Half the world away

Chapter 22

Ruby

When I woke up this morning I felt nervous for the first time in 3 months I woke up filled with dread. Dreading this being my last day here in Australia with the most amazing people and person I've ever met.

Sammy was still sleeping peacefully besides me, his messy hair splayed out over the pillow, his tanned chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm and all I could do was look at him. My heart clenched as I did, I don't know how I'm gonna be able to say goodbye and  go back to talking to him over Skype at crazy times of the day when I've had him in person.

Silently and carefully I climbed out of the bed and began to gather up my stuff. It'd somehow ended up all over Sammys place, in his wardrobe, draws and bathroom cabinet. It felt weird putting it back into my bag and suitcase which was sat in the spare room. I'd only spent one night in here during the 3 months, Sammy and I had been sharing his room since then.

Don't cry.

I told myself as I felt the tears form in my eyes. Distracting myself with packing when my phone rang.

"Hello?" I said without looking at the caller.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARLING!" My mums voice came down the phone.

Birthday? Shit I'm 20 today.

"Thanks mum." I said with a smile on my face, I'd missed her.

"So darling doing anything fun? I can't believe you'll be home soon." She said sounding happy.

"Probably not mum, just packing. And yeah i know it's gone way to fast." I sighed.

"What's wrong darling?" Her tone changed when she sensed something was off with me.

"Nothing mum, just tired. Listen I'm gonna go. Lotta stuff to do." I said hanging up the phone before she could say anything else.

I love her but I really don't want to talk to her right now. Right now I just want to focus on getting through the day without getting upset. More to the point how the hell did I forget my own birthday?

"Packing already?" Sammys sleep filled voice came from the doorway of the spare room.

"Yeah just wanted to get a head start you know? Make sure I don't leave anything behind." I couldn't face him when I said that, because I was leaving him behind.

"Sweetheart it's 7:30 in the morning we have all day. Hey slow down." Sammy said stilling me with his hands on my shoulders.

Letting go of my left shoulder his hand gently went under my chin and tipped it up to face him. He froze when he saw the redness on my eyes.

"Please tell me your eyes are red because you're stoned," His words made me laugh quietly but his face, the care his eyes held took my breath away.

"I'm sure if I was stoned, you would be too." Said with a weak smile.

"So why were you crying sweetheart?" He asked brushing the rough pad of his thumb gently on my jawline.

"It's my birthday." I whispered, looking away from him.

"You're crying because it's your birthday?" He asked with a half smile.
I couldn't help but let out a small laugh.
"Why didn't you tell me it was your birthday today?" He added.

"I forgot, my mum just called me to say happy birthday. I guess I just miss her a bit." It wasn't a lie I do miss her.

"You forgot your own birthday." Sammy said with a smirk.

But I didn't smile back, how could I? I'm gonna miss him so much.

"Hey, try not to think about how much you miss your mum. You'll see her soon." He said cupping my face again, despite his warm smile the look in his eyes wasn't something he could mask.