READ NOVEL FREE Chapter 2: LAX Airport
The Los Angeles morning sun was still shyly greeting Dean as he drove his car to LAX International Airport. In the passenger seat, Eloise sat with her gaze wandering out the window. Today was the day she had to fly to Turkey, to Istanbul, a city that held so much history and culture, but also a city that would separate her and Dean for the next six months.
Dean's sigh sounded heavy. He glanced at Eloise, seeing the girl looking so fragile. Since last night, they had both tried hard not to get lost in sadness, but the atmosphere of the car felt so full of separation.
"Ready?" Dean asked, trying to sound cheerful.
Eloise turned her head, her smile forced. "I guess."
"Remember, if anything happens, let me know right away," Dean said again, his hand reaching out and holding Eloise's hand tightly.
"Of course, idiot," Eloise chuckled, trying to push away her sadness. "You too. Don't forget to give me news about your course updates, and don't forget to take care of your health, most importantly. I want you to be healthy when we meet, honey."
Dean smiled, his heart warmed hearing Eloise's chatter. He knew, the girl was trying to calm him down too.
When they arrived at the airport, they both got out of the car and Dean helped Eloise unpack her suitcase. The bustling airport air could not cover the silence that enveloped them both.
In front of the departure gate, Eloise hugged Dean tightly. "Six months, it feels like six years," she whispered.
Dean returned Eloise's hug just as tightly. "Six months or six years, I will still wait for you to come back," he answered in a hoarse voice.
Eloise released her hug, looking at Dean with teary eyes. "I booked the plane ticket a week ago, but I was so scared when this day came. I felt like I wasn't ready to be apart from you."
Dean smiled bitterly. He reached into his pocket and took out a small box. "I know you like chamomile tea, I bought this for you."
Eloise opened the box, her eyes sparkling seeing a set of beautiful chamomile tea cups and teapots. "Dean, this... is so beautiful," Eloise whispered.
"I hope this will keep you company when you miss me," Dean said. "And this," Dean took a silver bracelet from his pocket, "this is for you, hopefully it will remind you of me every time." The bracelet was engraved with the letters 'D' and 'E' intertwined.
Eloise hugged Dean again, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you, Dean. I don't know what to say."
"Don't cry, honey. We promised to be strong for each other," Dean wiped Eloise's tears away. "Remember, we'll always keep each other updated, no matter what. Whether it's about the traffic jams in Istanbul, or the strange food you tried, or even just 'I miss you'. We have to keep each other updated, okay?"
Eloise nodded, looking into Dean's eyes. "Promise," she said.
"Promise," Dean replied, kissing Eloise's forehead softly.
The neon lights of LAX lit up, casting a dim glow over the crowded gate area. The overhead speakers crackled to life, announcing her departure for the flight to Istanbul. Her heart pounded a little harder.
"Istanbul, huh?" Dean's voice was soft, a gentle rumble that always soothed her. He tried to smile, but it wavered at the edges. "Make sure to eat all the baklava you can stomach. And… don't forget to learn a few Turkish phrases. You know, besides 'Merhaba' and 'Teşekkür ederim.'"
Eloise laughed, a genuine sound that momentarily dispelled the mounting tension. "I'll try my best."
The final boarding call echoed through the terminal, a harsh reminder of their impending departure. Dean's hands fell from his face, and he hugged her tightly. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close as if trying to memorize every inch of her body. Eloise pressed her face into his shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of his leather jacket and the faint scent of his aftershave. The hug spoke of shared history, of unspoken understandings, and of the bittersweet reality of separation. A hug that said, "I'll miss you" more clearly than any words could.
He whispered in her ear, his voice full of emotion, "Goodbye, honey. Be brave. Take care of yourself. And don't forget about me." Eloise stepped back a little, her eyes already stinging. She squeezed Dean's hand tightly, her voice shaking slightly. "I'll see you soon." She turned, her heart aching, and walked toward the gate.
With each step, the awareness of her departure grew stronger, the weight of the feeling heavy. She glanced back once, catching Dean's silhouette in the bright lights of the terminal. Dean raised his hand in a silent wave, his figure receding into the crowd. As she boarded the plane, Eloise pressed her hand to the window, her gaze fixed on the expansive cityscape, a familiar landscape that held so many of their memories.