Nineteen: Bhorma

Three days later, she was leaving for Bhorma. She hadn't heard from Preston since that night, nor she had tried to contact him. There was a knock on the door, it was Preston. Standing with both hands on either side of the door frame. Looking at his beautiful face, she was relieved.

"Hi ... can I talk to you for a second?" She nodded and let him in. "Is Kelsey here?"

"No, she went out to get some last minute stuff," she said casually.

They stood facing each other awkwardly. He saw the suitcases, a sense of loss crept inside him. "Wow ... you're all packed and ready to go," he commented.

She sat on her bed and nodded, waiting to hear what he came to tell her. He sat next to her, and faced her. "I just want to tell you something ..." he began. "I understand your decision ... I'm okay with that ... I guess I was just selfish that I wanted you for myself, but I know one thing is for sure ... I want you in my life forever ... can I at least have that?"

She felt a pressure from behind her eyes, he was saying exactly what she wanted to say. He took her hand, "I love you, Julie, even though you don't think I know what it means ... I love you in every possible way a person can love another ... I just have to learn not to be selfish about it, because you're so important to me."

And with that, he earned the warmest hug she had ever give. "I'm so glad you feel that way ... I feel exactly the same way," she said with a few tears on her cheeks, tears of joy.

"Did you think I was going to disappear and we'd never see each other again?" there was a smile of relieved on his face. She wiped her tears and nodded. "You know you can't get rid of me, even if you try." He lifted his shirt and put her hand on his tattoo, right in the middle of his chest. "I made this in the summer ... the worst summer in my life, when you shut me out like we've never even been friends," he reminded her.

That made her laugh, "It's just a 'J' ... it could've been a Jacklyn or a John." He laughed, "It's enough to repel anyone who thinks they're going to have a serious relationship with me ... unless she's a 'J' ... I didn't really thought that through." They were all warm and cozy again.

Kelsey walked in on them hugging each other, "Awww ... that's so sweet, are you going to hug me like that too before I fly back here on Sunday?" She came over and hugged them too. "Come on, let's get our stuff in the taxi ... we don't wanna be late."

"I'll get your stuff down," Preston said. In just a short conversation with him, she was back being herself again. She was ready for her new adventure.

They stood by the taxi and hugged, really tight this time. "I love you," she told him. His eyes said a thousand words. "I'm glad you came today," she added.

"Me too ... I'll call you ... very often ... good luck, Jules, I know you'll do well."

"You too." They kissed each other on the cheeks and said their goodbyes.

**********

She texted Nathan before boarding the plane.

"Awesome, can't wait to see you. Have a safe flight." He responded.

When she turned to Kelsey, she was also texting on her phone, it was Zach. She turned her phone off afterwards and changed her SIM card to her original number. She didn't realize it was that serious. She pretended not to notice, but deep down she knew, the thing with Zach is not going to be over soon.

**********

It was an hour before sunset. The sun was still up, the island breeze blew against her hair. She can smell the scent of the ocean as she descended the stairs of the airplane. The vibe was calming, far from the seriousness of Gastonburry where the vibe felt more academic. Bhorma had a sense of easiness and vacational, even though she was there for work.

Tall, dark and handsome. He stood out among the crowd. He waved at her as he slid his way through at the arrival gate. He was smiling widely and gave her a warm lingering hug.

"I have a surprise for you," Julie said.

His eyes narrowed in suspicion and before she could tell him what it was, his attention shifted to a familiar figure that came through the automatic glass door.

"Oh my God! You didn't tell me you were coming?" He said when he caught Kelsey jumping to his embrace.

"Surprise!" Kelsey kissed him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"You're just in time for the sunset at Ardor, we should get to the car before it gets jammed at the exit."

She enjoyed the view from the back seat, completely detached from Kelsey's conversation with Nathan in the front. Her mind drifted away in the orange Bhorma sky. The birds flying by. People dressed in their summer clothes walked the streets, even though it was December. They drove through the narrow streets of grassy fields. It felt so far away from home, yet warm in her heart.

They arrived just in time to see the sky turning purple. The orange sun descended in the back of the vast sea that welcomed them right behind Ardor. The second floor balcony had four tables under umbrellas. It was windy, and she can hear the wave splashing against rocks from where she stood. The scenery took her breath away. The notion that this was going to be the place where she will spend most of her time for the next three months, put a smile on her face.

"I think I'm gonna like it here," she mumbled.

Nathan turned to look at her, "I hope so."

The day turned dark quickly. The waiters came outside to lit candles inside small glass lanterns on each tables, also the torches on every corner of the balcony. The lights from inside the restaurant penetrated the glass doors and windows. She looked around, "I can see myself working here every night before closing ... I really like what you did with the place."

"I should introduce you to everyone, they're setting up dinner for us, so you get to taste our signature meals and beverages before you start tomorrow." Nathan took them inside, pass the bar. "But first ..." he stood in front of the bar and picked up a fresh cup from the Barista, " ... coffee," he handed it to Julie. Exactly what she was hoping for. "And wine after dinner," Nathan said to Kelsey along with a peck on her cheek.