It's You

Time Jump

Danny's POV

-----------------------------------

Dom was leaving.... we talked about this the past few nights, but today he is leaving. I told him that I was happy for him, that I knew this was going to make him happy and hoped for his success. Inside, I was heartbroken, but during our conversations we discussed that it would be better if we had no contact for a while. After all, I was graduating in December and I would be attending Berkley in January. These last few days have been hard to pretend that I am not going to miss him. I know more than once he could see it on my face, but we both enjoyed our time together. "I am going to miss you." I admitted, as I hugged him. His arms tighten around me, a feeling I am going to miss.

"I am going to miss you too!" he replied, looking down at me. I took a step back and he gets in the car, waves a final goodbye to his parents and pulls out of the driveway. We all stood there for several minutes before we all hugged each other and went inside for the evening. His uncle only lives 5 hours away from his parents in Elk Springs, but still not a reasonable day trip!

Missy and I have a calm summer. We hung out at a local coffee shop with Alex in the morning to complete our summer courses so that we can graduate in December. I have taken to calling Mr. & Mrs. Baker, Momma C & Poppa J, we all agreed that we are family and I could call them Cathy & John. However, I didn't feel right calling my parents best friends and the people that did everything they could to get me through the death of my family by their first names. They are my Momma C & Poppa J, and they happily accept their new titles with pride!!

Alex and I have been accepted to Berkley. Missy will be at UCLA, her second choice. We all wanted to go to Berkley together so we could all live together. Alex will be my roommate. We have the cutest little apartment right off campus, not far from local hotspots. Before we know it, Thanksgiving is in 2 days and Momma C is yelling at someone on the phone. She hangs up and tosses her phone on the counter with a huff. "Mom, is everything OK?" Missy asks, approaching her mom.

"Yes, I'm fine" she says, "Your brother won't be home for Thanksgiving, and apparently not Christmas either." She lets a tear fall down her cheek.

"I'm sorry Mom! I am going to call him!!" Missy says, pulling out her phone. They had a tradition to keep up with and break the wishbone together.

"No Missy, just leave it." Her mom says sternly... "He'll come home when he is ready." She leaves the room, heading for the master bedroom. Missy gives me a look and i know she is going to call him anyway. Sure enough, she clicks a few buttons on her phone, then she waits... She yells as soon as he answers. She reminds him of his promise to come back for thanksgiving. Nothing seems to be working for her, her pouting, pleading, and even her guilt trip does nothing to indicate she is hearing what she wants."Fine f**k you Dom!!"

"I don't even know what to say, Missy, I am sorry he isn't coming back." I said "Is he busy with school and work?"

"No, apparently his new girlfriend wants him to come to her parents' for Thanksgiving and Christmas." She says, looking shocked. "He is such a d**k!" I can't even respond. Missy storms off up stairs and I head to the porch and shoot Alex a text.

Text Message

Me- Dom has a gf!

Alex- Are you serious?

Me- YES!! He called and said he wasn't coming home for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Missy got mad and called him.

Alex- Have you talked to him?

Me- Not for a long time. Do you think he found out?

Alex- If you didn't tell him and I didn't tell him... I dont think he found out! it has been 6 months.... Maybe you should start dating when we get to Cali!! You have to make your own happiness babygirl!!

Me- Yeah maybe we both should!! 5 weeks and counting.

Alex- Speaking of which, I gotta get some more shopping done!! I'll call you tomorrow so we can meet up and get what we need! Love ya!

Me- K, Love you too!

7 Years Later

Danny's POV

------------------------------------

I haven't been home in 7 years. I couldn't go back for holidays. I mean I logistically could have, but i haven't. Missy is getting married and I have to be there for her! After all, she did so amazing for my wedding! It was 4 years ago, and Missy worked with the wedding planner on everything with Momma C. They were determined to give me a fairytale wedding and Poppa J walked me down the aisle and even cried. We were so happy and Missy surprised us with a 3-day honeymoon in Disney Land. It was amazing. I graduated with my Masters in Social work and got offered a great job with the State of California. Right after my 21st birthday he was in a car accident and didn't survive. It's been almost 3 years. We didn't get much time together, but I was happy again for a brief moment and it was snatched away again. Maybe I am not meant for love. I will never fall in love again, not ever. I cannot go through that pain again.

I put my bags in the trunk of the taxi and he pulled away from my building. I called Missy to let her know that I was heading to the airport. She reassures me that there will be a car waiting for me and I won't have to worry about a taxi. I end the call and put my head against the seat. "You are so amazing Danny" he says, looking deep into my eyes. "Never forget that!" Then his mouth is on mine, desperately trying to memorize every feeling he gives me. The taste of his lips, the sound of his deep groan when I kiss and suck on his neck. We are pulling each other's clothes off with ease as he guides me to the bed and slowly lays me down. He slowly removes my pants and underwear and he starts at my ankle, leaving kisses on my calves straight up to the sweet spots and...... "Ma'am, we are at the Airport........... Ma'am" .... My eyes shot open to see the cab driver staring in the rearview mirror.

"Thank you" I said, quickly paying the man, and he kindly helped me get the last bag out of the trunk. The plane ride is quick, thankfully, and I am waiting for my bags when a tingle goes up my spine. I took a look around all the people in the baggage claim area. Near the escalators there are swarms of people heading to all areas of the airport heading to their flights or trying to get their luggage. Nothing looks out of the ordinary, but I can't shake the creepy feeling! Once I spotted my bags, I grabbed them and headed to the exit for the pick-up area Missy told me to go to.

I grab my phone out of my pocket and call Missy.

"Hey I landed, where are you?" I asked, looking around, trying to find anyone familiar.

"He should be there. Are you sure you haven't seen him?" she asks. "I told him the exact pick-up time!!"

"Is Ryan coming to get me or am I looking for Poppa J?" I asked, "I do not see a black SUV, Missy!"

"I just sent him a text and he swears he is there, stay put. He will find you... but i gotta go! See you soon!! Love you" Click.... she just hung up... I had no idea who to look for and she said stay put.... Oh, if it wasn't for her wedding I would be back on that plan, but she's my best friend for better or worse, and she has definitely seen me at my worst!

About 15 minutes later, I see him, leaning against a black SUV in the parking complex, not the pick-up line. Instant butterflies, he is more sexy than he was 7 years ago when I gave him my virginity. He looked taller, definitely more muscular, tattoos covering his arms, a scar right over his left eyebrow. I realized that I was staring, I grabbed my bags and made my way across the pick-up line and into the parking lot, trying to forget about the dream I had in the taxi! He had the back open and I put my bags in. "So, Can I have a hug?" he asked. I caught him giving my body a once over with his eyes. It makes my n*****s hard wondering what he thinks. I have kept myself inshape. I hit the gym every morning before work. However, since James, I don't bother with make-up unless it is for a special event.

"Sure! Its been a long time" I said, smiling at him, as he wrapped me in his arms. I couldnt believe the reaction I was having to this man!! I am not a crazy-love-sick teenager anymore and I should be able to control this. I was getting turned on by a hug, a f*****g hug, really?? He breaks the hug and looks straight into my eyes.

"It's been too long", he says and gets into the driver's seat. Once I have my seatbelt on and we are out of the congested airport, I catch him up on some of the work I have been doing with the state trying to get more facilities built for orphaned children. He doesn't say much about himself other than he has his own bike shop and is getting ready to buy a dealership.

"Sounds like you are doing great!" I said, and I am genuinely happy for him.

"Off saving the world and s**t!" she says "I am so proud of you". I can feel myself blushing and look out the window. Thankfully, we got to the lake house quickly and I can distract myself from Mr. Sexy pants who smells so good I wanna re think my no s*x in cars rule! Plus my rule of leaving Dom alone and not letting myself go down that road with him again. I leave my bags and run for the house, straight into the rec room to find Missy and Momma C. They fill me in on everything that's happened so far and Missy is over the moon that nothing has gone wrong. Dom walks into the room and twirls Missy around as she squeals with happiness that her brother finally came home to see her after 7 years of visiting him.

I never knew he wouldn't come back home.