Missed Connections

Chapter 47 - Gutted and Sorted

Louis

"That it?" I hear Harry sigh into the phone. "Find you a nice rental car, pack you more clothes and pick you up from the airport?"

"Yeah, Hazza," I grumble, feeling a tad tetchy. "Look, I wouldn't even ask you to do this kind of shite, but I will be so knackered when I fly back. Evynn is so damn excited about a week away together, I don't want to delay it one minute."

"I'll get you sorted, mate."

"Thanks, Harold. I'll get you one soon. And if you quit your grousing, it will be even better."

"Two lollipops?" jokes Harry, his iconic deep laugh rumbling through the phone.

"More like I'll let you have a turn playing FIFA, yeah."

"What?"

The incredulity in Harry's voice make the word sound more like "WOT", and I can only picture the face he is making on the other end of the line. I roll my eyes.

"Lou, are you feeling ok?"

"Bloody brilliant, mate! Seeing me mum, me boy, and me girl all in short order. What could be better?"

"So, she's your girl, now?

I falter. "Um, well, it's not official or anything..."

"Just taking the piss, Lou. Sounds like you're going full monty with this girl. Must be a sign of the times. I'm happy for you."

"Thanks, Haz," I say, feeling a little flush creep across my cheeks. "And thanks for your help. "

"I got you, brother. Give Johannah a little kiss from me!"

"Stop trying to chat up me mum!"

"I'm pretty sure I've already won her over. Step aside, Dan."

"Back off, Haz. I'll sick the twins on you!"

"Which set?" Harry laughs deeply into the phone, clearly very proud of his joke.

"I'll see you when I land, mate."

"Cheers and safe flight."

*****

Groggily, I grab my duffel and sling it over my shoulder.  I keep my hood up over my head and run my free hand of my scruffy chin.  I would murder for a smoke.  The clamour of the excited chatter around me buzzes in my ears, and I want to tell everyone to fuck right off. Instead, I make surly face and trudge off the plane. At least I got a little bit of sleep.

A picture of Freddie runs through my mind. Every time I see him, I'm stunned at how much he looks like me and at how big he is getting. Freddie is such a happy little chap, I'm just chuffed when he giggles and interacts with me. Saying goodbye to him is hard, but I know I'll see him soon. Leaving Mum was gut-wrenching. I miss her so much, and with life the way it is right now, I don't get to see her nearly as much as I want to. Bless Lottie for sticking close.

Mum's flight left after mine, but she came with me to the airport anyway. Brianne's family was there to take Freddie, and we got to see him off. Then Mum and I had a brilliant chat over coffee. I told her a little bit about Evynn, and she seemed really excited for me as long as I don't get hurt. That's Mum, celebrating with me, but never letting me forget that I'm her boy and that she is looking out for me. She's one of me best friends.

The emotional hangover of my tearful goodbye with Mum has been lingering the whole flight. Fucking hell. Sometimes, I can be such a pansy little shit. I bite my lip and take a pause. Pansy or not, I love me Mum.