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“Welcome back,” Jackson said simply, with zero emotion on his face, and stuck out a hand towards Toby. He released his father and quickly shook it, stunned at the politeness in which it was offered. He didn’t expect that – he expected to get tossed out of here on his nose physically for once sniffing around the man’s daughter.
Perhaps those days were past them?
Everyone walked together in a group, asking tons of questions and patting him on the back several times. It was a truly welcome homecoming that was touching. He knew he would see his brother and sister soon – and catching a ride with his parents, he could rest a bit and refresh himself before facing his past.
Samantha.
He did not know what to expect, but either way, he was preparing himself mentally for the pain and heartbreak that would soon follow. He’d never gotten over his crush and she had never shown the slightest interest in him ever…
It was going to hurt so much to see her – especially if she had a family of her own now or a husband. He still thought of her, still wondered, and hoped she was doing well, but another part of him was resentful because she’d pushed him away so easily, for so long, never giving him a chance.
5
Samantha took several deep breaths, reviewing her mother’s text messages again, trying to calm the flurry of memories and panic within her.
Toby is here!
Oh honey – he’s such a sweetheart… and so nice…
What time are you coming over?
I ordered pizza for everyone…
Are you getting my text messages? Toby sure has changed a lot…
Hello?
She started to text her mother back, to tell her she wasn’t coming, but knew there would be no avoiding Tobias Saxon at any point within the next few weeks. Toby's parents sent her the graduation announcement in the mail. She knew Caspar was graduating from medical school – and his parents were thrilled.
How could she not attend when they came to her own graduation?
It was a moment of happiness and pride hearing people cheering in the auditorium when she walked across the stage… especially when she was fearful it would only be a few people. No, her parents had an entourage there – everyone they knew, their children, and their friends had shown up to create a massive roar in approval when she accepted her diploma…
How could she do any less?
Mom, just closed the office – will be there soon – not sure how long I’ll stay tho…
Are you okay, baby?
Tired…
See you soon, my little fawn! XOXO
Samantha smiled at the pet name from her mother that had stuck since she was four years old. Bambi had been her favorite Disney movie, and she insisted on dressing up as Faline, the tiny girl deer from the movie. Looking back, she could have been anything… Flower, Thumper (like her father’s call sign), or Bambi himself… but noooo?
She had to be Faline.
Her mother had taken a Bambi costume, put little pink circles on the mask’s cheeks, and a bow on the costume just to placate her. Ever since then, her mother called her a little ‘fawn’ to where when Samantha got her pilot’s license… her call sign she selected was Faline. It was even on her Flyboys name tag when she filled in or helped in the office.
Sighing, Samantha put the car into reverse and slowly backed out of the parking lot, before putting the vehicle into drive and heading down the road… facing her past.
Getting out of her car, Samantha saw the planes parked on the tarmac nearby and swallowed hard. For the longest time, she had been so nervous anytime she saw a ‘new’ plane show up, and it took a bit to realize that this was her parents’ business, their friends, and she had to quit fearing seeing Toby once again.
The man was avoiding her as much as she was avoiding him.
As she walked up, it was just in time to see her mother’s frown – as well as her aunt and uncle’s tight expressions.
“What’s wrong?”
