The Exchange

Chapter 37

My second time flying to England there are no tears of homesickness. I feel kind of bad that I don't feel sad at all to be leaving my family and friends again but I can't help the marvellous feeling of thinking about seeing the boys again. My whole trip is nothing but me, my thoughts, and their beautiful voices on my ipod.

Between Christmas and the funeral there wasn't alot of time to spend with my friends who were still in school when I arrived. We got together on the first Saturday though and had a grand time together again. It felt just like before but they remind me alot of my new friends too, especially of Brianna and Wendy.

"Are you replacing us in London, Mira?" Britt questions, sipping her Starbucks.

"Of course not. I could never replace you guys."

"You must be having a great time though. I've always dreamed of going to England." Karley speaks up from behind her drink.

"I'm just making the most of the experience." I say, but I know I'm actually having a great time in England. For the most part.

"Does this ruin your plan at all?" Marley eyes me from across the standard metal table we're sitting at in starbucks.

"I don't think my plan was really that great." I say thinking back. At that moment I wondered where all the boys were and what they were all doing. Part of me really missed them.

It was nice to get to be with my family so much but it was horrible at the same time. We spent Christmas in the hospital, dressed in our nice Christmas dresses and ties and standing under bright fluorescent lights, taking pictures and laughing together. I wouldn't take that time back for anything but when we got the call it all seemed like the end of doing that ever again.

Now on my way home to England I'm ready to see the boys again and get back to my life. We still have another week off of school over New Years though.

"Please fasten your seat belts for descent." The flight assistant says as she walks up and down the aisle. I obey and fasten the blue fabric belt around me. I close my eyes and pray for a smooth descent while thinking about home

Home, home, home. Home to England.

"Welcome home!" Harry says upon seeing my face in track pants and a sweatshirt. I drop my suitcase and give him a long hug. He picks me up off the ground and twirls me like a princess.

"How was your visit?"

"It was great! How was yours?" I ask seeing everyone elses faces.

"Pretty good. Everyone wanted to come and pick you up." I look over at Liam, Zayn, Louis and Niall and wonder if this is all a practical joke but I hug them all anyways.

"It's so good to see you!"

"How did it go?"

"How was Christmas?"

"Are you glad to be back?"

I'm bombarded with questions from everyone.

"It went well, how were your Christmases?" They all nod and talk at once, saying things about the gifts I left on the table and the cookies Niall and I made that, like I assumed, were given to people they found. The talk of Christmas lasts until we get home and then it seems like we all move on to today and what's ahead.

"So who are we inviting to New Years?" Liam asks spontaneously while we're in the kitchen, drinking the tea Harry generously prepared earlier.

"One person each? Like last year?" Niall suggests. The boys look at each other and nod.

"You're not going out?" I ask surprised. Most people fill the clubs and bars waiting for the countdown.

"Nah, too many people." Liam says.