chapter 24: Just the two of us

"Two days before Andrew embarks on his journey," I thought to myself, feeling a mix of emotions. I needed some time to process everything, so I decided to get out of the house for a bit.

"I'm going to get some food stuff," I said, trying to sound casual.

Andrew, who was sitting on the couch, immediately stood up. "I'm coming with you," he said, his eyes locked onto mine.

But before we could head out, Anthony and Mira intervened. "Give her some space, Andrew," Anthony said, his voice gentle but firm.

Mira nodded in agreement. "Yeah, let her go alone. She needs some time to think," she added.

Andrew looked hesitant, but eventually nodded. "Okay, fine. But be back soon," he said, his voice laced with concern.

I smiled weakly and headed out the door, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I needed some time alone to process my emotions, to think about the future, and to come to terms with Andrew's impending departure. As I walked out of the restaurant, carrying the food stuff I had just purchased, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. The fresh air and quiet solitude had done me some good, and I was now ready to face whatever emotions lay ahead.

As I approached the house, I shouted out, "I'm home!"

The door swung open, and Andrew stood there, a bright smile on his face. "My princess," he said, his eyes sparkling with affection.

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. "Oh, stop it," I teased, trying to hide my smile.

Andrew chuckled and took the food stuff from me, his hands brushing against mine. "I missed you," he said, his voice low and husky.

I felt a flutter in my chest, and my heart skipped a beat. "I missed you too," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

As we walked into the house together, hand in hand, I knew that these last two days with Andrew were going to be precious, and I was determined to make the most of them.

I looked up at Andrew, curious about the mischievous glint in his eye. "What is it?" I asked, my heart racing with excitement.

Andrew's smile grew wider as he pulled out a small box from behind his back. "I know I'm gonna go soon, so I got you something," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

I gasped as he opened the box, revealing a beautiful silver necklace with a small crystal pendant. The crystal sparkled in the light, and I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes.

"It's beautiful," I whispered, my voice trembling.

Andrew's eyes locked onto mine, filled with love and adoration. "You're beautiful," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want you to wear this and remember me when I'm gone."

"That's sweet, Andrew," I said, smiling up at him. "Would you like to go out with me first thing tomorrow morning? You know, let's get to spend more time together before you leave."

Andrew's face lit up with excitement. "Really? You want to spend more time with me?" he asked, his voice filled with hope.

I nodded, feeling a sense of urgency. "Yes, I want to make the most of the time we have left. Let's go out, just the two of us, and enjoy each other's company."

Andrew's smile grew wider. "I'd love that," he said, pulling me close. "I'll pick you up at 7 am. Be ready."

I nodded, feeling a flutter in my chest. "I'll be ready," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

As we hugged, I knew that tomorrow was going to be a special day, a day to cherish the memories we were making together.

************

"Wake up, sleepy head," I said, gently shaking Andrew's shoulder.

Andrew stirred, rubbing his eyes. Then, he stood up, stretching his arms and yawning. "What's the time, Emily?" he asked, his voice husky with sleep.

I smiled mischievously. "It's 6 am," I said, trying to contain my excitement.

Andrew's eyes widened in surprise. "6 am? You're kidding me, right?" he asked, laughing.

I shook my head, grinning. "Nope, I'm not kidding. I told you I wanted to make the most of our time together. Come on, get ready. We've got a big day ahead of us."

Andrew chuckled and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.Mira walked downstairs, her eyes scanning the room with a hint of curiosity. "Wait, you guys are going where this early morning?" she asked, her voice laced with a mix of surprise and concern.

I smiled, trying to reassure her. "We just wanted to make the most of our time together before Andrew leaves," I explained.

Mira's gaze shifted to Andrew, who was sipping his coffee. "And I noticed you guys have been sleeping in the sitting room for days now," she said, pouring water into a glass. "We have a lot of room in this house, you know. You don't have to sleep down here."

Andrew and I exchanged a glance, both of us knowing that we had been avoiding the bedroom because it felt too intimate, too final. We were trying to hold onto the present moment, to savor every second we had left together.

Mira seemed to sense our unspoken understanding. She nodded sympathetically. "I get it. Just be careful, okay?" she said, her voice softening.

Mira's voice echoed through the hallway, her words laced with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "What am I going to tell Anthony when he wakes up?" she shouted, her hands on her hips.

Andrew turned to her, a charming smile spreading across his face. "Tell him I had an important business meeting," he said, his voice smooth and confident.

Mira raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling with skepticism. "An important business meeting, at 6 am, with Emily?" she repeated, her tone dripping with doubt.

Andrew nodded, his smile unwavering. "Yes, that's right. A top-secret meeting, can't reveal too much," he said, winking at Mira.

I giggled, feeling a bit like a co-conspirator in Andrew's fictional business venture. Mira chuckled, shaking her head.

"Okay, fine. I'll tell him. But if he doesn't believe me, I'm blaming you two," she said, laughing.

With that, Andrew and I slipped out of the house, into the early morning sunlight, ready to start our day together.

"Firstly, I and Andrew went to the movies," I corrected myself, remembering the day's plan. But little did I know, Andrew had other ideas.

After the movies, Andrew suggested we head to an amusement park. I hesitated at first, but his enthusiasm was contagious. We spent the afternoon playing games, winning stuffed animals, and screaming with delight on the rollercoasters.

As we walked through the park, hand in hand, I felt a sense of joy I hadn't experienced in a long time. "I love this place!" I shouted, my voice carrying above the din of the crowds.

Andrew grinned, his eyes sparkling with happiness. "I'm glad you're having fun," he said, squeezing my hand.

We stopped to watch a street performer, and Andrew pulled me close, his arm wrapping around my waist. I felt a sense of belonging, of being exactly where I was meant to be.