Choices.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Watching Jen walk away at the airport was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I wanted to grab her hand and beg her to stay with us and tell her how much I wanted to be part of her life. On the other hand, I didn't want to drag her into my chaotic life. She was definitely born to be a teacher and I knew that kids needed a teacher like her, just as much as she needed to teach to feel like she was making a difference. I had to let her go because that was what was best for her, and because she was obligated to finish out the school year, but that was beside the point.

After watching Jen's golden brown hair disappear into the place, I was left to wonder over to my gate. The guys tried to cheer me up, but in all honesty, I was an emotional wreck behind the brave face I was making. I don't know why I felt like a baby being without his mum for the first time, but I couldn't help it. The thought of my Jenna being a few states away was heartbreaking; I didn't even want to think about being on the other side of the planet when the U.S. tour was over in a few weeks.

On the other hand, I knew I wouldn't be the only one feeling lonely when we got back to England. Kat and Scarlet were only part of the crew for the American leg of the tour. Luckily, we loved Scarlet so much that we hired her on as a permanent assistant manager, so Louis would have his girl. Liam, however, would be very lonely when Kat was gone. Over the last couple months, I had watched my friend fall head-over-heals for Katherine. He was usually a pretty cheerful guy, but I had never seen him smile as much as he did with Kat. It looked like we would be on the same boat when it came to missing our girls.

Jen had been gone for literally 15 minutes and I was already missing my Sunshine. I missed her sunny smile, the dimple in her left cheek, and the way she already had smile lines around her blue-gray eyes. I missed her obnoxious-yet-contagious laugh, her sense of humor, and her intelligence. I definitely missed holding her hand and hugging her.

Ove the last couple of weeks, Jen had quickly become my best friend. She was so easy to talk to and a great listener, so I found myself telling her everything. It had become a habit of mine to tell her exactly what was on my mind at any given time, so telling her that I saw a guy in the bathroom that looked exactly like Johnny Bravo was pretty disappointing. I also missed telling her my cheesy jokes. She was probably the only person I knew who genuinely thought they were funny.

After about 15 more minutes of daydreaming about Jen and her probable reaction to the Johnny Bravo look-alike, our private Jet was ready. We all hopped onto the familiar aircraft and found or respective seats. Once we were settled and in the air, Kat went to the front to give us an "important announcement."

"Okay, guys, I have wanted to tell you this all day, but wanted to wait for the right time," she said, twisting her fingers and trying to hide a smile. "I got a call from Syco last night and have been informed that I will be your vocal coach full-time."

Liam hopped out of his seat so quickly that he tripped over his own feet, then practically tackled Kat into a hug. Everyone else was cheering and Niall and Louis joined Liam and Kat for a group hug.

When Kat had space to breathe, I gave her a quick hug and gave my congratulations. I wandered back to my seat, for once thankful that it was in the last row. I was really happy for Kat, and glad that would be our official coach. Kat was great at what she did and was a beautiful addition to the One Direction family. Another part of me was jealous. I was jealous that all of the other lads had their (practically) girlfriends on tour, yet the girl I so desperately wanted to be with us was at home. Our whole group would be together. Minus Jen.

While everyone chatted, I stayed in my seat, thinking. It wasn't long before I fell asleep, dreaming of dimples, blue-gray eyes, and warm sunshine.

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The rest of the American tour passed by in a blur of shows and interviews, dispersed between quiet nights. I spent time with the boys and our friends, but things were never quite the same. The only thing that seemed to make me smile were the fans, who were absolutely amazing.

I also found myself smiling like a cheeseball every time I talked to Jenna. We talked on the phone or Skyped almost every day. I was always happy to hear from her, and her voice made my day. It wasn't as good as actually being around her, but it would hold me over until I could see her again in person.

Going back to England after tour was over was like a breath of fresh air. I always loved every second that I got to spend with my family. They also helped me get my mind off of Jen.

Gemma, as usual, seemed to know exactly what was going on in my head and automatically guessed why I was acting so distant. She begged for every detail and by the end of my first week at home, seemed convinced that I should go surprise Jen on her last day of school.

By the end of May, I was more than ready to go. I had my flight booked and got Jen's address from Kat.

I also had another little surprise for Jen, with the help of Lou. If our pan worked, I would be eternally indebted to my hairdresser. I never thought I would say that or love her more. Also, if the plan worked, I owed her $50 and had to mow her lawn for a month, but it would definitely be worth it.

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I stood outside of Jen's door, taking a deep breath and running a hand through my messy hair. I knocked lightly, counting the seconds until she opened the door.

When she finally did, 22 seconds later, I sucked in a deep breath. Seeing my Sunshine after close to 5 months was the best thing in the world. My daydreams and the pictures I had of her did not do her justice. She was even more beautiful than I remembered.

I let a smile slide across my face as I watched her reaction. An adorable look of confusion masked her face, followed by gorgeous smile that made my heart flutter.

"Harry?!"