So do you love me? Taylor York Fanfic

• Chapter 18 •

"Miss Eden, we're happy to say that you can take your six month leave." The colonel says, his hands folded perfectly on top of the dark wood desk.

"Thank you, colonel."

I stand up from the armchair, salute and march out of the door. I immediately let out a breath of relief once I've left the cold room, my back against the plain walls of the base.

I watch a couple of soldiers march by, barely giving me a glance. Sighing, I push myself off the wall and taken my time making my way out. This is my home; I made friends here, I trained here and I've mourned here. If I left, a piece of me would stay here.

My shoulder slump as soon as I leave the base. I find a brick wall and so I sit in it, my boots kicking the walls at irregular intervals.

6 months is a long time, it's half a fucking year. Where should I go? New York is ruled out; as much as I love Astraea the rent is ridiculous. I know I want somewhere warm after spending a couple years in New York.

You know, La has become a big think recently. I could have a look round, there's bound to be some place I can stay at. Alright, La it is.

I jump off the wall and land, my hair now coming loose from its bun. I blow the brown strands out of my face as I head to my car to get out of this damn place. 

•••

Tucking the postcard into the brown parcel packed with clothes and little trinkets, I sigh in accomplishment. I quickly write Emily's address on to the front and push it aside.

There. Emily is gonna fucking love me after this.

I groan and push myself up from the floor, my legs getting attacked by pins and needles. Ignoring the prickling sensation, I walk through my undecorated apartment in search of wrapping paper. I spot the patterned paper behind my couch and bring it back to the centre of my living room.

There, I wrap the presents I got for Hayley and Taylor. Because I'm petty, I didn't get Jeremy a present. Why should I? Filing a lawsuit means that whatever friendship was there before is now completely washed away.

I neatly fold the clothes I have gotten them and wrap them with the paper. I then tie each present with a ribbon; blue for Taylor and orange for Hayley.

Happy with my wrapping skills, I grab my mug of green tea and curl up on my couch. I stare distastefully at my un-Christmas-fied place. I almost wish that I don't have to decorate this place but I'm spending Christmas here so I may as well make it a pleasant time.

But let's be honest: I'm not going to be doing anything except for sulking on this exact couch.

I glance at the sun beginning to set and remember that morning at Taylor's. My body tingles at the remembrance of his calloused hands encasing mine the night before and his gravelly voice echoing across the sunshine-filled room.

I normally hate mornings but I would do that a thousand times more and not hate it at all. I laugh. What the bloody hell has gotten into me?

We slept in his room, that has to mean something. Right? Oh, I don't know. It's all too confusing; it could have been him wanting to sleep in his own room or he wanted to make it mean something.

I eventually persuade myself to get up from the couch and get ready for this evening. To be honest, it's not as if the two of us doing anything cool but I don't want to look awful.