Chapter 24

The rest of the evening Cameron and I spent finishing my packing, well I packed, and he spent his time eating up all of my sour patch kids.

Neither of us brought up the topic of Taylor and I or his previous record with relationships. I can't help but let my mind wander, what makes me different a from those other girls? am I different from the others? I'm nothing special, I'm not all that pretty, I'm not funny, I'm not skinny, I carry loads of baggage, hell I'm nothing.

Why should I be any different?

And some part of my brain was screaming at me that I wasn't different, taunting me, that some way some how I will end up exactly as those girls did, heartbroken and alone.

After all of my luggage was packed and ready to go Cameron and I said a quick goodbye, saving all of the mushy goodbyes for tomorrow at the airport. I hugged him tightly and he squeezed me close against his chest, the fragrance of his cologne engulfed me. I always loved the way Cameron smelled, a mixture of Hollister and green apples. I contemplated often on where the green apple odor originated from maybe it was his shampoo or body wash I wasn't quite sure but it was a delightful smell that always seemed to calm me and bring me peace for some odd reason.

Taylor still wasn't back yet and neither was Haley. I was all alone, although I didn't mind. I grabbed my night clothing and made my way to the bathroom. I ran myself a hot bubble bath and just relaxed my exhausted muscles from a full day of endless packing.

After about an hour of laying in the luxurious tub I could feel my eyes began to droop and become heavy. I exited the tub and dressed in my favorite pair of red and blue plaid pajama bottoms and a plain blue tank top. I brushed through my long tangled waves and left them hanging down my back stoping below the middle of my back. I brushed my teeth and by this point I could barely hold my eyes open. I returned all of my bathroom materials back to my toiletry bag I had already packed and left sitting on the bathroom counter.

I pulled back the covers and crawled into my side of the bed. I tried adjusting to make myself comfortable, but somehow nothing seemed to work although I was beyond tired sleep just wouldn't come. I felt empty without Taylor's arms wrapped around me making me feel safe and secure.

I lai on my back staring up a the white popcorned ceiling. My mind wandering through an endless maze of my thoughts.

I heard the slight click of the door opening and I looked over to see Taylor try quietly to make his way through the bags placed by the door although he failed miserably and tripped several times and with each time he let out a few curse words.

I couldn't help but giggle.

"Parker, I'm sorry did I wake you?" he said as he finally made his was to the side of the bed and realized I was still awake.

"No. I was just laying here."

"Oh can't sleep?" he asked.

"No" I sighed and he climbed in beside me wrapping his toned arms around me, I could feel his body heat radiating off of him. He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead and then my lips and that was all it took for me to find my comfort and finally drift off into a dreamless sleep.

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Taylor and I both woke early the next morning it was still dark out when our alarms began to ring in unison.

Taylor groaned as he unwrapped his arms from around my waist and rolled over to turn the god awful continuous ring off and I did the same.

This is it.

Today's the day.

I have to say goodbye to my best friend since kindergarden and goodbye to the most gorgeous city and to the summer of my life.

Summer was nearly over, tans will begin to fade, tank tops will be replaced by coats and sweaters. the radiant heat will become an autumn breeze. The green leaves will fade into warm reds, orange, and yellow. I was never a fan of the transition between summer and fall.

And the changes this fall will bring for me will be life changing.

I couldn't help but feel slightly sad and emotional to be leaving all of this behind. Haley, California, and a part of me was hurting as my thoughts directed towards my mom.

The memories we once shared. And the pain that that is all they are nothing more than memories. My mother is not my mom, she's changed. She's not the same woman who raised me.

You see, my mother was like the summer... warm, adventurous, fun. But she's transitioned into a new season. She's now the winter... cold and frigid.

Taylor turned back to face me propping himself up on his elbow.

"Goodmorning princess"

I let out a loud uncontrollable laugh I'm sure everyone on the floor could hear it.

"What are you laughing at?" he asked.

"What... did... you... call... me?" I asked in between fits of laughter.

"Princess?" he asked unsure of himself.

I began laughing even harder than before.

"Why is that so funny?"

"Don't ever call me that." I laughed. "It sounds so weird an awkward."

"Whatever you say princess" he said before leaning in and pressing his lips to mine stopping my obnoxious laughter. The kiss was quickly heated and escalated swiftly. the kiss turned from passionate and gentle to sloppy and lustful. My hands found their way up his shirt, I traced the outline of his vline causing a low grunt to escape his mouth. His hands cupped my breasts as he rolled over now on top of me.

His lips trailed down my jawline to the sweet spot on my neck making me moan in pleasure.

"Taylor" I gasped. "Stop. We can't. We have to get to the airport."

"We can reschedule our flight."

"No. I want to say goodbye to the others."

"Fine." he sighed and pecked my lips one last time before rolling off of me and jumping into the shower.

I crawled from the warmth of my bed and began changing into the clothes I already had laid out, a pair of back sweats and my Cameron Dallas hoodie. It was always cold on planes at least it was on the plane ride here.

I brushed my hair and put it up into a messy bun I applied just a but of mascara to my lashes just so I wouldn't look completely like death. I put on my black vans and started putting my bags together and checking my mental check list to make sure I wasn't leaving anything.

I grabbed my phone from the night stand an out it in the front pocket of my hoodie and wrapped my charger up before putting it in my carry on bag.

It looks like I have everything.

I'm ready to go.

I debated on waiting for Taylor or just going ahead and putting my bags in the van and going for coffee. I was gonna need something to keep me going today, my energy level was below zero especially after the morning make out session with Caniff.

After several minutes of pondering over my options I decided to head on out. I yelled through the bathroom door telling Taylor my plans and he answered saying he would be down as soon as he dressed.

I grabbed as many bags as I could carry in my arms and headed out the door for the elevator.

When I reached the lobby Matt, Haley, Cameron, Nash, Sammy, the Jacks, and Dillon were already there waiting with their bags.

"Parkie" Haley yelled as she ran and wrapped me in a hug.

"Hey babe" I replied.

I greeted the others and we took our bags to the van that was specifically for all of our luggage.

After everything was stacked securely in the van.

We all went for a morning coffee, well those of us who drank it.

We walked just around the corner to the nearest Starbucks, it was packed with angry customers from the long line ahead of them and the new trainee who was taking far too long to make a simple French Vanilla Cappuccino.

We found our place at the back of the line as your average normal human being would do.

After waiting in line for what seemed like ages we all finally had our signature cups of deliciousness.

We got back to the hotel quickly and the rest of the group was waiting patiently for our return.

Here it comes.

The moment I've been dreading all summer. I wasn't ready to leave. I didn't WANT to leave.

There's that old saying 'all good things come to an end' and I've learned that lesson in more than one occasion.

Why should this be any different?