After all the shit with Thibo, Alexis, and hearing about Bianca's sister, I decided to check on my own baby sister. Ella was off living the college life, 8 hours from California... with my ex; her boyfriend now. It's... complicated.

I plopped down on my bed with my laptop and fired up the Coast2Coast app. After a few long moments, my baby sister's sleepy voice emitted through the speakers.

"H-hello?" She muttered with a mix of mild irritation and exhaustion.

"Ellie, hi!" My voice contrasted her tone, sounding downright retail by comparison, "Did I wake you? What time is it over there?"

"Uh... a little after 10AM, I think?"

"School today?"

She didn't respond for a bit, then stated "No, I haven't started yet. I'm currently trying to find a job."

"How's that going?" I asked.

"Eh." was all she could mutter out.

I couldn't help but laugh. Talking with Ella is always like this, short and clipped. Even though I've known her all her life, it's her way. That is, unless the discussion is about something she's interested in.

"So how are you and Wolfie doing?"

"We're fine." My sister replied with a yawn, a subtle reminder of my disturbance.

A small, worried smile crept across my lips. I wasn't sure if that were true, or she didn't want to say. I know Wolfgang doesn't want me involved in their relationship, or tell Ella things she should go to him for, but part of me still wants to be in his life, at least a little bit. I know him better than anyone and vice versa, but being a distant "just friends" feels wrong.

I should have listened.

I want Ella to be happy.

I want him to be happy.

But I wanted to have my cake and eat it.

I really am pathetic.

"Isn't it super late over there?"

Ella's soft voice broke me from my depressing thoughts. "Yeah," I muttered and glanced at the time on the screen, "It is. I guess I should go to sleep. Work tomorrow and all that."

"Ok, bye Erika." She replies curtly, telling me to cut things short.

"Bye Ellie, I miss you." I respond, a little melancholic that I miss my sister so much.

"Same, I miss Mom and Dad too. I'll talk to you later." Another terse reply. That melancholy suddenly grew within me, making it hard to swallow the lump in my throat.

"Ok." I utter.

"And Erika?" Ella's voice is quiet, softer than before. "I'm sorry about what happened with Grant."

Sleep didn't come easy that night, I think I was up 'til 5 when sheer exhaustion overtook my racing mind and everything else. It was after lunch when my body willed itself back into the waking world, and yet I felt utterly, abysmally exhausted; not from a lack of sleep, but just from life. I didn't even feel like eating, even though I knew I was starving. Instead, I sat up and gazed at the outside world: fog. Always fog. Even if the city is sunny and warm, Daly City is usually encompassed by a thick layer of cold, grey gloom. And I hate it; it's a physical reminder of what's going on in my mind, with no end in sight.

Without a moment of hesitation, I ripped my keys off the nightstand. I need air, clarity, anything to get me out of my house and out of my own head.

My Impala "Imelda" and Bel Air sat quietly beside one another, both painted a vibrant, pearlescent orange. I made my way towards the Bel Air, but stopped at the driver's door.

No.

'Not today, Old Girl,' I thought. 'Too many memories, ones I don't need right now.'

Walking around my first car, I got into Imelda. The heavy iron frame groaned as I climbed in. She hadn't been out in a while, so why not the both of us get some air?

Imelda complained as she was forced to trudge through the dreaded San Franciscan traffic. She definitely wanted out just as much as I did, and once I reached the southern route of Highway 1, the sun began to break through the clouds and I let the girl go. The highway runs along the California coastline pretty much all the way towards LA and Oregon up north, via the famous 101. The 1 is a series of twists and turns, all things that require a sharp mind. I may be mentally distressed, but I've done this before; this wasn't my first rodeo. The speedometer gradually shifts to the right, making this all the more challenging, but I didn't care. The 'SLOW' sign can shove it.

Eventually, I pulled over at the top of a steep incline. The ocean air hit me full force and pierced through my oversized sleep shirt, but it was a welcomed feeling. Down below, the sea crashed into the ragged cliffs before pulling back to reveal the sharp rocks it created over the eons. I inched a bit closer fifty feet or so; that's not so bad. One misstep and it's all over, back to the ocean and away from it all.

"An accident," They'd call it, "She must have slipped."

I looked out at the horizon, few clouds and a bright, blue sky. But even a clear day can go sour.

"She's not the type." They echoed, growing with intensity.

Just one step.

One small jump.

And then eternal rest, a peace where Grant, Wolfgang, and everyone else can't follow. A means to an end, honestly...

But.

Something stops me.

Something pulls me back.

I turned around to hear my cell buzzing loudly in the car. My feet dragged to my car and I peered to find that it's Addie.

"H-hello?" I hesitantly answered, my normally melodic voice caught horsley between a wood chipper and a chainsaw.

"So now you decide to answer?" Comes the wry reply from six thousand miles away. There's a welcoming touch of humor in his tone, "I messaged you but didn't hear back so I decided to call. Are you busy?"

A mix of shame and embarrassment washed over me and I took a seat in my car. Imelda creaked in a seemingly relieved fashion as I replied, "No, just out for a drive."

"Do you work tonight?"

"Yeah, shame you won't be there to watch me."

"Only a few more months, Erika." He laughed slightly and the sound suddenly brightened up my day.

"Yeah," I smiled at his words. "Only a few more months." Tears rolled freely down my face, but I didn't stop them. Suddenly, I didn't feel so sad anymore.

I put him on speaker while I drove back home; hearing his voice brought me some form of comfort. He stabilized me, even if it was just for a moment.

"Did you book your flight yet into Stuttgart?" Addie asked me.

My eyes widened with realization, shock nearly stomping my right foot on the brake pedal. Oh yeah, I'm supposed to go see him at the end of September. "Uh... no?"

Addie sighed heavily, "Erika, you know the longer you wait, the higher the price."

"I mean, it's not like it would be a real problem. I fly first class anyway... Wait, Stuttgart? I thought we were meeting in Munich?"

"I have work the first week of Oktoberfest, I can take the following week off and that's when we would go. I mean, you can if you want, but I figured you'd want more time together."

"Aw, Addie." My smile widened. "You sure can be romantic." I could feel him roll his eyes over the phone. Not sure if I believe in fate, but I honestly believe that phone call saved me, and reminded me what I had, who I had, and what I would be missing if I were gone. The end wasn't as close as I thought it was.

The summer months passed quickly, though it still felt like years, and before I knew it, I was back at SFO. Although this time I wasn't being left behind; I was the one leaving. Exiting the train, I took the airport's tram towards the international section at Gate G. SFO is huge, with extremely high ceilings and large spaces that make it seem larger than LAX. Dozens of people go in and out, but it doesn't seem all that crowded until you get to security. Making my way towards check-in, I spotted United's section and I couldn't help but frown. Grant made me fly either them or British Airways, and they both suck ass. BA's window seats run the chance of not even having windows!

I turned my nose up at the overpriced airlines and walked across the way towards Luftwaffle. A play on Germany's air force, the luftwaffe, the Belgian-based company is apparently known for their Belgian waffles, according to Addie, hence the name. Checking in was a breeze, unlike United, and after a thirty minute slog through security, I'm on my way towards my gate. I glanced down at my boarding pass: Stuttgart. I've never been, not even to the Wurttemberg area in general, only Bavaria. You know, the state that perpetuates all the stereotypes. I wonder what it's like, is it any different or much of the same? If it's anything like England, Germany is just the US speaking a different language.

While I wait, the flight crew rolled in on their own cart, all dressed in matching black with gold accents. The female stewards' insanely high heels catch my attention; they look like stilettos. Yikes man, imagine being in those for 8 or more hours a flight? For their sake, I hoped it was just for show. I seemed to have caught their eye as two of them speak among themselves, one deliberately pointing in my direction. With a roll of my eyes, I glared back at them. Surely Germans have seen natural redheads before? Or maybe they thought I was attractive; wouldn't be the first time. Sorry ladies, I prefer dick.

The shorter blonde one made her way over towards me, that somewhat form fitting dress hugging her in the right places. Alright, I'll admit she's attractive, but I'm a taken woman. She smiled at me, her excited, lively green eyes were familiar, kick starting a distant memory.

"Erika!" She beamed in accented English. "It's been such a long time!"

My brow furrowed in confusion. "Do I know you?"

Her joy melted at my reply. "It hasn't been that long has it? It's me, Elsa! I taught you German while you were in high school?"

High school? That was over ten years ago. How am I supposed to remember something that far back? However, the more I studied her, the more my memory's re-jogged. Yeah, now I remember. My mom got me a tutor so I could keep up with my German. I didn't really give a fuck until I met Wolfgang who barely knew English.

"Barely, it's been ten years!" I exclaimed, rising to my feet to give the smaller woman a hug. "How have you been?"

"Mein Gott, you got tall! You are not this big last I saw you!" She teased, beholding my stature.

"The 4-inch heels are partly to blame," I explained. "But I've always been tall, I assure you."

"Like your father, I remember." Elsa continued, "And to answer your question, after graduating, I returned home to Cologne. I didn't want to run the family business, so I went and applied for Luftwaffle. I enjoy travel so it seemed fitting."

"Flight LW568 to Stuttgart is now boarding." Came the informative voice from the intercom, ending our conversation.

Elsa's eyes widened in horror. "Scheisse! I should already be on the plane!" Quickly grabbing her luggage, she made a beeline for the gate as quickly as a woman in stilettos can, which is impressive if you can actually run in them. Before she ducked out of sight, she shouted, "I'll see you on board, Erika!"

"Ok!" I called back to her before grabbing my own things and getting in line.

The first class interior of the plane was lush with warm golds, browns, and tan furnishings, complete with a gate for each seat so you don't have to talk to your neighbor. An introvert's paradise, and I can see why Addie suggested them; the leather seat had a full recline feature, which I 100% planned on abusing, with a decently-sized flat-screen across from me. Oh yeah, I was gonna clock right the fuck out. I wondered if they have seats for two people? I didn't really think to check walking in, but I bet they do. I also wondered if the walls are high enough to keep people from seeing you bang. A smile spread across my lips as I shook the thought away. Clearly I was feeling like my old self again.

"Comfy, yeah?"

I looked up to see Elsa standing in front of the gate. "Yeah," I nodded. "Pretty good deal for a couple grand."

"Our first class is highly affordable. We also do not allow children under a certain age in first class, so it's also quiet."

That made me laugh, "Perfect for honeymooners!"

"Gott, don't get me started." Elsa said with a heavy sigh. "I've caught several people applying for the mile high club. Why use the bathrooms when you have these walls?"

I made sure to hide my disappointment. Well, I guess that answered my question.

"Anyway, I will let you be for now, I shall check on your later after we take off." With a smile and a nod, Elsa closed my gate and headed towards the back of the plane.

As the pilot made his presence known and went through the normal protocol, I took out my phone to message Addie that I'd be leaving soon and remind him what flight I was on and all that. Unfortunately, I didn't get a reply before I was forced to switch my phone into airplane mode. I think the plane has WiFi, but it'll have to wait. Oh well, he's likely asleep or something.

While the plane made its way towards the runway, the flight attendants made their rounds with safety check. I ignored their speech however, turning my attention to the window. The plane came to a brief stop, offering one last glimpse of the airport before its four engines roared to life. Within a matter of minutes I was in the air and off to a whole new world, hopefully leaving the past in San Francisco.