Not My Fairytale

Chapter 5 - Moving Day

"Are you ready?"
I let my eyes roam over my room, now laid bare having been stripped of the majority of my possessions. I throw my arms into my jean's pockets as I turn around.
"Yeah, I think so Dad."
Arlo comes bounding up the stairs running straight into my legs almost sending me flying. He has grown so much since the day I got him. I scratch him behind his ears causing his tail to wag furiously, a whip in the end that when makes contact with me I have to force myself not to let out a yell.
"Careful there mister," I laugh bending down to be eye level with him. His breath stinks and part of me regrets letting my nose get so close to him. His golden fur shines, capturing the light coming through my bedroom window and reflecting it.
"If only I could take you with me," I sigh, giving him one last cuddle. When I stop fussing him, he bats me with his paw, requesting some more. Knowing I can't put it of any longer I stand up, my heart being wrenched out of my chest at his large almond eyes.
"I will be back by Christmas," I try to reason, the dog not accepting it as a good enough excuse. In protest he jumps up onto my bed, turning three times before settling down into a comfortable position. His head leans over his paws and I wave at him from the doorway.

"And I will be back this evening dude," Dad says from over my shoulder. I have to battle for my own dog's affection against my father, Arlo being a betrayer against his actual owner and very much having become Dad's right hand man over the summer. I turn to face my opponent, his glasses halfway falling down his nose and his hair wild as always.
"Car is all ready," He says with a small smile.
Although excited for me to get to start a new chapter of my life, I know that he is worried about letting me go, and not prepared to be all alone in this house. I am glad he has Arlo, I suppose now the family pet can help him how I was helped when I was alone. I give my room one last glance before I follow him down the stairs.

Alex waits outside for us, leaning casually against the bonnet of the car.
"There she is," He says with a wicked grin as I come up to him.
His arms pull me into a tight bear hug in which I can only just breathe. His chin rests upon my head momentarily before he gives the top of my head a kiss.
"I am going to miss you," I say, having to shield my eyes from the sun as I look up at him. I am unable to imagine not simply just running the five feet between our houses whenever I want to be with him.
"I am going to miss you too Row, but we will be alright," He throws out his pinkie finger and I roll my eyes at his childishness, "Nothing can break us, and besides, your boy is going to be in Oxford most of the time and that isn't exactly miles away from you."
Giving in and interlocking my finger with his we seal the promise with the touch of our thumbs together.

"Okay," I reply begrudgingly, drawing the words out, "I guess you are right."
"Please," He chuckles, "I am always right. Now get your tiny self into that car and make sure you phone to tell me all about how amazing it is." He opens the passenger door towards me and nods towards the seat. Enclosing my arms around the back of his neck I lean up and let our lips find each other for a moment, before breaking apart and taking my position in the car. As I buckle myself in he closes the door and before long Dad is at my side turning the key in the ignition. The engine comes to life with a soft purr underneath us as the car is put into reverse and we start to pull off the drive. I wave at Alex before letting my hand sit against the glass, my eyes never leaving his figure stood alone in front of the house until he is out of sight. I let my head lean onto the back of the chair, closing my eyes and letting out a sigh. Onto the next chapter.

*

After hours of sweaty work piling all my possessions into my new home I am finally happy with my set up. My room, although small, feels cosy, lit up by copious amounts of fairy lights strung along the four cream walls. My shelves are lined with my favourite books, a pile growing by my bed due to having too large a collection. A notice board hanging above my wooden desk has been filled with pictures of everyone from back home.