While the bus ride had been somewhat uncomfortable, Justin's presence was a welcomed distraction. Anything to keep my mind from what I was leaving behind soothed my frayed nerves.  

At this time of night, there were little options on flights. My options were New York, Texas and Missouri. While New York was an intriguing option, my money would burn much faster there. The flight to Texas wasn't until the early hours of the morning. Waiting until the sun crested the forest line and hung above the clouds wasn't an option. The wait alone would unravel me, my nerves turning me into a mess of anxiety.  

Missouri it was. 

I knew little about the state, but assumed the weather would be similar to Georgia. Humidity tempered with the brilliant sun, warm but not nearly as blazing as Texas or California.  

I had