Tomorrow Never Dies

Chapter 50 - "I don't want to go"

I woke up, and suddenly before I processed what was happening I couldn't breathe. There was no air in my lungs, and my thoughts were screaming that I was going to die. Tears streamed down my face, and then Michael was in front of me, holding my hands, sitting me up straight, whispering calming words to me.

"I don't want to go," I sobbed, and he smiled sadly at me.

"Me neither baby, but we have to. It's an amazing opportunity for both of us, you on the cruises and me on tour, and it will make you look so amazing on your resume." I glanced across the room and looked at my massive suitcase sat on Grace's bed. She hadn't come back from the party the night before and so I left the luggage on her bed to keep it out of the way. I looked back into Michael's eyes and broke down again. "Hush now baby."

"I love you," I whispered through the tears.

"I love you too, so much. I promise we'll FaceTime every night okay?" I nodded. "And then when I see you again it'll be amazing and I'll take you out for dinner and we'll go on a really cute date." I wiped away my tears, and started to get dressed. I folded up my pyjamas and left them on my bed, the bed I wasn't going to sleep in for months. I was wearing leggings, a massive comfy top, and one of Michael's hoodies. I grabbed my suitcase and my hand luggage, and walked out of the room, barely looking back. Michael followed me, taking my suitcase and dragging it out to his car, putting it into the boot and taking my hand. Suddenly, there was a shout from across the parking lot.

"Flora wait!" Grace ran up to me and threw her arms around me, holding me close. "I'm gonna miss you so much."

"I'll miss you too." I felt more tears tickling my eyes so I pulled away quickly. Ashton looked at me, then pulled me into a tight embrace.

"If you need me, call me. No matter what time, I'll be there." I nodded, barely able to open my mouth to reply. I climbed into the car, and looked back at them as we pulled away. We drove to my mother's house, where my mum, Matty and Toby were waiting for me. I got out the car and we all cuddled in a big family hug.

"Good luck, gorgeous girl," Mum said, and I smiled. "We love you."

"I love you too, mama," I said, then turned to leave. I waved as we drove away, knowing this would be the last time I'd see my family for months. I'd seen Luke, Calum and their girlfriends the previous day to say goodbye, and now all that remained was to give my farewells to Michael at the airport.

We parked outside the terminal, checked my luggage in, and made our way to security. Just as the guard waved me through the metal detector, Michael ran up behind me.

"Please let me through with her, sir, I'm begging you," he gasped. "I'm not going to see her for months, I need to spend as long as I can with her." The security guard rolled his eyes, but pulled him through the metal detector and frisked him quickly before sending him in my direction. He stumbled towards me, arms open, and I fell into his embrace.

"My flight doesn't leave for another hour," I whispered.

"Duty free, then I know somewhere we can go for a few minutes." He took my hand gently, looking into my eyes, and brushing a strand of hair off my face. "I love you so much."

"I love you," I echoed. "Duty free?"

"Of course," he said. We wandered round a few shops, mainly full of makeup, perfume, booze and cigarettes, then headed to Starbucks to pick up a coffee. We walked round the airport with our fingers intertwined, barely speaking, knowing that any words we had to say were meaningless, and the incredible distance we were about to have wedged between us would do nothing to stop us from loving each other unconditionally. "Hey, baby, do you want to go somewhere more private for a bit?" I nodded. "Follow me." He led me through the terminal towards the private lounge, had a few words with the guard on the door, and then into an empty room with a couch, a table, and wide windows. He drew the curtains and began laying gentle kisses on my forehead, nose, cheeks and lips.

"I love you so much," I whispered. "I'm saying it a lot but I feel like I'm never going to see you again and I don't want to lose you."

"You're never going to lose me, I promise." He dug his hand into his pocket and pulled something out. "Close your eyes." I did as he said, and he clasped a necklace around my throat. I opened my eyes and looked at the new jewellery. It was a golden heart-shaped locket, engraved with 'F+M', and inside the pendant was a picture of us, me laughing at something and him kissing my cheek.

"Michael, it's beautiful."

"Just like you," he smiled. "Now you have me with you always." I pressed my lips to his, and then an announcement rang out through the tannoy.

"The 11 am flight to Miami departs from Gate 7 in half an hour. Please make your way to the gate as soon as possible." I looked at Michael, pressing my lips together.

"Come on, baby," he whispered, and took my hand. We made our way slowly to the gate, and I stood at the very back of the queue to board.

"I don't want to go." I shook my head, feeling tears pricking at my eyes. "I don't want to leave you."

"I need to go on tour anyway babe," he said. "Deep breaths, come on." I tried to copy his breathing, and before I knew it I was at the front of the queue. The attendant took my passport and boarding pass, and ushered me onto the plane. I took one last look at Michael, stood on his own looking like he was in shock at the fact that we hadn't even said goodbye, and suddenly the plane door was shut. The stewardess pointed me to my seat, and as soon as I sat down I broke down in tears. The woman sat next to me looked at me sympathetically.

"What's wrong, darling?"

"I didn't even get to say goodbye to my boyfriend," I said quietly, trying to keep my voice even.

"How long are you away for?"

"Six months, but he's going away too," I said. "I'm not going to see him for eight months."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," she said, and I felt like she really meant it. "It'll be worth it in the end though, you must really love him so the reunion will be the best thing that ever happens to you. I was away from my husband for two months once, and we've barely been apart since." I smiled at her.

"Thank you."

*****
happy new year fam
my new years resolution is to lose weight & get fit... today ive eaten a big mac and an entire bag of chocolate coins so that's going well

laters

song of the chapter: blame by bastille