Home again

All too soon, it was time to fly home. Kai and Shawn had gone to the park, but I had said goodbye earlier. Joy drove me back out the airport. We had a laugh in the car doing our own version of James Corden's Carpool Karaoke. She walked me right through the airport, right up to security.

Joy turned to face me. "Thank you so much for visiting this weekend, Jess. I've really enjoyed getting to know my little sister!"

I smiled, "Thank you so much for having me."

"Anytime." Joy replied, smiling. "And thank you for telling me about Jason, I know that can't have been easy."

I smiled again, "It's all in the past now. I've got to keep looking to the future."

"That's very true, but if you ever need someone to talk to and you can't talk to your parents, you've got me."

I hugged her tightly. "Thanks Joy!" I said into her ear. "Thanks a million!"

"Anytime, Jess, anytime." She pulled away and held my shoulders. "You give Dad a big hug from me and tell him I'll come Capitol way soon."

I smiled, "I will!"

"Oh and good luck with the college application! If you need a recommendation, let me know. I can use my married name!"

"Thanks Joy, for everything. I never knew what having a sister was like until I got to know you and I'm loving every second of it."

"Me too. I'm so grateful for everything."

I hugged her one last time and then I headed off through security and into the waiting lounge. I pulled out my phone and called Dad.

This is Rossi.

"Dad, it's Jess."

Hey, it's my baby daughter. How are you?

"I'm fine thanks. Just waiting to board the plane home."

That's good. How was the weekend with Joy?

"Oh man! It was amazing! I had the best time!"

Dad chuckled on the end of the phone. I'm glad. I told you that you would have fun.

"I'm so glad that I went. Joy is a lovely person and Kai is the cutest kid since Henry and Michael!"

I know right. It's those Rossi genes.

"I wouldn't go that far, Dad. Shawn had a say in it too."

But just then I heard JJ's voice on the end of Dad's phone; Dave, we're about to deliver the profile.

"You're on a case?" I asked.

Dad sighed, Yeah, got called out not long after you left actually. But as much as I hate it, I gotta run kiddo. Give us a call when you land. Mom should be there to pick you up, if not, I'm sure Aaron will.

"Cheers Dad and good luck. Not that you'll need it cause you're the best!"

Haha! Thanks bambina. I love you loads.

"I love you too, Dad. Stay safe!" and he hung up.

The flight home went faster than the flight out there. Walking through the arrivals lounge, I scanned the crowd for my mom's face. Just when I thought I would have to call Aaron to come and get me, I heard a voice shout "Jessica!" and I spun round to look. There was my mom, standing in the crowd, waving like mad. I began to walk, then my walk got faster and before I knew it, I was running over to my mom. I flung my arms around her neck and hugged her as if I hadn't seen her in a million years.

"I love you Mom!" I said into her shoulder, "Never forget that I love you, no matter what!"

"I love you too, sweet girl, I love you too."

I pulled away to look at her, "Let's go home!" and we walked out of the airport together.

THE END