[in progress] As hearts collide {chicklit}

Chapter fourteen - Al was right

With our places in university set in stone, Alex, Jim and I spent as much time as we could together in the lead up to our departure. Ironically, we'd all chosen to attend Universities close to the coast, which made Al laugh and sing "oh I do like to be beside the seaside..." at every given opportunity.

Alex had accepted a place at Bournemouth University to study Architecture, Jim was studying video and game design at Brighton and I'd chosen english and creative writing at Solent. We were all relatively close to one another, within a couple of hours by train, but I'd wished I'd taken the time to learn how to drive to make the commute a little easier, unlike Jim and Al, who had both passed theirs last year.

The weekend before Alex and Jim were to head off to university - my course starting a week later than theirs, we'd decided to take a trip into London together to see the sights and have a few drinks. On the train ride, Alex relished in telling us that Mia had finally stopped contacting him.
"It's been three days and nothing! What a relief! There's only so many polite ways you can hint that you're not interested."
"Maybe that's the problem though... You're asking her to rely on your hints for confirmation. I wonder if it was mutually beneficial for both of you - Ben mentioned that she was trying to get back with Lee before you ended up hooking up. Maybe it was the catalyst she needed to get him to date her again?"
Alex looked surprised. "You mean she was using me for my body?" He grinned wildly, making Jim and I laugh out loud.
"You're a pig!" I declared, still laughing.
"Well at least it makes sense why she was so desperate to get me out with them all the time - just trying to rub poor Lee's face in it. We've not heard much about your date with Ben... you not planning to go on another anytime soon?" Alex asked, leaning in a little.
"We've messaged a couple of times, but he's not asked and I'm not bothered - works for me!" I replied, feeling Jim's eyes burning into me.
"Yeah, but once you're at uni all alone, without two strapping young lads to keep you safe," Alex joked, gesturing between himself and Jim, "you'll change your mind. He'll be a familiar face in an unfamiliar place!" He smirked at me but Jim turned away, as if the scenario had also crossed his mind.
"Can we talk about something else?" I asked, irritated by his comment. Alex thankfully changed the subject, but Jim stayed quiet for the rest of the journey.

The train took us to Kings Cross St Pancras and we made our way to Waterloo via the underground. We filed out the station and turn right, confronted with the most breathtaking view of London. The sight honestly never gets old.
Alex popped into the M&S to pick up a few extra supplies so we could have a picnic on the grass by the London Eye. Jim and I stood outside the store waiting for him and I could tell something was on his mind.
"J, what's going on?" I broached quietly, watching as he paced about.
"Nothing." He lied, his body language betraying him.
"Jim..." I warned, letting him know that he couldn't lie to me. He exhaled heavily and finally met my eye-line, a pained expression on his face.
"... I guess, I'm just gonna miss you both, that's all - I don't want things to change."
I took his hand in mine and squeezed it gently.
"I'm gonna miss you guys too! But J, we're not so far away from one another. I'm closer at Southampton than I would be in Herts. We're going to see each other all the time. You can't get rid of me!" He laughed a little and pulled me in for a half hug.

Alex came out moments later with a plastic bag with what looked like wine.
"Erm... what kind of picnic is this? Where's the bloody food?!" I cried, making them both crack into hysterics.
"Trust you to worry about the food! Don't worry Em, I've got lots of snacks in there too!"
I rolled my eyes and let Alex lead the way to the grass. It was on overcast but warm day, and the green space next to the London Eye was already peppered with people relaxing. We found a secluded spot and sat down, as Alex pulled out a bottle of rosé and some paper cups. He filled each one and passed them around before raising his glass.
"To friends! Wherever our paths take us, may our bond remain unbroken."
"To friends!" We chorused, clanking our cups together in unison before taking a sip.