His Pretend Maid

Chapter 6

Two days. That was all he had to wait until she returned back to base. She was in Iraq checking on the bombers and she had kept Liam in the loop by texts and mini phone calls. Their conversations had lasted 5 minutes or less but it was enough for him to hear her voice and exchange ‘I Love Yous’ with her.

Megs had been in Iraq for the past seven days. He had worried the entire time but the first time he heard her voice after she landed had done very little to ease his worries.

Through talks with her parents, Liam had tried to stay positive but his mind kept escaping to the last time she was in Afghanistan. He knew the chances were low but he knew it could happen again.

His phone knocked him out of his thoughts. “Hello?”

“Hi love. What are you doing?” Megs’s sweet voice connected over the line.

He grinned. “Thinking about you. What are you doing?”

“Getting ready for the big football game. It’s our army versus the United States crew. We’ve been trash talking all week.” She laughed. “There are some big bets going on.”

He wished he could be by her side watching her play the sport they both loved. “What’s your piece of the pie? Which position are you playing? We’ll be rooting on your team from here.”

“Right forward. I’ve got some money riding on this but it’s mostly bragging rights.” She said distracted by something. “Hey I have to go but I love you. Go do something fun with the boys. I’ll be home in two days.”

He nodded knowing she couldn’t see him. “I love you too and I’ll see you soon.”

Hanging up, he pocketed his phone turning to the boys. “Megs all right?”

“Yeah; she’s getting ready for their football match. It’s the British Army versus the United States. She’s playing forward.” He laughed. “She seems really excited for it.”

Takeshi nudged his arm with a smile. “She’ll be home in two days. She’s spending her last few hours there unwinding and having a great time.”

“I know but my mind can’t help but worry for her safety.”

Kilorn grinned at his best friend. “Man she’d kiss your sorry arse for worrying about her. This is Megs; the one who kicked your arse in football and gives you s**t. She will be back in Britain before you know it.”

“Yeah I know.” Thank goodness he had his friends around. “What’s next on the schedule?”

And so they continued on with their scheduled interviews announcing the new CD and the tour to support it.

6:00pm

The last interview had just finished and the boys couldn’t be happier. They had agreed to dinner and a drink before retiring to their individual houses for the night.

That all changed when they came off the stage and face to face with Paul holding Liam’ mobile with a concern look on his face.

“What’s wrong Paul?” Gab asked as the five crowded around the bodyguard.

“They called your mobile, Liam. They want you to call them as soon as possible.” Paul held the device out for the young man to grab.

Liam looked at his longtime protector and friend. “Who wants me to call them?”

“Megs’s parents, more specifically her mum; she said it was urgent.” Paul tried moving the boys towards the dressing room. “Come on boys; you’re not going to want to be in the middle of everything when he makes this phone call.”

The boys followed Paul without hesitation. They were worried about the tone in Paul’s voice. “What’s wrong?”

“I think Lou needs to make this call in a quiet place.” Paul opened the dressing room door allowing the boys to pass through.

Once the door was shut, Liam immediately dialed Megs’s parents’ number. One ring then two before the line connected. “Hello?”

“Can I speak to Rose, please?” Liam spoke listening to the phone being passed.

He heard the sob before she spoke. “Liam?”

“Hi Rose. Paul said you called and it was urgent that I call you back. What’s wrong?” There was a pit in his stomach as his girlfriend’s mum tried to calm herself down.

Rose took a deep breath. “We got a call about an hour ago.”

“What type of call, Rose?” He begun to panic, fearing the worse. His feet shuffled over to the couch, the other boys trading glances with one another.

He heard voices on the other end before Rose spoke again. “Megs’s missing Liam. From what we gather, everyone went out to the bar after they won the football game. Her and Drew were walking back to base when they were taken. We were notified about an hour after it happened.”

He sunk further into the couch as her words hit him. “What? How did this happen? What’s going to happen now?”

“It’s always a worry when she travels abroad.” She sighed. “Never did I think this would happen again. I just want my daughter back, Liam. We just have to wait until we hear something.” Tears clouded his eyes hearing Megs’s mum’s pleading.

Liam ran a hand through his hair. “Let me know if anything changes, please.”

“We are all gathering at the house if you want to join us. No use being by yourself during this time.” Rose sighed.

“We’re done for the week. I’ll be up tomorrow morning. Thank you for calling Rose and let me know if anything changes.” Hanging up the phone, Liam let the tears finally fall.

The boys crowded around the couch watching the oldest of the group break down. Kilorn sat down and hugged his best friend tightly. For twenty minutes, Liam openly sobbed not caring who heard his heart break. Slowly, the sobs turned to snubs before the tears stopped and the red eyed man looked at his friends.

“Want to talk about it?” Gab asked.

Wiping his tears away, Liam looked at his best friends clearing his throat. “That was Rose. They got a call saying that Megs is missing. Her and Drew were walking back from the bar celebrating the football match when they were taken.” Taking a breath, he willed the sob in his throat from escaping. “She said it’s a big waiting game.”

“What are they waiting for?” Niko asked Liam with a hitch in his voice.

Liam shrugged. “Rose didn’t elaborate. I’m heading up to Megs’s parents’ house tomorrow morning. All she said is that it’s a waiting game.”

“What do you need us to do?” Takeshi asked, placing a hand on Liam’s shoulder.

Tears clouded his eyes at the questions, shaking his head; Liam looked at the four other guys. “I-I’m not sure. What if-”

“No! You’re not going to sit here and start this game, Liam Lee. You have to stay positive and believe that everything will be all right. Meghan will be coming home and back in your arms soon. This is just a hiccup in the road.” Kilorn looked at his friend. “DO NOT give up on your girl, Liam. Believe she will be home soon.”

All he could do was nod and lean into Kilorn’s arms for support. “Do you want us to come up to Megs’s parents’ place with you tomorrow?”

“No you guys have plans with the girls tomorrow. I’m going to go home, get some sleep then head up tomorrow.” Liam said, the boys trading glances with one another.

“You sure? The girls would understand.”

Shaking his head, Liam smiled sadly. “Go be with your girls; I’ll be fine.”

The five picked up their stuff before shuffling to the car. One by one the car dropped each man off at their residences, each telling Liam to call if there were any changes or if he needed anything. Finally, Liam was the only one in the car with Paul. He welcomed the silence though it didn’t last very long. “You want to talk about anything?”

“Can you bring her back? Make sure she is safe and sound?” His voice was hoarse from crying.

Paul glanced in the rearview mirror. “She’s tough and knows how to take care of herself. She will be all right; you might have to spend a few days of spoiling her but something tells me you won’t mind doing that.”

“How long will I have to wait for that? How long do we have to wait for these sick bastards to give her back to us?” Liam’ voice rose. “Why does she have to have a job she’s absolutely passionate about yet takes her to the most dangerous places in the world?”

Paul pulled off the street across from Liam’ place. “What do you need to hear from me? What do you need us to tell you so that you will believe Meghan will be home soon? She’s only delayed a couple of days.”

“I don’t know. It feels like I’m in this dream and I cannot wake up from it. Rose’s phone call keeps replaying over in my mind on auto-play.” He sighed. “I appreciate the talk but I don’t know what I need. I think I’m going to eat, take a shower, pack and get some sleep.”

Paul nodded. “Will you text me if you want to talk? And let me know when you’re heading up north tomorrow.”

“I will. Like I said, I’m going to eat, take a shower, pack, and get some sleep.” Liam shook Paul’s hand, hoping out of the car and crossing the street.

Unlocking the door to his flat, Liam dropped his bag by the front door and toeing off his shoes. His soft footsteps padded through the hallway, letting the memories of her last visit cloud his thoughts.

The tickle fights on the couch; the make-out sessions in the kitchen, resulting in burnt grilled cheese sandwiches; the two of them officially exchanging “I Love Yous” for the first time in the garden. He shook his head willing those memories away yet they only grew stronger.

Letting his back hit the wall, Liam let himself slide down, feeling his bum hit the floor. Burying his face in his arms, his sobs echoed in the quiet house. He prayed to whoever, asking that Megs returned to his arms safe and sound quickly.

Feeling a wet nose on his arm, he sadly smiled at Socks, the six month old Blue Russian cat Megs insisted they needed to adopt. Liam was against Socks from the get-go but between Megs’s adorable pout and the cat’s immediate affection towards him, he was powerless. Socks was adopted and spoiled rotten by the couple. A plaid green and blue collar was fitted around his neck. A bed was placed in the corner of the kitchen yet the cat never slept there, opting to curl up next to or on Liam’ chest every night.

Petting the cat, Liam sighed deeply. “She’ll be home soon. Mumma’s just delayed buddy but she promised us she’ll be back and she never breaks a promise.”

Pushing himself off the floor, Liam picked up Socks walking into the kitchen. Pouring him a bowl of cereal and filling Socks’ bowl, the two ate in silence. The silence was usually welcoming but tonight it was anything but.

Shaking his head, he grabbed his keys, heading back out the door. Walking down the steps, he let his feet decide the destination. He didn’t pay attention to his surroundings, as thoughts of Megs invaded his mind.

He thought of their hangout times, back when either of them was too scared to make a move. Remembering how badly he wanted to make Megs his girl but how scared he was to mess up their brilliant friendship. He was worried about his career getting in the way of things; only to be pleasantly surprised to find out her career was just as complicated as his. Shifting his thoughts, his mind went to when she told him about her job and how fascinated he was. He wanted to ask her a million questions, but feeling like he didn’t want to overwhelm her. Then after he went to surprise her at the train station, he knew he had to make Megs his. That was when the big plan was put into place.

Eventually his feet led him to a bench in the park they had spent her last day in London at before heading back to base for this trip to Iraq.

Where was he? Ahhh the plan. He chuckled; he was so nervous on that trip up to the base. He didn’t know how Megs would react to seeing him standing there. But after his speech and her saying yes, the nerves vanished and he was the happiest he’d been in a while. The boys could immediately see a change in their friend and couldn’t wait to meet the girl responsible for that.

The concert after she returned back to London. Megs could’ve killed him for not telling her the boys’ families would be present for that concert. But she handled everything with poise and grace and that bright contagious smile of hers. Little did she know, his mum gave Liam the seal of approval before the concert. His mum had fallen in love with Megs from the second the two had met. His sisters were happy to have another girl around for advice. Lottie was especially excited to have an adopted older sister to turn to for advice.

Pulling his mobile from his pocket, he dialed his mum’s number. He listened to the ringing before the voice that could brighten his day no matter what his mood answered.

“Hey mum. How’s it going?” He leaned back into the bench.

He listened to her chat about his sisters and what they were up to. He laughed at the mischief his twin sisters were getting into and how many grey hairs they were given their mother. She chatted about the general things of her day including the joys and stresses of her job.

“What about you boo? How’s it going? I’m guessing this isn’t a casual chat to catch up.” She asked turning the tables on him. How she was able to guess that, he would never know.

He sighed. That was a loaded question. “Are you sitting down?”

“Uh oh that doesn’t sound like a good thing.” She said but acknowledged she was sitting down.

The tears were there but at bay as he prepared to tell his mother. “I got a call from Megs’s parents. They said that she's missing. She was walking back to base from the bar after their football game and was taken along with one of her coworkers.”

“Liam . . .” Her voice trailed off, a tell-tale sign she was crying. “Oh baby . . . how are you holding up?”

He sighed, hearing his mother cry was one of the hardest things to bear. “I’m all right; more worried about Megs at the current moment. Praying she comes home soon, safe and sound.” He paused. “I just want her home mum.”

“I know baby. We’ll add her to our prayer list.” She cooed wishing she could hold her son in her arms, giving him comfort only a mother could.

He cleared his throat, pushing tears away from his eyes. “I’m heading up to her parents’ place tomorrow morning. Her mum suggested I come up so we’re all together.”

“Ok. Will you keep me updated on any changes?” Her concerned mum’s voice was pushing through.

He sighed. “I will mum. I love you.”

“Love you too baby. She is strong and tough and will be home shortly. This is just a hiccup in her travels.” She paused. “She loves you Liam and she will come back just to make sure you know that. Stay strong baby. If you need to vent, don’t hesitate to call, all right?”

They said their final goodbyes before hanging up from one another.

His thoughts drifted back to their memories together. The first time he met her parents; he wanted to make sure they knew he was someone other than a member in some random boyband. Like Megs had told him, he had absolutely nothing to worry about. Her mom loved him and was fascinated with his travels around the world; they had exchanged notes about their favorite countries. Her dad and he had bonded over football; his team being Manchester United, her dad’s Arsenal. They had gotten over their mutual hate for the other’s team pretty quickly. Her three brothers had warned him about breaking Megs’s heart while Ava gushed over all the sweet things he had wooed Megs with. All in the entire visit was a success.

His mobile rung bringing him out of his thoughts; Kilorn was calling. Liam ignored the call prompting his friend to call again. He put the mobile on vibrate before pocketing it.

The thoughts then went to the last time he saw her; nine days ago, he put her on the train back to Hampshire. They had spent the morning together; breakfast at their favorite café followed by a walk through the park. She had bumped his hip as they walked side by side holding hands. He had whispered bad jokes and secrets in her ear prompting her to laugh loudly. They had talked about his upcoming tour and her flying out to see him. Megs had expressed interest in taking a trip just the two of them – he had thrown out places of interest but she had her heart set on visiting Spain, more specifically Sevilla, a place she had heard so much about but never been able to visit.

Now, all the plans they had made, may not be executed. Megs had only been in his life for seven months. If he had her only for seven months, then someone was playing a very cruel joke on him. He had to admit those past few months were some of the best he had ever had but he questioned if that’s all he would have.

“How did I know I’d find you here?” Liam heard a voice, the bench creaking with the added weight.

Liam rolled his eyes. “How did I know you wouldn’t take too kindly to the ignored call?”

“I’m worried about you. You don’t take too kindly to anyone hurting your friends and family, not to mention the helplessness you’re feeling because you can’t protect Megs.” Kilorn had nailed everything he was feeling on the head. “I’m not even going to start to understand what you’re going through but you need to let us in. You don’t have to go through this alone. You have four best friends who are willing to drop everything to go with you tomorrow. You also have any one of us to call and vent.”

Liam nodded hearing his best friend’s words. “Everywhere I go, there’s a memory of us. I can’t go a single place without something from our past being thrown in my face. Can’t go home without being faced with make-out sessions or tickle fights; can’t go downtown without the memories of our first meeting; and here is where we usually ended up after eating or hanging out. There are memories of her and me and right now I want nothing more than to have her here in my arms, safe and sound.”

“Unfortunately, at this moment, that’s not feasible but she will be home.” Looking at his friend, Kilorn frowned. He hated seeing Liam, the happy-go-lucky one of the group, so down in the dumps. “Have you heard any changes or news?”

Liam shook his head. “See no news is good news. Now let’s get you home and packed then you and I will drive up to the family home tomorrow morning.”

“But you and Scar-” Liam was cut off with a shake of Kilorn’s head.

“Scarlett understands and we have postponed our plans for the zoo until a later date.” Kilorn smiled. “She insisted I come with for nothing more than support.”

May 28, 2018 3:00pm – 24 hours after the call to Megs’s Parents

They had arrived just after 9 in the morning to a table full of various breakfast food, none of it touched; the family sat on pins and needles waiting for any piece of news that would ease any worries of their daughter and sister. Kilorn and Liam had joined in the worrying with the rest of the family.

Every time the phone rang, they would all pray for good news – only to be disappointed when it was a friend or family member sending their thoughts and prayers for Megs’s safe return.

“This sucks.” Leo grumbled, flopping onto the couch across from Liam and Kilorn. The doorbell had rung, signaling the arrival of more support from friends and family.

“Liam? Kilorn? There are some guests in the foyer for you.” Rose spoke, standing in the doorway of the adjacent office.

The two exchanged glances with Alex, Ryan, and Leo before excusing themselves. Liam gave Rose a hug in thanks following Kilorn to the foyer.

He shouldn’t have been surprised to see who was standing there but for some reason he was. Takeshi, Niko, and Gab were looking at the ground sadly as they were joined by the last two members.

“Any news?” Takeshi asked hopeful, hugging Liam tightly. He moved to the side allowing the other guys to greet Liam.

Liam shook his head. “None yet. Every time the phone rings we all hold our breaths. The Army has been in contact and they’re confident they know where Megs and Drew are being held but they don’t want to make any rash decisions.”

“So what does that mean?” Gab asked worried about his friends.

Kilorn glanced at his friend. “It’s still waiting and hoping. Things have been pretty tense around here.”

“No, Megs and Drew are waiting ducks in the worse part of Iraq. The British f*****g Army won’t do a damn thing in fears of being rash.” Liam’ anger got the best of him, causing his friends to tense up at his anger. “My girlfriend is a waiting duck while those bastards are messing with her. Our Army can go in and rescue her but chose to wait and do nothing.”

“Liam . . .” A voice on the stairs caught his attention.

Motioning the girl forward, Liam frowned at his behavior. “Ava I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. You’re the only one venting their anger around here. The men in my family don’t do well with tense situations when my sister is involved.” She smiled at the new individuals in the foyer. “I’m sorry for my lack of manners. I’m Ava, Megs’s younger sister. You must be the rest of Liam’ bandmates. Thank you for coming.”

Introductions were made before Ava gave Liam a hug. She smiled at the guys. “There are snacks in the kitchen; make yourselves at home. If you need anything, let me know.”

They watched her leave before looking at Liam. “Come on.” The five grabbed snacks before heading out to the deck. The Canalanotte’s house sat on ten acres. The deck faced a pond with a fountain and a colorful flower garden. Motioning the boys to take a seat, Liam opted to lean against the decking with a sigh.

“How are you doing?” Niko asked munching on some crisps, a serious tone in his voice.

He hated that everyone kept asking him that question but he knew they were concerned with him coping with the news. “Hanging in there. Angry as hell but worried about her at the same time. Praying that she comes home safe and sound. Thinking about all the conversations we are going to have when she’s able to have them and worried about the possibility of never having those conversations. My mind is going in 90 different directions and just trying to hold onto the little bit of hope that flickers as the hours pass.”

“Can we do anything?” Gab asked watching the subtle glances between Kilorn and Liam.

Shaking his head, Liam played with a piece of loose wood. “Just be here in case the worse happens. I’m going to need you four more if we don’t get the news we’re hoping for.”

The five grew silent at Liam’ words, each lost in their own thoughts. The opening of the back door caught their attention. “Liam.” Ryan shouted causing the five to jump in surprise. “We just got the call. They have a team going in to rescue Megs and Drew.”

“Now?”

Ryan grinned. “They’re going to go in and rescue her and Drew. Take them back to base, check them over, and then get them on the first flight out of Iraq back to London. Come on, dad is popping champagne.”

The five followed Ryan inside where there was a renewed energy. The TV was set to CNN International who was following the rescue mission with rapt attention. Liam’ eyes never left the screen as he watched the men and women storm the dingy old warehouse. The distinct pop pop sounded through the screen, making Liam cringe with worry. Hands were placed on his back and shoulders in support. He prayed harder than he had ever prayed before. The announcer’s words were slowly reaching his ears until the ones he longed to hear were said. “And we just got word that the two British hostages are alive and safe.”

He released a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding while Kilorn pulled him into a hug with the other guys surrounding them. Tears streamed down his face while Kilorn kept whispering that his girl was safe.

Pulling away from the hug, he turned back to the television. He caught glimpses of Megs as she was moved to a gurney and pushed into a makeshift ambulance. The phone rang as the ambulance took off. Taking his eyes off the television, he reached for his phone and shot off two texts – one to his mum alerting her of the good news and the other to the girl that captured his heart. He knew she wouldn’t see the text for a while but he wanted to let her know he loved her and was hoping to see her soon.

8:00pm

He was exhausted. He had only slept two hours the past 29 hours since he found out about Megs. Now he let his body relax as he lay out on her parents’ couch. Everyone was in the kitchen celebrating the joyous news. He, however, wanted to take a few minutes to himself, realizing he got his wish. Megs was safe and sound and was coming home safely. The Army wanted to keep Megs and Drew there for two days just for observations, leaving the family anxious to see her.

“Liam?”

Looking over the back of the couch, he smiled seeing Ava there. “Hey.”

“There’s someone that wants to talk to you.” Holding out her cell phone, he hesitantly grabbed it putting it to his ear.

“Hi handsome.”

Tears immediately rushed to his eyes hearing her voice. He roughly pushed them away, his heart jumped to his throat at the sudden rush of emotions. “Oh Damsel it’s lovely to hear your voice. How are you?”

“Safe, sound and alive.” She laughed her sweet laugh. “Physically, I’m exhausted and I’ve got a broken arm, broken ribs, and other stuff going on. Emotionally, I’m crying at the drop of a hat. And I just wanted to hear your voice. How are you?”

He sniffled trying to keep the tears at bay. “Emotional; I’ve been through a rollercoaster the past day or so. I’m so happy you’re all right. When are you coming home?”

“Two days; Army’s making us stay here. I’m getting my arm set tomorrow. I’ve got some paperwork I have to fill out then I get into London at 12 pm on Tuesday.” She sighed. “I can’t wait to see you, Popstar.”

He laughed, knowing she was as eager as he was. “Me as well sweetie, me as well.”

“Hold on Liam . . .” She said as a ringing sounded in his ear. Pulling the phone away, he smiled seeing a FaceTime invitation on the screen. Accepting the call, he prepared himself for seeing her for the first time.

Her face popped up at the screen. Her dark hair pulled back into a pony tail with a cut on her right cheek. Her contagious smile lit up her face brightly. Her eyes danced with excitement. “Well I was right about the handsome part.”

“Soldier you are a sight for sore eyes. What hurts?”

She moaned holding her ribs. “Don’t make me laugh, Liam. I’ve got two broken ribs, which hurt like a b***h. It feels like I have an elephant on my chest. My arm is broken – what color cast should I get tomorrow? And I’ve got a lovely reminder from talking back to my captures.”

“When you get home, you are bedridden with me as your house servant. You are not going to lift a finger for the next few weeks, yeah?” He chided, as she saluted him. “As for a cast color, I’m thinking green or blue.”

She nodded thinking of his color choices. “Sounds good to me. Liam?”

“Yes?” Looking at her on the screen, a smile played at his lips.

“Get some sleep, babe. Don’t worry about me. I’m safe and sound and I will see you on Tuesday – two days from now.” Holding up two fingers, she laughed. “If you don’t get any sleep, I’ll ban you from the flat.”

Gasping, he held a hand to his wounded heart. “Awe babes don’t do that.”

“Sleep Park or you won’t see me.” She saw movement behind him and smiled brightly. “Well hello boys. How are you doing?”

They crowded behind Liam smiling at the girl. “Hi yourself. Are you taking it easy?”

“They won’t let me do a damn thing here.” She pouted. “Are you taking care of my man? He’s looking a little tired.”

The four laughed shaking their heads. “We couldn’t do anything but we’re going to make sure he sleeps properly tonight. Gotta keep his energy up for when you come home, babe.”

Liam could’ve hit Kilorn for his comment but Megs brushed it off with a laugh before paying the consequences when she clutched her side. “Ow don’t make me laugh. Damn broken ribs.”

The four boys chatted with the girl, not realizing their fifth member was slowly falling asleep to the sounds of Megs’s voice. Kilorn turned the FaceTime to his best friend. Megs grinned. “Tell him I say I love you and I’ll talk to you guys later. Thank you for everything.”

The boys quietly moved Liam to the car before driving back to London for the night. They tucked him into bed leaving him alone for the night.

May 30, 2018 11:30am

To say he was excited was an understatement. The past two days, he had been a big ball of energy counting down the hours until he got to see her again. He was pretty sure his bandmates were about to tie him down due to the constant countdown.

And now he was walking into King's Crossing going to meet his girl. Her parents had all ready claimed a table near the exit from the platform. He grinned at them taking a seat.

"The boys ready to kill you?" Ava asked grinning.

He chuckled nodding. "Yeah I got on their last nerve with my countdown. I couldn't help it though. You excited?"

"Of course. There will be tears and we'll have to pinch ourselves to realize she's really here. But it'll be good just to see her in person." Ava swiped away tears that had managed to escape.

Liam gave her a quick hug, pulling back after hearing the announcement for her train. He stood back, letting her family greet her first - he knew he wouldn't let her go once she was in his arms.

He grinned watching her step off the train with a suitcase and her bright smile sitting on her face. She immediately found her welcoming committee.

Walking quickly, careful not to knock into anyone, she closed the distance between herself and the family in three quick strides.

He watched her throw herself into her father's arms before her mother wrapped her arms around the two. Liam shifted, a little uncomfortable at the family's reunion. Her parents released her before Leo and Alex scooped her up causing her familiar laugh to escape. A smirk crossed his face at how happy and alive she was.

Ryan was next. Megs laughed and nodded, agreeing with whatever he said. She gave him another hug before launching herself at Ava. That's when the tears glistened in his eyes. He had gotten so close with Ava over the past few days that they were almost best friends as him and Megs were.

Finally, it was his time. A whisper session ended between Ava and Megs before his lovely brunette turned towards him. His breath hitched locking eyes with her.

Over the past few days, he felt as if he was walking through a fog, not really knowing how to carry on. It wasn't until the news came in that he felt like he could breath normally again. It wasn't until he heard her voice that his heart felt full once more. And now her standing in front of her, he lost his breath. Despite the bright green cast on her left arm, he couldn't see much difference.

"Popstar." He gathered her into his arms being careful of her injured body.

He didn't hide the tears, letting them fall down his cheeks. He heard her breath hitch feeling the tears on his shirt. "I kept telling myself I had to make it back to you. I had to see you. You kept me sane."

"I love you Meghan."

She smiled. "Love you too Popstar."

And in her boyfriend's arms, she was at home, away for the fears and dangers that had captured her.