The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 35

Sunday

And so the week apart began. Prying herself from Harry's arms proved more difficult than Maddie had anticipated, but she finally succeeded. Kissing him good-bye once, twice, and three times, she left him in a state of bliss and made her way to Ella's. Maddie knew herself well and, with the decision finally made, she could feel her sense of confidence and autonomy returning. She knew that, although she would prefer to spend the entire week in Harry's bed, it was best for her to get settle in her own space, in her own mind before she launched forward.

Harry watched as she moved away from him, away from Kensington Palace and, with a smile that hurt his cheeks, he pulled out his phone. There were a few phone calls that needed to be made. Harry called his dad and brother, who were genuinely thrilled for him—both commenting on how happy he had been this last year. He called Thomas who smiled warmly, having grown fond of the young woman, who would immediately let the appropriate people know. Bishop who couldn't stop grinning and would likely spread the news to the rest of their friends.

Harry wasn't the only one on the phone. Maddie called her mom and thanked her; for knowing her so well, for being available at all hours to knock some sense into her. She called Collins and Khenda who hooted and hollered and didn't need the apologies she offered. And then, as she stepped up to Ella's new place, she slipped her phone into her pocket. She had no idea at that time just how much time she would be spending on that phone; her one connection to Harry during her self-imposed week of solitude. And Harry had every intention of using it.

"I'm never going to make it Madeline."

"Ha!" He could almost hear her smirk over the phone. "It's been one night."

"One looong night."

"We've been apart for months at a time."

"Yes, but just yesterday you gave me the best news I've ever received in my entire life.

"A bit dramatic, no?"

"You couldn't have given me one night with you before you imposed this ridiculous..."

"Watch it."

"Ridiculously important...week apart?" She laughed at his save.

"I couldn't. I had a hair appointment this morning."

"What did you to do to your hair?"

"I spent a year in Africa Harry. I needed a bit of a cut, a dash of color."

"What color?"

"You'll see," she teased.

"Why don't you stop over? I can see now."

"No way."

"How about I meet you and Ella for lunch?"

"We've had lunch."

"Tea, then."

"Harry..."

"Fine," he sighed dramatically. "What are you doing now?"

"Trying on clothes for Ella."

"What?"

"We're trying to decide what I should wear to the interview tomorrow."

"I could probably provide useful input."

"You're not coming over. You should let it go."

"Fine," he sighed. "And you're wrong..."

"Wrong? About what?"

"I'm not being dramatic. You staying in London—best news. By far."

"Harry..." Her voice grew soft.