Wandering

13|

Harry dropped me home to an empty house. Mom had gone with Tom to theirs and I assume Harry is going home too. Kicking my shoes off, I tie my hair back away from my face. The house is dark and quiet. I switch on a couple light so I can find my way around. I stumble into the kitchen and grab a bowl from the cupboard. I rummage through the pantry and find a bag of popcorn. Pouring it into the bowl, I steadily make my way to the living room.

I scroll through netflix to find something to watch. I scroll and scroll and scroll but all I can think of is the time ticking until I can speak to Rose and my Dad. Eventually, I end up watching the vampire diaries which I had started a while back but I hadn't finished it. I take a handful of the popcorn from the bowl and cup the pieces in my hand. I stuff my mouth and swallow it down. 

A few episodes pass and I find myself checking up on the time every few minutes. I imagine Rose's face lighting up as I answer the phone. The way her blonde hair lays down her back. The way her green eyes sparkle in the sunlight. I miss her smile. I miss her laugh. She was such good company to be around; always keeping me happy. 

Don't get me wrong, Chloe is amazing but I feel like Rose and I clicked as soon as we met. And how we met too. It would be a great story to tell. 

I met Rose on the plane on the way to meet my father after 14 years. I barley had any memories of him and I was on my way to live with him. I had asked a young lady about her life. She had asked me my name. All it took was my surname. And we were friends ever since. Best friends. 

I pause the TV and run up to my bedroom. I shut the door behind me and hop onto my bed. I throw each pillow down onto the ground to uncover my phone which I had hidden earlier this morning. My phone lies face down and I turn it so the screen is facing upwards. Reflecting onto my face, my eyes squint a little from the brightness. 

I go to my messages and text Chloe first. The time is 11pm so I have another hour to wait to call him. 

ME: Calling Romeo in an hour!

CHLOE: Ooooh tell me what happens! 

She responds instantly, never mind the time. I smile as I read her message. Of course I would tell her what happens. She was the one urging me to text him. I wouldn't be here without her. If I hadn't met Chloe, I would have been sulking in a hotel room or sat alone by my lake. Though I did promise myself not to go back there since it brought too many memories of Romeo. 

I'm not ready to visit there again. It feels wrong without Romeo. As if he's a part of it too. I mean he way. Again, without him I wouldn't have been here. I wouldn't know what love feels like nor would I have known what care feels like. It's like I've been forgotten. Italy was a breath of fresh air, realisation. 

If I watch one more episode of The Vampire Diaries, I would be able to talk to Romeo right after. I try to distract myself and focus on the series. I wrap myself up in blankets and pillows to get cozy. I imagine myself in a hug, a tight hug but I know I'm in an empty house. 

I lean my head against the armrest of the sofa and watch as the episode continues. I laugh at certain parts and tears prick my eyes at other parts. The clock teases behind me, ticking as each minute passes. I just want to be back at my real home with my real family.

The episode passes by slowly and I pause the TV before the next episode plays. I immediately find Romeo's name and type a quick message.

ME: Ready? I've been waiting forever to see you all! x

Romeo's typing bubble appears on screen as I wait to read his response.

ROMEO: We all ready. Waiting in dining room. You want to call now?

I beam at his response. I imagine the three of them sat together, the screen placed in the middle or Romeo sits in the center, holding his phone for all to see.

ME: Yeah. I'm ready now x

A call comes in and I look around the house to make sure mom isn't here. I here nothing except the light from the TV seeping under the door I accept and watch the call connect.

"Chiara!" The three of them shout.
"Hey!" I say enthusiastically.

My Dad hasn't shaved in a while so his stubble is poking his chin. A great smile covers half of his face, a special gleam in his eye. 
Rose's tan skin glows in the early morning and she's holding back tears as her eyes glisten.
Romeo looks as handsome as ever. 

"How are you guys?" I ask cheerfully.
"Forget all that! Why haven't you called?" Rose shouts.
"Rose!" Romeo says harshly.
"No it's ok Romeo. It was my mother. She took my phone so I had no communication with any of you. Especially Romeo. She made me send a safety text to you Dad and that was it." I say to no one in specific.
"That bitch." My Dad mutters but not quiet enough.

"Are you guys all ok? I miss you all so much." I pout.
"I miss you too Chi. It's so boring without you. Romeo and Leo are working hard 24/7 so I'm here alone most of the time." Rose gloats.
"Working hard to get settled down here." My Dad pouts.

"How's it going?" I ask, genuinally interested.
"Hmmm." My Dad hesitates. "It's not been easy. A lot of paperwork and that. It should be done by start of October, so another month I'm afraid."
"Oh right. Well I hope this works out." I say with a sad smile.
"It will." Romeo demands.