Chapter 6: Home Again

Tammy’s flight was late Tuesday morning, but with the commute to the airport, traffic, and security, she needed to leave Nina’s house by 7:00 AM. Even with the early departure, Esme and Sofia were waiting in the kitchen when she came downstairs with Gabriela.

“You didn’t think you were going to get away without a final goodbye, did you?” asked Sofia.

“Of course not! Thank you,” said Tammy as she embraced both friends in turn.

Esme took Tammy’s suitcase and headed to the door.

“Nina, where are the car keys?” Esme called out.

“On my purse,” was the reply. Nina found them and lugged the pack to the trunk.

Esme returned to the kitchen to find that tears had started.

“Oh, enough!” she said. “Tammy, I promise, somehow we’re going to figure out a way to come see you. The way you talk, you’ll have your own apartment, we’ll party all night!”

“I’m going to hold you to that promise,” said Tammy, wiping away a tear.

“Come on, time to go,” announced Nina. Everyone walked outside, followed by Nina who locked the door. Final hugs and good-byes were said before Tammy and Gabriela got into the car.

Tammy rolled down her window a touch and called out, “See you soon!”

Sofia and Esme walked up the street back toward Esme’s house and waved a last time as the car turned the corner.

The drive to the airport was as expected, which was good because they planned for traffic. Nina dropped the two off at the gate and then parked the car. She found them sitting at the departure gate laughing about something.

“You’ve got to tell me what happens next!” cried Tammy.

When Tammy’s flight was called Nina jumped up and gave her a hug. Tammy shocked her host when she told her how much she appreciated the hospitality in very good Spanish.

“Thank you. You’re welcome anytime, dear,” said Nina with a smile and a final hug.

Gabriela’s hug lasted longer She started to tear when she pulled away. “It’s been a great summer. I hope we can see each other soon.”

Tammy said, “My brother has a way of making things happen. I’ll put a bug in his ear and see if he can help make a trip possible sooner than later.”

Tammy turned and walked to the counter. She gave her ticket to the agent and turned to wave as she entered the gangway. Gabriela and Nina waved back and watched her descend down the sloping ramp.

When Tammy’s plane landed and she eventually exited into the terminal she scanned the crowd. She broke into a huge grin when she saw her mom, Eddie, Thomas, Denise, and Billie standing to the side. She ran to Billie first and gave her a hug, then continued the hugs with everyone else.

“Have a good flight?” asked Sandy.

“Yeah. I slept for about half of it so I feel pretty good right now.”

The welcoming party crowded around her as they walked through the terminal. Eddie was in his minivan and had plenty of room for six passengers and a large suitcase. They stopped for an early dinner on the way home, letting Tammy do most of the talking as she excitedly told of her adventures while in Spain.

“It was awesome. My host mom, Nina, didn’t speak too much English. By the time I left I had learned some Spanish, and with what English she did know, we could talk OK. And if not, her daughter, Gabriela, would translate.”