thantophobia // hs au

two • long time no see

"Beep! Beep! Beep!" My alarm clock wakes me from my deep slumber and I roll over and press the snooze button. Slowly pulling myself out of bed with a sigh, I creep over to the bathroom and to do my business. While washing my hands, I look up at my reflection. My light blonde hair was starting to fall out of its messy bun and my clean face was clear of any trace of makeup. My black frame glasses sat upon the bridge of my nose and my blue eyes shone through them.

I return back into my room and look at the time. Only 8:30am, I have time for breakfast. Carefully not waking up my roommate, Olivia, I make a few pancakes and top them with butter and syrup. I eat them while watching the Today show. A brief look of whats happening in America makes me miss home. But then again, I made myself a home here. With Olivia. And my job with Jean.

Its been a couple days since I met Harry and he has invaded my thoughts. But Harry hasn't been showing up to the cafe in the mornings, like I thought he would. Jean said after we had our chat, he hadn't been showing up. Even in the afternoons. I frowned at the thought. No messages came and no phone calls from him. I finished my pancakes and quickly wash my plate and silverware.

I walk into my bedroom and pick out todays outfit. A pair of slim black leggings and a large maroon sweater. My feet tread across the white rugged carpet as I walk into the bathroom. I pull my hair into a loose top knot and apply light natural makeup. I finish getting ready and pull on my long knee high brown boots. Finishing my look with my purse, I leave my flat on the 11th floor and arrive at my black Ford Fusion.

I start the car and head to my destination.

--

"Veronica!", my aunt greets me with a big welcoming hug. She's the main reason why I moved to England because I know I would always have a warm welcome in her house at any time. I return her hug with a tight embrace. She ushers me inside and offers me coffee. I gladly accept, feeling extremely tired from my long journey. While I lived in Manchester, my aunt lives outside in the country.

I sat down on the couch and the couch happily welcomes my body into its soft pillowy cushions. My aunt hands me my mug of steaming coffee and returns to the kitchen to prepare hers. I take in her small home and smile at the pictures of me lining the walls. My mom decorates a majority of the wall also. My smile falters at the thought of my mother and I turn my head.

"I know. I miss her a lot too.", my aunt says, walking into the living room and takes a seat in the recliner.

I blush, knowing she saw my little memory episode of my mom. I look down and sip my coffee slowly. "I know its been 6 years since we lost her but it still feels like it happened yesterday. I miss her", I said, setting down my mug of coffee on the table.

My aunt get up from her seat and wraps her arms around me, "Sweetie, we never really stop grieving but you can't let it stop you from living your life Ronnie. You moved to England to get away from your father, I know. Its gotten better hasn't it? Your sweet roommate Livie and your kickin job at the cafe. Your life is starting hun.", my aunt advises me.

I smile, knowing she's right. I nod showing I understand her words of wisdom and accept her hug. My aunt pulls back and smiles, getting up from her short visit on the couch. She leaves the room and comes back with sandwiches and tea.

"Thanks, I was about to say I'm hungry", I joke and finish my coffee. I grab one of the small club sandwiches and take a small bite and enjoy my visit with my aunt. Talking of life, love, and beauty. I made sure to tell her about Harry.

Almost 2 hours later, we talked each other ears off and polished off 2 more sandwiches after our initial first one. I used the bathroom before getting ready to leave. Pulling on my coat and grabbing my purse, I walked out of the house. "It was really great seeing you Aunt Viv. You should come to the cafe sometime and get some coffee.", I suggested, getting into my car.

"I will. Maybe next weekend because this weekend I have to cater to a party", she explains while shutting my door.

"Okay thats fine Viv", I said, showing her a big grin, "Bye Aunt Vivian!", I exclaimed.

My aunt steps back from the car and waves at me and yells goodbye. I pull away from my aunt and her little house, driving back to Manchester.

I arrive at my flat pretty late in the night and end up ordering Thai food from the local joint down the street. With my take-out boxes spread across the small table, I watch The Vow and pig out on my dinner. Seeing my aunt had made my entire week better and pushed all the thought of Harry's absence away.

Half way through my movie and dinner, my cellphone rings and I rush to the counter to retrieve my ringing mobile phone out of my Coach bag.

"Hello", I greet the unknown caller and sit back down on the coach, folding my legs underneath myself.

"Hey, Ronnie. Its Harry", the deep British voice responded.

"Hey you! I've been wondering where you've been. Jean said you haven't been around the cafe.", I say taking a bite of my barbecue pork.

"Yeah.. I've been sort of busy lately but I was wondering if you wanted to come to lunch with me tomorrow at this small burger dinner just a little outside of town. Its not far and I can come pick you up.", he stutters out.

A big smile grows on my face and I happily respond, "Yes Harry, I'd love that. My apartment complex is Marbled Heights. Its downtown."

"Great Ronnie and I know where that is. My flat is only a couple blocks away." Harry explains through the phone.

"Okay thank you Harry. I'll see you tomorrow.", I say, still wearing my big smile across my face.

"Okay Ronnie. Goodnight and I'll come pick you up tomorrow. Goodbye", Harry said before hanging up.

My smile grows as I lay back on the couch, placing my iPhone on my tummy. Thinking about what just happened and soon forgetting about the rest of my dinner and movie

--

Theres a second chapter!(: This book is really coming along and I'm excited. You won't see whats coming in the next chapter. Tomorrow, I should be updating so be expecting.

Instagram: simplyy.katelyn

~Kattie