Chapter Text
Sam walks down the hallway in her house and leans on the door jam of Cassie’s room. As she watches Cassie throw the last few items in her suitcase, she asks “Cass, are you sure you have everything?”
“Yes, Aunt Sam, I’m sure.” Cassie starts to roll her eyes, but remembers that she wouldn’t see Sam for several months while she was away on her summer trip. And she knows Sam is just being protective. So instead she says, “Look, I know we won’t see each other for a while, but I’ll be fine. Natalie will be with me and we just want to have fun before school starts up. You know this is part of what Mom left me some money for.”
“I know, I know. I just worry and want you to be prepared,” Sam starts. “And, you know, have fun,” Sam says after a pause with a smile.
Once Cassie finishes zipping up her suitcase, she turns to face Sam saying, “I’ll miss you.”
“I will too, Cass. It’s going to be lonely here without you.”
“Isn’t Pete coming down to take you out on a date tonight?”
“Yes, but you know what I mean.”
Cassie just nods her head in understanding not really wanting to start up that conversation, or rather argument, again, and Cassie just let Sam’s words go. Cassie knows it’s been difficult after Sam’s father died, but she wishes Sam would finally figure things out and realize that Pete was the very wrong guy for her and there was a much better option available.
“Why don’t we head out to the airport now so that we’re not late?” Cassie asks instead. “I said I’d meet up with Natalie before we head into the airport anyway.”
Sam knew Cassie was changing the subject, but decided to let it go because she was still a little raw from their last argument about Pete several weeks back. And her Dad dying a couple of weeks before that. But Sam tried not to dwell in her grief, again, and instead concentrated on this exciting moment for Cassie, saying “Sure, Cassie. Let’s go.”
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Over an hour later, Sam and Cassie pull up to the Denver International Airport and get out of the car together to say their goodbye’s. As Sam drags Cassie’s luggage out of the trunk, Cassie starts to get sad. “I’m going to miss you, Aunt Sam.”
“I know, sweetie. But, we’ll talk all the time, ok? You’ve got to keep me updated on what you’re doing and send lots of photos!” Sam exclaims. “I know you and Natalie will have so much fun.”
“Will you at least try and have some fun too while I’m gone, Aunt Sam?”
“Oh Cassie, I have fun all the time. I’ll be fine.”
“Well it just seems like it’s been a while since you’ve been happy. I worry about you.”
“Cassie, I am happy. I swear,” Sam says trying to assure Cassie.
Cassie isn’t really buying it, but says “Ok, ok, if you say so. Before I start crying, I should head in and find Natalie. She texted saying she was inside already waiting for me.”
“All right, have tons of fun Cassie and I’ll see you in a couple of months,” Sam says holding back her own tears. “Text me when you land!”
“I will!” Cassie says with a big smile on her face. She reaches out to give Sam a huge hug and as they pull apart after a minute, Cassie says, “Aunt Sam, I know you’re still sad about your dad, but I hope you figure out why you’re so lonely lately.”
“Cassie, I’m fine. I’ll be fine.” Sam again tries to reassure Cassie.
“I know, you say that every time. But if you need to talk to someone, call me, ok?”
“I will, Cassie, and thank you. Now go find Natalie and go have fun!” Sam says smiling big at Cassie. Sam knew she’d miss her, a lot, but she also knew this was a big adventure for her. Sam only wished that she would have had the chance to do something like this when she was younger. But, maybe Pete and her could find somewhere to go on a short trip while Cassie was gone. That thought just left her cold with dread running down her spine. Again, deciding not to dwell on that feeling, she instead waves to Cassie when she turns around at the airport doors. After Cassie gets inside, Sam could see her running up to say hi to Natalie with a big hug. Knowing her job was done for now and Cassie was on her own, Sam gets back in the car to start the long drive back home and get ready for her date.