Off To Uni! (Written after Nick & Charlie by Alice Osmen)

Chapter Twenty Six

Chapter Twenty Six

[THE NEXT DAY]

Charlie:
Waking up here, in Nick's house, makes me happier than I've been in awhile. There's something different about being here, rather than being in his dorm room; it's home. It reminds me of the first time I was able to stay here overnight. It's crazy to think how much time has passed when it comes to Nick and I. Somehow our first encounter feels like yesterday and forever ago at the same time. I turn my body over to face him. Usually he is the first one awake, but for once, instead of trying to fall back asleep, I just want to soak up these moments with him. They may not seem like much to some people, but laying next to him and watching him sleep as the sun peaks through and shines on his face; well, those moments are everything to me. Eventually, Nick opens one eye slightly, squinting because of the sun.

"You know, if you're going to be creepy and watch me sleep, the least you could do is get up and close the curtains so the sun isn't in my eyes."

I let out a small laugh.

"Sorry, I just wanted to enjoy this moment."
"Looking at  my handsome face?" Nick asks with a smirk.
"No, the silence. I never get that when I'm around you," I tease.
"Very funny," Nick says, his eyes still closed. 

He then proceeds to lift up his arm, inviting me in. I make my way over to him and he pulls me closer, squeezing me tightly.

"I don't want to go back to school," Nick whispers.
"Well, then don't. Just stay here and live at your Mum's forever. Or at least until I get a job that can support us both and buy us a house," I say with a smile.

He playfully nudges me.

"Oh yeah? That's all you see me as? A stay at home husband?"
"I think the term is trophy husband. You're sexy as hell and I'll be the bread maker."
"Haha, very funny. Lets not forget who, if they're lucky, might be able to play Rugby professionally. So really, who would be the trophy husband here?"
"Psh, so conceited. I was just saying since you said you didn't want to go back, figured I'd lay out your another option for you," I tease.
"Yeah, thanks for that. I really appreciate it," he says as he starts to push me away. "All of a sudden, going back to school is starting to sound better and better."

I sit up quickly and jokingly gasp.

"Oh yeah? Then maybe you should just be on  your way then," I say while sticking my tongue out at him.

Nick then proceeds to act like he's getting out of the bed.

"Okay then, I guess I'll get going," he teases.
"I hate you," I say with a smirk.
"Yeah right," he says smiling.
"What time are we suppose to meet everyone today?" I ask.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that!"
"You're the one who made the plans with everyone and you forgot?" 
"Sorry Char, not everyone has a memory like yours," he jokes as he tries to remember the time.

I laugh.

"You're the worst," I say as I take out my phone and begin to text our group chat.

Charlie: Even though Nick is the one who made the plans with you guys, he seems to have forgotten the time
Charlie: Probably the location too... (:
Nick: To be fair, I'm pretty sure we never decided on a location

I look up at Nick, shaking my head laughing.

Elle: I don't think we decided on an actual time...
Elle: I think we just said afternoon but not too sure
Nick: HAH! So it wasn't me that forgot (:
Tao: To be fair, you totally would have forgotten if we did decide on a time
Nick: Thanks for that
Charlie: He's just being honest (:
Elle: Darcy, Tara, Aled; are you guys still up to hang today before we head up back to school?
Darcy: Tara and I are in!
Aled: Me too! Excited to see you guys.
Tao: Um, guys...
Tao: THE TIME!?
Charlie: LOL
Elle: Nick, what time do you want to start heading back up?
Nick: Well, I was thinking after dinner
Nick: Mum usually cooks dinner around 6:30, so I'd need to be home by then
Darcy: Does 3 work for everyone?
Charlie: Works for me and Nick!
Elle: Me too!
Aled: Me three!
Tao: I actually have other plans....
Elle: TAO SHUT UP
Tao: 3 works for me.
Charlie: See you guys then!
Tao: LOCATION?!?
Tao: God, what would you guys do without me
Charlie: Well...
Nick: For starters...
Darcy: Oh god, here we go LOL
Tao: Shut up, don't answer that.
Charlie: LOL
Charlie: Elle? Your house?
Elle: That works! See you guys then.

"Does this mean we get to stay in bed for a little longer?" Nick asks.

We both lay down and he turns on the TV.

"Only because I love it here," I say.
"Well, I love you," he says as he kisses the top of my head.
"To be fair, the reason I love it here is because I love you, so..." I say looking up at him with a smirk.

For some reason, it feels like the day Nick left the first time. Maybe it's because we're back at his house, instead of me saying goodbye in his car when he drops me off. I just want to hold onto this moment for as long as I possibly can. Rugby will start soon and these visits will be fewer. I squeeze him tight and rest my head on his chest. Only one more year and I'll be at University right by him; I cannot wait.