My Soldier - Missing Home

Wrong Move

A/N ~~ So as I promised from the start, there will be a slight trigger warning for this Chapter. There will be threatening behaviour, as well as some violence.

~~ As some of you may have figured out by now, this Book is coming to an end. But you all also know that Book 3 is coming right after, so no need to panic.

~~ Things are getting, intense. But I promise, stick with me and everything will be worth it. As much as I love writing the fluffy stuff, I love writing the intense stuff even more. So buckle up, things are about to get rough.


~~Tuesday Morning, London~~

Lizzie POV

The last two days have been a lot to try and get through. I don't think I have managed to sleep more than a couple of hours before suddenly being awake, crying, exhausted from the constant nightmares. The fear of losing Harley is very real. Not knowing where she is or if she is even still alive is becoming too much to handle. And being stuck on the other side of the World, helpless, not being able to do anything to help her is what hurts the most. It's times like this that can make any re-think everything. The World always presumes that money and connections can help you with anything, but when something like this happens in your life, you soon find out that is very much not true. Thankfully, my Mom has always kept me and the twins humble, not wanting any fame to go to our heads. Whereas my Dad is different, seeing him with money was not something I enjoyed. And hearing what he said to my Mom not too long ago about Harley and how he believes she is a lost cause being a Soldier and not someone important made me re-think so much. I don't want people like him in my life if that's how they think. Just because Harley is a Soldier and not a Celebrity makes no difference to me, she is my person. That makes her worth every second of trying to find her. No matter what. I hate people are judged in anyway, so seeing Harley being seen as anything other than the most incredible person she is does not sit right with me. The sooner she comes home and shows everyone that she is so much more than what they think she is, the sooner we can stand together and I can proud to be with My Soldier.

As soon as Monday morning came around, I was on Set to talk with the team for Sorry For Your Loss. I called an emergency meeting to talk about everything that has happened. I have never been more thankful to be working with such an amazing and understanding team. As soon as I explained the situation, they were more than happy to allow me some time off. We worked out some last-minute tweaks to the script before they assured me to take all the time I need to since they have a lot they can do without needing me on Set. In fact, they said most of my scenes are finished now since I have been working so much whilst Harley has been on Tour, so they may not even need me on Set anymore. The only thing I might be needed for is help on editing and script work for other scenes that my Character is not a part of. Which they quickly assured me that I can do from London, which makes all this so much easier. When I left the Studio, I felt a lot lighter and ready to book my flight knowing I don't have anything stopped me now. Not that I was going to allow anything to stop me, I know where I need to be. And right now, I need to be in London. Stuart and Maisie mean so much to me now that I can't stay in L.A. knowing they are as worried as I am about Harley. I also want to be here in London if Harley is brought home, which Stuart has told me could happen depending on what has happened. And there is no way I am not going to be here in London if that happens, because I know Harley would do the same for me. I just want to be back in her arms again.

It's early Tuesday Morning in London as the plane came into land. The flight was long and tiring, but as soon as I could feel the plane coming into land, my body felt lighter knowing I am where I need to be right now. I couldn't help but smile as I say London appear through the clouds from the window beside me, memories of every time I have looked over this view playing through my mind like a movie. The only difference being there is no exciting butterflies fluttering around my stomach at the thought of Harley waiting for me from the plane, and the missing feeling of Harley's hand in mine as she is sitting beside me. I wish either of them were my reality right now, but instead my heart is heavy and I'm missing Harley impossibly more than I ever thought possible. London won't be the same without her with me. When the plane finally reaches the runway, my body felt a wave of emotions. Something telling me this trip to London is not going to be like any of the times before. The only hope I have is that it has a happy ending. Once I had my bag from above my seat, I mindlessly followed the other passengers from the plane, my eyes stinging with unshed tears at the thought of not seeing Harley's face somewhere in the crowd of the busy Airport. Knowing there is no chance of her being here to pick me up, not even as a surprise like she has done so many times before. The thoughts and emotions plaguing my mind made me miss my suitcase the first time around, causing even more time to pass with my eyes searching for those Hazel ones I long to see more than anything else in the World. Silently wishing she would be here somehow. But then the cruel reality always shatters my heart, the reality that I don't know where she is, nobody does.

When I finally have my suitcase, I slowly make my way through the crowd, tilting my cap forward to hide my face so no one recognises me. The last thing I want is to have to paint on a smile and act like everything is fine when, in reality, I am slowly losing hope. As well as being well aware of the paparazzi no doubt lingering around the corner, waiting to make up some cruel rumour as to why I am in London without Harley by my side. I follow the people ahead of my, watching their feet to guide me towards any exit but I am suddenly stopped by a pair of arms being thrown around my body. Instantly my body freezes, not knowing what to do. I have no idea who is now attached to my body, arms wrapped around my middle as they cling to me. I look up slightly, tilting my head back to see long, dark curls of hair laying over the strangers' shoulders. They are a little shorter than me, obviously female. So many thoughts rush through my mind in the few seconds I am frozen before the faintest of voices catch my attention. I barely believe it is her, until my senses come rushing back to me and my body takes over, wrapping my arms around her small frame holding her so tightly I'm not sure she can still breathe. "Maisie?" I question quietly, wanting to hear her voice again. "It's me Lizzie." She assures me, making me squeeze her a little tighter in my arms. I didn't expect her to be here, but then it doesn't surprise me at the same time since I told Stuart exactly what flight I would be on as soon as I booked my seat. "I'm so glad you're here Lizzie." Maisie whispers as she nuzzles her head into my shoulder, her body starting to shake in my arms. I hold her close, not wanting her to fall apart here. "I'm here Maize. And I'm not going anywhere." I reassure her, hearing her sniffle a little before she carefully moves away so we can both compose ourselves. Thankfully, the people around us too preoccupied to give us a second glance.

"Come here you." I whisper, lifting my hands to help wipe away her tear-stained cheeks. Her bright eyes staring up into my own. I always forget how much she has in common with Harley, including her eyes. The only difference is how big and bright they are, compared to Harley's being a little darker and deeper in colours. But then as soon as she smiles up at me, all I see is Harley. That same smile. "Please tell me you're not here on your own." I ask, taking a quick glance over her shoulder. "Dad's here, somewhere. But as soon as I seen you, I couldn't wait." She explains, making me smile as I pull her into another hug. I feel her body deflate as I do, feeling everything she has been holding onto slowly letting go. When I look up again over her shoulder, I see Stuart come into view not too far away. A small smile on his face when he finds us in the small crowd. "Come on, let's get out of here." I encourage Maisie, making her nod as she slowly leaves my arms. I leave one arm around her shoulders, keeping her close to my side as I grab my suitcase with my free hand. We make our way over to Stuart, and as soon as I reach him, he brings me into a comforting hug. I find myself melting into his body as I grip the back of his jacket. "It's good to see you, Lizzie." He whispers, making me smile as a few tears fall from my eyes. "You too Stuart." I manage to choke out as he hugs me a little tighter before we break apart. I quickly wipe my tears away before composing myself as best I can to look up at him, a small smile still across his face as he rubs his hand up and down my arm. "I didn't expect you both to be here." I finally find my voice, making them both laugh lightly as Stuart moves to take my suitcase from beside me. "You should know us by now Lizzie, we'd never not be here to pick you up." Stuart quickly replies, making me smile as we all turn to leave the Airport together.

Maisie is glued to my side all the way to the car. Thankfully, we manage to avoid any cameras on our way, and we reach the car with no problems. Stuart takes my bags and loads them into the car as I join Maisie in the back seat. It doesn't take long before we are on the roads, Maisie quickly deciding on taking charge of the conversation like always. She catches me up on everything she has been up to at School and with her friends, making me smile as I find myself with a way of taking my mind of Harley for the first time in a long time. But then as we reach the house, my heart sinks as another rush of emotions take over my body. I can't but let my mind play tricks on me, butterflies fluttering in my stomach as I search for any sign of Harley. But when I hear Maisie sigh beside me, my head snapping over to where she is sitting, seeing her head hanging down looking at her feet. I hate this. This is not my Maisie. "Come on you two, let's get inside." Stuart breaks us both out of our thoughts, looking back at us from the front seat with a comforting smile on his face. "I just- need a second." Maisie replies, making me frown as she looks back down at her lap. I then look to Stuart, who's smile has gone as he looks between us both. I give him a small nod, silently telling him I've got her. He seems to understand and nods in reply. "I'll get the bags." He decides, getting out the car, leaving me with Maisie. I scoot over to the middle seat, reaching out my hand to take Maisie's from her lap, noticing her nervously fidgeting. I give her hand a squeeze, trying to gain her attention, but she just sighs again quietly. I know I need to say something, but I have no idea how to make this any better.

"I know this is all a lot to take in Maisie. But all we can do is try and stay strong and wait for any news. Trust me, I know how hard it is right now, but Harley would hate to know we are all struggling this way. So, until we know anything more, we need to think positive." I find myself rambling, but when I finally look up, meeting Maisie's glossy eyes stops my jumbled thoughts. Seeing her bottom lip quivering as she meets my eyes. "Oh Maisie." I pull her back into my arms, feeling her shaking again as she cries into my shoulder. I just sit with her, rubbing her back as she lets out what she needs to. I feel my own tears fall before she pulls away a little to compose herself. "Sorry Lizzie, I just, I hate not knowing where she is. They don't even know if she is okay. What if something has happened to her? And no one can reach her." I feel Maisie starting to spiral, so I quickly take her hands and shake my head softly. "Maisie, we can't think like that. This is Harley, she is going to be okay." I try my best, but I can't help but feel the same way deep down. And it kills me to admit it. I just know I can't let Maisie feel how I do, not now, not ever. She's too young to struggle in any way about someone who means so much to her. "She has to be okay Lizzie. I can't lose her." Maisie admits tearily, breaking my heart all over again. "We aren't going to lose her Maisie." I add, making her nod softly in agreement. I feel her grip on my hands tighten as she takes some shaky breaths, calming herself before we finally make a move to join Stuart inside. Even walking up to the house is difficult, my thoughts rushing with how many times I have done this before. Only this time, I don't feel any of the happy, excited feelings I usually do. Instead, I just feel my heart shattering impossibly more than it already has. I feel my body not wanting to move any further, but Maisie's grip on my arm beside me keeps me moving. When we make it inside, the familiar smell hits me instantly as I walk into the kitchen. Maisie closes the door behind us as I take off my jacket and shoes before joining Stuart at the table. A coffee already sitting waiting for me in my usual seat, just the way I like it. As much as I am smiling on the outside at the small familiar gestures, my heart is aching with the reality of someone missing from beside me.

We all fall into a small silence as we sit at the table, no one knowing where to start with everything that has happened. My hands hugging around the warm coffee cup as I take in the familiar environment, like a warm blanket wrapping around my body being back here. My heart still missing Harley, but right now, I need to be strong, not just for myself. But before I can even try to think of something to say, Stuart beats me to it. "I heard from Charlie last night, Lizzie." Instantly my head lifts from looking down at my coffee, eyes wide with hope as Stuart has a soft smile across his face. "Really?" I question, knowing it must have been whilst I was on the plane. He nods his head softly, silently confirming my thoughts. "He told me that Special Forces are now at the Barracks in Nigeria, working with the rest of 7 Section to locate Harley and her team." He explains, making me smile at the thought of them having some extra help out there. "That's really good news. Harley has told me about when she worked with them on one of her Tours and how good they are at their job." I add, making Stuart smile more as he nods his head. "They are amazing at what they do. Charlie is confident they will get a lead in the next 24 hours." Stuart continues, my heart racing faster at the news. Finally, something positive to hold onto. "Have you been in touch with Tom to let him know?" I ask, Stuart nodding and smiling widely in reply. "He couldn't be on the phone for long, but he was grateful for my call." I smile and nod my head, swallowing my mouthful of coffee before saying anything further. "I don't know whether he has told you, but he came to see me on Saturday night. Well, more like 4 in the morning." I catch Maisie finally looking up, a sad smile on her face. "Is he okay?" She asks softly, noticing the gloss over her eyes. "He's, struggling." I tell them truthfully, not wanting to hide anything from them. "But he is going to be in London as soon as he can be." I add, making them both smile at my words. "I knew he would." Stuart replies, making me smile as we fall back into our more comfortable silence to finish our drinks.

After my coffee, I excuse myself to unpack my bags. Stuart quickly offers me to stay in Harley's room, telling me she wouldn't have it any other way. I agree before taking everything upstairs. As soon as I walk into her room, tears instantly roll down my cheeks as I take in the familiar comfort it usually brings me. Not having Harley by my side hurts more and more. and now being in a room that holds so many memories is almost too much. My legs almost crumbling from beneath me as I reach the side of her bed, my hands finding Harley's t-shirt still sitting on top of the pillow she wore the night before she left. I bring it to my chest, clutching at the material as I let my tears fall. Using the t-shirt to muffle my sobs as I let everything go, needing to just feel it all somewhere I feel safe. And I find myself crying for what feels like hours before a knock on the door brings me out of it. I quickly compose myself as best I can before calling out to whoever is at the bedroom door. Maisie soon peeks her head into the room, smiling softly when she sees me sitting on the bed. "Sorry to interrupt Lizzie, but Emily is downstairs, and I wondered if you'd like to help me with lunch?" Her soft, sweet voice makes my lips curl into a smile. "I'd love too, I'm just going to freshen up from my flight and I'll join you in the kitchen." I reply, making her smile grow as she nods her head before leaving me alone again. I take some calming breaths, reaching for my phone to send some messages to let everyone know I am in London and with Stuart and Maisie before I go to the bathroom to freshen up a little. When I come back into the bedroom, I glance over at Harley's wardrobe, my body acting on its own as I search for some of her clothes to wear. Needing to feel as close to her as I can. I change into some joggers and an oversized hoodie before leaving my bags to unpack later. Wanting to see Emily and spend some quality time with Maisie in the kitchen cooking again. As much as I want nothing more than Harley to be here with us, right now, this is enough to keep me hopeful. Surrounded by her family, who I hope one day, I will be able to call my family to.