Airports and exes

CHAPTER 37

Kate POV

We arrived at the airport an hour late. Craig was irritated at our delay, and was even more irritated at the traffic on our way to the hotel. But when we made it to our hotel, he seemed to relax. Craig and I had to leave for the vigil in an hour, and there was something I had to prepare him for.

"Craig?" I called.

Craig came into the bathroom with me and kissed my shoulder.

"Ben is going to be here." I said.

Craig's fists balled up at the mention of his name.

"I know." He said.

"Ben was Zoe's best friend too. We were all very close. The three of us. We were in Drama class together. And even after Ben and I got together, we were the best of friends." I said softly.

I started to cry.

"Kate, don't. I'll be nice. You don't have to worry." He said.

I grabbed his hand and nodded. We made our way out to the lobby and called a cab. I shifted in my seat during the drive. I was terrified of seeing Ben again. The history between us had been so beautiful and painful at the same time. And now we had one more tie that connected us. Zoe's death. We pulled up to the church and I stepped out, with Craig grasping my hand. We made our way up the steps. I fell, tripping over my heels, but Craig kept me steady.

"Kate!"

I turned towards the voice.

"Ben." I said breathlessly.

"You came." He said.

"I did." I replied.

"I was hoping you would. I was scared. I found an old box of our stuff…" Ben's voice broke.

"I know." I said.

Ben shed a tear, but furiously wiped it away. I gently touched his shoulder.

"Ben." I said again.

I turned to Craig, who was feeling awkward. I gave him a look as I led Ben away.

"It's okay. I'm here." I said.

"No. You're not! You're with Craig! And you brought him here! You have someone, Kate." He yelled.

"Ben!" I said.

People were starting to stare at Ben. I took his arm and led him away.

"Let's just try to get through this, okay?" I asked.

Ben nodded and we went inside.

Sean POV

I was at my new locker at Degrassi, about to leave for home when Emma came up to me.

"So Sean, are you coming over to study? Manny and JT are cramming with us." She said.

I thought of my options. Sit at home alone, or hang out with Emma?

"Um, sure." I replied.

Emma gave me a sweet smile.

"Great. Want to go get ice cream first?" she asked.

I smiled and nodded. We walked together, bonding over school, and our heavy load of homework. We reached the ice cream shop and I bought us both cones.

"Thanks Sean." Emma said.

"Anytime." I said.

Emma beamed at me and licked her cone. Some vanilla was on her face. Before I could stop myself, I kissed it off of her cheek.

"What are you doing?" she cried.

"I…." I trailed off, stammering.

She pushed me and ran off.

Ashley POV

I was seated at the restaurant across from David. He was the most perfect guy I had ever met. I was totally falling for him, I was even thinking that he was the one for me. I was about to give up my virginity to him in my room. I had to know if he felt the same way.

"To us." He said.

He was holding up his wineglass and I held up mine. We softly clinked our glasses together. David reached for my hand and kissed it.

"Ashley, you're under no pressure. Tonight doesn't have to be the night." He said.

"I want to be with you." I said.

David seemed satisfied with this. I took a deep breath.

"David, I love you." I said.

David paused.

"I know it's soon, but I can't help how I feel. I think we were destined to be together." I said.

"I do too. I'm in love with you, Ashley." He replied.

We kissed each other. I beamed at him in happiness. Things could not get any better for me right now.

Sean POV

I was sitting home alone again when I heard a knock. I was about to open the door when Emma opened it herself.

"I don't know what I'm doing here." She said.

I stared at her.

"You broke my heart Sean. But I still loved you. I didn't think we'd ever get another chance again. But if you're willing, I'm ready to try. I want us together." She said.

Her eyes locked into mine.

"I can do this." She said, more to herself than me.

Emma leaned into me, pressing her body against mine. She moved so that my arms were around her waist, and kissed my neck, making soft movements with her tongue along my jawline. I reached behind her and turned on the radio. Luckily, a soft romantic song was playing. We swayed slowly to the music, Emma still kissing my neck.

"Emma, don't. Ellie will see the bruise." I whispered.

She pulled away from the spot, and we just danced closely like that for hours.

Paige POV

Spinner had to work late tonight, so I was stuck at home watching TV. I replayed his message.
"Paige? I'm so sorry about tonight. I have to work late. I'll make this up to you. I promise." He said.

It was then when it clicked. Working late? I'll make it up to you, I promise? Like a crazed woman I jumped into his car and drove to his house. The blinds were closed, and the lights were out. His car wasn't even in front of his house. I sighed with relief. Maybe he really was working late. I had to stop doubting my honeybee.

Jimmy POV

I was sitting in my room alone when Manny called.

"Jimmy, I miss you." she cooed.

"I miss you too." I lied.

The truth was, Dani and I were getting along great, and I was happy.

"Jimmy, I was thinking. We've been dating for a long time now, and I think it's time we took it to the next level. You know what I mean?" she asked.

The thought didn't turn me on at all.

"Manny, I think it's best if we take it slow. " I said.

Manny sighed.

"Fine. I have to go." She said angrily.

Manny did not like being denied. I hung up and sat on my bed. Talking with Manny gave me the thought. I didn't like the idea with Manny, but I did like it with Dani.

I got up and knocked next door.

"Come in." she said.

I opened the door and slid inside. Dani looked exhausted, she was already half-asleep.

"Did I wake you?" I asked.

"No. It's fine." She yawned.

"It's only ten." I said.

She laughed.

"I know." She said.

"That's so cute." I said.

We kissed and fell back on her bed together.

"Where's your roommate?" I whispered.

"Out. I think she's sleeping over at some guy's house. Third guy this month." Dani breathed.

I pushed back her hair and kissed her again. She slipped her jacket off and threw it on the floor. I kissed her bare shoulders and Dani sighed with pleasure. Our lips met again, and she opened her mouth, allowing me full access. I bent over and put my lips next to her ear.

"Dani, we should talk." I said.

"Jimmy, what's wrong?" she asked.

"I want you." I said.

"What? I'm your girlfriend. You have me." She replied.

"I mean…for real." I said.

Dani got my message. She sat up quickly and stared at me.

"Jimmy, I've never done that before." She said.

"Me either." I replied.

"I don't know." She said.