Against All Odds

Chapter Nine

I realize what day it is before I even open my eyes, before I fully escape comatose. I'm cold, colder than when I fell asleep. And before I even look, I know Henry is not in the bed with me. There's a lump in my throat as I realize how much I wanted his arms to be around me this morning, as they were last night. How much I want him here.

I open my eyes, slowly, raising a hand to my face, pushing my hair back. The room is dully lit. My alarm hasn't even gone off so it must not even be seven. My hand stops on my skull when I feel a strong gaze, and my heart picks up immediately. My eyes flicker forward and to my relief, Henry is there, sitting in the loveseat, watching me. His index finger is pressed up against his lips in silent contemplation. He doesn't smile when he knows I see him, he doesn't move. So I don't either, frozen by the tickling atmosphere.

Even from my spot, I see the wheels turning in his brain. Why he's up, why he's been staring at me, why he hasn't spoken are the only questions that begin churning in my head. His hand drops down onto his lap and he nods, not to me but himself. He breathes in, clasping his hands together.

"Don't go, Mia."

I gape slightly, knowing there's no joking here. He's serious. "H-Henry..."

"I will figure out a way to get out of my engagement. I will do that, because I can't bear to see you get on that plane. I can't bear to think that I'll never see you again." I swallow, watching as he holds his hands out, fingers flared as he thinks. "I-I know we just met. I know it will be hard. I know we barely know one another but we will have time for that if you just... if you stay."

He stands up, walking over to the bed. He takes my hand immediately. "I think there is something here, something important, Mia. F-For once in my life, I want something."

When he lifts my hand to his mouth, kissing my palm tenderly, I feel palpitations. I'd be a fool to leave him. I'm a fool to stay. I realize if I say yes, my faith in this relationship has to be true. I have to believe this is more than what we've let this be.

"I want you," he whispers.

My head is moving up and down slowly before I know it as I gape, trying to speak. "O-Okay."

His lips purse slightly, as if he's trying to comprehend what I said. He chuckles warmly, squeezing my hand just a little tighter. "Okay?"

I'm having a hard time breathing when I nod, more confidant this time, reaching out to clasp his jaw. "I'll stay, Henry."

His hands reach out, clasping onto the curve of my waist, pulling me closer to him. I hear a soft chuckle come from his lips as he presses his forehead onto my shoulder. I run my hands over the newly-formed stubble growing over his skin, closing my eyes emotionally, trying to understand what I just agreed to.

...

I've got my suitcase contents spread out on the bed before me. I stare down at them in curiosity. My life right now consists of a few outfits, a brush, toothbrush, and my makeup. Oh, I can't forget my  ridiculously heavy gown either.

That's it. That's all I have with me in London. And I've just told a man I'd stay here, with him. I place my hand on my forehead, rubbing deeply. My god, Mia. You don't even have two thousand dollars in your bank account.

I have to get a job. Like soon. I can't believe I'm actually considering this. My eyes zone in on my cell phone for the fifth time this hour. Ida is imagining me on a plane right now. I have to call her and tell her... however, I know it's going to be a fight. A bad one.

I've told Henry I'm staying though. And I know I'm not willing to leave him so the phone call is inevitable. I reach for my cell, pressing on my most recent caller and lift the phone to my ear, shuffling in place nervously.