When I Turned the Television On

When I Turned The Television On.

| Alice Midorikawa |

"What's taking Seth so long?"

I watch Renn as she rearranges the plates on the table again.

"Is he really coming?"

Aiden looks at me, a concerned expression on his face.

"Of course he is!"
"But it's been half an hour already. We have to keep the stuff now--"
"No! He's coming, I'm sure of that!"
"...okay, okay. If you say so."

My hands shake at the uneasiness I am feeling right now.

What if he never comes back?
What if he doesn't really love me?

I sigh shakily as I am about to dial Seth's number when someone knocks on the door gently.
My ears perk up and I stand immediately.

"Who is it?"

I walk to the door, silently praying that Seth has arrived.
I open the door slowly to see the most mesmerizing gray eyes I've ever seen.

"Seth?"
"Alice."

I breathe.

"Is it really you?"
"Yeah, it's me."
"Somebody pinch me and wake me up from this dream."

He chuckles and enters the house.

"You think I'm a dream, Alice?"

I stare at him, wide-eyed.
He smiles and cups my face in his hands.

"Oh and sure, I'll pinch you."

He pinches my cheeks and stretches my face.

"Smile, Alice. I have returned, as promised."

I continue to stare at him when I feel tears streaming down my cheeks.

"Oh, come on, don't start, Alice!"
"It's... it's really you!"

I finally break down and hug him as tight as I could.

"I miss you!"
"Me too, Alice. Me too."
"I thought you'd never come back! I thought that... that you'd leave me and continue with your career without me! I--"
"Shh. What's important is that I'm here, Alice. I'm here with you. Right here, right now."

I bury my face in his chest and sob louder.

"I love you, Seth! So, so much!"
"I love you too, Alice."

I glance up, my face streaked with salty water.
He grins and flicks my nose.

"You prepared a welcome back party for me, eh? Well then, shall we start?"

I laugh and push him.
I've never felt so complete in my life.