Lyrical Prologue: "This Song Saved My Life"- Simple Plan

(Note: This chapter is meant to be read while listening to the song it's named after. Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6IA_VWF36c

Nightcore version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5sLw1vg5_Q )

I didn’t see him anywhere. Was he even here? There were other flights he could’ve taken, and I wasn’t even sure if he was arriving at this airport.

It wasn’t a big deal, honestly. I knew where to meet him if I couldn’t find him here. But what if he wasn’t there yet? What if he had meant a different day? Or hadn’t been serious? What if-?

“You worry too much,” called a voice behind me. I turned around. It was him. I hadn’t seen him in-- a very, very long time.

“You’re here,” I said. Or at least, I tried too. My throat was so choked up, I didn’t know if he could understand a word I said.

“So are you,” he said, smiling, “But why are you crying? Am I that much uglier in person?” I couldn’t even laugh-- I just shook my head furiously and started sobbing.

He sighed and wrapped his arms around me, dropping his backpack. I clung to him, burying my head in his shoulder. People were probably staring, but I couldn’t bring myself to care

“I missed you,” he whispered in my ear, “How’ve you been doing?”

“Okay,” I muttered, lifting up my head and wiping my eyes. “I missed you, though.”

“Of course you did,” he said, smiling. “Who wouldn’t miss me? I’m awesome.” I let go of him and swatted his shoulder. He winced in mock pain.

“What? Did I hurt you?” I laughed.

“Just my pride,” he said, looking hurt. “So you don’t think I’m awesome?”

“Oh, you’re definitely awesome, don’t get me wrong,” I explained, “But that’s not why I’m here.”

“No?” he asked, looking confused, “Then why are you here?” My heart caught in my throat. Did he really not know? Had I misunderstood? Was there something else going on? Then I caught sight of the smirk on his face.

It took every ounce of self-control I had not to slap him.

“Would you stop it,” I said, but I couldn’t stay angry at him. He just laughed and gave me a look I didn’t understand.

“I told you you worry to much,” he said, “Of course I know why you’re here.” He hugged me again, and his bag hit my leg.

“Is this all you brought?” I asked, looking at the backpack that couldn’t possibly hold everything he needed.

“Yup,” he said, picking up the backpack and looking around for my own carry-on, “Let’s get your bag, and then we can get going. You ready for this?”

“Definitely,” I said, swinging my bag, and walking away “But I don’t know if you are.”

“What are you talking about?” He followed me, looking bewildered. I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Well,” I explained, “I still need to get my suitcase from baggage claim. I couldn’t get too much space on such short notice, but it’s still pretty heavy. I couldn’t possibly carry it.”

“Oh...kaay?” The poor guy looked so confused. I giggled

“Well, if you really want to do this, you’re the one who’ll have to carry my suitcase.”

“Alright. What’s the big deal?” We’d made it to the baggage claim. I pointed to a suitcase on one end. His eyes went wide, and his jaw hit the floor.

“Yeah, that one’s mine. We’ve got to get it before we can go,” I said, “Can you handle it?” He ruffled my hair.

“Handle the suitcase? Yeah, probably,” he sighed. “But you? I don’t think so.” I would’ve been hurt if I didn’t know that he was kidding.

“Too late,” I laughed, “You’re stuck with me now.” He laughed and went to grab the suitcase.

“I suppose I’ll manage,” he said when he came back. He took my hand and we left the airport, heading to….

Hey, do you remember?

Remember what?

You know!

Let’s see…I don’t remember much from back then, but I remember…

Yes?

The prissiest, bossiest little girl there ever was.

Well, I remember an obnoxious little boy who couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

How about later? What do you remember after that?

I remember a hurt, scared boy who didn’t know how to open up.

He was a jerk who didn’t know how lucky he was.

That’s just not true!

It is. But I remember the amazing girl who was always there for him.

Until she wasn’t.

That wasn’t her fault.

Yes, it was. But she made up for it.

Not that she had anything to make up for.

And…after that?

I remember the strongest young woman I’ve ever known. She still is.

Only because she had- and still has- the bravest young man in the world on her side.

I wouldn’t go that far.

I would. I couldn’t have made it this far without you.

Oh, really? That’s not how I remember the story.

Well, let’s remember how that story did go. You start, then, since you remember it so well.

Really? Where should I start?

Anywhere! Just pick a place and start!

Well, one morning, I turned on my phone and saw a text from someone I hadn’t spoken to in years.

Really? You’re starting there?

You told me to start anywhere!

Alright, start there. What happened next?

Well, you see....