Free Waiting for Something by Whitney Tyrrell Page B

him. I’m happy and all. Carter is great and all. We’re doing great, I guess. So here I am awkwardly visiting my past. 
                  I headed over to their place and as I pulled into the driveway I grabbed the letter I wrote him. I held it tightly and got out of the car watching Jake bring a bag out and place it in the car that was picking him up to take him to the airport. The eye contact we made was grueling. I was wearing a pair of skinny jeans, a v-neck sweater and some converse. He seemed to look twice. I walked in through the open door and his parents were sitting in the living room with Carter.
                  “Hey, baby” he came over and hugged me.
                  “Oh, Ali, thank you for coming today. You’re such a sweetheart.” His mom got up and hugged me gently.
                  “Of course,” I smiled weakly.
                  “What’s that?” Carter saw the letter I had in my hand.
                  “Oh I have to go to the post office and didn’t want to forget,” I lied. He clearly didn’t notice. He was too worked up. I could tell he was emotional.
                  “You’re such a goof. He’s leaving like right now, so we should go and say goodbye.” He put his arm around me and we went outside.
                  His parents awkwardly said goodbye first. He didn’t even show any sadness and neither did they. But when Carter hugged Jake, they both teared up. I don’t know what they shared between their whispers but I knew it went to the core of both of their emotions. I didn’t hug him or anything and no one expected me to really, I guess. Carter walked inside and so did his parents. I told them I had to get something from my car so they went in without me. I saw Jake open the door on the passenger side and I quickly grabbed his arm.
                  “Jake, I want you to read this. Wait until you get in the car to read it,” I gave him the letter and he took it.
                  “Thanks. Keep an eye on Carter for me,” he forced an awkward smile.
                  “I’ll try. Stay safe.” I felt myself get emotional.
                  “It’s just basic training. Don’t be a goof,” he grinned.
                  “I’ll miss you.” I felt a lump form in my throat.
                  “Ditto. I’ve missed you since you said goodbye,” he whispered.
                  “Well, good luck.” I sniffled a little and got my composure back.
                  “Fuck it.” He grabbed my hips and pulled me in. Without any hesitation, he kissed me. It beat all the other kisses we shared and it beat every single kiss with Carter and that’s when I just knew. I knew that I had to end things with Carter. My heart was Jake’s and only his.
                  “You never cease to amaze me, Jake Thomas,” I pulled back and let myself get a little weak.              
                  “I’ll see you when I get back. Don’t change a bit, Ali Cat.” He gave me one more quick peck and got in the car.
    I felt my heart leave when the car backed out of the driveway and when I saw him open the letter my breath hitched. He had my heart and I knew I had his.
    Jake,
                  I don’t know how to say this but the only reason we ever stopped talking was my fault & I regret it every single day of my life. I valued our friendship more than anything I’ve ever valued. I had a solo this year and it was to the song “Mr.Brightside” and I feel like that song was you singing to me. I wasn’t meant to end up with Carter but it happened. I want you to know that no matter what happens between us now, I know that someday we’ll end up next to each other & I’m waiting for you until then. Somehow we’ll be together. It’s fate or destiny or whatever you want to