Catching Red Eyes - NYC

Chapter 73

The airport came into view. I didn't want to leave Harry but I tried to focus on keeping my composure as we said goodbye.

"When will you be back, again?" I asked, with a small voice.

"Well, we play the United Kingdom and Ireland for the next two months then we have break but I am staying in Europe to see my family for holiday. I won't be back to the states for a bit, love, but let's not think about that right now," he said pulling me into him.

I wanted to think about now though. How was this going to work? Was I supposed to fly over there just to see him for a couple hours then fly back? Reality was hitting me hard standing in the crowding airport. I wanted to continue this but people were starting to notice us standing there.

"Harry, this is something we need to talk about. I know we can't right now but we need to, ok?"

"I know, we will, love but right now we both have flights to catch. I love you, forever."

Harry pulled me closer and kissed me. All worry and angst was lost as our lips touched. I heard the crowd swoon as we embraced and heard camera phones clicking off. I then heard an explosion of screaming from the left and Harry and I broke our kiss.

"Hey lads. Ready to go home?"

The three remaining members of One Direction joined our growing crowd of people. Before I could get another word in, security was pulling us in all different directions. I now had my own bodyguard who was escorting me to my plane. I quickly looked back to catch one last look at Harry but he was lost in the crowd. I felt so alone even though there were people all around me as I boarded the plane back to New York. I went through the motions of buckling myself in and half listening to the flight attendant.

I felt like I was having an out of body experience considering what just happened. I laughed at my naivety thinking that Harry wouldn't be gone long and that he didn't have anyone else in his life besides me. My heart sunk thinking that it would be months until I physically saw him again. Reality was hitting me so hard again as I felt myself falling apart in first class.

My survival mode kicked in and my mind was coming up with methods to get myself through this. Yes, I had my internship starting again tomorrow and I did have friends and family I needed to catch up with but Harry was now an essential part of my life. I wanted to be able to see him every day and touch his skin every day if I wanted. What price was I going to have to pay to be with someone who the world also needed to see on a daily basis?

I felt the tears welling up and the ache I had from being away from Harry already. I felt pathetic missing someone I hadn't even been away from no longer then a day. I blinked the tears away and took a deep breathe. The flight attendant came around and I asked for something to calm my nerves. She quickly made me a drink without asking for ID. I took the drink and took a few sips.

I laid my head back against the seat and closed my eyes. I counted my breaths and waited for the ride to be over.

"Oh, wow, that ring is amazing. Congratulations! When is the date?"

I snapped my head back and I met the eyes of a very pretty but overly Botoxed woman. She looked young which made me question the Botox. Her hair was slicked down and parted in the middle and she had on tight jeans, black heels, and a black blazer over a black tight tank top. She looked expensive and smelled expensive with the slight hint of a vodka martini. The complete opposite of my old jeans, wrinkly t-shirt, old Chucks, and unkempt hair.

"Oh, uh, thanks. It's just a promise ring."

"That is quite a promise. My second husband gave me a promise ring but he just promised long golf trips and treating me like a trophy wife which was nice for a while but then he died. Anyways, hopefully yours makes better promises. Watch out for the old ones though and the rich and famous." She lowered her eyes and shook her head. I didn't want to know the details nor did I care for her lifestyle and I prayed that she wouldn't continue. My prayers were not answered.

"I dated John Mayer. I mean, he was hot and I got to meet a ton of people but he was always touring and I never saw him but when we were together it was like fireworks. Was it worth it? Sometimes. But I missed him way too much. Stay away from the musicians. Good luck with your promise ring relationship."

With that she masked her eyes with a sleeping band and was quiet. The words never rang as true as they did now. My eyes stung as I sat thousands of the feet in the air. I got up and pushed back the accordion bathroom door. I pulled a yard of toilet paper out and wiped my eyes. I caught my reflection.

"Red eyes in a red eye. How cliché," I said, chuckling to myself. I guess it was for the best to find humor in this dreadful situation as I continued to wipe my eyes. I took a deep breath and went back to my seat. Thank God Botox lady was still out when I sat back down.

The rest of the flight dragged but we finally hit the ground and were getting off. I quickly found my bag and started towards the exit. My eye caught the words R. EMERSON scrawled across a white board being held by a very large man in sunglasses. I slowly walked over to him but wasn't sure if he was looking at me.

"Miss Emerson. Please, this way."

I guess this man was for me. I heard my phone chime and struggled to find it under my bags. The man who knew my name thankfully took my bags as I unlocked my phone.

*Hello, love. I already miss you. I have sent Marsh to escort you until the press calms down with this whole ring fiasco. I'll call you when we land in London. Love you. Forever*

So his name was Marsh. Was this like my bodyguard now? I was run, walking to keep up with the mammoth man. I thought he was supposed to walk behind me or beside me? I didn't have time to comprehend anything before I was blinded by camera flashes.

"Rowan! Rowan! Show us the rock! When's the wedding??"

I covered my eyes and felt big hands pull me through the growing crowd of people. I let him pull half carry me to get to wherever we were going. I was assuming an SUV of some kind and I assumed right as the back door was swung open and I jumped inside.