quality Chinese food. Tara can tag along as well." I laugh at the mention of Tara's name and my chest tightens with a vaguely familiar feeling of utter sadness. The thought of my best friends is enough to bring a smile to my face. But it's also enough to have me break down and cry a million tears. After high school, keeping in touch with the girl wasn't easy. We still try with great difficulty, but it's not the same. Last I heard, Natalie has gotten accepted in Julliard, and she's finally commencing her second year. Teagan is in Boston, Massachusetts attending Harvard's prestigious business program. Tara Simmons is the only one I have left here. "I'll be sure to ask her when I see her today. I have no doubt she'll join us." Tara has no idea that I'm coming. My transfer has been a secret for several months so I could surprise everyone. Recently, however, I was forced to tell Oliver since I would need a ride from the airport to campus. He also said he was going to help me unpack - that was an added bonus. I glance down at my watch and realize that Oliver should be here any minute. "Mom, I hate to do this but..." She sighs again. "You need to go? It's alright, sweets. I'm almost done my break. I got to get back to work, too." "I love you," I mumble, grasping my phone tightly just as the pace of my heart doubles over. "And I really, really miss you, momma. I wish you'd been the first face I saw when I landed." Silence rushes between us until I can hear the crackling sound of the wind on the other side of the receiver. For a brief second, I think my mom has hung up on me. Until I hear something suspiciously like a broken sob leave her mouth. "Oh, Cher...me, too." She sniffs and my guts churns at the desperate sound. "I really got to get back to work now. Take care and you be good. If there's an emergency, don't hesitate to contact me, okay?" I nod, feeling the sudden prickle of tears in my eyes. "Okay." "Now, is there something else you wanted to tell me or is that all?" "I'll call you if anything," I reassure her one last time. "I love you, mom. Bye." "I love you, too." And the line goes dead. Right when I'm about to put my phone away, it rings with a new text message. It's Oliver. He's just arrived and is looking for parking. Excitement thrums through my veins. I send a quick reply and stuff my phone in my jeans pocket. The movement causes the diamond on my left ring finger to catch light and gleam. Suddenly, guilt flares within me.