The cure for my madness

Part 15: Some time apart

I couldn't count how many times Sophie said thank you during our flight to Bridlington. Every night after the shows when she was almost asleep she would mumble to me "This was the best day of my life, all thanks to you Dol. I'm truly thankful." The idea of bringing her on the tour was actually Alex's idea, I told him how much Sophie loved his two bands and he wanted to surprise her. All the hotels we stayed at were almost five stars rated and Miles and Alex shared a room and me and Sophie shared one every time. I hope he wouldn't be mad that we could sleep in the same room, but he planned the whole trip so I don't think he was mad. Between the shows Alex actually teached Sophie some guitar, at first I thought it was one of those things you just say to be kind but he actually meant it and was super dedicated. It was so cute to watch them practicing with two guitars on the hotel beds. Giggling when Sophie made a mistake, just laughing it off instead of overthinking it. They sang together as they played Mad Sounds. Filling the whole room with their voices together and their guitars. Seeing them together made me realize that life was precious, and it was moments like this one that made it so special. Seeing my sister and boyfriend together like that just brings me so much happiness, seeing him being so helpful and patient with her and Sophie so focused and thankful for the help. I took Sophie's new camera that she had bringed and took a picture of them without them noticing. Her camera slowly printed out a polaroid which made a sound that made Sophie flinch. I just needed to capture this moment to make it last forever.

-"Dol? What are you doing? Let me see!" Sophie panicked with her cheeks growing red and ran up to me.

-"Relax, I just took a picture of you two. You looked so cute when you were playing together."

-"That picture of us is really good. You are a talented photographer Dol." Said Al.

-"Nah it was just pretty people I took a picture of." I said and kissed him and smiled against his lips.

After the amazing week we all had I realized that Alex had to go away now for a few weeks to go on tour in Europe. I tried to push my feelings away and didn't show him how sad I was. I didn't want to ruin his happiness about going on tour. Sophie was forever thankful for that trip.

I drove him to the airport the following Monday, it was hard to imagine my coming weeks without him. I wanted to come with him so bad but I couldn't because I needed to work. Not having him around will feel so empty. I hope my work can keep me occupied during these weeks. In the car I put on some Oasis to avoid conversions, so we sang instead of talked. I didn't want to talk about him going away for a few weeks, it was too painful to even think about.

-"Before you go. I have a gift for you."

-"Really? I have one for you as well."

-"Me first." I said as I dug in my purse to find it.

-"In this way I'm still with you, even though you will be far away." I said with tears in my throat as I handed him my shirt. The one I always sleep in, Give a damn.

-"I love this shirt so much darling. Here is your gift." He handed me a little box with a bow around it. I carefully undid the bow and opened the box. It was a necklace with his red plectrum.

-"This is...just beautiful Alex." It made my eyes drop a few drops down my cheeks. He hugged me immediately after he saw me crying. I put my hands over my eyes trying to stop my tears, but it was inevitable at this point. He hugged me tightly to assure me that he hadn't left yet.

-"Hey don't worry Dol. It's just a few weeks. I will be home soon."

-"I know but it will be hard without you. I will miss you so much."