The Bad Boy's Decision

Chapter 24: Goodbye, Aidan*

⚠️WARNING: I cried writing this, good luck.⚠️

"No darling, you don't need to pack anything, just wear something warm." ensures Aidan, the slight undertones of dread showing through in his, otherwise, calm tone.

Flying back to London, Heathrow tomorrow at 11.20am has got us both in a somewhat frantic state and because I couldn't quite persuade Carter to give me the day off, Aidan has been spending his final day with family. In the end, it worked out being for the best because now he's able to take me out on a final farewell without having the added guilt of abandoning his Dad and siblings playing on his mind.

Apparently April cried and even Hayley, although tough as nails, had showed signs of sadness.

I dread to think how I'll react.

"Okay, when are you coming for me? It's already five o'clock and I'm conscious of the time. We need to make-"

"The most of our time together before I leave. I know darling." he interrupts, finishing off my sentence for me. "I'm just running a few errands and will be with you soon, I promise." he eases, gently chuckling down the line before expressing his next point. "The sooner I hang up, the sooner I'll be with you."

Not needing to be told twice, I quickly tell him I love him before disconnecting the line and follow through with his intrusion to dress appropriately by throwing on some skinny jeans and a long sleeved shirt; an 'early birthday present' from my Dad and Hannah. They'd both thought they were being hilarious by buying myself and Anna matching shirts with the words 'double trouble' imprinted on the front, each letter sewn on in different colours. Granted, it had made us both laugh when the pair returned home from their hotel getaway, giggling like teenagers, but the item is still very much a fashion disaster nevertheless. Although, however tragic, it does hold sentimental value and I find myself more drawn to it as the days go by, even considering it a safety blanket; something which I certainly won't say no to on a day like today. I need all the home comforts I can get to help get me through what is quite potentially going to be the hardest time of my life.

If only I had faith in it actually helping.

Interrupting me from my thoughts is my phone, insistent as ever, as it blares out its annoying chime, signalling an incoming text message. Thinking its Aidan, I rush to retrieve it, slightly disappointed to find it's only Anna and sigh in defeat as I open it.

<Enjoy tonight. Text/ call if you need anything? You're the bravest person I know. You can do this! Love you xxxxxx>

Her words leave a lingering ache in my chest and although I've convinced myself all will be fine in a couple of months, I am in no doubt the 'getting there' part will take some guts. I've gotten so used to him being around lately that I really do believe him leaving will be a shock to the system, if nothing else. I'll miss him terribly, although really that doesn't even begin to scratch the surface on my true feelings towards the matter.

There are simply no words to express how him leaving makes me feel.

<I'll call you tomorrow once he leaves. Maybe a girly night is needed? Love you too xxxxx>

I quickly hit the send button before hearing the buzzer to my apartment sound, alerting me of Aidan's arrival. He still hasn't given any indication to where he's taking me and not wanting to be caught out, I hastily grab my hoodie from off of the kitchen chair and tie it around my waist, taking his 'wear something warm' advice into consideration. After locking up, I find him downstairs, dressed in casual jeans and a grey T-shirt, looking very much the super model in his attire. His feet are covered in black, Timberland boots and his trembling hands clutch tightly onto a single white rose, elegantly decorated with a pale pink, satin ribbon, tied nearly into a cute bow.