Chapter 249 Now and always.

Chapter 249 Now and always.
CHAPTER 249
Now and always.
ROMEO

“See you later, house; we shall meet again.” Milly blows the beach house a kiss as Jordan drives. 

I smile, staring at her. I have had one week with her, and it has been the best week of my life. She makes me excited for the rest of our lives together. I look forward to milestones with her, to crossing numerous things off the list. For now, we have to return to school and graduate with our heads held high. We have come so far. It is hard to believe where we started from and where we are still going, but together, we can do anything. 

Kai and Pandora are cuddled together, sharing earpods as they watch a new movie. Darcy is reading a book in the passenger’s seat, and Milly will soon fall asleep. 

“Do we have any more things to cross off our list? I still think we should have gotten a tattoo.” She stretches, looking at me. 

I run my gaze over her bright cheeks. Her eyes are shining, her lips are rosy, and her hair flows behind her. She’s wearing a blue tanktop that complements her skin, and comfy trousers. She leans into me, and I press my lips to her forehead before responding. “I don’t know about tattoos.”

“It’s alright. I’ll always have this.” She peeks at her name and grins wide. She loves the tattoo. How surreal that all I needed to do was get a tattoo. I would cover myself from head to toe in her name if it makes her this happy.

“Are you talking about his dick? Please, don’t start.” Pandora glances at us, brows knitted.

“I was looking at my tattoo; now, go away.” She swats her off like a fly.

I chuckle, linking our hands. “Your tattoo.” 

“It is my name, isn’t it? So, yeah, my tattoo.” She grins, proud of herself. 

I press a kiss to her forehead and pull her closer to me. I hit the jackpot with her. I really did. 

__

We get to New York at noon. Jordan and Darcy are the first to get off at his house, then Kai and Pandora, at hers. Milly’s siblings are still at mine, and her mom is at work, so we decide to head to her place, spend a few hours before going to mine. I am relieved when I pull up in front of her house. She spent half of the drive sleeping, as expected. She sleeps during longer rides. I want to know if she sleeps during plane rides too. We have a lot to check off our lists. 

“What do you want to do?” She asks, shutting the door behind me. 

“Whatever you want to do.” I stifle a yawn and crack my knuckles. My heart warms when we enter her room. I love how cosy her room is, the newspapers on the wall, the colour-coded post-it notes, the polaroid, the wall of petals from all the flowers I have ever given her. I swallow thickly, overwhelmed by her love. I missed her so much, and I’m going to make sure I never fumble again. 

“Let’s take a nap.” She pulls out two pairs of socks. I take them from her, help her wear hers before wearing mine. Then, I pull her against my chest, wondering if she can hear how fast it is pounding, how messy she makes me feel. I am hers, in every way possible. 

“I missed you too, by the way.” She whispers, turning to face me. 

“Our breakup was not easy for me. It brought a lot of things to light about myself, of course, and I decided to make some changes. Rather than continuously feeling sorry for myself, I worked out, started running, read more, and strengthened my friendships, but I missed you so much. It might not look like it, only because I have gotten a little too good at hiding my emotions, but I missed you. I spent nights in bed, wondering if I made the right decision, going through our pictures, trying to keep the flower alive. It was sad. I hated every bit of it. You were my favourite person, and you were gone.” Her voice cracks on the last word and my chest caves in painfully.

“I’m sorry.” I clench my jaw tightly, pulling her closer to me. 

“I’m sorry too.” She presses a soft kiss to the corner of my mouth before resting her head on my chest.

I run my hand over her back, drawing lazy circles on her lower back. 

“What do you think Oxford will be like?” She murmurs.

My mouth twitches, and I close my eyes. “I think it’ll be very busy. Law is a tough course. You’ll definitely feel overwhelmed often, but I’ll be there to keep you afloat. You’ll live with Darcy and Pandora. You’ll spend time in my dorm room, make new friends, and explore every inch of the university. You’ll watch me play and be proud to wear my jersey.” I open my eyes and tell her earnestly. “Oxford is a sea of endless possibilities and untapped potential – you can be anything you want to be, anyone you want to be. I’ll be right there by your side, holding your hand through it.”

“Wouldn’t you want to explore? Who knows, you could meet a new girl –”

I pinch her hips, and she giggles, smacking my chest. “Friends, not girlfriend. I am your girlfriend.”

“Good. Remember that. Do not forget it, not now, and not anytime soon.” I glare at her and tilt her chin towards me. “I intend to marry you, Millicent. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.  I want to be by your side as you make exploits and spread your wings. You are destined for greatness, and I cannot wait to bask in your light. I’ll be whoever you need me to be. I’ll take whatever you give me –”

“I’ll give you everything.” She rasps, eyes shiny with tears. “I love you, Romeo. Now, and always.”