It's quite funny how time seems to speed up and slow down, opposite of when you'd like it to. Never would I have thought I'd want five months to pass by as quick as possible, and also last forever at the same time. But after this, I'd be content living my life on a loop, if it were possible.

Five months previous to today, I was standing in a small airport, much like the one I stand in now, totally scared as hell. The beginning was a blur. I barely remember it.

Everything was a mess. Louise's death set off a ripple effect. It caused Mason so much pain, which in turn led to all of us hurting as well. I wonder how he's doing. I smile to myself, then stop, because people probably think I'm some sort of psychopath standing here smiling away at absolutely nothing. I'm still with Mason. Might as well answer that, since I know you're all wondering.

My phone is currently being blown up, but I ignore them all. I want to surprise everyone when I get back. They know it's today, just not what time. Oh God, how I miss them all. It's been hell not laughing with Jared, having Elle to tell everything to, and even Adrien. We've come to accept him into our group, seeing as he's been with Elle for quite a while. I miss Mason more than anything I've ever missed in my life. Being in another country, I couldn't simply drive to his house, or go out for coffee dates, or throw my arms around his neck and embrace him. I love him. But it's hard to tell yourself you're loved back when all you have is a face in a computer, and a metal screen next to you when it's time to go to sleep. But today will be different. Today, I get to see him again.

Parker is supposed to be the one picking me up. I figured he would, and to be fair I miss him a lot to. I love him. Not like I love Mason, but a different love. He's truly one of the best friends I've ever had. The time apart has done him good, I think. From our conversations over the months, I know he's been occasionally dating, but nothing serious. At least he's trying. More importantly, he knows where we are. He doesn't love me like that anymore, and for that I'm thankful. I just wish he could find a nice girl, he'd care about. Oh well, I tell myself. He doesn't need a girlfriend to be happy. He has us. I walk towards the escalators, and step on, glancing down towards the busy airport center at the bottom. I watch all the people, the traveling families, the excited kids, the parents absorbed into their phones, the stressed businessmen, and the others. Then I see him.

Not going to lie, my first thought was definitely damn. His eyes find mine, and I see the corners of his lips turn up into a smile.

Screw this escalator. I climb down the stairs as fast as I can and run towards him, throwing my arms around his neck. He squeezes me tight, and picks me up and spins me around before setting me down.

"I missed you." He smiles.

I grin, "That's all you have to say? Well, in that case, I missed you too, so much. All of you guys. It's been really hard not talking to anyone else today and telling them I'm actually back. And look at you!" I step back, "Have you been doing anything different?"

He shrugs, "I've been working out a little bit."

I smile, and admire his outfit nonchalantly. These five months clearly made some difference in his life. He stands in front of me in tan khakis and a white v neck shirt with a red plaid flannel rolled to the elbows. His hair is different to, it's longer on the top, and brushed to the side. Part of me wonders what brought all this on.

"You look amazing." I tell him.

"Coming from you?" He smiles, "You're so beautiful Lex, God, I can't believe you're actually back." He pulls me into another bone crushing hug and I can literally feel his abs pressing into my stomach through his t shirt.

"I missed your idiocy a lot." I mumble into his chest. He finally pulls away, "Can we do something together today?"

I bite my lip, "I told Mason I'd spend the day with him. I'm sorr-"

"No." He cuts me off, "You don't have to be sorry, I get it. It's fine, I should've known. Or asked earlier." He winks and shoulder bumps me."

"Oo!" I shriek, as my feet move without my will and I crash practically into the garbage can leaning against the wall.

"Yep, you're still the same clutz you were when you left." He teases me.

"Hey!" I get up and speed walk to catch up with him, "That wasn't even my fault."

He just laughs, "C'mon, let's get you home."

We step outside and I shiver. Oops. I should've remembered that the March air is freezing here. Parker notices, and starts to unbutton his flannel.

"Park, no, you don't have to. It was my fault, I should've remembered to bring something. It's just a short walk to your car anyways, I'll be fine."

He drapes it around my shoulders, "It doesn't matter who's fault it is. You're freezing, I have a jacket and I don't want you to get sick on your first day back."

I nod, staring at his muscled arms, the veins popping out in them from the brisk air.

We walk together to his car and he starts the ignition, then blows on his hands.

He shifts it into reverse, and turns around, ready to exit the parking lot, "Ready to go home?"

AUTHORS NOTE
thanks for 200k reads. much love to you all for choosing to add this book to your library and for all your positive comments on it.

QUESTION
Do you think Mason and Lexa stayed loyal to eachother while Lexa was gone? Why or why not?