A New world Called California Part 19

CHAPTER 19

The next day I decided it was time for a taste of home. I called my cousin Jessi and asked if she wanted to come visit. I don’t think she could have been any more excited then if she won the lottery. We arranged her flight time and what time I would need to be there to pick her up. Life was a constant party with her and I desperately needed some fun to take my mind off Justin.

I picker her up the next day from LAX. As soon as we saw each other we took off running towards one another. I hugged her hard and felt tears in my eyes. We pulled away from each other and I wiped my eyes. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice cracking.

“Oh Jessi, I’ve missed you so much.”

It was true. I hadn’t seen her since the day I left and with the exception of a few phone calls we hadn’t really talked.

“I’ve missed you too.” she said, a few tears leaking out of her eyes. “I’m happy to see you’re still in one piece. You look really good Kate.”

“Thanks.” I said. I knew that she was referring to the situation I was in when she said that. She knew better than anyone that I didn’t handle break ups very well. I had explained everything that had happened in our phone conversation the night before. “Well, lets get your bags.” I said after we had hugged again.

We found and collected her bags and made our way outside to my car. LAX was so crowded I wasn’t sure we’d be getting out anytime soon, but to my surprise we made it out without a problem. “You hungry?” I asked as we got onto the freeway.

“Yeah, I’m starving.” She said touching her stomach.

“Good so am I and I know this really great place that’s not too far from my house if you want to stop and drop your bags off their first.” I suggested.

“Kate we have to eat now I’m wasting away.”

I laughed. I was feeling better already.

We arrived at the restaurant. It happened to be my favorite place. The food was amazing, Justin and I had eaten here a few times, but that wasn’t going to stop me from enjoying it. We walked inside and were seated by a large window. This was even better than the private seating I though to myself. The window was facing the ocean and you could see the endless coastline and the sparkling blue water. I breathed a peaceful sigh as I opened my menu. At this moment as I stared out the window the endless coastline made me think of the endless possibilities my life had. Now was the time I needed to spend getting to know myself better. I need to come first I thought to myself, for once. There was no need to be caught up with one guy who didn’t really seem to care that much about me. “Wow.” Jessi said as she looked out the window.

“I know right.” I said.

We ate out lunch and brought each other up to speed on our lives with more detail than and phone conversation could provide. “So what are you going to do about the whole Justin situation?” she asked curiously.

“Absolutely nothing.” I answered smiling. “I think now I should just be on my own for a while besides I told him I didn’t want to talk to him. It’s over now.”

“Yeah,” she said, “I wouldn’t be so sure about it being over.”

“why’s that?” I asked confused.

“Well, because he is over there staring at you.” she said nodding her head towards the front of the restaurant.

“Shit,” I said “Lets get out of here.”

We had long since finished eating and the bill lay untouched on the table. I grabbed it and stuffed enough money for the food and tip inside. I grabbed my large Chanel purse and the two of us began to make our way out of the establishment. As we passed Justin, who was still standing in the entrance, a man bumped into me and I stumbled. As I was about to fall Justin caught me. He helped me up and I straightened myself and stood tall. I looked up at him. He hands were still holding me. A sad smile appeared on his face. “You ok?” he asked looking straight into my eyes.

“Yes,” I answered, my eyes staring straight back into his. “Well, I gotta go.” I said feeling uncomfortable.

“Right me too, but I’ll see you around?” He asked as a petite girl joined his side. She scowled at me.

“Maybe.” I said sadly as I watched the girl put her arm around him, but his eyes never left me. As Jessi and I walked out I turned around to see him gazing longingly after me.