Then There Was You

XXIV

The two days flew by.
Henry and I had been texting non stop. I'd go to bed thinking about him, and as soon as I open my eyes, he was always the first thing on my mind.
It was 7am- the morning of the beginning of my time with Henry. Rachel wasn't picking me up until 11. But I was just too restless to stay in bed a minute longer.
I hadn't felt this excited since I was eight years old on Christmas morning. Everytime I happened to catch a glance of myself in the mirror- I was grinning. And this only made me giggle like a little girl. I was euphoric.
And terrified- all at the same time.

Since I had nothing but time, I decided to run myself a nice bath. I added scented raspberry bubbles and let myself soak for fifteen minutes. Then I scrubbed and exfoliated every inch of me with my sea salt scrub until my skin turned pink. I had already gotten my underarms and lady parts waxed yesterday- I even got my bum waxed too. Yes, even the bum hole. Something I had never done before. And let me tell you, it was actually quite nice- in a weird and painful way.
By the time I was done shaving my legs, I felt like a smooth and silky baby seal.
I must have spent about forty minutes in total pampering and washing myself.
I wanted to make sure that every inch of me was attractive. Like Henry said, I had to be prepared.

I moisturised my skin until it shone alluringly. I applied a few drops of my favourite perfume behind both ears, the back of my neck, my collarbones and the insides of my wrists. I kept my make up minimal: just a dusting of powder, a light coat of mascara and a touch of gloss to my lips. Choosing something to wear was going to be the hard part. I didn't want to make my mum suspicious.
I'd already packed my case last night, and I blushed thinking about the risqué underwear I had folded in there.

Today, I had to wear something casual and comfortable, but I still had to look nice.
I picked out my favourite white cotton bra and matched it with its thong partner. I slipped into my black, skin tight leggings and paired it with a causal striped crop top. It stopped just above the waistband of my leggings, showing off the tiniest bit of toned abdomen.
Yeah, this will do for travelling.
And the leggings really did make my bum look fantastic.

I was ready for 9.30.
And now I had nothing to do but wait.
My stomach was too uneasy to even think about breakfast. I sipped on water and tried very hard not to think about what I'd be doing in a few hours time.
Of course, I failed.
My stomach flipped nervously every time I thought about seeing him again.

I glanced at the clock for the fifth time. Only ten minutes had passed. It was like time was moving purposely slower than usual.
I got up with a small groan, which earned a suspicious look from my mum. I forgot she was here. She had been sitting on the couch quietly beside me, scrolling on her phone and sipping coffee.
"What's wrong?" She asked, looking at me carefully.
"Oh nothing," I said causally, forcing myself to smile, "I just wanna get going already."
My answer seemed to satisfy her and she turns her attention back to her phone.

I couldn't wait here any longer. I had to find something that would help pass the time.
I took the stairs two at a time as I rushed to my room. Once inside, I put on the most calming playlist I could find and lay down in the middle of my bed. I shut my eyes and start to meditate. Slowly trying to relax each part of my body one at a time. It almost works.

But my relaxation is interrupted by my phone vibrating loudly across the other side of my room. My eyes fly open and I rush to my vanity table to answer it.
It's Henry.
"Hello?" My voice is breathless.
I hear his low chuckle and I feel myself smile in response.

Somehow, speaking with him calms my nerves. Which is a complete paradox, as he's the main reason for them.
We stay on the phone for a long time. Chattering excitedly about our plans for the weekend. I don't want to assume, but he almost sounds as eager as I do. The thought thrills me.

"Lara!" I hear my mum call me from downstairs. I startle like I've been caught doing something bad. "Rachel's outside!"

Surely we haven't been on the phone for that long? A quick glance at my phone tells me we've been talking for forty five minutes.
And it's time to go.
"Henry, I need to go. Rachel's outside."
"Wow... That time already?" He sounds as surprised as I feel.
"I know! I'll see you soon!"
"I can't wait... See you soon Lara."

I all but throw myself down the stairs. I almost forget to give my mum a kiss, but she looks at me expectantly; arms crossed in front of her chest.
"Love you mum," I say as I plant a quick kiss on her lips.
"Love you too," she says. "You girls have fun!" She calls after me as I rush out the front door.
I don't look back to see if she's watching me. I make it down to Rachel's car in record time and throw my case in the boot.
"Bye!" I yell in the general direction of my house, as I jump into the passenger seat.

"Wow Lara. Are you alright?" Rachel's voice is mostly teasing but when I turn to look at her, there's real concern in her eyes.
"No. I'm so excited, I think I might pee myself," I squeak.
She laughs prettily.
"Please, not in my car. I've just had it valeted."

We play loud music and sing at the top of our lungs. It's a great distraction.
But I'm well aware that I'm getting closer and closer to him as each second passes.