My lovely Daisy

Chapter 14

"I love you a lot, but will you please just make a decision already!" Ella whined.

"This is very important. It has to take time."

"It's just microwave popcorn, Dais!"

Will chuckled, then sighed sorrowfully. "I'm gonna miss you two dorks."

"Then don't go, it's quite simple really," I shrugged while scanning the popcorn options.

"Kiddo, we talked about this multiple times. My visa is expiring, and I have to go back to my country. I don't have a choice."

Ella pouted and crossed her arms. "Why can't you just stay illegally like everyone else?"

Will let out a small chuckle at Ella's remark before turning to face her, his expression serious.

"I wish I could, babe. I really do."

"Okay, guys, enough with the heavy topics, let's put on the film. I decided that this family will go with the caramel popcorn," I suggested.

Will nodded in agreement, trying to shake off the heavy atmosphere that had filled the room. We all settled down on the couch, Ella in the middle with the bowl of popcorn in her lap. As we watched the opening credits, my mind couldn't help but wander back to the conversation we just had. Will was leaving, and no matter how much we joked or tried to distract ourselves, that fact remained. I know I wasn't a huge fan of him initially, but I have grown to get used to seeing him almost daily. If it was hard on me, I can't imagine how much harder it was for Ella or Ethan's family. Having an exchange student live with you for more than two years, seeing him every day, and having to say goodbye isn't easy.

As the movie progressed, I found myself stealing glances at Will. He seemed to be absorbed in the film, but his mind was probably wandering just like mine. I wondered if he was thinking about his family back in his home country or if he was already missing us.

When the movie ended, I noticed that Will had fallen asleep. I looked over to Ella, who was already snuggled up to him, her head resting on his shoulder. Ethan lay sprawled out on the opposite end of the couch, snoring lightly. I let out a small chuckle at the sight of them sleeping soundly. I made my way over to them, carefully removing the bowl of popcorn from Ella's lap and placing it on the coffee table.

"Hey," he murmured sleepily. "Keep that promise you made, alright?"

"Yeah," I said weakly.

Will smiled sleepily before closing his eyes once more.

I let out a sigh and carefully tip-toed to the front door to put on my shoes. I needed to get some fresh air into my system and just be with my thoughts for a while. As I stepped outside, the cold night air hit me like a slap in the face. I wrapped my coat tightly around myself and took a deep breath. I sat on the steps, looking at the clear sky. I always had a certain attraction to all things related to the moon. I still think that somehow the moon connects us all. The moon I see from my home is the same one Will will see from Scotland.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice the figure that had stepped out of the shadows until he spoke.

"Hey, beautiful," a deep voice said from in front of me.

I turned my head quickly and saw a man standing there with a sly smirk.

I stood up, feeling uneasy. "Who are you?" I asked, squinting my eyes to see him better.

He chuckled darkly. "Relax, darling. I'm just a guy passing by. What's a pretty thing like you doing out here all alone?"

Something in my gut told me that I needed to escape him as soon as possible. "I'm just getting some fresh air," I replied, taking another step back. "I think I should go back inside now."