The Farmhand's Crush

Chapter: 12

The morning sun poured into my cottage, illuminating the space I had worked so hard to make my own. I felt slightly better after breakfast, the toast and coffee settling my stomach as Nic and I exchanged easy banter about the previous night's antics that I had gotten up to.

However, a nagging sense of urgency loomed over me. Later that day, I would have to return to the city to pick up a few things I had left behind. The thought of leaving the comfort of my cottage, and Nic was bittersweet.

As we cleared the dishes, my phone buzzed on the table. Glancing down, I saw my aunt's name flashing across the screen. A frown crossed my face as I answered.

"Hey, Aunt Clara! What's up?"

"Faye darling, I just realized you left a few important things in your old room, I was cleaning the space to have a guest in there" my aunt said, her voice slightly flustered. "Could you grab them for me when you're in the city?"

"Of course! What did I forget?" I asked, my heart sinking at the thought of the trip.

"Just a box of family photos and some of your old paperwork" Aunt Clara chuckled lightly, but I could hear the slight tension in her voice.

"Don't worry. I'll get it," I assured her. "I can swing by the apartment this afternoon."

"Thank you, dear. I really appreciate it. It's been a hectic week," her aunt said, her tone softening. "How's everything going at the cottage?"

"It's going great, I've been getting it all set up. I can't wait for you to see it," I replied, glancing at Nic, who was leaning against the counter, listening intently.

"That's wonderful to hear! And how is... Nic?" her aunt asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

I blushed, glancing at Nic, who raised an eyebrow playfully. "He's been amazing. I mean, really supportive."

"Good! You deserve that, Faye. I'm proud of you, your parents would be too" Aunt Clara said, and I felt a swell of warmth at my aunt's words. "Just make sure to drive safe, okay?"

"Will do. I'll call you when I'm done" I promised before ending the call.

"Well, looks like I'm heading back to the city," I said, my mood dampened slightly.

"Need a ride?" Nic offered, stepping closer. "I can go with you."

My heart fluttered at the thought of going on a road trip with him, what would he think of my old life?. "Are you sure? I don't want to impose."

"Not at all, I'd love to see the city, and I can help you with your stuff," he said, his smile wide and genuine. "Plus, I think it'd be fun, and anytime time with you is a good time."

"Okay, only if your sure" I replied, excitement creeping back in. The idea of spending more time with him, even in the city, was comforting.

After quickly packing a bag with a few essentials and some snacks for the drive, I grabbed my car keys. "Ready?" I asked, glancing back at Nic, who was already waiting at the door with a cheerful grin.

"Absolutely City, Let's hit the road," he said, and we headed out together, the sun shining brightly as westepped into the car.

"Bit fancy City, but you might have to wash your car soon, the gravel is flicking dust at your pretty car" he laughed

The drive was filled with lighthearted conversation and laughter, the two of us sharing stories once again and teasing each other about the quirks we have. I found myself relaxing more with each passing mile, the familiarity of Nic's presence easing my anxiety about returning to the city.

As we approached the outskirts of the city, I felt a mix of nostalgia and uneasiness. "It feels so different coming back here," I admitted, glancing at the skyline in the distance. "I used to love living here, but now it feels so far away from what I've created at the cottage."

Nic nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Change can be strange. But it sounds like you're making a beautiful life for yourself out there."

"Thanks, Nic. I really appreciate that," My replied, her heart swelling with gratitude. "It means a lot to have your support and to have you here with me."

When we arrived at my aunt's apartment, I parked the car and we both climbed out. The familiarity of the old place tugged at my heart, memories flooding back as we went up the elevator to the apartment. "Let's grab that box and get out of here," I said, trying to keep my mood light.

As they entered the apartment, I felt another pang of nostalgia wash over me. The familiar scent of my aunt's cooking lingered in the air, and the walls held echoes of my childhood. I led Nic to my old room, where I quickly located the box of photos and paperwork.

"Do you want to look through these?" Nic asked, eyeing the box curiously.

I smiled. "I haven't gone through them in ages. just a warning there may be embarrassing photos so no laughing."

As we sat on the floor, I opened the box, revealing a trove of memories, pictures of family gatherings at holidays, vacations, and old high school friends. We laughed at the awkward hairstyles and fashion choices that I made over the years, sharing stories that made my heart feel light.

"This one's from our trip to the beach" I exclaimed, holding up a photo of me and my cousins, all grinning goofily at the camera. "I think I was about ten, I was missing one of the teeth that were up the front."

"You look like you were having a blast," Nic said, smiling at the photo. "I love how happy everyone looks."

"Yeah, those were good times," Mia replied, her voice softening. "Sometimes I miss it, you know? Before my parents passed but now alot of my family are awkward around me"

Nic nodded, his expression understanding. "I'm sorry its like that but its normal to feel that way. But you're building something new now. Something just for you."

I looked at him, feeling grateful for his insight. "Thanks, Nic. It's just nice to have someone who not just listens but also understands me."

After sorting through a few more photos, I carefully packed the box back up, a sense of closure washing over me. "Okay, let's get out of here," I said, standing up and brushing off my pants.

Once back in the car, the weight of nostalgia lifted, I felt lighter, the connection with Nic strengthening with each shared moment. As we drove back toward my cottage, I caught myself stealing glances at him, his focus on the road steady and reassuring.

"Thanks for coming with me. I really needed this," I said, my voice steady and sincere.

"Anytime," he replied, glancing at me with a smile. "I'm glad to be here with you."

As we neared the cottage, I felt a warmth spread through me. Despite the bittersweet return to the city, I realized that my heart was firmly rooted in my new life, and in the connection I was forging with Nic.