I nod, smile and hold out my hand, grateful when Nicholas takes it in his.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“You are going to be ok,” he repeats.
“I know.”
Nicholas stands and pulls me into an embrace and we stay there for a moment.
“Come back for my friend,” I whisper.
Lounging on the day bed by our pool, Adrian lies across me with his head high on my stomach. Bridget and Abbie are sprawled down the other end as we all stare at the sky. The mood is sombre with two of my friends down and out.
“What did he say at the airport?” Bridget frowns. Adrian took Nicholas to the airport last night, and we are catching up on the goodbye activities.
“That he loved me. That he would stay if he could.” He sighs sadly.
“What a load of shit,” Abbie snaps.
“I know, right?”
“Why is he fucking leaving then?” Abbie snorts.
“Just wait to see if you hear from him,” Bridget replies softly as she puts her hand reassuringly on Adrian’s foot to reassure him.
“He rang me when he landed, then again this morning.”
“What did he say?” I ask.
“I didn’t answer.”
“Oh, man,” I reply sadly.
“I’m looking forward to getting home this week, actually,” Adrian murmurs.
I feel my stomach flip. I wish I was as excited. I’m dreading it.
“Guys, about that…” Abbie sits up onto her elbows to look at our faces.
“I think I’m going home to Australia.”
“Why, Abbs?” I frown, where is this coming from?
She shrugs. “I’m homesick. I miss my…” she hesitates.
“What?” Bridget pushes.
“My Tristan.”
I roll my eyes. Army guy. God, get off it. She hooked up with Brock two days ago.
“You don’t seem to be missing him,” I reply deadpan.
Adrian smiles and holds his hand back over his head for me to high five and I slap my hand against his.
“What are you referring to?” she asks, annoyed.
“Um, Brock. What else would I be referring to? He is our brother, in case it slipped your mind,” I answer coldly.
She puts her hands over her face in shame. “I thought you didn’t know.”
“We don’t want to know,” Bridget snaps. “How could you?”
“H-how could I not?” she stammers. “It just happened.”
“Is he why you are leaving?” Adrian asks.