Two months later…

“Aubrey! We have to get you to the airport, are you almost ready?” Gran yells from the bottom
of the stairs.

Meanwhile, I frantically rush to grab the things I’ve forgotten to pack in my room upstairs. “Yeah, just a minute!”

I finally get my suitcase zipped and mentally check off everything on my list. I’m pretty sure I have everything. I blow the hair out of my face and decide I’m all ready to go.

It’s time to see my man.

“Okay, I’m all set!” I announce once I roll my luggage into the kitchen where Gran is waiting for me.

She smiles and places her tea cup into the sink. “You know, Christmas will be lonely without you and Harry this year. You kids will have a wonderful time though, I’m glad you’re going out to see him. And your parents, too.”

“Thanks Gran,” I smile. “I’m sorry we won’t be around this year. Next year though,” I suggest.

“Maybe we’ll have to switch off years,” she smirks. “I need my Aubrey and Harry time too,” she jokes.

“I think that can be arranged,” I tell her. “I’ll miss you though.”

Gran pulls me into a quick hug before grabbing my suitcase and rolling it towards the garage. “All right, enough of that. We need to get you to the airport.”

I laugh and nod. I know it’ll be hard for Gran not to have either Harry or I around for the holidays, but it’s been two months since I’ve seen Harry myself, and I’ll do whatever I can to spend time with him.

Two months ago, Harry accepted John Gordon, the record producer from Universal Record’s offer to come to New York to record a few tracks. He anticipated visiting the city for a week or so, and I had tagged along so I could visit my parents, but once John offered him a deal at the label, Harry knew he needed to drop out of Cambridge and transfer to NYU so he wouldn’t be falling behind in school. So he did just that.

I still live here in England with Gran, finishing my schooling at Cambridge. I won’t lie and say it’s been easy, but after everything that happened this summer about my doubts of being long distant, Harry and I are much stronger. We talk every single day. either by text, phone or Skype, and we’re making it work. It’s what’s best for both of us, and we know it’s necessary. We’ll roll with the punches and one day we’ll be back together permanently. But for now—I am traveling to New York City to visit him and my parents over the holidays, and I couldn’t be more excited.



Once we pull up to the Heathrow Airport in London, I know Gran is feeling a little upset, so I try to conserve my eagerness to get back to the States. She’s gotten so used to having either Harry and/or myself at home with her, so I know it’s hard for her to be spending Christmas alone in the house. Thankfully Harry has a few aunts and uncles there to keep her company.

“Say hi to Harry and give him a big hug and kiss for me,” Gran says as she hugs me goodbye.

“I will,” I promise her.

“And say hello to your parents for me too,”

“I’ll call you when I land. Thanks for dropping me off.”

“Anything for my favorite girl,” she smiles. “Have a safe flight, Aubrey.”

“Thanks Gran. Love you.”

And with that, I’m headed to the security check, and beginning my journey back to Harry and my parents. God, every time I think of seeing, kissing, holding Harry again I can’t help but smile. It’s been way too long since I’ve seen him.

---

Many long, sleepless hours later, I land at the JFK Airport in New York. I send a text to Harry telling him I’ve finally arrived, but he warned me he’d be in class, so I don’t expect him to respond. Next, I leave Gran a voicemail saying I’ve arrived safely, then call my dad so he can pick me up from the airport.

It’s only ten minutes later when I’m running up to my mom and dad and hugging them for the first time in months. It’s a big happy reunion in the airport, and it takes a security guard to break us up when he warns my dad about not parking in the pick up/drop off zone. Whoops.

We all laugh and head to the car before Dad gets a ticket and make our way to my parents condo in the city. Although I’m eager to see Harry, it’s nice to relax for a little with my parents while he’s finishing up at school.

As my parents and I catch up on everything going on in the past months, I smile when Harry finally texts me back.

From: Harry <3
Hey baby :) I’m excited to see you. Should I come by your parents place or do you want to meet me at my apartment?



Ugh. I still have yet to see his apartment, and I can’t wait to christen the hell out of that place.



To: Harry <3
I’ll meet you there. Can’t wait ;)



Harry sends me the address to his place and tells me to meet him at five because he needs to go to the record label for a few hours after his class, so I decide to take a nap and shower before heading out.

“Are you leading for Harry’s?” My mom asks once I join her in the living room with my bag. (I had tucked away a duffel bag in my suitcase so I could keep some things at Harry’s… presumptuous, I know.)

“Yeah, if that’s okay with you.”

“Of course, I just thought maybe we could all have dinner together. Tomorrow then?”

“Yeah, that sounds perfect. Sorry, I just haven’t seen him in so long, I don’t think we really want to go out…”

“No need to explain, Aubs,” my mom laughs. “Just be safe, okay?”

“I know, I know,” I groan. “But we’re still on for a spa day Thursday? I could really use a back massage, I’ve been so stressed out lately, especially because of finals.”

“You can count me in! But I have a check up at noon that day, so do you mind coming with me? Then we can go straight there after…”

“Sounds like a plan! I’ll call you tomorrow about dinner, but I should get going now, Harry’s waiting.”

“Okay sweetie, have fun! Say hi to Harry for me!” She yells as I’m on my way out. Dad’s at football practice so I said my goodbye’s earlier, but I’ll see him tomorrow. Now? Now it’s time to see my man. The man I’ve desperately missed.

On my way to Harry’s apartment, I pick up some Chinese takeout for us to eat, and catch a cab the rest of the way.

I feel like my heart is going to break through my chest it’s beating so hard. I’m so excited to finally see Harry again, and once I’m standing outside his apartment door, and I’m knocking, my breath hitches as soon as he opens it.

I’m pretty sure I drop the bag of takeout before I rush to Harry and wrap my arms and legs around him. I’m vaguely aware of him kicking the door shut and walking us into his apartment as our lips finally meet.

“I missed you so much, Harry,” I moan as I feel him drop us onto his bed.

“Oh baby, I’m so happy you’re finally here. I was about to go insane,”

---

After… catching up… Harry and I cozy up in front of the fireplace and eat our now-cold takeout. We don’t care; we’re just elated to be in each other’s presence once again.

Once we finish eating, Harry gives me a tour of his small, yet nice apartment. His parents are paying for it, so it’s much nicer than most colleges student’s places, but it suits Harry. Really, I’d love it still if he was the only thing in it.

We talk for hours about random things and catch up. We make love a few more times (just because we can’t get enough of each other after being apart for so long) and we end the night snuggling up in his bed and watching a movie. God have I missed this.

“I missed you, Aubs,” Harry sighs and kisses my head.

I feel so content right now, I can’t remember the last time I was this happy. “Yeah, but I missed you more,” I tease. “You know I’m not letting you leave my sight the entire time I’m here?”

“I’d be upset if you didn’t,” he jokes back. “What do you want to do tomorrow? I have to stop by the label in the morning, but after that I’m free. No more classes until January for me.”

I snuggle further into his chest. “Can I come with you tomorrow? I want to see my man in action.”

Harry chuckles. “If that’s what my girl wants.”

“It is. Then after, we should go ice skating or something at Rockefeller Center. I’ve always wanted to do that.”

“Well then we’ll do just that. But you must be exhausted Aubs, get some sleep.” Harry holds me tight and leans down to kiss me softly. “I’m happy you’re here. I love you.”

“I love you, too,” I whisper just before dozing off.



The next morning, I wake up in my favorite place: wrapped in Harry’s strong arms. I sigh contentedly and happily lay next to him until he wakes up himself.

I think he senses I’m getting restless though, and eventually wakes up. We shower together and get ready for the day. We’re both happy as can be, and there’s nothing that will bring us down.

After we eat breakfast at a small cafe down the block from Harry’s apartment, we walk to Universal Records, where Harry is working on his own songs. I couldn’t be more proud of him and how far he’s come. And as I watch him in the booth, singing the lyrics he wrote, I know this is what he loves. A tear of pure pride and happiness escapes my eye, and I know our long distance relationship will work out, and we will be okay.

---

The next day, Harry drops me off at my parents condo so I can spend the day with my mom. He had to be at the label all day anyway, so it worked out perfectly. He was a little upset about not being able to spend time with me, because we both know our time together is limited, but I promised him I’d come over as soon as my mom and I finished at the spa.

“Hey girl, you ready to go?” Mom asks as soon as I get inside.

“Yeah, let’s hit it.”

First, we head to the hospital where my mom has her monthly cheek ups. Although her cancer is in remission (thankfully), she still has to come here often just to make sure everything is still okay. Even though I love that I can actually be here once to support her, I hate that she has to go through this. But she’s a strong woman, and I know everything will be fine.

Or maybe I spoke to soon.

I’m biting my nails down to the quick the second my mom’s doctor walks into the sterile hospital room with a serious expression on his face. He had just ran a series of tests on her and drawn her blood, and I have a bad feeling in my stomach just from seeing his face. Fuck.

“Well, there’s good news, and unfortunately, there is some bad news today,” he sighs. He doesn’t even make eye contact with either of us.

I feel like this room is just getting smaller and warmer by the second.

I take my mom’s hand in mine and hold it for support. I suddenly hate that my dad has daily practices with his team and can’t be with her for this, because I have a strong feeling she’s going to need all the support she can need.

“Claire… the cancer’s back,” the doctor says solemnly.

I feel myself holding back a sob as I look to my mom. She’s such a trooper. She nods her head and accepts it for what it is. Although her expression is sad, she’s the type of person that won’t be angry over it.

I squeeze her hand as he continues, “the good news, however, is that we caught it very early. There’s a good chance you’ll beat this again, but you know that’s not a 100 percent thing…”

“I understand, yes,” Mom agrees.

Meanwhile, I can hardly see with the tears clouding my vision. In my head, I can only her my subconscious throwing things around in anger and frustration whilst yelling why? over and over again.

It’s not fair. Simply. not. fair.





Harry’s POV

Just as I’m leaving Universal to head home, my phone begins ringing with the tone I have set specially for Aubrey. A smile instinctively forms on my face as I see her beautiful smile light up y screen. I always hate answering just because I love looking at that picture.

“What’s up, baby? Having fun at the spa?” I answer.

“Harry,” she says before she sniffles. Fuck, why is she crying?

“Aubs, are you crying? What’s going on?”

My mind instantly goes into panic mode, and I feel helpless.

“It’s my mom… She…”

“What is it? Is she okay?"

“The cancer’s back,” she says before a sob escapes her mouth.

Fuck. Shit. Damn.

“Shh, it’s okay baby. Where are you? I’ll come to you, just tell me where you are. We’ll get through this.”

She’s silent except for her cries for a minute before she tells me to just wait for her at my place, and she’ll be over later. My mind feels numb, so I just tell her okay. I decide to go to the store and get all of her favorite sweets and junk food, then get the ingredients for her favorite meal—tacos.

God. Claire of all people does not deserve this, and neither do Austin or Aubrey. Their family is full of love and happiness, and never did I see Claire even getting diagnosed the first time.


A few hours later, Aubrey shows up at my door with red puffy eyes. All I do is pull her into my arms and promise her everything will be okay. It will be. It has to be.

She hardly speaks, only nodding or shaking her head when necessary, but I can’t blame her. So I do what I can to support her, and just be there for her. She was there for me when Gran was sick in the hospital, and I’ll do whatever I can to help her.

She doesn’t eat much either, but I didn’t expect her to, so I save the leftovers in my fridge for her to eat when she finds her appetite. I decide to just take her to bed and hold her until she falls asleep. She must be exhausted.



The next morning, she’s still acting distant from me. However, a few hours after we wake up, she abruptly starts crying as we sit together on the couch. She reveals how angry and frustrated she is through her sobs, and explains to me how she can’t even go back to her parents home because it’s too hard for her to see her mother sick. I try to tell her it will be okay, but she just becomes more upset.

She refuses to believe that.

Then, she gets up, disappears into my room, then reappears minutes later in shorts, a tank top and running shoes, saying she needs some air and is going to go for a jog around central park to clear her mind.

I don’t know if it’s good for her to be alone right now, but if that’s what she wants, I can’t control her. So I make sure she has her phone, I kiss her on the forehead, promise her I’m here for whatever she needs me for, and say goodbye.

---

An hour later, I’m relieved once Aubrey returns. She already seems to be feeling better, because the first thing she does is hug me tightly.

“I’m sorry for this morning—“

“You don’t need to apologize,” I silence her. “How was your run?”

“It was good.”

“Feeling any better?” I dare ask.

She takes a deep breath before responding, “actually, much.”

“I’m glad. Do want to talk? Just tell me what you want to do,”

“I’m ready to talk… I actually... I need to tell you something. I want you to be the first to know.”

Ummm. Okay?

I’m very confused… what could she be talking about? “What is it?” I ask.

“Let’s sit.”

We walk over to the couch and face each other. I don’t know whether to be apprehensive or excited.

“I’m going to move to New York,” she announces, searching my face for a reaction.

“What?” I ask. I’m not sure I heard her correctly, and if I did, I don’t understand.

“I’m moving here. I’m going to transfer to NYU.”

What?

“But what about Cambridge? The pre-med program?”

She sighs and looks away from me briefly. “I know this is going to sound stupid, but being with my mom yesterday at the hospital… the way her doctor had to tell her she had cancer again… It made me not want to be a doctor.” She pauses and takes a deep breath, and I remain silent so she can continue. “It’s just, I wanted to become a doctor to help people, right? But I’ve realized I wouldn’t be able to handle delivering bad news everyday to families… I just couldn’t do it.”

“I’m confused, Aubrey…” I admit.

“I want to become a nurse. I know it’s not much different, but at least I won’t be having to deliver the bad news,” she laughs a little. “And NYU has one of the best nursing programs. It all works out perfectly… I can be here for my mom and go with her to her appointments and treatments, and we can be together again.”

I look at her in pure shock, but I can’t seem to express my happiness. I’m so happy, don’t get me wrong, but it feels too good to be true.

“I know I’ve been indecisive about school,” she laughs again. God, I love that sound. “But I think this is it. It all makes sense. Everything’s finally coming together, and I think this is what I was made to do. And it makes it even better that I’ll be here with you and my parents.”

“Aubrey… I don’t know what to say.”

“Say that you’ll let me move in with you?” She jokes.

“Baby, that’s what I wanted since day one!” I smile and take her face in my hands. Then, my tone goes serious on me. “If this is truly what you want to do, then you know you have my support. And I obviously would be more than happy to have you living in the same city as me again.”

“I know she’ll be okay…” she whispers. “but I just want to be here for her. And I really think I’d be happier being a nurse, or doing something less serious than a doctor. I always thought that was what I wanted to do, but this trip has made me realize maybe it’s time for a change.”

“I love you, Aubrey,” I tell her. I’m in love with this girl even more today. For being so strong for her mother. For making the best decision for herself. For being her wonderful, beautiful self.

Notes

So there's going to be one last chapter and then an epilogue... then that's it for Never Let Me Go :/


And I know you all hate me for taking so long to update, but I WILL FINISH THIS STORY BY THE END OF THIS WEEK! haha I've just finished my other story, so I will be focusing on this one until it's finished.

but please comment, rate and subscribe, because it really motivates me!