All Chapters of Nice to See You Again: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The ferry ride back felt different.Not because the ocean had changed or because Catalina looked any less beautiful as it disappeared behind us.Everything felt different because I wasn't leaving as Matt's girlfriend anymore.I was leaving as his fiancée.I couldn't stop looking down at the ring on my finger. Every few minutes I'd catch it sparkling in the sunlight and smile all over again.It was simple, elegant, and completely perfect.A white gold band held three small diamonds nestled side by side. I'd heard they were called trinity rings—the three stones symbolizing the past, the present, and the future.I couldn't think of a more fitting choice for us. We'd already built a lifetime of memories together, we were beginning a new chapter, and now we had forever to look forward to."I need to tell my mom," I said, pulling out my phone.My thumb hovered over her contact before I stopped.The excitement I'd been feeling all morning suddenly gave way to nerves.What if she thought we w

The drive to the airport was quieter than I expected.Matt rested one hand on the steering wheel while the other found mine resting on the center console.Neither of us said much.There didn't seem to be anything left to say.Every conversation we'd had over the past few months had led to this moment.We knew it wouldn't be easy.But we'd already planned how we'd get through it.We'd call each other as often as we could.Whenever we had the chance, we'd visit each other.During my school breaks, I'd fly home to see him.On long weekends, he'd come to Washington to see me.We had talked through every possibility.As far as we were concerned, the distance was only temporary.We were determined to make it work.When we pulled up to the terminal, Matt got out first and grabbed my suitcases from the trunk.I looked around at the busy entrance.Families hugged goodbye.Business travelers rushed through the sliding doors.Life kept moving.It felt strange that the biggest day of my life was

The weeks turned into months.Without realizing it, I'd settled into a routine.Classes.Homework.Phone calls.Sleep.Then I'd wake up and do it all over again.It wasn't a bad routine.It was just predictable.Matt's training became more demanding.Some days I'd barely hear from him until late at night.Other days, all I'd get was a quick text.Busy today. I'll call tonight.I always looked forward to those calls.One evening, I finished my homework early and kept glancing at my phone every few minutes.Nine o'clock came and went.Then ten.By eleven, I was still awake.I sent him a quick text.Everything okay?No response.I must've fallen asleep waiting.The next morning, I woke up to my phone buzzing beside my pillow.I'm so sorry. We got held late and I knocked out as soon as I got back. I didn't mean to miss our call.I read the message twice before replying.It's okay. Hope you're getting some rest.It wasn't a lie.I wasn't angry.I knew how hard he was working.Still...I'd

Matt did everything he could to make up for not being there.A few days before Christmas, boxes started arriving at my dorm.A scarf.My favorite chocolates.A matching wallet and purse.Even a customized snow globe with two people standing beneath falling snow.Every gift reminded me of how well he knew me.And how badly he wished he could be there.I smiled as I opened each one.I thanked him over the phone.I meant every word.But if I was being honest...I would've traded every single gift just to have him beside me.I'd have given anything to feel his arms around me.I picked up the tiny snow globe and gently shook it.The snow swirled around the little couple standing together beneath it.I wished that was us.Together.Holding each other.I smiled through watery eyes before setting it back on my desk.My phone buzzed.It was Sophie.The moment I answered, I was greeted by the sound of laughter.Someone shouted while kids ran through the background.Christmas music played merril

The house still smelled like her.Her favorite lavender candle sat on the coffee table, half melted.A mug rested beside the sink.Her reading glasses were folded neatly on the arm of the couch.It looked as if she'd walk into the room at any moment."Mom?"The word escaped before I could stop it.Silence answered me.My knees gave out.I collapsed onto the living room floor, clutching the edge of the couch as sob after sob ripped through me.This wasn't supposed to happen.I was supposed to graduate.Bring home my diploma.Watch her cry happy tears as she told everyone how proud she was.Instead...I was planning my mother's funeral.I barely had time to process that she was gone before the responsibilities began piling up.The next few days blurred together.There were forms to sign.Phone calls to answer.Flowers to order.People asking questions I never imagined I'd have to answer."What songs would your mother have wanted?""What color should the flowers be?""What would you like