Strangers

Chapter 9: Goodbyes

“So you’ll call me when you get back?” Harry pushes the boot door closed after putting my bag inside.

“Of course. If I make it that long.” I wink at him, leaning against the passenger door where he comes to stand in front of me, planting his hands on either side of me on the car windows.

“When do your parents come back? I feel bad leaving you here in England all by yourself.”

“Who knows? They just keep prolonging their return and changing their flights, they’ll probably move there and adopt ten kids. Besides, I’m a big girl, I’ll be fine here without you, I might go visit your Mumma actually.”

“She would love that.” He smiles, leaning forward and nudging my nose with his.

“Good.”

“Do you really have to go? Can’t you stay till Wednesday and see me off?” He whines.

“I’ve already missed a lecture, and I have my first assignment due Friday so I should start that.”

“You mean you haven’t started yet? Who are you?!”

“Well I’ve started…I just need to edit it a bit.”

“So  in other words, you’re finished?” He chuckles.

“Yeah pretty much. It’s amazing what I can get done while you’re asleep.”

“You’re a crazy person.” He just shakes his head at me.

“Possibly. If I wasn’t a crazy person before I definitely will be after four weeks without you.” I pout, tugging on his shirt.

“I know. I wonder who’s going to cry first.” He bites his lip, smirking mischievously.

“Is that a challenge?” I stir.

“Oh yeah, but you’re definitely going to lose so it’s not much of a challenge.”

“Please, you’re so going to be the one to cry first. ‘Lola-I-miss-you-so-much-oh-my–god-I-can’t-breathe’” I cough and splutter, fake crying as I impersonate him and he just glares at me.

“Bullshit, it’s so going to be you. ‘Harry quit your job come home I love you I need you I’m so hor-‘” I clasp my hand over his mouth.

“That’s enough.” I scold as he licks the palm of my hand and I pull it away because it tickles.

“I think it’s a pretty even playing field.” He concurs, laughing.

“Yeah well, game on compadre.” I counter, grinning.

“Bring it.”

“I should get going.” I frown and he pouts, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me against his chest, his chin resting on my shoulder.

“Four weeks. We’re going to smash this. No crying.”

“No crying.” I agree, savoring the way he smells and the way his arms feel around me.

“Fuuuuuuck.” He groans, frustrated. “I wish you could just come with me.”

“I know. But it’s not like we didn’t know this was going to happen, we always knew when we got together there was going to be time apart and we just have to adjust. I’m not the kind of girl to let this completely break me, no matter how much I miss you, if Eleanor can survive Louis going away then I can survive you going away.” I say, trying to convince myself.

“You’re such a bitch.” He chuckles, lightening the mood.

“Yeah well, whatever helps me sleep at night.”