BR - Abroad!

So the journey to Beth’s home isn’t quite as magical as you thought it might be. Long plane flights aren’t fun to begin with, and Beth is acting weird. It doesn’t sound like she’s on bad terms with her mother, although she seems exasperated by her. She’s tightlipped during the journey, though. Usually she’s open and approachable, but suddenly she seems closed off. You have never seen her like this and it’s very uncomfortable.

Flying first class helps a bit, and it’s lucky that FUTA made everyone get a passport as soon as you signed your contract. Beth drinks a lot on the plane rides. You were picturing this being somehow glitzy, with maybe some nice hotel rooms along the way or something…

But it’s just planes with Beth leaning on, you snoozing drunkenly. You don’t mind that part, but you’re still uneasy.

You land at Birmingham International Airport, and Beth has sobered up for this last leg of the trip. At the baggage claim, she wraps her arms around you without warning and squeezes.

“I’m sorry,” she says, her voice muffled by your chest.

“For god’s sake,” you say, bewildered. “What is wrong?”

“It’s me,” she says miserably.

“What’s the problem?” You are really worried now.

She looks up at you, and her face is all guilt.

“I…” She takes a very deep breath. “I haven’t told mum that I’m seeing a girl.”

You blink several times. “But, uh… you told her you were bringing me.” You heard Beth tell her mother that on the phone.

“Right. I’ve told her about you. My, um…” Beth clears her throat and looks away. “American friend.”

You feel like you should be angry, but you’re just at a loss. You gape at her.

“She thinks we’re just besties?” you say finally.

“No… she thinks I’m besties with Lara,” Beth says, avoiding your eyes.

“Oh my god.” You put your face in your hands. “And you’re going to tell her?” And you’re going to have to watch? You cringe.

“Er…”

You freeze and your blood runs cold. You look between your fingers at her.

“You are going to tell her, right?” you say, glaring at her.

“I don’t, er, I…” She’s making a face. “I will,” she says. “I will. I just don’t know that I’m ready right, er, right now.”

“Oh my god,” you say faintly, gazing into her eyes.

She crumbles under your gaze. “Darling,” she whines, wrapping her arms around you. “Don’t be upset.”

“Don’t be upset,” you echo, laughing nervously. She looks up at you.

“All right, love. Don’t do that. You look like the Joker,” she says.

“Ha ha ha,” you reply, tipping your head back and looking at the ceiling.