The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 34

When Harry woke the next morning Maddie was gone. He had stalled in his room for less than an hour before he called Bernard, requesting breakfast be sent to her room. And, when he was informed that she wasn't there, he hated the surprise he felt; hated the way his stomach turned. At least her stuff was still there; he looked around his room, seeing her pajamas, a pair of shoes. She had to come back for her stuff. Right?

He was instantly filled with regret. He should have fought harder. He should have begged, pleaded; made her understand. Had he learned nothing at all over the last year? Had he learned nothing at all in this lifetime? Women like Maddie came along only once and when they did, they deserved a fight. And he had held onto his pride, tucked his tail, and left her standing in the hall.

He was mad; at himself, at the situation, at her. But at least she had stood and fought. She was pissed—mislead but pissed and she had stood and fought. Yet, when he was faced with his moment to be pissed, he had turned and left her in the hallway.

And now she was gone.

And he was tired.

He had a bit of coffee, half a piece of toast and then, needing to clear his mind, he pulled on his running shoes, called his detail and went out the front door; ready to pound the pavement. Ready to purge his mind of all that had occurred.

Three miles later, he had nothing to show for it but a lack of breath and a tired security officer. He was no further from thoughts of her than he had been before. He jumped in the shower, dressed and meandered downstairs. Pulling his cellphone out, he was debating his next move when the front door creaked open.

His head turned quickly, just in time to see Thomas walking through the door. And then, by some miracle he was sure he didn't deserve, Maddie followed him in. Harry was on his feet instantly; feeling shy and nervous. And when his eyes met hers, his heart cracked in his chest. Her eyes are puffy as though she'd been crying and what he really wanted to do was pull her into his arms and never let her go.

But he held his breath and waited. He knew better than to force her into anything at this point; even if it was his arms. Maddie waited until Thomas had stepped from the room before she spoke.

"I found my way out," she smiled slightly; her voice cracking.

"And back in," his smile matched hers; nervous and wavering. "Where were you?"

"Well..." She took a deep breath and met his eyes; holding them for a long beat before she exhaled slowly. "I had to get back to Marquita from DWB to give her my decision. She said time was of the essence so..."

"Oh..." Maddie could see Harry's face wash with disappointment and hurt. And she hurried along.

"And then...and then I went shopping."

"Sorry?" His eyebrows lifted lazily; as though his energy was completely drained.

"Well," she took one small, calculated step in his direction. "I didn't really bring anything with me that would be suitable for an interview; a suit, an appropriate bag..."

"Interview..." Harry's heart jumped into his throat.

"And I need to get a haircut and..."

"Wait," Harry held up a hand. "You mean. You're..."

"Staying," her voice cracked as she nodded. She had found that after making the decision, her lungs felt less tight, her heart less strained—an enormous sense of relief had flooded her entire body. She felt free. "I scheduled an interview for Monday afternoon and if everything works out...which it should with the recommendation that Khenda sent up...I'm...I'm staying."