Underneath

Now my mums interest is piqued. “Who’s sending you all this stuff love?” she asks squeezing the package before handing it over. “I’m, just seeing someone, well maybe seeing someone and er…” we stare at each other “I’ll just and er …open…”

Saved by the doorbell! It’s Mia and another good friend Katy. We all smile fakely at my mum as we crash into my room. “I know everything!” screams Katy, her face about to explode. “SSSH!!” I hiss. “Shut the fuck up! I don't want my mum hearing!”

“You’re going to L.A. to shag Harry Styles!” she whispers, barely containing her enthusiasm. “I can’t!” I say desperately. “I can’t just piss off to L.A! mum will kill me! dad would kill him! I can’t!”

They both look at me in utter horror. “You have to go! come on!” Mia yanks open my wardrobe and drags down a bag. “Ok, so what will you need?” she says flipping through my clothes. “Oh this is perfect!” squeals Katy pulling a dress out. “Yes that one!” shouts Mia decisively.

My phone beeps with a text. I barely have time to open it before Mia snatches the phone off me. “Is it him?” she shrieks! Mia and Katy gather round my phone fizzing with excitement. I'm so overwhelmed, I turn my attention to the package.

It’s very carefully wrapped. Inside is dark green box. I open the box. Inside that is some protective white wooly foam. I pull the top layer and…

…My phone beeps! The bitches have sent a text! “What was that?” I look up terrified. “We replied!” sniggers Katy. “Replied to what!?” I shout. “A text from someone called Maggie.” says Mia, turning her attention back to my megre wardrobe.

“What! but…” I start, before I’m distracted by the contents of the box.

It’s a green stone, jade, intricately carved. The jade he kept as a souvenir! (From the night he took my virginity.) I take it out and turn it over in my hand. It’s carved with a Kaleidoscope of butterflies, just taking flight. Nestled right in the very centre is a tiny love heart, barely perceptible. It feels cool in my hand, I run my finger tip over the delicate surface wondering what it means.

I hear a loud zip and look up to see my bags packed and Mia holding out my passport…

…this is insane! We snuck out without telling my mum and now we’re all at the airport! Mia says Maggies booked me a ticket, they texted her all my details. At the check in desk, I show my passport, and I’m handed a boarding pass. Still in shock at what we're doing, I watch my bag jolt away down a conveyor belt.

Katy and Mia have to get going. I’m showered with kisses…”we want every single detail as it happens right!” then they’re gone.

Left alone, my bravery starts to falter. I go to the huge glazed wall and watch planes take off. I’m lost in a haze of worry, still turning the greenstone over in my hand. I imagine my mums face when I text to say I’m in America with a guy she's never met. She’ll be so worried, they’ll probably call the police or something! Interpol will arrive and drag me onto a plane home! I’ll embarrass Harry if the press get hold of it. but…I’m so desperate to see him.

Another plane taxis to take off as my flight’s called for boarding…

…Then…I’m outside, holding my bag. I chickened out. The airport staff were really pissed with me but, apparently it happens a lot.

I watch the plane take off without me on it as tears slide down my cheeks. I take out the greenstone and find the tiny love heart, caress it with my thumb.

I know I’ve just killed off whatever it was we had going. There’s playing hard to get, and then there’s just being a bitch and wasting a guys time and money.

I miss him so much, but I guess it’s a feeling I’m just going to have to get used to. I lay down on the grass and stare up at the sky. Then, the regret kicks in. Why didn't I just get on the fucking plane! for goodness sake! I could have had one last amazing time with him before it ended...

My phone starts to ring, its Harry. Before he can speak, I blurt everything out, my voice trembling with emotion. “I didn’t get on the plane! I’m so sorry. I can’t! my parents wouldn’t let…I miss you Harry, I wanna see you so much…I’m sorry, I’m so sorry”

There’s a long pause on the other end of the line…

Ⓒ SphinxWriter13 2017

Notes