An Ocean Apart

She plays her game well.

The day after my night in London with Harry was intended to be solely devoted to time with my aunt. When I’d stepped foot into our flat last night to find her sound asleep on the couch with her neck crooked out of place I was overcome with regret. Since the hour I’d set in foot in Great Britain I’d been preoccupied with satisfying myself, not even for a small second had I once been bothered with her wants and desires. I felt like a horrible niece, especially since she not only brought me here but offered to pay for half my expenses.

I’d set my alarm for the crack of dawn to get as early a start as possible. Neither of us were particularly morning people but when I’d woken her with a hot steaming mug of coffee and a promise for a day full of what she pleased, convincing wasn’t much of an issue. With a few rubs of the eyes and sips of the coffee, she was up and in the shower within minutes. I couldn’t help but mimic the wide smile she shot at me just before entering her bathroom.

Not even an hour after my wake up call, we were out the door and discussing potential destinations for the day as we sat idly in the elevator waiting for its descent. She was intrigued by many of the places I’d mentioned Harry and I glancing at last night but, of course, had a few ideas of her own. I left the decision entirely up to her, seeing as her lists of attractions would almost mirror my own.

By the time we were situated in the taxi she had a days agenda typed up on her phone. When the driver asked for an address she immediately blurted out The Royal Palace. I chuckled to myself silently at her enthusiasm. Pia may act like a teenager at times but when it comes to matters that require scheduling or anything of that sort, she’s right on top of it. I’ve never known my aunt to be late for anything and I don’t imagine her habit will ever change.

Nudging my shoulder against her as the taxi rolled down the streets of London, I sent her an effortless smile, “It’s our first official day of tourist activities.”

Her hazel resembled golf balls when she tore her eyes of the maps on her phone, “I know! I’ve been waiting for this day since we got here.” The pang of guilt shot through my again.

“I’m sorry, Pia,” I apologized, I watched my fingers knot together, “This trip isn’t just about me.”

“Hey,” she smiled, without a hint of retribution on her perfectly made up, round face, “don’t worry even a lick about it. What fun is a vacation when it goes exactly as planned.” Whether this was an unintentional stab at my need for everything in my life to go according to plan or her way of trying to cheer me up wasn’t clear until she threw an arm over my shoulder. “Like I’ve said before, gotta live a little.”

My blue eyes met her eyes and the grin returned to my face, “Be that as it may, this day is about you. If I even try to talk about him, you have permission to slap me.”

“I’d rather not,” she chuckled as the vehicle pulled to abrupt stop. She handed a wade of euros to the driver and grasped the door handle, “And besides, what if I wanna talk about him?” Her left lid closed over her eye before she stepped out.

My mouth hung agape as I followed her lead and pulled myself from the blue taxi, “You’re ridiculous.”

“Be as it may,” she mocked my previous statement causing my eyes to narrow her direction, “He’s a fascinating subject.”

I hadn’t the slightest clue what to do with her. I offer her day devoted to her without any mention of Harry and she’s the one who might broach that very subject. Any sane friend of mine would be more than overjoyed with my proposal, but I guess it just showcases how our relationship goes beyond pure friendship. What I had done to deserve such a blessing in my life was beyond my comprehension, but I wasn’t about to complain.