After Us

Chapter Sixteen

It was day three and my mom called me to see how things were going. We chatted on the phone for half an hour before Linda told me that breakfast was ready. Time to say goodbye. Surprisingly enough I actually missed mom, dad, Luca, and Austin. I had only been away for three days but it already felt like seven. I also sent a quick text to Oliver to see how he was doing, I missed him so much. I couldn't wait to tell him about everything that had happened. He would have loved to be here. Linda hqe made banana and strawberry pancakes for breakfast and they were delicious. Miles was very lucky to have her. She was so kind and always looked after him. She was so caring and clearly thought the world of him. Miles was missing out. He was still asleep. Probably with a hangover. He'd been snoring all night due to how drunk he was.

"Let me know if you want another," Linda smiled. She was so kind. Finally Miles appeared, casually making his way into the kitchen with a sleepy, cheeky smirk on his face.

"Morning," Linda sang. Miles rubbed his eyes, "Morning." he said making his way over to me and dropping his arms around me. I loved how affectionate he was and I was surprised he didn't mind around Linda. She had already seen us kissing and that was already awkward enough.

Miles and I grabbed two bowls of watermelon and then went outside by the pool to eat it. It was so warm and sunny but not too hot yet. The rest of the day was relaxing and calm. Miles was hungover but still up for watching a movie and swimming. We didn't see the rest of his group, in bed nursing hangovers of their own. It was just lovely having a chill day, sitting by the poolside. Miles on the lounge chair across from me with his eyes closed under the shade of the umbrella.

"Miles, did you date a girl named Annie?" I asked.

He eyes opened wide as he bursted out laughing , "Who told you that?" He laughed.

I laughed confused, "Mira. What's so funny?"

He sat up and turned to face me, still smiling. "Annie isn't an actual person," Miles smiled, "I made her up when I moved here . When the group asked me if I had a girlfriend it was the first name that came to mind. It started as a joke but the joke carried on for some time, I was impressed how long I kept it for." It was weird to think Mira was right, Annie was actually a made up girlfiend.

Miles looked over at me with a smirk and then got up and picked me up. "Miles no I'm too heavy." I squealed but I'm up anyway, in his arms while he holds me like a baby.

"Wanna go swimming again?" he asks. The offer did sound nice but I shook my head no knowing he would throw me in anyways. He bent down and kissed me fondly on my forehead.

"Trying to be nice to me before my plunge?" I ask.

He smiled then looks up. "You dated Ben right?" I rested my head on his chest, surprised he asked but I had just asked similar questions so it made sense.

"Yeah, we broke up months and months ago. He cheated on me with his ex-girlfriend."

Miles looked down at my face surprised, "The girl at the park? The one he was with?"

"Yeah, that's Gracie," I say. Now that I think back to it, I don't know what I ever saw in Ben. Miles was so loyal to everyone and I knew I could trust him.

"Thank god that's over, I'm sorry though." He says.

"It's alright," I say, "I'm way over it now." and I was. Ben was a far away memory, I would never touch again.

"Well then," Miles says, "are we swimming or not?" I forgot he was still holding me. His arms were so comfy and relaxing to be in. Without thought, we jumped into the pool together