Flutter |h.s|

07

Grace

He was supposed to be at the airport twenty minutes ago at least. The plane has started boarding already and there is no sign of Harry anywhere. There's a sinking feeling deep in my gut that he's backed out. That he realized it was a stupid idea and we're never going to hear from him ever again. He wouldn't be the first man to disappoint me, and he probably wouldn't be the last.

Surprisingly, this airport is packed for almost 5 in the morning. We would have thought it would be empty at this time but then again, this flight is almost fully booked. People just like flying early in the morning apparently.

The announcement comes over the loudspeaker that our flight is beginning to board. My heart is pounding as I scan the crowded airport terminal, looking for any sign of that mop of curls. I begin to chew on my lip out of nervousness. Nothing.

"Come on Grace, they're about to call our group to board." Elias says, placing a hand on my upper arm.

I look over at him, feeling stupid for letting myself get so excited over this. Nodding slightly, I gather up my carry on and backpack and head over to wait for our group number to be called.

He just seemed so excited last night to come. He asked us, it's not like we asked him. It was surprising honestly because what famous celebrity wants to spend three weeks with a couple of random Americans? But he bought the plane ticket and everything. Then again, he's a millionaire so a cheap plane ticket to Ireland is probably so disposable to him.

Our group number is called and we go to get in line. I purposely lag behind everyone, hoping that he'll just pop up. But the line quickly diminishes and there I am, showing my boarding pass and passport to the employee. He could have at least texted or called and said he wasn't going to show.

Just another reason why I need to stop following my heart.

"Hey! Hold on!" a voice yells through the crowd. The employee looks over, alarmed since someone is yelling in an airport. That's usually not a great sign.

The sound of someone running, excusing himself and apologizing through the crowd becomes louder as he gets closer. Once he breaks through the crowd, relief washes over me.

Harry.

He looks casual, in just a sweatshirt and sweatpants. He has on what looks like white vans, and he's holding a backpack over one of his shoulders. In one of his hands he's clutching his boarding pass and passport and in the other, he has his carry on.

He stops running as he gets scolded by the attendant, switching to a brisk walk. He comes up behind me, showing his boarding pass. "Sorry about that." he apologizes to the lady.

I can't help but stand there, watching him in disbelief. He turns back to the crowd of people who are all staring at him now since he made such a big scene. "Sorry." he says, raising his voice slightly so everyone could hear, before making me walk to get onto the plane.

"I am so sorry Grace. My friend drove me here and he got to the house late and so it made me late getting here and I had to check my bags and everything." he keeps apologizing, with a sincere look in his eyes.

We walk quickly to board the plan, but I nod, "No, you're here, that's what matters. Don't apologize to me." I don't want him to know it was a little upsetting to think he wasn't going to show up.

"No, I should have let you know what was going on." He looks upset with himself as he walks, holding his carry on bag next to him.

I finally get a good look at it and of course it's designer. But that's not what catches my attention.