Help Me (sequel to Save Me)

Chapter 50

The two lovers drive to the airport in Andy's car in the morning, and Remington is just excited at the idea of getting away from everything for a while. Andy was so right; a holiday is just what he needs. Abigail agrees, too. Her and Remington talked about it yesterday. He was anxious about staying in a hotel room, but Abigail remined him that he'll be with Andy and that he hasn't had a hallucination in weeks. Remington had to make sure that he could call her if he needed to and only felt happier after she assured him more than once that he could and that Andy will look after him. He doesn't doubt that for even a second.

The windows are open as they drive and music plays through the radio. "This is like the perfect lighting for a selfie," Remington announces, routing around for his phone.

Andy laughs. "You're so random and I love it. Too bad you deleted Instagram."

Remington huffs. "Oh man! Gimme your phone."

Again, Andy laughs. "It's in my pocket if you want it," he says, "I'm sure everyone will appreciate your pretty face on my Instagram."

"Who doesn't want my face on their Instagram?" He pulls the man's phone from his pocket, giggling, and Andy is sure this is the most confident he's ever been in his appearance. He isn't looking in the little mirror in the sun visor, which is something he often does in the car, normally scrutinising his face until Andy reaches over and closes it. He isn't wearing any makeup, either, which is rare, specially since they're not in the house. Remington is fine with Andy seeing him with no makeup, but being out in public is a whole different situation. It makes him feel exposed, like everyone is silently judging him. But today he isn't wearing any, and he's happy, and that in itself is a huge step forwards.

Remington messes around with the filters before finding one he likes. He takes a picture of himself smiling and captions it with going on holiday! Stole Andy's phone. Andy can't physically put into words how good it is to see his fiancé so cheerful. Just the other night he was sobbing in his arms and now he's smiling like he doesn't have a care in the world. And while Andy knows that isn't the case, that he does have a care in the world, it's nice to see him like this and to know that he makes Remington happy. "I love you," he says, stopping to let someone cross the road.

The younger looks at Andy. "I love you," he responds, and takes a photo of Andy. "I'm posting this. The sun makes your eyes look like swimming pools."

Andy smiles. "You're perfect, you know that?" He's looking at Remington as he says it, and then focusses on the road ahead of them.

Remington has never been called perfect before - not by anyone who he knows, anyway. His fans say it all the time. But it's different to hear someone who he adores and admires say it to him. "What?" He looks at Andy's phone and the picture of the man on the screen.

"You're perfect," he repeats, hand on the younger's leg as he drives.

Hand over Andy's, Remington adds a caption to the picture on the phone. Look at this beauty! "I'm not," he argues, and posts the picture to Andy's story.

The man hums. "I disagree." He raises an eyebrow as Remington tries to push his phone back into his pocket.

It goes comfortably quiet for a while, with the radio on as Andy drives. They're content in each other's company, and Remington can't believe how happy he is.

It takes them longer than it should to find a parking space at the airport, and they already know they're going to forget where they parked. They have one suitcase and a backpack between them, and hold hands as they walk into the large building. The amount of people makes Remington nervous because he's worried he'll see someone who reminds him of Holly. Andy squeezes his hand and leads them over to check in.

They hand in the suitcase and find a café to wait in until the waiting room for their flight opens. Andy buys them drinks and bacon sandwiches and checks what Remington put on his story. "The lighting was good," he remarks.

"I know!"

Going through security is unsettling for Remington. He breathes out a sigh of relief when he steps through the metal detector and it doesn't bleep, and is grateful for Andy giving him a hug on the other side, once they're both through.

They wait for half an hour in the waiting room before they are allowed on the plane. Remington sits by the window with Andy beside him, so he doesn't have to sit next to a stranger for four hours. He texts his brothers to let them know he's safe, since they get worried if they don't hear from him for a while. "What's the hotel like?" The younger asks, just so they have something to talk about.

"Did I say hotel? I meant Villa."

Remington nearly chokes. "Villa?"

"Yeah, Villa. By the sea. You'll love it." He sees how Remington smiles when he says this. "There's one more thing."

"What?"

"We're getting married there."