36 Days

Chapter 10

**This is the last chapter to this short story, but there will be an epilogue. This was meant to be short so that's why there are so few chapters, thanks for reading! :)***

1 DAY LEFT

TARA POV

24 hours left. That's all we had left, and it was completely surreal. As I laid in our bed, Dave securely wrapped around my body. I ran my fingers slowly up and down his arm, feeling him stir beside me. He leaned into me more, kissing my hair softly. 

I smiled, the same butterflies fluttering around inside me. "Our last day," I whispered. 

I turned my body to face him, he kept his arm wrapped around me. "We're gonna make these hours count baby," He promised, tucking a hair that had fallen loose from my braid behind my ear. 

DAVE POV

We drove in silence, Tara didn't know where we were going. I was planning on taking Tara back to the start, our start. 

Smith U was about an hour away from our hometown, and I decided to take the most scenic route. Beachside views and the sun shining created a warm and exciting vibe among us. As we passed a road sign, Tara finally caught on. "Home?" She asked excitedly. I nodded, and she squealed excitedly. 

Familiar landmarks created a nostalgic feeling. Old houses of friend's, playgrounds, the town's notorious ice cream parlor, they all held fond memories for me and Tara. I soon pulled into the place where we began, the high school.

Franklin High was a big school, it was really old when Tara and I attended, but had recently undergone renovations. Glass walls and marble tiling made the school look sleek, modern, and attractive. 

"This place looks so nice." Tara said as we parked in a spot in the very empty parking lot. We stepped out and headed to the school. 

"What are we doing here, the school has to be locked." She said. 

"Trent Fredric works here now, I told him we were coming." I told her as I opened the door. 

The front lobby looked nicer, but still had the same feeling. I took her hand and gently lead her through the dark halls until I found it. Our first meeting. 

Once we landed at the doorway of our junior History class, Tara realized where I had led her. "This is where we first met." She said quietly. 

I nodded, "The best damn day of my life." I started, before continuing, "When we bumped into each other, your books went flying, and the cutest blush crept on your face. Then when I leaned down to help you, I saw my first glimpse of those eyes, and from then I was enchanted. They sucked me in and I had to get to know you. Falling in love with you was and is the best and easiest thing I've ever done T. I love you." I told her. Then quickly reaching into my pocket, I pulled out a velvety box, "I got you something." I told her, opening the box to show a silver heart ring. 

"This is a promise from me to continue to love and cherish you always, and to not let this year get us down." I said to her. Tara's eyes glistened with tears, "Dave," She breathed happily. "It's so beautiful," She gushed. 

"You like it?" I asked as I slid it on her tiny finger. She bit her lip and nodded. 

"I love it, and I love you." She replied. I grasped her in her arms and hugged her tightly for what felt like hours. 

-----BREAK----

The NEXT MORNING: 1 HOUR LEFT

TARA POV

BRING BRING BRING!! My alarm clocked screamed at us. I rubbed my eyes, the red lights of my alarm clock blinding me. It was 5 AM, and it was time for us to go. Dave woke up slowly, changing into jeans and a polo, while I stayed in leggings and a sweatshirt. 

I drove my car quickly to the airport. "Are you excited?" I asked as I navigated the highway. "Yeah, it's surreal actually." He said. 

We soon reached the busy place and I parked the car so I could walk in with him. 

We walked in silence as we knew what hardship was to come. 

As we reached the gateway, we both stopped. "I guess this is it." I said with a sigh. 

He kicked his feet, "It seems so." He replied. 

Before I could stop myself, a stray tear rolled down  my face, triggering more tears to follow. "I can't believe this is it." I said sadly. Dave pulled me into a tight hug, rubbing my back comfortingly. "Me neither, I'm going to miss you so much." He said. 

As we broke apart, he cupped my cheek, "But I will see you within this year, whether you visit me in London, or I visit you here. We are going to talk all the time. You have my heart T, always have, always will." He said, kissing me on the lips, the familiar warmth of his lips easing my heart. 

"Flight 342 en route to London, England, final boarding call." The flight attendant's voice boomed. 

"I should probably go." He said, and I nodded. 

He kissed my forehead tenderly. 

"Goodbye Dave." I whispered as he started to walk away. 

Dave turned around and gave me a soft smile.

 "I'll see you soon Tara."