CHAPTER 12: SOMETHING OLD

"We don't need you to drive us to the airport, Mom. Everything is fine, and we've already rented a car," I say, aware that only about half of the people are actually listening while the others scramble to pack at the last minute.

"But we want to be there to see you off," my mother insists, her voice leaving no room for argument. She called to ask for directions on where to meet us.

"We?" I ask, trying to make her tone less pleading.

"Yes, all of us. Will, Will, Hannah, and I. We all want to see you off," she declares as if there were no other option.

"We'll see each other at the wedding in six weeks. Plus, we just saw each other yesterday. We swam, talked, and did all sorts of things," I reply, now not even bothering to pack, but instead, trying my best to dissuade my mother from coming to the airport to bid us farewell.

Mark exits the bathroom with his toiletry bag. "Are you still getting ready?" he asks, his tone implying, "You're taking forever."

"I'm on the phone with my mom!