Before I knew it, the four days that had gone by so agonizingly slow were done, and after I'd kissed my parents goodbye, I found myself on the curb, waiting for the cab my mother had called.
Sitting down on the edge of the sidewalk, I jammed my fists in my pockets, pulling out a burnt, crumbling pop tart that I had stuck in the toaster last minute. BI broke off a partially charred corner, and stuffed it into my mouth.
The sweet raspberry jam filled my mouth, and the warmth spread across my numb body, easing the cold. I looked around the deserted street, wondering where in the heck that cab was.
I broke off another corner of my breakfast, this time my mind rolling the decathlon facts over. I was getting thirsty, but I had thought of everything. I grabbed an icy water bottle from my bag, and twisted the plastic cap off of it, taking a long gratifying sip.
The cold was horrible, a bitter wind sweeping over my body, numbing the exposed pieces of skin. I shivered, looking around. I thought about going back inside, but decided against it.
Hearing he sound of tires, gravel crunching beneath them, I looked up to see the cab barreling down the pathway. Standing up, I grabbed for my bag, and threw open the door.
After telling the driver my destination, I leaned into the cushy seat, and fell asleep.
"Hey!"
I awoke with a start, my head snapping every which way, as the voice rang out in my ears. "Hey you!" The cab had stopped, and the driver looked like he wanted to smack me. "I be sitting here while you take a snooze on my backseat! We are here at the airport." The driver cried in a heavy Indian accent.
I blushed. "Oh, sorry." I slid out, and the driver shoved my bag into my arms. I could hear him muttering in anger as he got into the cab, and sped off. I don't think he realized I didn't pay him.
Hurrying inside before the cab driver got back, I bumped into Brian. "Hey, have you seen Sam?" I shook my head. I hadn't seen Sam since that Tuesday night when he'd dropped off my jacket.
"Let's go, maybe he's already at the gate." Brian and I rushed through security, and ran for the flight's gate. There was Sam, dozing in a chair, right next to a garbage bin. I laughed, seeing him drooling.
"Sam! Man, wake up! We're gonna be late!" Brian shouted, shaking him.