Alfred closed his bag, checking the time once again. His friends, Ivan, Yao, Gilbert, Feliciano, Kiku, and Ludwig, stood at the door to his bedroom, each looking solemn. He slung the bag over his shoulder and faced his friends with half a smile.
"I should be leaving soon." Alfred said, adjusting the strap on his shoulder.
"Alfred, are you sure this will work?" Kiku asked. "What will you do if Matthew decides to stay?"
Alfred had a thoughtful look on his face. "The point of the plan was to bring him back home, to know the he is noticed and loved by his family and friends. If he wants to stay back in Utah with his friends . . . then that'll be okay, I guess. If I can't bring him home, then I'll at least try and get him to know that we miss him, we love him, and we notice him now."
Francis appeared at the door way. "Alfred, it is time to go."
Alfred nodded. "Alright, let me just say bye."
"Okay, but don't be too long. Your Papa is being impatient." Francis said and left.
"Welp! I guess I'll see you guys in a week. So, you know, text me and stuff." Alfred said awkwardly. He always hated saying goodbye, more so after Matthew ran away.
"Good luck with bringing Matthew home!" Feliciano smiled at Alfred.
"Ja, gut luck vith bringing him back." Ludwig said, honest about his words.
The others gave him parting words before making room for him to exit his room. Arthur and Francis stood by the door to their home, waiting for the boys to come along. Once they did, the group of nine walked out and road down the elevator together in silence. They parted ways after exiting the building, Francis, Arthur, and Alfred getting in a cab and the high schoolers walking down the street.
"Be sure to call us when you get there," Arthur said irritably, though it was just a mask to cover up how worried he was about both his sons. "And if you need anymore money, then call me or your father."
Alfred nodded, unconsciously tossing his phone from one hand to the other. "I know Dad, we went over this like a million times yesterday."
Arthur sighed. "Right, sorry, just worried."
"Well there is no need to be worried! Mattie'll come back, I know it!" Alfred said with confidence, though in the back of his mind there was a small thought of doubt.
Two destinies draw closer to each other, thus drawing this story closer to its end. Although, when the words stop flowing, it does not mean the end for the brothers. No, a story is never done until they have lived out their lives to the very end.
"Hey Matt, since I'm staying with my mom this Christmas, want to spend the day with us?" Morgan asked, smiling at her quiet friend. "You know it'll be fun!"
Matthew smiled at his friend. "Thanks Morgan, but I'll pass."
"Matt! Come on! No one deserves to be alone during the holidays," Morgan paused. "Wow, that sounded really cheesy."
"It sure did, Morgan!" James said, approaching his friends, a book in his hands. "But she's right Mattie! No one deserves to be alone. How about spending it with me and my family? And don't refuse, it's either me or Morgan."
"Really guys, I just want to be alone." Matthew tried to argue.
"Well you're not going to get that for Christmas, no way!" James scoffed at the idea of leaving his friend alone. "Morgan, you take him in for Christmas."
"Oi, what about you taking him?" Morgan frowned at the tall boy.
"I just figured he be more comfortable with you and your mom is all. You know how crazy my family gets around the holidays, but since you're staying with your mom this year, it won't be a crowded Christmas party, just you three curled up on the couch, drinking hot chocolate, eating early dinner, and watching good christmas movies on VHS." James explained, just remembering the annual Christmas party his family hosted every year where it seemed like hundreds of people came to, dressed formally and not very Christmas-y.
Morgan sighed, but nodded. "Fine, that makes sense I guess. So matt, kidnapping you in the wee hours of Christmas morning and you're celebrating it with the Norewood duo."
It was Matthew's turn to sigh. "Fine, I'll go."
"Great! I'll drop his present at your house tomorrow, okay? Okay!" James said before walking off rather quickly.
"He's so odd." Matthew said, watching him walk away before turning back to Morgan.
"Excellent observation, Matt." Morgan said sarcastically and gave him a little smile. "Better tell mom your coming over on Christmas then."
She pulled out her cell phone from her pocket and dialed her mother's number. Matthew, not sure of what to do, began to fiddle with the hem of his red hoodie. Well, at least he wouldn't be alone this holiday. It won't be like home, but it's better than nothing. Anything is better than nothing.
Hello whoever reads this, it's Gabby, and welcome to the tenth chapter of Paper Planes! Congrats for sticking to this story and not giving up half way through!
Like the strange narrator person in the story said, this story is coming to an end in the next couple of chapters. Boohoo, I know. Thing is, I don't have much inspiration anymore for this story (As you can tell by how fast I update :P) but I'll try to make the last few chapters incredible! If I disappoint you, then I deeply apologize in advance.
Toodles for now~