Exams pass easily and my final report puts me on the honour roll. The last two weeks are filled with emotion as the boys help me pack my things.
Now, I look around my room. Almost as bare as when I first stepped in here. My diary is in my carry-on and my baby doll is stuffed in the front pocket of my suitcase. Everything that decorated my room and made it personal is packed away like they weren't even here at all. The only source that proves this room was once vacant is the frame I'm leaving behind of the boys and I. All clothes, make-up and jewellery is gone from my dresser. Last good-byes made to my friends, Brandon and Austin. Now, I have to face the worst. Saying good-bye to the boys is going to be the hardest good-bye I have to make.
"Are you ready?" Louis asks, opening the door.
"Yeah." I nod, turning my back on the far wall, my bed, my desk... everything but Louis. Louis takes my suitcase from me and wraps his arm around my waist. Both of us avoid saying anything because we know if we say anything, it will have to be good-bye.
I walk past the living room and kitchen. Mini movie scenes play in my mind as I walk through the house. Watching movie marathons with Liam, cooking with Niall, drawing with Zayn, cuddling with Louis and joking with Harry. Perfect memories that are closing all too quickly and ending much too fast.
I slip on my black flats and follow Louis out the door to where the rest of the boys are waiting outside. Louis hefts my heavy suitcase into the trunk before opening the drivers seat. I make my way to the back when Harry silently touches my arm and opens the passenger door for me. Still as sweet as ever.
The ride to the air port begins silently. I try not to think about leaving. Louis has the radio off but reaches for my hand and squeezes it in his. He doesn't let go and I can't help but think this could be the last time we touch.
"Hmmm..." Zayn humms in the back seat. It's the beinning off a song I know but I can't put my finger on in automatically. After a moment, Liam joins in and their voices fill the silence in the car. I tilt my head back and enjoy the medley of their voices. I let myself relax as the angelic sound fills my ears. It's not until the chorous that I realize it's The Only Exception. The lyrics dance through my ears passingly. Light and feathery like cloud.
Liam, Zayn and Louis extend the song until we pull up to the airport, letting it drop in a soft hum. The sun slowly peaks through my eyes and forces them open with such peace and gentleness. I recognize Liam through the window, opening the door just as I come to terms with how far I've come and how close I am to home.
"A last video diary, Mira?" Niall suggests. I nod and pull out my ipod, desperate for any time I can spare with the boys.
"Hey everyone, I'm back with my last video diary in London." My shoulders sag as I admit this to the camera, "This entire experience has been a crazy ride but I couldn't have asked for a better experience in my lifetime. Through this experience I've learned so much but If you want to know what I've learned most of all, it's that life doesn't always work out how you want it to, so sometimes you have to pull up your big girls pants and go with it. You never know what greatness you'll find along the way. I hope you've enjoyed watching these video diaries and experiencing London with me. See you back home." I wave to the camera with tears in my eyes. I bite my lip as soon as the video saves and take a few ragged breaths.
"Aww, Mira." Louis says. Before I notice what he's doing, he pulls me into his arms and I'm sobbing into his chest. A second later I feel more weight on my back as all the boys huddle around me for a group hug.
"Thank-you, for everything." I speak after we embrace for a long moment, "How can I ever repay you boys?"
"Trust me, you've done enough already." Louis says. I nod and look at the front door. I know I should be going in but it hurts so much to leave this spot.
"Smile!" Niall exclaims taking a selfie of all of us. I look towards the camera but I know my smile is weak and poor. I know he's trying to lighten up the mood for us but it's so hard to leave them all after everything we've been through and everything they've offered me. Niall clicks a few photos and they instantly save to his library. Funny faces, serious faces, and the last one. It's supposed to normal but I can't help but sense we are all showing a little bit of sadness.
Niall stands back after and puts his phone away. Now it's official. There is no more time left. No more time to buy. There's nothing more we can do but accept it.
"I guess this is good-bye." I shrug looking down at my feet. I approach the boys and they all stand in a straight line, waiting for a hug.
"Good-bye Zayn." I say wrapping my arms around his neck. He squeezes my mid section and tucks his chin in the crook of my neck.
"I'm going to miss you Mira."
I move on to Liam who engulfs me in those big, strong arms of his.
"I am really going to miss you, Love."
"I'm going to miss you too Liam." I whisper, dropping a tear on his shoulder. Our moment passes and I stand back with a deep breath. I side step to Niall whose big eyes touch my heart.
"This isn't good-bye Maple Baby." He jokes. His breath tickles my ear and I can barley choke out,
"Good-bye Lebrechaun."
Harry squeezes me as if his grip could keep me here forever.
"Thanks for everything, Love." He whispers through my hair. A lump in my throat prevents me from speaking so I kiss his cheek instead. He wipes away another tear on my cheek and gives me a nod before letting me go. My heart races, knowing I'm too close to the end. Louis stands infront of me for a moment just looking at me with a sly grin before widening his arms and accepting my hug.
"Promise you will call me as soon as you land?"
"It's going to be late here." I protest but Louis swats it away and makes me promise.
"Good-bye Louis." I break, burying my face into his shoulder. He hugs me again. I'm reminded of cuddling with Louis at night and my body wishes the moon were up instead. Even standing on the sidewalk, we savour this moment together.
"Good-bye, Mira." He whispers. There's a catch in his throat at the end of that sentence that catches me off guard. I step away from the boys again and grip the handle on my suitcase. All five of them wave simultaneously as I turn around. I wave back of course and walk through the swinging doors, biting my lip.
Shoulders back, chin up, stomach in, I repeat automatically and Haydens voice suddenly comes to mind,
"...And enjoy the experience."
That I did big brother, that I did.
YOU ARE READING
The Exchange
ФанфикMira Freight has her entire future planned out to make high school perfect. However, when she is told that the school is forcing her to go on an exchange trip to England her entire plan is destroyed and she feels devastated. With no other choice s...
