Love The Way You Lie

36. The Plan

Tom's point of view:
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1 month earlier...

"What are you talking about Tom?" Asked Harry as he looked at me like I was mental.

"I have a plan... not only will it help us, but I think it might help Emily... and bring her closer to all of us." I said with a hopeful tone.

"Ok... I'm listening..." joined Sam as he smiled at me.

I needed to find a way to make her feel at home when she was to come back. I knew we all missed her and by planning this, I knew it would keep us distracted from the constant empty feeling we had. I missed her smile, her laughter and I couldn't stand doing nothing and feeling useless. We needed this. I needed this.

After explaining my plan, we all got to work. Sam was on location seeking, Paddy on decorations and Harry on editing. I needed to make sure our plan was bulletproof and that everything was perfect. The main idea was based on her favorite activities. When she left me, she said she felt alone. I needed to show her that she wasn't, that she never was and never will again. I knew I couldn't force this on her, all I could do is show her... I had explained to my parents the course of the day I was planning and they were on board.

The fact that I couldn't talk to her hurt but, I knew she wasn't ready. When she told me how she felt, it was like a curtain opened. I saw her. All of her. Her pain, her joy, her anger and her serenity. I was so angry at myself for not noticing how she was hurting... I hated the fact that she never told me how she was truly feeling! I wanted to help her! All I needed was for my Emily to be happy. I guess that's why after a little while, I realized that the only way she could come back to me, was if I let her go...
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I was sitting at the local pub with Sam, Harry and Haz. It had been 3 weeks since we started working together on the project. I was still feeling a bit off but, the boys made sure to get me out of the house every now and then to keep me sane. I had been going to the gym four times a week and the rest of the time I was golfing or doing construction work on the house. I knew I needed to get back to my normal life soon but... I was comfortable, being at home with my family. This life, these moments with my brothers and friends, were what I loved the most... except for her... she was the only thing I loved more. She was the missing piece of the puzzle.

"So? Isn't she a great singer?" Applauded Sam as he snapped me out of my thoughts.

"She's great, mate!" I smiled at him as I gave him a brotherly tap on the shoulder.

We were listening to Sam's new girlfriend. She was a dirty blond haired girl with this kind of floral style. She was the singer at our local pub. Sam had become a bit of her fan. It was cute to see my brother falling for someone... he had been so sad after Emily's departure. In a way, Freddy helped him stay distracted from everything. Yet, she became somewhat less of a distraction and more of a love interest. She was not only a good singer but also a good friend. I mean, she had hung out with us a couple of times and she was really sweet. Sam had told her about everything going on with his best friend and she even helped us prepare some stuff for the plan. Sam was really excited for her to meet Emily.

"Hi boys! Enjoyed the show?" Freddy asked as she slid into our booth, slithering under Sam's arm. They both kissed quickly which gave us the opportunity to mock them as we made disgusted sounds.

"Haters!" Sam spat proudly as we all laughed.

"Hey! How is everything coming together?" She asked me as I was peeling the label off my beer bottle.

"Everything is ready. I mean, there's some small things I have to arrange but, it will soon be done." I nodded, pinching my lips into a fake smile. Sam removed his arm from Freddy's shoulder and leaned closer to me.

"She's going to be home soon Tom... I promise she'll love it." He assured me.

"I just feel like there's something missing! Something I can't seem to see!" I shoved as I outstretched my arm and landed my hand back on my face. I threw my head on my shoulder with annoyance as I couldn't figure out a solution.

"Hi boys!" I heard behind us. I turned around to see mum and dad smiling at us as they circled the tables to join our group.

That's when it hit me!

"HER PARENTS! THAT'S IT!" I yelled as I stumbled up and grabbed my jacket.

"Where are you going mate?" Asked Harrison in a chuckle.

"She left because she felt alone! Like we were all distant from her! For the plan to be perfect, she needs EVERYONE here! That also means her parents!" I frantically explained as I ran out of the bar, waving goodbye at everyone.

I rushed home and directly called Emily's father. I didn't know the time difference between London and Thaïland but I needed to talk to Daniel.

"hello..?" A deep, sleepy voice answered.

"Mister Smith? It's Thomas. I know it's probably late but I need to speak with you." I said nervously as I thought of my impulsive move.

"Tom? What's going on!? Is Emy ok!?" He asked with worry.

"No! No! Emily is fine. She's still at the clinic. But... that's what I wanted to talk about with you. We are planning a surprise for her, for when she gets back. Sam has been talking to her every Friday and we think she should be back in a week or two... I was wondering if you could be here to welcome her?" I was now talking with a weak voice as I was nerve wrecked from all the stress. I needed them to be here.

"A week or two you said..?" He asked between long silences as if he was waiting for an approval.

"Yes sir." I responded shaking. I was a bit scared of him, if I was being completely honest. He knew I was dating Emily but I wasn't totally sure if he approved of me. He and my dad always said Em and I would either end up marrying or killing each other.

"All right... Carol and I will be there." He said with what sounded like a weak chuckle in his voice.

"Yes! Ok thank you!" I exclaimed with a burst of excitement.

"Tom! Tom! Tom! Calm down..." he said as I stopped moving.

"Sorry sir." I apologized realizing it was probably midnight where they were and I had been shouting in his ear for the past minute.

"Tom... you're a good guy. I'm proud that my daughter is with someone who loves her as much as you do. Thank you." He said with a serious yet soft voice.

"Thank you sir... it means a lot to me... I actually have another question for you..." I trailed off taking a deep breath before asking the question. My heart was beating out of my chest.
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Present day...

I was driving towards the place as I caught Emily looking at me with those sparkling eyes. This feeling of complete calm washed over me. She was home to me. She was back and I couldn't believe how radiant she was. I could've cried right then and there. I had missed that feeling of total happiness. The wind in her air, the slow music swaying her, that smile, it was like a dream. After she left, I thought I had lost her forever, but really, I never did, and never will...

I had pulled over close to our destination and had Emily blindfolded. I guided her through the night as we entered the building. An ear to ear smile had formed on my face as I saw her excitement. She looked so beautiful in the warm lights of the room. Her skin was simply shining. I couldn't believe how lucky I was to find someone who loved me for who I was, who cared for me, just as much I cared for her.

"Tom! Where are we!? Also... when can I take this off?" She giggled with impatience.

I decided to recreate a past memory and take her in my arms as I carried her to the final two surprises. I had been looking forward to this very moment for a month and we were finally here. I rested her down on the platform as I took a step back. I looked at her one last time.

I was ready...