Chapter 20
"It feels beautiful out," I said, stretching my arms above my head.
"Well no doubt because of the room you were stuffed in for 5 months then stuffed in another room for 5 days," England said.
"Yeah, those stupid fluorescent lights that flickered like a horror movie. Geez! It was like a mental institution." I replied. "I'll never take another drop of sunlight for granted now."
England smiled at me before we continued our walk in one of the parks. I had forgotten the name of it, but it was very pretty. It's leaves were full and green and the air wasn't humid like I'd expected.
"Hey, England, can you and I go somewhere really quick since this is the last free day I have in London before I have to start packing." I asked.
"I don't see why not. Where would you like to go?" he asked.
"I want to go to Oxford University," I replied.
"May I ask why?" he said.
"Because it's the place my parents first met," I said.
England looked at me and smiled. It wasn't a sarcastic smile like most of his usually smiles, and it wasn't a grimace. No. It was a genuine soft smile that would've made any girl melt in her boots.
I smiled back and continued to hop from step to step on the stone walkway. Despite being released from the hospital yesterday, I was actually beginning to come back to life. After a very long shower, my hair was its light shade of chocolate, and my skin was no longer pale and gaunt looking. It was still slightly pale, but it was beginning to get back the tan I had had before. My bones still stuck out prominently, and I did realize it would be some time before I would be fit and healthy like I used to be.
Suddenly I tripped over a loose rock and pitched face first. I didn't even have time to make a shriek before I was looking straight at the concrete that was rushing to meet my face. I closed my eyes shut and braced my arms over my face. Then I stopped falling. I became aware of a pair of hands gripping my upper arms and opened my eyes. I saw my face inches from the concrete and turned my face to see Arthur standing above me. His green eyes blazed and looked down at me.
"Shouldn't you be a bit more careful?" he said softly, and I suddenly became aware of how close he was to my face. I froze and remained as still as a statue.
"Why do you care?" I replied gently with my own question.
Instead of answering me, he leaned forward and brushed his lips against mine. It was gently and sweet, but it didn't feel right to me. Francis's face flashed across my mind, and I imagined his bright blue eyes and blonde hair. His laughing face and handsome features. Arthur was sweet, but I just didn't have the feelings for him. He was more like a brother to me than anything else.
I put my hand on his chest and pulled back. He looked at me with sadness in his eyes and grimaced.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
"Yes. I don't have feelings for you like that. I love you but more like a brother and nothing else." I said.
He frowned and looked down at the ground. He didn't meet my eyes and instead tried to kick a pebble.
"Well I had to see if there was something there. If there isn't, that's okay. But I was praying that there was." he said.
"I'm sorry," I said.
"It's quite alright. I know now that your heart belongs to another that isn't mine." he replied.
I blushed and looked down at the floor. My heart didn't belong to anyone, did it? I wasn't in love with anyone, was I?
Francis's face flashed across my mind.
"Can we just head over to Oxford already?" I asked quickly, wanting to forget the whole situation.
Britain's face dusted with pink, but he didn't say anything and headed back to the car. I got into the passenger seat and buckled up as he got in and started the car. He pulled into the lane, and we began the drive. I stared out the window, rubbing my lips together and thinking about what had just happened.
"Can we not go to Oxford and just go home?" I asked, tapping my fingers against the armrest like a villain.
"Why?" he asked.
"I just don't want painful memories resurfacing about their deaths is all," I replied.
"Sure. Whatever you want to do. Also I have some errands to run so that should work out." he replied.
The car filled with an uneasy silence, but neither of us moved to break it. We had just moved from being friends to being that awkward pair of friends where one had feelings for the other.
I just wanted to go home to Paris and hang out with Francis.
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Hey! I'm so sorry I haven't updated in awhile. I'm actually very brain dead on the story and I'll try to finish it as quick as I can because I still need to wrap a lot up in the story. However chances are, I will not update until around the beginning of January due to Christmas, Family, Exams, and New Classes.
Boooooo.....
By the way... Guess who got her learner's permit..... <skips to the car and takes off like a boss> COPPERS BEST BE READY FOR THIS HOT MESS!! 🚗💨 🚓
<3 Jayme :3
