Page 161 of Isolation

Through time, Raven reverted back to her old self. Her humor's back. The dark circles are gone. She even gained her curves back. Every time I go back to Paris, Raven is more vibrant. Full of life.

As am I. Every time I am with her, I am alive again. We are our best versions around each other.

So, at the beginning of the year we decided on another joint birthday party in Paris to celebrate our twenty-first birthday.

Mia and my parents flew in for the festivities. We celebrated that milestone together just like we always planned. Mia and I both stayed in Paris that summer.

Ever since my return from Paris, I went back to feeling like that hollow shell. I waited impatiently for my next trip with her; a New Year’s Eve trip to Barcelona.

Everyday closer to the trip was a struggle as the clock slowed down. I willed the ticking hands of the clock to move, to get me closer to my destination.

On the day of the trip I arrived at the airport four hours early, leaving no room for error to miss the flight.

You would think I’d be exhausted after an overnight flight. By the time I landed in Barcelona, it was like someone had dumped a bucket of cold water on me.

I was alert, cognizant, and breathing.

Our friends decided to celebrate New Year’s Eve at some annual fancy party called Poble Espanyol. It’s held in a castle so all of our friends are extremely excited.

But I am only here for one reason.

Today is the day I get to see Raven again.

Today is the day I get to feel again.

Like a kid on Christmas, I have been jittery for days. My flight landed an hour ago but I am waiting anxiously for Raven at the airport, so we can take a taxi together.

“Hey, stud!” I hear Raven. I turn around to see a mass of black hair running towards me.

“Hi beautiful,” I have barely got the words out when two arms wrap around my neck.

My heart stops. And then it starts again. It starts to beat so hard that I feel like it's going to break out of my chest.

“How was your flight?” Raven breaks contact to inquire.

“Long. Wanna get out of here?”

“Yup, let’s go.”

Exiting the airport, we hail a taxi to the Airbnb. None of our other friends are here yet. So, we meet with the owners to check in.

Afterward, Raven makes a beeline upstairs to change out of her clothes.

I am waitingimpatientlyfor Raven to come back downstairs. It’s only been a few minutes but her absence is already making this house way too quiet.

Where is she?

I tap my foot as I chug the beer I found in the refrigerator. The house is fully stocked with liquor and food. Finally, I hear her footsteps coming down the stairs.

“Already drinking?” She nods her head at my beer.

“The better question is, why aren’t you? We are on vacation.”

“Good point. Make me something.”

I grab the cocktail shaker and start working on a mixed drink.

There is something I have been meaning to ask her for months now. It's been in the back of my mind ever since we reunited. I have held off on this discussion for long enough. I need to clear the air.