My Soldier - Missing Home

Leaving London

A/N ~~ Overwhelmed by the reaction to Book 2 already.. Your all amazing! Deffinently making my darker days bright again so thank you and here is some Lizzie POV for you all to enjoy :)



Friday 12th October 2018

~~Friday Afternoon, London Studio~~

Lizzie POV

"AND THAT IS A WRAP ON WANDA MAXIMOFF!"

A rush of emotions hit me all at once as I hear everyone cheering for me on my last day on Set. I can't help the tears that fall as I am engulfed by some of the crew who I have grown so close to working on this movie. It's going to be huge and everyone knows how much the fans are looking forward to this coming in April next year. I say my goodbyes before going to make-up to take off my wig and Wanda costume, the team there getting emotional as I thank them then leave to my awaiting car. Will greets me outside and opens the door for me with a friendly smile like always before he begins the journey back to my apartment. I sit back and take a moment to myself, letting myself come back down from the emotions before I turn to my phone, knowing I have to make some arrangements to go home. I didn't expect to be done in London so soon after Harley went on Tour but I have so much still to do in L.A I can't stay here forever, as much as I would love too. But every time I think I am starting to feel better about Harley being gone, something I see or hear will remind me of her and the familiar feeling in my stomach hits me out of no where. I can't seem to shake it once it hits and I usual have to have a cry to myself before I feel any better. Everyone around me keeps telling me it will get easier, and I hope they are right. As much as I miss her, I want to keep my promise of looking after myself and enjoying myself, even if she isn't here to be my reason to smile right now..

Once I am in my apartment, I bring out my laptop and begin booking my flight home for Sunday to give myself some time to pack and see who I need too before I go. There is no way I can leave London without going to see Stuart and Maisie. I also want to be able to see Paul before leaving since I know he is in London at the moment. I make myself a coffee before sitting down at the kitchen table to book my flight and answer some work e-mails ready for the huge work-load waiting for me in L.A. Rachel wants me in for a meeting as soon as I am settled back at home so I know she has a lot to discuss already. But I am thankful for the work coming my way, hopefully it will help keep me distracted from thinking about Harley so much. I book my flight leaving on Sunday evening then answer all the e-mails I need to before sitting back to drink my coffee. My mind wandering like it has been for the last few days since I spoke to Harley, I've had a couple of texts from here but she hasn't been able to ring yet. I can't wait to hear her voice again, but she made sure to explain just how bad it is where she is working so I understand why she can't ring me so soon. It sounds horrible never mind actually having to see it like she does. She is such an incredible person, and so selfless for putting herself in danger to help all those people she will probably never see again once she leaves. It just gives me something else to proud of her for, and not just for the amazing and genuine person she is. I find myself in a day dream thinking about her as I drink the rest of my coffee in my peaceful apartment that I am really going to miss.

When I eventually manage to stop day dreaming, I decide to send a message to Maisie to see if her and Stuart are free tomorrow so I can come and see them. It doesn't take her more than 5 minutes to send me a reply telling me that they are both going to be at home and were planning on ordering something and I am more than welcome to join them. I can't but smile as I send her a reply, telling her that I can't wait and I will see them both tomorrow. I then go back to my laptop, knowing I want to get Will something for being such an incredible driver for my time in London. I end up finding a local store that sells some really nice Mens Watches so I find one I like and order it to be delivered tomorrow. I then see another design that would be perfect for Tony so I quickly order that one for him too since he has been so kind to both me and Harley when she has been here. Happy with my purchases, I close the laptop down and go into my bedroom to begin my long task of packing. I hate packing but I know it needs to be done sooner rather than later so I am not rushing around on Sunday. I drag out my huge suitcase and open it out on the floor of my bedroom, looking around wondering where to start. I opt for the wardrobe and go from there. I get into a rythm and quickly manage to fill my huge suitcase so I drag out my smaller suitcase and begin to fill that one too, starting with my shoes so I don't runout of room for them. As I am pretty much throwing the last of my shoes into the open suitcase, I hear my phone ringing in the kitchen. I rush over the suitcases, not wanting to miss anything just in case by chance, it is Harley but as soon as I reach my phone I see it is my Mom ringing which still puts a smile on my face as I answer it and walk back to my bedroom as I talk..

Lizzie - "Hey Mom!"

Jarnette - "Hey sweetie! I got your message, when are you due to come home?"

Lizzie - "I've just booked my flight for Sunday."

Jarnette - "That's great Liz. How about you come over for Dinner on Thursday, your Sisters are already coming so if your up for it I'd love to see you.."

Lizzie - "Yeah that sounds really nice, thanks Mom."

Jarnette - "Great! We can have a good catch up then and you can tell me all about London, especially about a certain Soldier I am dying to meet."

Lizzie - "I know Mom, hopefully when she come homes we can come for dinner one night."

Jarnette - "I'm only teasing sweetie. I know you'll bring her to meet me when the time is right."

"I will Mom, I promise." I'm trying so hard not to get upset since my Mom knows me so well and can tell when something is wrong but I don't want her to worry about me. I haven't even told her about Harley being on Tour yet. "Good now, go and get packed so you don't leave anything behind." She warns jokingly making me finally smile again. "I was in the middle of packing when you called so it's your fault if I do." I joke back making her laugh down the phone. "Fine I'm going, I will see you on Thursday." I smile thinking about being able to get some comfort from her when I need it most. "You will. Bye Mom. Love you." She says a long goodbye before finally letting me get back t packing up my suitcases. I decide to put some music on to try and lighten my mood after Mom mentioning Harley the way she did. And to make things worse, I find myself holding a pile of her t-shirts I have stolen over the last 5 Months that I now wear for bed. I can't help but lift them up to my nose, taking in the smell still slightly lingering on them. It's just her smell. And as soon as I do, I feel my eyes filling with tears once again. I need to stop doing this to myself. It's not healthy. I need to find some ways of distracting myself from constantly letting my mind wandering to her every chance it gets. I put the t-shirts into my suitcase and continue to pack up my clothes as best I can as I try and let the music playing from my phone drown out my overactive thoughts. But no matter how hard I try, my mind always finds a way to wander back to My Soldier.. And how much I am missing everything about her.

~~Saturday Morning, London~~

I didn't get much sleep last night, so I ended up packing at 2:00am and to my surprise, nearly everything is ready to go back to L.A. My mind would not switch off, no matter what I attempted to do. So after sitting for nearly an hour trying to cover the dark circles around my eyes and drinking my second coffee of the morning, I am sitting on my laptop replying to some e-mails about ending the lease on the apartment and paying what I have left to pay. As soon as I sent over the last e-mail, a knock on my door snapped me from my tired trance looking at my screen. It takes me a few seconds to work out who it could be before remembering the presents I ordered yesterday so I sluggishly get up and answer the door. I sign for the boxes and take them inside. I open them up and I am so thankful I paid extra for the gift wrap they have come in. I search for a pen to sign the tags before going back to my laptop to finish what I was doing, knowing I have to leave soon to meet with Paul. I eventually got done and closed down my laptop just as I hear my phone buzz with a message from Will letting me know he is downstairs waiting for me. I rinse out my coffee cup then grab my purse, keys and jacket before heading downstairs. Will opens the door for me before we start the shorter journey to the coffee shop Paul sent me the address too. It's a quiet place, perfect for us to be able to sit and talk without being bothered by anyone. As soon as Will opened my door again, I thanked him then walk inside, spotting Paul sitting in the back corner waving me over. I make my way over, smiling seeing how happy he is to see me.

"Hello Lizzie. You look beautiful as always." He greets as he pulls me into a hug. I easily accept it, feeling already a little lighter from his presence before we part to sit down in the small booth table. "It's so nice to see you Paul. And thank you, you look as smart as ever." I return with a smile as he just beams back at me before someone comes over to take our order. It doesn't take long before they leave to make our drinks as I take off my jacket and get comfortable in my seat. As soon as I am settled back, I turn my attention over to Paul and smile seeing him patiently waiting for me. "Sorry, I'm a little sluggish today." I explain and he quickly waves me off. "It's quite alright Liz. Take your time." I smile as I sit back and let out a sigh, making Paul laugh lightly at me. "What's got you like this Lizzie?" He asks softly, making me smile at how well he knows me. "Well, everything has all happened so suddenly, I think my body is struggling to keep up." I explain and Paul nods his head just as our drinks get brought to the table. We thank the young women before Paul looks to me to continue what I was saying so I do so. "Between finishing filming all of a sudden and Harley being away on Tour.. My head is a mess." I see his eyes widen slightly, I'm guessing it's not being me finishing filming so I take a sip of my coffee as he begins to say something. "Has it really been that long? I thought Harley was on a long leave?" He asks a loud so I swallow my mouthful of coffee before explaining why she is gone sooner.

"She is out helping in Nepal after the Earthquake that hit 2 weeks ago." I explain and he quickly nods his head in understanding. "Ah. That's a shame. How are you feeling about it all?" He checks and instantly my smile fades, which he is quick to notice. "Up and down a lot. It just hits me out of no where most of the time. I haven't been able to talk with her at all since she left, only a few text messages telling me how bad it is." Paul nods his head softly at my words before reaching over to take a hold of my free hand on the table. "You need to try and not worry yourself Lizzie. She has been doing this for so long, she knows what she is doing and now she has you, there is no doubt in my mind she will be extra careful out there so she can come home to you." I can't help the tear that escapes listening to Paul's comforting words. He's right and I know he is but a part of me is terrified something is going to happen to her. "I'm just really scared Paul. We've got something special and I don't want to loose her before we even get a chance at having a future together." I open up and he listens to every word closely. "You'll have your happy ending Lizzie. You more than anyone deserves it and Harley is that happy ending for you. She is incredible and perfect for you. I can't wait to be at your wedding one day." We both laugh lightly as I quickly wipe away my tears before I ask Paul to talk about something else to help cheer me up, so he instantly catches me up on what he has been doing with his family which instantly puts a smile on my face as he shows me so many pictures from his phone.

"Thank you Paul, this has been just what I needed today." I say as he walks me back to my car. "It's my pleasure Lizzie. Just remember what I said, and especially what Harley has told you to do. Just because she is away, doesn't mean you have to be upset. She would hate knowing you are feeling this way. So do whatever makes you smile." I smile and quickly come in for another hug before we part ways. He waves me off as Will begins the journey towards Stuart's house. Strangely, I'm not nervous knowing Harley is not going to be there. Her family are so welcoming and amazing that I am genuinely excited to get there and see them both. Stop off to get some little things I know they both like before Will drives us there and pulls up outside. As soon as I get out and see the house up close, a mixture of feelings hit me at once. I take a deep breathe but before I even start to walk towards the door, it opens and Maisie is stood with a huge smile on her face waiting for me to come inside. Her smile alone is enough to wipe away everything I am feeling as I rush up the steps and engulf her in a hug. She hugs me back just as tightly before she pulls me inside and closes the door behind me. "Has someone missed me that much?" I joke as Maisie comes back for a second hug after closing the door as I slip off my shoes. "I have, sue me!" She defends making me laugh as I spot Stuart walking into the kitchen. "Ah hello Lizzie. I didn't even hear you knock.." He laughs lightly seeing Maisie attached to me. "I didn't get the chance, Maisie was already waiting for me." I explain making him laugh and shake his head at Maisie's antics.

Eventually, Maisie let me go so I could greet Stuart before giving them the little things I picked up for them as we sat down at the kitchen table. Stuart thanked me as he made me a drink as Maisie wasted no time in opening her sweets. She obviously shared them as we sat and fell into comfortable conversation. Maisie caught me up on what she has been doing at school and Stuart told me about some of his latest projects at work and then they asked me about work. I didn't want to tell them so soon about me being finished filming but now I am talking about it, I know it will be easier to bring up. "I um, I have something to tell you both." I start off after catching them up until yesterday. They both sit up straighter as they sense my small change in tone. "Go ahead Lizzie." Stuart assures me with a comforting smile before I take a shaky breathe and look between them. "I wrapped up filming yesterday, so I have to go back to L.A." I feel the atmosphere change in the room as soon as I am finished talking and instantly I cringe at telling them right now. But before I can try and run away, Stuart quickly smiles and looking right to me. "As much as we are going to miss seeing you so much, I know you have so much to do in L.A. From our conversations that it will be good for you being busy over there." I smile instantly at his kind words before turning to see Maisie trying to hide her frown. "You better come back though!" She warns making us all laugh as I nod my head in reply. "I will, I promise."

We get past the sad part of the conversation quicker than I thought we would before Stuart orders some food and we move into the living room to watch some Tv whilst we wait. Maisie joins me on the sofa and instantly I can't help but think about the times I spent with Harley on this sofa. Our first kiss was on this sofa. The first time I fell asleep in her arms was on this sofa. I was sitting here when she got that call.. I quickly try and shake away the tears as I get comfortable and so does Maisie as she brings over her blanket for us to share. I fall into a small sense of comfort being here again, even though Harley isn't here with me, I feel closer to her just by being in this house with all our memories we have made here up too now. And I know deep down there will be so many more we make here together and with her family. A comfortable silence fills the room as we watch a movie on the Tv together. I'm going to miss coming here, with or without Harley. If I get some time off before she comes home, I'm deffinently going to come and visit. We watch most of the movie before the door bell goes letting us know the food is here. Maisie jumps up to answer it as I follow Stuart into the kitchen to help set up the table. We share out the food and fall into more comfortable conversation as we eat before the conversation shifts to what we have all been avoiding all night. "Have you heard anything from Harley?" Maisie asks a little nervously and I look up to see her softened gaze watching me as I lower my cutlery and take a quick drink.

"I've had a few messages but that's all." I say to begin with, not knowing who else she has been in contact with at this point. "That's all we have had too. She told us she is rushed off her feet at the make-shift medical centre." I nod my head with Stuart's words, thankful we are both at the same place with knowing how she is. "That's all she has told me too." I assure them both, making Maisie smile slightly as she looks between us both. "She better be looking after herself.. She always puts everyone else first." Maisie complains aloud and I nod my head and laugh lightly in agreement. "She does. Hopefully everyone else makes sure she looks after herself." I try and comfort Maisie, followed by Stuart. "You know Charlie won't let her over-do anything Maisie. He always takes care of her." I smile at his words, as does Maisie as she begins to eat again. "How are you finding it all Lizzie. I know it's different for you since we are used to her being away now." Stuart asks, catching me by surprise. "I um, it's hard. It comes out of no where and I suddenly get upset and miss her as if out of no where." I try and explain, but by the looks they are both giving me, they seem to understand exactly what I mean. "It does get easier. I'm not just saying this but it does. You just have to be a little selfish and do things that make you happy. Whether it's see your friends or dive into work. Just keep yourself distracted and it will become easier." Stuart assures me and I smile in reply. Letting his words sink in fully before thanking him.

We finish our dinner and I make sure Stuart lets me help cleaning the dishes before they insist that I stay for a movie like usual. Of course I accept, being here with them both has made me genuinely happy so if I can stay longer, I'd be stupid not too. Once I am done drying the dishes, I wonder whether I have any comfy clothes upstairs to change into but the idea of going into Harley's room is a daunting thought. But, I decide to do it anyways so I tell Stuart and Maisie that I'm going to find a change of clothes. They both smile warmly as I hesitently head upstairs and stop outside Harley's bedroom door. Another flood of emotions hitting me as I take a deep breathe and let myself inside. Instantly her familiar smell hits me and I can't help but smile. As my eyes scan the room, so many memories rush through my mind as I walk inside and instinctively sit on her bed. I feel so close to her, yet so far away all at once. I want nothing more than for her to walk in and pull me into her arms so I can fall asleep beside her again. I lose track of how long I have been replaying our memories in the room together before I decide on just putting some of her joggers and a jumper on, wanting to be comfortable in her warmth. As soon as I am changed, I leave my clothes folded on her bed then go back downstairs to join Maisie on the sofa. Stuart give me a warm smile seeing what clothes I am wearing as Maisie pulls me into the fluffy blanket with her and leans her head on my shoulder so we can all watch the movie together.

Two movies later and it's getting late so I have to reluctantly call Will to come and collect me. Not one part of me wants to leave but I know if I don't leave now, I won't leave at all and I still have a lot to do before leaving for L.A. I make my way into the kitchen to get my shoes and jacket, as well as my purse with Stuart and Maisie following behind. I get everything I need before turning back to see there tired yet warm expressions. "Don't be a stranger Lizzie. Your welcome here whenever you find yourself on this side of the pond." Stuart tells me making me smile as he wraps his arms around me. I hug him back just as tight before pulling away to look up at him. "Thank you Stuart. I'll deffinently keep that in mind." He nods and smiles before we both turn to see Maisie trying to fight back some tears. "Don't cry or I will. This is not the last your seeing of me, and you know if you need me I'll be here." I assure her and she smiles before tackling me into a hug. I struggle to keep myself standing as I return her hug. She nuzzles into me before we hear a car pull up outside, breaking us apart. "Oh! Before I forget!" Stuart announces, confusing me and Maisie as he rushes to the refrigerator and pulls out a bottle. Instantly my smile grows knowing exactly what it is. "This is for you, don't drink it all at once." He jokes handing me the bottle of homemade lemonade. "Thank you so much, this will not last past tomorrow trust me." I joke back making them both laugh as I open the door behind me. "Thank you both, this has been really nice. I'll be back soon, but if either of you need anything, I'll be here." I tell them both before saying a quick final goodbye and heading home..

~~Sunday, London~~

It is finally time to leave London. My bags are all packed in the car waiting for me as I take one last look around the apartment I have called home 8 Months. I'm really going to miss living here, being in London has literally changed my life. I never expected to be leaving the way I am, but I wouldn't change anything about my time here. I do one last check in all the rooms, making sure I have everything, flashes of my memories here occupying my thoughts. From when I first got here on my own wanting some time to concentrate on myself, too falling into a rut of being alone with my thoughts and then the night everything changed. I look down as I am standing in the middle of the living room, running my hands over the black bomber jacket I am wearing, remembering the night Harley gave it to me outside Tom's house the night we met. I totally forgot I had it until I found it when I was packing and instantly it brought me back to that night. How she stood with me to make sure my car arrived, even though she didn't know me and then noticed how cold I was and didn't hesitate to give me her jacket. My smile growing as I look back up and remember our days spend together in this apartment. Watching Disney movies or cooking in the kitchen together, then our more intimate moments start to flood my mind as I remember our first night being together. The way she carried me into the bedroom.. I have to snap myself out of my deepening thoughts as I remember Will is waiting to take me to the Airport so I finally being myself to leave, locking the door once more before putting the keys into a envelope to give to Tony downstairs as I leave.

As I come out the elevator, I spot Tony straight away standing at his desk. He smiles warmly as I make my way towards him and stand at the end of the desk. "Are you sure you have everything Miss Olsen?" He checks and I nod and smile in reply. "Yes I am very sure." I hand over the envelope and he takes it, slipping it into a secure draw under the desk before looking back up toe me. "Now you be safe over there in L.A. And if you ever find yourself here again, feel free to stop by and say hello." I can't help but let my smile grow at his gesture before nodding in reply. "I certainly will Tony. There is no doubt I will be back here once Harley returns home so we will make sure to come by and say hello." He beams at my words before escorting me out to the car where Will is standing waiting for me. As Will opens the door, I quickly remember the present for Tony so I reach into the back seat and grab the box before coming back to give it to Tony. "What's this Miss Olsen?" He asks confused as I hand him the wrapped box. "This is just a little something for all you've done for me whilst I have been staying here. You've always gone the extra mile, even the smallest of things have meant a lot so I wanted to get you something. Then that way, you can't forget me either." I catch a slight glistening in his eyes as he looks up with the biggest smile ever. "This is, wow, thank you so much Miss Olsen. And trust me, I couldn't forget you. From all the Celebrities that have come and gone here, your the most genuine and sweetest there is." Now my own eyes are welling up as he just proves my point with his kind words.

"Get home safe Miss Olsen. And tell Harley I'm thinking about her when you get the chance to speak with her for me." Tony says as I climb into the car. "Of course I will. Thank you for everything Tony. Take care." And just like that, Will pulls away and I watch the apartment disappear out of view, as well as Tony. I get a little emotional replaying what he said before turning my attention to my phone as I keep myself occupied for the drive to the Airport. It doesn't take us too long to arrive as I notice Will parking in a drop off zone before coming to open my door for me. As I climb out, he waves over someone to help bring my bags inside since I have quite a few. Someone comes quiet quickly to start stacking my bags onto a trolley for me as I help Will empty the car. Once we are done, he closes the boot and turns to where I am stood. "That's everything Miss Olsen. Being your driver has been a pleasure so thank you." He sets me off again after just getting over what Tony said to me so I quickly shake my head to hide the tears trying to fall before I turn to grab his present from the seat where I left it. As soon as he sees it, he shakes his head but I don't let him not accept it. "Will, please, you have been amazing and gone beyond what any other Drivers are willing to do. It's just a little something to say thank you for everything." I defend and he slowly gives in as I lift his hand and put the box in it. "Thank you very much Miss Olsen, that is very kind of you." I smile as his smile grows as he looks down at the wrapped present in his hand. "If I ever come back for work and need a driver, your top of my list so don't be too busy for me." I joke making him laugh and nod his head in agreement.

"Take care in L.A. Miss Olsen, and I am keeping Harley in my thoughts until she is home safe. She deffinently one of the good ones." He says genuinely and my smile only grows at his words. "She is. I will make sure to let her know your thinking of her Will. Thank you. And I hope too see again." And with that, he waves and drives off away from the Airport. I turn and apologise to the guy waiting with my bags but he is quick to tell me it's okay before I follow him into the Airport to check in my bags and get ready for my flight. Luckily, we don't run into any paparazzi so I check in my bags, tipping the staff who helped me before I head towards my gate to wait for the flight to be called up. I get myself a drink before getting comfortable, knowing it's not going to be too long until I can board the plane. I check through my phone, keeping myself busy as I reply to come messages from my Sisters and Scarlett to make plans for when I am in L.A. As much as I am looking forward to being home, I still can't shake the feeling of how much I am genuinely going to miss being in London. The stresses that wait for me at home are already setting off my anxiety, knowing there is so much to do and so many more obstacles I have to face everyday that don't really exist in London. Maybe one day, I will be able to be in London more often, even build a home in London with Harley by my side. Buy a house, have a family and have a happy ending I never thought I would get. I know Harley would be happy to stay in London together and once I finish my upcoming projects, there would be nothing to stop me moving here with her.

A future with Harley in London.. That's what I want. My happy ending with My Soldier..