Forgotten memories

Chapter 9

Despite the fact England is still cold, just entering spring, Italy is lovely. Our plane lands at an airport just outside the city and when we walk out, we're immediately met by the pleasant warmth. I say goodbye to the stewardesses and follow Alan and my mom. We take our bags and walk outside the modern looking building. There are small palm trees on the parking lot and it immediately feels like we're in a tropical country.

Alan arranges a cab for us which takes us to our apartment. During the drive the cab driver rambles on in deficient English about his beautiful city and it doesn't take long before I zone out. What would the boys be doing right now? Probably finishing their tour around the UK. I sigh and stare outside. I really have to stop thinking of them. I came here to get my mind off everything and have some rest.

The city really is beautiful, lying next to the clear blue ocean. We drive down the hill and are met by plenty of old buildings and chapels. We drive further into the city and stop in front of a small apartment block. Alan pays the driver as we get our luggage from the trunk. My arm is still in a sling and it takes me some effort to pull out my suitcase with one hand.

We walk into the building and stop in front of a door with the number 15A. No-one says a word, everyone being silenced by the impressive city. Alan opens the door and we walk in. There are two bedrooms and a small living room, kitchen and bathroom. Just big enough for the three of us. We quickly unpack our stuff and get out of the apartment, wanting to enjoy more of the city. We wander around for a bit and crash down on a terrace with view on the ocean.

We have our dinner and enjoy the rest of the warm night, before heading back again. The food fair will begin early tomorrow morning so Alan and my mom have to get up early.

The next days go by extremely fast. Mom and Alan go to the food fair every day, as it takes place for 5 days. I on the other hand enjoy the free time and sleep in most of the days. All the extra sleep makes me feel much better by time and all the sunshine gives me a happy feeling. I go out every day and discover more and more of the city. On one of my trips I found a beautiful little park in the middle of the city, where I go to often to read a book. All in all very relaxing.

We flew in on a Monday and it's already Friday. Mom and Alan are gone again, enjoying the last bits of the food fair. I walked down the hill the city is build on and find myself enjoying the calm ocean. The fresh air feels relaxing on my face and I sit down on a bench on the boulevard next to the ocean. I feel completely rested and think it's time to get back to reality. I take my phone from my bag, where it has been the entire week and sigh, suddenly scared of what I'll find.

Harry will be mad that I didn't reply and tell him about Naples. Oops. I unlock the phone and am met by 7 new texts and 3 missed calls. As expected, Harry texted me several times angrily. I roll my eyes and quickly type a reply telling I'm feeling much better and Naples is doing me good. Besides Harry I have a text from Louis asking how I am and two from Niall. I also reply to Lou quickly and curiously look at the messages from Niall.

From: Nialler <3 15:35

Please don't apologise, I'll be fine. I know this is extremely hard for you and I want you to know I'll always be there for you xx

From: Nialler <3 19:00

So you're in Naples huh, have a nice time xx

Why do I feel so sad reading his messages? I quickly release my necklace I was nibbling on while reading his message. Sometimes he just makes me so nervous, I don't know why. I decide it's better if I don't reply, may be it will give me some clarity about my feelings towards him. Sometimes I'm still thinking of Jake, but I notice it getting less and less.

I click on my missed calls. One is from Niall, one from Harry and one from an unknown number. That's odd. I press call back and wait.

'Good afternoon, Manchester hospital, what can I help you with?' A feminine voice asks. I frown, not understanding why they'd call me.

'Eh hey it's Kate Styles. You called me a couple of days ago,'

'Eh let me see,' The voice replies and it's silent for a minute as I hear her typing in something. 'Oh yes, you have to come back for a quick check-up. Nothing special, we just want to see how you are.'

'Oh okay'

'You're expected tomorrow at five thirty, we couldn't replace the appointment as the doctor is very busy, I'm sorry'

'What?!' I exclaim in terror, I'll never be able to make that, 'Can't you make an exception for me? I'm currently in Ita-'

'I'm sorry but we can't,' The voice interrupts me again. ''We'll see you tomorrow, bye'

I want to tell her again I'm not able to make it when I'm met by an annoying beep, saying she hung up the phone. Great. That  means I have to fly back tomorrow morning! I was just enjoying the sunshine, couldn't they tell me sooner? But they did. I just didn't pick up because I was avoiding my phone because of a certain boy. I groan. Stupid me.

I jump off the bench and with one last glance at the ocean I walk back up to the apartment. Alan and mom should be back by now so we can quickly make up a plan. When I walk inside the small apartment they're both sitting at the dinner table, facing many papers. They both look tired, but contented somehow. Cooking was always moms hobby and she passed her passion onto Harry. Me?  I can cook averagely. But why should I be able to cook the most complicated things when I have a family that does that for me?

'Mom, Alan, we have a problem...'

I quickly explain the problem to them and Alan immediately searches for any available plane tickets. Fortunately there are still some available and he quickly books one.

'Kate we have to tell you something,' He says while paying the ticket.

'Alan and I found so many new recipes and ideas. We met many incredulous cooks the past couple of days and got some invites to exchange ideas. We decided this is an excellent idea to find some new meals for the restaurant. I'm sorry honey but we're going to have to stay for at least another week,' My mom finishes his sentence. They finish each other sentences a lot, which is kind of cute, but also gross. It only reminds me of Jake and may be a little of Niall.

I shrug, let them do what they want to do, I'm not their guardian, and wish them the best. We go out for a last meal that night and I enjoy the last bit of pleasant warm air. I know England will be cold again, unfortunately.

****************

'Bye honey, good luck and call me when you land,' Mom says as she gives me a hug. We're at the airport and I'm about to catch my plane. Alan and mom drove with me to the airport, not wanting me to go alone.

'Good luck Kate and we'll see you soon,' Alan winks, 'Really enjoyed our time here.'

'I agree, take care of mom, and see you soon!' I chirp as I give them both a smile. We wave our goodbyes and I walk into my gate, to the plane that'll take me back home. There is a small buzz in my pocket and I take out my phone, may be it's the hospital saying I don't have to go anymore. I sigh. I really hope so.

From: Mom 11:39

Oh and I told Harry you'll be staying with them for the next weeks, I don't want you to be on yourself all the time. Besides you'll see Niall again ;) you're welcome, see you soon, love mom.

I groan, why is my mom always interfering with my love life! When I was 13 years old, she once invited a boy from my class over because she thought he was the perfect match for me. I had never spoken to him before and I found out why that day. He stuttered.

I sit down on my seat next to the window and look outside. This is probably the last time I'll be seeing Naples for a long time, I better enjoy the last bits of it. The plane takes off and soon we're in the air. I fiddle with the small heart of my necklace, a habit I gained in the past couple of days whenever I'm nervous.

Tonight I'll be sleeping at the boys house and I have no idea what to expect.