It was a hot and humid Florida morning. Although it was the beginning of the summer, the mornings were still sticky and uncomfortable. I hated the summers here but every other “season” was alright. Well, I say the word season sparingly considering this hot and desolate place only had scorching and scorching with a spice of hurricane season. While attending college here and living in my multiple apartments, I had come to live through many hurricanes--some were worse than others but nothing prepared me for the sheer amount of panic buying that happened here. Even when I lived up north and we had blizzards, it was never this bad. Floridians were just another species to mankind. 

I wiped my forehead with the sleeve of my shirt to try and relieve my sweaty face. I was packing to hit the road soon. The sun was barely peeking above the horizon but it was still so warm. The oranges and reds that bleed into the dark ebony was truly a beautiful sight. I did love Florida for its sunrises and sunsets.

I breathed in a huge guff of humid air and exhaled deeply while I slammed the car trunk. I was struggling to hold my phone between my shoulder and ear. 

“Are you even listening to me Noah?” I could hear the irritation in Stacie’s voice. She was an early riser for her job so she decided to call me before I headed off.

“Sorry Stace,” I let out a pity laugh. “I’m just trying to distract myself from my nerves by thinking of mundane things like the sky.” She knew I was anxious about going back to my hometown for the first time in 8 years. Even with the holidays, I had my folks come to me--they didn’t object. They preferred to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas in 70 (21C) degree weather than the 10 (-12C) degree weather of the frigid north.

“You’ll have to face that jackass sooner or later.” She deadpanned. I could just imagine her dark brown eyes losing all their sparkle and her flipping her long black hair dramatically. 

If there was anyone who disliked Dylan more than me, it was Stacie. She knew the whole story and knew why I avoided my home state. We have been best friends since my Freshman year of college. I had gotten myself a part time job at a local coffee shop and she happened to work there too. Stacie was a few years older than me--29 to be exact. She treated me like her little brother sometimes with how overprotective she was, but she was also extremely encouraging. She’s the main reason I had the courage to take my ex boyfriend to my parents and come out to them.

I have a lot to thank her for. We were platonic soulmates. 

“I’m really sorry I couldn’t be there to send you off! But you know how busy I am with work and with Lilian. She’s really going through it with her dissertation for her psych doc.” She blew out a huff of air. It created a bit of static in the phone. “I know it’s going to be difficult for you and I wished I could go to New Hampshire with you.” 

Lilian was Stacie’s wife. Lilian was in the middle of trying to get her Doctorate degree while also working a full time job. They were a busy hive of bees right now and even this conversation I was currently having with my best friend was rare. I was lucky to even have this. I was grateful.

I was smiling while I hopped into the driver’s seat. I held my phone with my hand as I spoke, “Oh Stace I get it. I’m not a kid.” I smirked at my words because I still very much slept with a stuffed teddy bear. “I’m glad you even called me. I know I’ll have to see Dylan, and part of me hopes he’ll be different. But, if I’m being honest, some people never change. I’m not expecting much of anything. To be real with you, Stace, I expect him to scream at me and throw some hands my way.” I placed the phone in the nook between my shoulder and head once again. I started my car and turned up the AC to max. 

“Says the grown man who sleeps with a teddy bear,” She jabbed at me. 

“Oh wow fuck off Stacie,” I joked with a grin plastered on my face.

On the other line I heard a cackle. “Man I’m going to miss you No. The summer won’t be the same without you. Maybe when things cool down here I’ll fly up to see you.” Stacie sadly smiled, knowing she’s really going to miss her best friend. “But if anything like that does happen,” She was referring to a possible physical altercation, “Then I’m dropping everything and going up there to kick his ass.” 

I snorted a laugh because I knew she was dead serious. “Well when doom’s day happens I’ll definitely let you know, Stace.” I peered over the time and noticed it was almost 7am. I had to get going but found it difficult to hang up. Hanging up meant my trip was a reality. It meant that I was about to head back to my childhood town and have to face the demons I desperately tried to run away from. Even after all these years, I still wasn’t ready to face my past head on. 

“You better let me know!” She said half threatening and half lovingly. “Well No, I have to get ready for work here but I love you and I wish you a safe drive. Please let me know when you get there!” 

Shit I guess reality is coming now. 

“I will Stace. I love you too. Have a good day.”

With our goodbyes, it meant I had to hit the road. I sunk into my seat letting out a huge sigh. You can do this Noah. I tried to reassure myself while hooking up my aux cord. If I was going to be stuck in a car for 18 hours might as well jam out to my favorite tunes. 

It’ll be okay Noah. You can make it in one piece and who knows? Maybe he moved away and lives in Norway now! I joked to myself trying to sound convincing but I knew that bastard didn’t leave. He always told me he’d never leave.

For fucksake, I hope I can make it through this summer. 

I put my car in drive and sped off heading for the highway.