"I told myself that I wouldn't cry, but here I am blubbering like a baby."
She buried her face deeper into his chest, trying to quiet her sobs. She tightened her grip around his waist and let herself go. She couldn't hold back the stream of tears that overtook her face; she couldn't keep the sobs quiet any longer. She couldn't speak, nor did she dare try to say anything.
He didn't want this moment to come either, her body trembling with every sniffle and cry. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling the scent of her strawberry shampoo and perfume. He pulled her closer when he felt her arms tighten around his waist. He just wanted to take her and go far away from this place, but he realized that he couldn't always have things his way.
"Now boarding passengers for Flight 1733, non-stop to New York."
"I can't do this, I can't leave you, I don't want to leave you. I-I-I… I love you Tom."
Tom lifted gently grabbed her face with his hands and stared into her eyes.
"What did you say?" he asked sheepishly.
"I love you Tom. I never felt this before, when I am near you I grow weak in the knees, my mind clouds up and I start stammering and stuttering. When I hear your voice, my stomach does flip-flops and I think that I am going to turn inside out. Your touch sends shivers throughout my body and I feel like I am going to burst. I can't think of being apart from you, nor do I want to be."
I love you. Three words never sounded so… wonderful to him before.
Without a hesitation, he pulled her in. Her lips tasted like cherries and her breathe had a hint of sweet mint. He let his fingers traced around her body as he pulled her closer into him, he didn't want to let her go. He didn't want her to be away from him, he just wanted her with him always. He felt something warm fall down his cheek and with his right hand he wiped it away. He wasn't going to let her see him upset; he had to be strong for her. He felt her break free, but he held her tighter. He was going to let her go on his own terms.
"I love you Emma, and I will wait for you." With that, he let her go.
She grabbed her bag and turned away quickly, not wanting him to see her red eyes. Once the attendant scanned her ticket, Emilene turned back around and blew a kiss to Tom. She smiled when he placed his hand over his heart, then she was gone.
Tom sat at the airport a few hours after Emilene's plan left. Everything felt surreal, how was it in such a short time she made such a significant impact on his life? But now he was in love with her, love was something he had no knowledge of. Did love hurt like this? Everything he knew about love was that it was happy, joyous, and magical and changed your life. He was feeling upset, lonely, heartbroken and angry. He should have asked her stay with him, he could take care of her. He should have suggested that she transfer to work for MTV's German or European station. All these What If's clouded his mind.
"You are not easy to find in such a big airport!"
Tom ignored Bill's remark.
"Tom?" Bill saw a look of twisted emotions stamped across his twin's face. "Tom what happened?"
Tom couldn't repeat it; it hurt so much to know that he wouldn't be able to see her smile again. Her laugh wouldn't sound the same over the phone; he would miss how she playfully pushed him when she told jokes, and the sweet taste of her flavored Chap Stick when they kissed.
"Come on Tom, we have to get back to the hotel and get ready to leave for tour tomorrow."
In his zombie state, Tom followed Bill through the airport, ignoring the squeals and cries of fan girls around him. He couldn't bother to stop to take a photo or sign autographs. He just wanted to get back to his bed and sleep the next several weeks away.
The car ride back to the hotel was silent, Bill wanted to comfort Tom but knew in his best interest to leave him alone. It hurt him to see his twin in pain. When they got to the hotel Bill tried to make conversation with Tom several times with no success. The elevator ride up to their floor felt long and Bill didn't like the different emotions he was feeling off of Tom. When the elevator doors opened Bill dragged Tom out of the elevator and into the hallway.
"Tomas! Please! I know it is upsetting, but you are worrying me." Bill pleaded.
"I just need some time to myself Bill."
Tom pushed Bill's hands off of his shoulders and slowly walked to his room. Once inside he pulled the curtains closed and turned off all the lights. He sat on the edge of his bed and kicked off his sneakers. He grabbed the oversize t-shirt that Emma put on in the morning and held it to his face. He could still smell traces of her on the garment and welcomed the tears that danced on his cheeks.