Beautiful Lies - Shawn Mendes

28. Promise Me

The journey to the airport went far too quick, Shawn's large hand, the source of comfort I'd grown to need over the past few months, moulded to the curves of my thigh as the car took us back on the road that I had driven down in the opposite direction, at the beginning of summer, completely oblivious to the fate that lay awaiting for me.

We arrived at the airport, heavy hearts beating steadily in their separate cages. Fliss pulled into the small drop off departures parking, and we all clambered out the car, retrieving our luggage, before saying our goodbyes.

As Shawn pulled my suitcase from the boot of Fliss's car, being the gentleman he usually was, I took it as my opportunity to say goodbye to my cousin, who, even after everything that had happened, was still my best friend, and who I would miss beyond belief when I arrived back in England.

She pulled me in for a hug, and I squeezed her tightly - 'Promise me you'll look after Nonna. And take care of yourself Fliss.'

'Of course Soph. And don't worry about us, we'll be fine. I know you'll make us so proud - go to Cambridge and show them what a fine human my cousin is.' She laughed, pulling away, and pressing a kiss to my cheek.

'Don't think you're exempt from my hugs Mister.' She teased, cocking her head sideways to Shawn. He rolled his eyes, but a large grin spread across his face, as he hugged Fliss back, before pulling away and standing beside me whilst re-assembling the sunglasses that lay on top of his messy curls.

'Thank you for looking after Soph and for treating her so well. You know, I'm so glad she's found you. Don't go breaking her heart any time soon, or you'll have me to answer to.' She lectured, giving him a playfully stern look.

I struggled to hide my blush at Fliss's words as Shawn wrapped his arm, that was tanned the most beautiful shade of olive, across my shoulders, and pulled me close to his chest.

'Gosh, my hidden agenda is ruined now since I now know I'll have you on my case.' He sighed sarcastically.

I looked up at him, his eyes more striking due to the colour of his surrounding skin, and met his gaze. He leaned slightly so that he was my height. 'I would never hurt you willingly ever. You know that right? I'm in love with you.' He whispered, a smile gracing his face as he returned to his normal stature, and an equally large grin dominated my own face.

'I better let you two love birds get off, wouldn't want you missing your flight. Have a safe flight, and don't forget to call me when you land!' Fliss stated, blowing us a kiss, and getting into her car, driving off - we waved until the form was no larger than a speck in the far distance.

A deep sigh escaped my lips as we gathered our belongings, and made our way to the miniature check in desk area. As we waited in the small queue that had formed, Shawn's hand reached for my own.

I looked on at the elderly couple in front of us, checking their bags in, giving each other the most heart-wrenchingly beautiful smiles and exhibiting gestures of adoration, that only those in true acquaintance with love would be able to emulate, and warmth began to spread through my chest. They were presumably going to visit some relatives, and I hoped that one day, I could grow old with the one I depended on. I'd always thought that the person would be Jack, with the stability his presence had brought to my life like a trusted comfort blanket. However after this summer, and experiencing love in it's most consuming and enriching form, I realised that someone like Jack, despite his warmth and security, would never have been able to make me truly, undoubtedly happy. But a part of me knew that I had found that within the very special someone I had grown to endear over the summer.

I squeezed Shawn's hand that little bit tighter as it became our turn in the queue. After our many bags were checked in and taken away on the conveyor belt, we pottered in the small airport, grabbing a bite to eat, and sat down by the large window that showcased the petite runway, housing two moderately small planes.