A/N: Chapter Playlist

"Best Day Of My Life" -American Authors

"The Mess" -The Naked And Famous

"Weights & Measures" - Dry the River

"Hello, Goodbye" -The Beatles

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Staring wondrously at the ceiling as I lay in bed, I'm jittery and anticipating the transition. Like every year, I take my time to fit into this new number. It's like slipping into a tailored dress, made just for me; I must feel it before I display it for the world to see.

I raise my knees and admire the elegant font across my thigh. Twenty-one was an amazing year but twenty-two could easily win, even in a day, once I'm reunited with my love. Keeping this tattoo a secret from Harry was becoming more and more of a challenge with each passing day, still, there could be no substitute for the astounding reaction I'm expecting. To neglect his urge to fully examine and touch the surface of my skin would be unfair; plain and simple.

It's my last Saturday morning home, almost eight o'clock, which means I have ten hours left till my evening flight. Relief engulfs me to be done with all my finals and not have to step foot back on campus. . . till graduation. Harry had sent me an early birthday card that contained three plane tickets. One for my flight back to London, the others, a roundtrip of three days to return to Phoenix for my graduation.

I called him immediately in disbelief and he argued there was no way I could miss that day. The best part is Harry will be there, sitting with my parents. I'm counting my lucky stars because May fourteenth so happens to fall in the beginning of their break week from tour. Having only ten days off, he thoughtfully planned this trip amidst all the traveling we'll be doing non stop.

On another note, I can't believe I'm only two days shy from a month of knowing Harry. Somehow it feels longer, this adventure in Harry's wonderland is one I'd gladly remain lost in. Yet with all that's happened in this short course of time, how am I to brace myself for the twenty-six weeks or so to come? I've exceeded all levels of happiness my mind is capable of handling, anymore and I'll implode, but there's never telling when it comes to Mr. Styles.

Before I get too carried away in the fantasy of being back in Harry's apartment, the horrible memory of yesterday dawns on me. The thought of officially losing Roger as my friend, never thinking that moving on from this university also meant moving on from the people in it. Although with my suspicions of his sketchy behavior, remains a glimmer of hope that his friendship is true and I was merely making things up in my head. I don't know what to believe, so it's best that I'm leaving anyway.

I remember handing in my essay during his class. His eyes were sorrowful and searching for mine, however I was still bothered from what Ethan had told me; torn between pity of his fond feelings and doubt from his invading interviews. We exchanged a sympathetic smile and he asked me to stay after class for a few minutes.

I'm not one to hold a grudge but I still can't ignore that gut wrenching feeling that something's happening behind the curtains. I looked at him indifferently, as though there were nothing he could say that could change my opinion about him. He seemed nervous and now I knew why, saying he got a call from Ethan and was told of our brief encounter along with the topics shared. There wasn't a steady place for poor Roger to rest his hands as he struggled between keeping them crossed or in his pockets.

He never confirmed or explained the details further, only apologized for my ex's rude actions and loose tongue. I would have rather dated Roger than Ethan, but that's in the past now. Besides, with Ethan I had only experienced a glimpse of the overflowing happiness that Harry exudes in me.

My bags are aligned by the door, leaving for London once again; it's like deja vu but better. Never would I have dreamed of two trips to this majestic country in this time span, let alone a voyage around the world. And on top of that to do it alongside someone I madly love; it all seems to good to be true. I bring more than I need, knowing that I'll be leaving half of my things in Harry's place while on the tour. I haven't thought about missing home yet, maybe I'm too excited, or maybe it's time to really cut my strings.

These past few days were filled with rich moments with my parents, quality time at its finest. I went on jogs with my dad, not only to put my new sneakers to use but because I was tired of hearing him say he'd eventually do it. Then there was shopping, dining and movies with my mom. I never mentioned the birth control pills. I wanted to blurt it out so many times, but like the tattoo, I was learning to keep secrets.

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The moon slowly appears as it romances the pink and lilac hues of the sky, smiling down at me she reminds me it's time. I gaze at her knowing tomorrow night I will observe her same face in a different continent. Dad shuts the trunk of the car, disrupting my thoughts and I don't mind. Dreaming seems shallow right now compared to the reality that awaits me . . .compared to the boy that awaits me.

We arrive at the airport and unload the luggage. I see the hesitation in my dad's eyes but he's braver than he knows. Saying goodbye is always hard no matter for what length of time, but it's Harry's hello that I desperately want to see his lips pronounce. With one final wave, I walk inside and pick up the pace. This nine hour flight is going to be a killer, thankfully, my mom gave me a few of her sleeping pills to breeze through it. After checking in two of my larger bags, I make my way through the familiar route. As I approach the security check point, I remove my black jacket and hold my laptop case in the same hand, keeping the other free to quickly slip off my shoes and purse when I arrive.

"Jude! Jude!" I hear a man shout.

My body hits the brakes as I turn my head to search for the voice. Eyes are bouncing on every face that comes into view until I spot. . .Roger? He's the last person I expected to find here and all the question marks begin to cloud my better judgement.

"Jude wait!"

"Roger, what the hell are you doing?"

"I know I've apologized already but I couldn't leave things like this," he explains while catching his breath. I see his chest heaving beneath his clothes and his stare is fierce.

"Leave things like what?"

"I love you Jude, I do. And I'm sorry you had to find out about my feelings the way you did. I kept waiting for the right time and when I finally talked myself into it, it was too late. You came back and suddenly you were in a relationship with someone else. . ." Roger's hands kept tugging at his hair, I sensed the urgency in his words but I was determined to get on that plane. "I can't offer you half the things that this Harry can, but I know you and I've been there for you. . ."

"Roger, I have to catch my flight," I utter sadly. "I just . . .you're an amazing guy but . . . I never saw you that way."

His face hits a wall; I recall that numbing feeling of rejection and he's exemplifying it perfectly right now. It's heartbreaking but I can't control who I love. He forces a flat smile and I lean in to hug him goodbye.

"I'm not going to be at the graduation. I just wanted you to know that."

"So I'm not going to see you ever again?" I ask in shock.

"Yeah, I took a job in New York. It's actually where Ethan had his internship," he smirks. "There's nothing left for me here in Phoenix. . .you should go. Have a safe flight."

I've never heard his voice sound so lifeless. It feels wrong to leave someone in that state but as I take my time to leave, he marches off quickly without looking back. I believe that that's the last I'll ever see of Roger. I made my choice the minute I set foot in that apartment on my first night in London. Now it wasn't only the city drawing me back but a beautiful set of green eyes.

It doesn't take long till I'm boarding the aircraft, immediately taking my sleeping aids upon sitting down. The sooner I'm fast asleep the quicker I'll be with Harry. The moment is bittersweet, thinking of the close people I've had to say goodbye to. A thin layer of sadness yearns to suffocate my joy but it isn't till my focus is redirected by the buzzing in my purse.

"Hello?"

"Hello beautiful, I'm waitin' for you."





To be continued. . .

Notes

My surprise is coming very soon! Literally around the corner. I want to thank you once again for all your patience and BEAUTIFUL comments. I feel the love from each and every one of you and it makes my day every single time I read and reread your thoughts.

I'll spare you the ugly details but I will share this news with you... I have moved into my own apartment and that's why I've been so occupied from updating. But now I have settled in and can finally deliver all the amazing chapters I keep teasing you with. I'm so excited for what's to come and I hope you will share that with me.

I'm so grateful for those readers who have stuck in there from the beginning and those that have recently joined this "Jude Sisterhood" :>

I must also reiterate that the steamy scenes are bound to come, as this does center around a very physical and emotionally raw kind of love. And while I've never thought to write imagines, I'd be more than open to hear your suggestions or ideas for future intimate scenes... or you can just wait for the surprise. However, if you do so happen to share your ideas I will surely give the credit to who deserves it. :)

Love you all, more than you would dare believe :)

Ciao bellas!