My brain went blank until Gabby looked at me and said "Hi" just one simple word which I returned with just another "Hi" but it still felt like it meant everything.
Gabby walked over and wrapped her arms around me tightly then said "oh my god you're real. you're real and you're really here"
"You are too" I said breathing in the familiar, comforting scent she carried.
She pulled away which for a moment made me ache for her arms to be around me again but she reached up and grabbed my face, I was finally gonna get the kiss I had been waiting my whole life for, I was about to lean in but she began talking again "you've changed an-and you're taller" She said her eyes looking over my face.
"you look-" I began but was interrupted by
"DINNER TIME!" As soon as she said it Gabby let her hands fall
"sit by me?" She said before walking into the dinning room leaving me standing there breathless
"Be careful" Jared said as he passed me "time changes people"
I ignored what he said and walked into the dinning room, which to my surprise hadn't changed a bit, I took the seat next to Gabby as they began passing sides around the table.
"So Gabrielle, hows school?" My mom asked
"its tolerable" She laughed "i'm kidding my school is actually pretty awesome"
"well that's good, are you involved in any activities?"
"not at the moment, but i was thinking of trying out for a play" she said then took a sip of water
"Do you have a boyfriend? Because I know Dustin is single" my mother said earning a horrified look from me.
Gabby choked on her water "oh um sorry. yeah his name is Josh"
After that all i heard was a ringing in my ears accompanied by her words and the thumping of my heart, I felt like someone had ripped my lungs and heart out. i was aware of Jared looking at me from across the table as if he were saying 'I told you so'
"How long are y'all visiting?" Gabby asked
"actually we are moving back, i talked to the company and they said they could transfer me here if i take a trip back to the central office once a month" my dad explained
she looked like she was about to say something but she just opened her mouth then reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone then her eyes widened "shit." she mumbled under her breath "hey mom, would you mind if Dusty and I went to go hang out with Lani and Josh? If their staying wouldn't be nice to meet some people first?"
"Ask his parents"
"well its fine with me" mom said
"no problem here" my dad agreed
"Coolio, let me get changed and we can go" she said
"ok" I said then waited in the living room for her to return.
"Thanks for waiting" she grabbed my hand and ran to the front door swiping her keys and her purse on the way out the door.