Chapter 10
It was nearly eight-thirty when the girls finally landed at San Diego International Airport- Lindbergh Field. Passengers quickly filed out of the plane, Janet and Margaret included. Janet dapped the corner of her eye with her shirtsleeve; her eyes were puffy and red. Take a deep breath girl, just breathe. Margaret looked over to Janet. She's so torn apart.
"Janet, are you okay?" Margaret stopped Janet in the terminal. Janet put on a fake smile and nodded her head. Margaret knew Janet was lying, but if Janet didn't want to talk about it, then so be it.
As they exited the terminal, Janet was looking for baggage claim, Margaret let out a shriek. Janet whipped her head to Margaret. A smiled crossed Margaret's face. Janet followed her gaze. Tyler…
"Tyler!" Margaret ran to him, leaped into his arms, and kissed him fiercely. Janet couldn't help but laugh.
"Tyler, I missed you so much!" Margaret hugged him again.
"I did too," He put his forehead to hers, capturing the moment. Janet made her way of to the couple. His smiled faded upon seeing her Janet.
"Janet, hon, what's the matter?"
"Jet lag," She smiled forlornly.
"I'll tell you later," Margaret whispered, placing her hand on Tyler's shoulder.
The three of them walked to the luggage claim.
"Can I take you home?" Tyler looked at Janet. Janet looked up and shook her head.
"No, I'll manage," She said with a sigh. "Don't worry, I can make it home. I'll call you as soon as I get home. Promise."
"You sure?" Margaret turned to Janet and stopped her from walking any farther. Janet looked her in the eyes and nodded.
"Ok, but if you need anything, just call me. Okay?" Janet smiled and hugged her friend.
"Don't worry," Janet said.
"Okay then, I'll see you Monday," Janet smiled, picked up her navy suitcase, and started walking.
"I hope she can handle the drive home," Margaret said as she leaned on Tyler's strong, muscular frame.
"I think she'll be fine, she a tough one," he said as he stroked Margaret's chocolate hair. "Everything will be ok," She looked up into his blue eyes and smiled.
Night lift up the shades Let in the brilliant light of morning But steady there now For I am weak and starving for mercy Sleep has left me alone To carry the weight of unraveling where we went wrong It's all I can do to hang on To keep me from falling Into old familiar shoes
The highway road was so barren to Janet. A tear ran down her right cheek as the patter of rain corrupted the silence of the car. Why did I ever get myself involved in this mess? She felt so empty, like there was a giant hole in her heart. I just want to feel him one last time. A lump caught in her throat as tears began to blur her vision. Her breaths grew short and choppy. She felt like she was going to throw up. She gripped the steering wheel. The rhythmic wipers allowed for some distraction but the burred highway lights gave little comfort. The green light of the billboard she grew accustom came into view.
"Oh, thank God, I'm almost home."
How stupid could I be A simpleton could see That you're no good for me But you're the only one I see
Janet exited on 16B in her in her burgundy Audi. Almost home, almost home. The hum of the engine helped clear her mind. No more silly dreams, no more thoughts! The downtown lights barely illuminated the streets. Her eyes once again filled with tears. The streetlights were flashing yellow, as the rain fell harder, making it nearly impossible to see the road. Janet passed by her small café. The windows were covered and the lights were out. A small smiled crept across Janet's face. The reflection of her car in the café's windows caught her eye. What's wrong with me? I have everything I ever wanted. I get what I need and I have people who love me here. I went my whole life with out Jack…
Just thinking of the name Jack made her cry. She couldn't think. All she could do was picture the way his blue eyes twinkled and his bright smile. The scent of his aftershave, his sandy blonde hair, the feeling of his lips on hers, the feeling of his warm muscular hands on her body, everything drove her wild.
Janet bit her lower lips as she felt the warmth spread in her body. Janet soon caught herself. Breathing heavy, she shook her head and looked at the road. Janet… "Stop this!" He voice was breaking as she forced the words out. Again, a lump caught in her throat.
Love has made me a fool It set me on fire and watched as I floundered Unable to speak Except to cry out and wait for your answer But you come around in your time Speaking of fabulous places Create an oasis Dries up as soon as you're gone You leave me here burning In this desert without you
The site of her driveway made her smile. She quickly pulled into the garage and turned off her car. She sat there a second to gained her composer. Relax your home. You gotta call Margaret. You have to sound fine. She exhaled, opened the driver side door, and popped the trunk. She set her rolling luggage on the floor as she placed her other bag over her shoulder. She slammed the trunk shut. "Stop it," she quietly scolded herself. She fidgeted with her keys, trying to unlock the house.
How stupid could I be A simpleton could see That you're no good for me But you're the only one I see
Janet threw her keys onto a nearby table, along with her purse. The chilly, darkness greeted her. She walked to the kitchen and listened to the messages.
"Hey Janet it's- 'beep'. Hey Jane I was just- 'beep'. Hey Janet it's Kathryn, just wanted to tell you everything is/was fine. Hope you enjoyed your trip.- 'beep'."
"Pssha," Janet continued checking her messages, until one took her by surprise.
"Hey Janet, I'm glad I got to see you. I had a wonderful time with you and would love to see you again. Call me next time you think about a vacation. 'beep'." Janet stared at the machine, her mouth agape. Her knees were weak and she had butterflies in her stomach. Jack's sexy voice always got to her. She reached for the phone. Just one call, just to say thanks.
Everything changes Everything falls apart Can't stop to feel myself losing control But deep in my senses I know
She reached for the phone but hesitated. Just one call. No, it will leave the wrong impression. But a simple thank you could hurt either.
"Grrr, I wasn't ever suppose to see you again," Janet bit down on her lower lip as she tried to make a decision. The phone rang.
How stupid could I be A simpleton could see That you're no good for me But you're the only one I see
Janet's palms began to sweat. It just couldn't be. Janet froze, staring at the phone. Just answer it. Janet slowly reached for the phone.
"Hello?" She said barely above a whisper.
"Janet!" A familiar voice rang in the phone.
"Oh, Margaret I was just about to call you," she said, relaxing. She ran her hand through her hair.
"I'm glad you made it home safely," Margaret voice was now relaxed as she talked to her friend. "Are you okay? Do you want me to come over?"
"No, I'm fine. Thanks though. I need to unpack; take a hot shower." Both girls chuckled.
"Ok, but you call me if you need anything."
"I will. Goodnight Margaret, thanks for an unforgettable trip,"
"You're welcome. Goodnight," She hung up the phone.
Lightning danced across the night sky and illuminated the living room. Janet didn't know how much more of this she could take. Janet could hear the shed door banging back and forth by the wind. Without thinking, she quickly ran out the back door and across the wet grass. Her heels sunk into the wet ground as she crossed the backyard. She fell, landing in a puddle. The rain mixed with her tears, making it nearly impossible to see. She finally managed to stand up, soaked to the bone, and got to the shed. She grabbed the door and locked it. More lightning flashed in the sky as she leaned on the door to catch her breath. I wish I had someone one to help me with these sorts of things. Janet hugged her arms and began walking back to the house, shivering.
Back in the house, she kicked off her heels and walked to the laundry room. Picking up a pink towel, she slowly began drying her legs, arms, neck and hair. She removed her wet clothes from her body. She felt so cold, so empty. Her head hurt, her feet were sore, she just wanted to lie down.
She drew a bath to warm herself. Lighting some candles, she placed them around the bathroom. The wonderful aroma of lavender filled the room. The warm water felt wonderful on her body. She thought about Jack; the way he would touch her, tickle her, tease her. She smiled and settled deeper into the bubbles.