Extraordinary

Chapter 45: Try Not To

“You take care of yourself okay?” Pat orders me for the millionth time today. I nod again, burrowing my head into his shoulder as he wraps his arms around me tightly for the last time before he leaves.  I have to admit, I didn’t think I’d be so sad since I’ve been in this situation before.  But it’s like a sad movie all over again.  Either you cry every time no matter how many times you watch it, or you get used to it.  I wasn’t used to these airport goodbyes, especially with someone who’s been my best friend since ever.

“I’m fine, I’ll be fine,” I tell him reassuringly. Only I wasn’t sure that I would be.  Now both Pat and Louis are risking themselves to get hurt and it was my job to worry about them. Okay it’s not, but they’re close, so I worry.

It was around 7 in the morning and Pat’s plane took off in twenty minutes. We were at the same airport Louis took off from. (I know, really? A little coincidental if you ask me) He hasn’t called yet, which is a good thing for right now.  I wanted this moment to be dedicated to saying goodbye to Pat.  He’s been my best friend for who knows how long now and I’m really going to miss him.  He’s living the dream without me. I’m happy for him and everything, but it was both depressing that I wasn’t joining him and wouldn’t see him for a long time. I never even realized that I would miss him this much before. As much as I miss Louis though? That I’m not sure of.

“Call me whenever you can and update life back in London,” He says. I nod again.

“You too, update me on all your matches. And if you don’t I’m sure I can just look you up on the internet now,” I choke back a couple tears. Why do goodbyes like these have to be so sad? You might as well have the Titantic theme play in the background while we’re waving goodbye to each other.

“Okay,” He laughs, pulling back and staring into my eyes. He looked so dapper with his matching team sweatshirts and pants. Only he had on his classic black converse, just like the ones I always wore.  I look back into his eyes again and watch as his dilate then trace down to my lips.

“I’ll miss you,” I whisper to him, trying to break him out his trance.

“Yeah, I’ll miss you too,” He whispers. I put my hand on his cheek.

“But have fun, and don’t miss me too much,” I tell him, making him crack another smile. His eyes glance down to my lips again and I look at his. I swear in that moment he was going to try and kiss me. But I couldn’t let that happen. I placed my hand back down at my side and smiled at him.

“Pat! We gotta go!” One of his teammates yells to him. We both laugh.

“Bye Pat,” I say, letting my smile drip.

“Bye Lola,” He places a small kiss on my temple and walks down the terminal hallway, not even looking back at me before they close the door.  It wasn’t a see you later, it was an obvious goodbye.  But as I watch him leave my sight, it was in that moment that Chloe was right. Pat was in love with me and was too scared to admit it.  

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“Hey I forgot to ask you,” I bring up. Louis called me when I was about midway to my flat.

“Yes?” He questions curiously.

“How’s your rib doing? Does it feel okay?” His injury never even came to my mind the last time we talked, but maybe that’s a good thing.  He didn’t even sound like he was in pain.  

“Yes actually, much better than back there. I guess it was just a natural healing process,”

“You’re still taking the medication aren’t you,” I accuse him.