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phff-ajourneytoremember · 8 years ago

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Updated yesterday in case you missed it!

Chapter Six

A/N: I apologize for not updating as frequently but here is the next chapter! I hope you enjoy it! I would love to hear what you think of it, good or bad!

“I want you to come with us! It will do you good Soph.” Rowan tried her best to convince Sophia that a vacation would do her some good. “What can a little sun hurt?”

Standing on her tippy toes Sophia grabbed a box from the top shelf placing it in her grocery cart. The squeaky wheels drug along the waxed white flooring as she continued to check off the items on her grocery list.

“I don’t know Rowe.” She dragged out undecidedly.

“It’s last minute I know, but someone cancelled and I swear it is not a couple’s trip.” Her friend was relentless in her persuasion; after all she was a lawyer and could win the toughest cases or any argument. “It will be a good escape for a few days Sophia.”

Rowan did have a point; maybe a little vacation would not be such a terrible idea. Her parent’s separation had somehow made its way to the front pages of the SUN, causing nothing but more strife between members of her family. Blaming Sophia’s mother for the leak, her father decided to release his own statement in hopes to save face in the public eye claiming that their marriage was stronger than ever.

Image was everything to her father; going to great lengths to cultivate the image of the perfect British family, one that was better fit to rule than the tumultuous Windsor clan that sat upon it’s throne. Sophia played her part along with the rest of her family; part of the reason why she had ran away from the prince a few weeks ago. The disapproving look on her father’s face haunted her, no matter how hard she tried to get it out of her head Sophia knew she could never be with Harry.

Harry had been right, but she could not admit to the fear her father held over her head; he would not understand her feelings she held for the prince. They simply could not be together, in any sort of form. That didn’t mean it was any easier for her to get the prince out of her mind. He lingered there, invading her thoughts day-to-day replaying the way he kissed her that night in her mind.

Her mind was in a daze, reminding her again of the way he held her hand of how it fit into his grasp like the perfect puzzle piece. The sweet scent of him burned in her nose as her heart skipped a beat…

Bumping into someone’s cart, her thoughts were rudely interrupted from their daydreaming. “I’m sorry sir…” Apologizing profusely, Sophia realized she was still on the phone with Rowan.

“Ok ok. I will come…” Sophia reluctantly agreed through pursed lips. Rowan’s loud squeals of happiness rang in her ear loudly.

“I will tell the crew that you are going! Ben’s friends are amazing and he will be so happy you are coming to celebrate his birthday! We are leaving in two days, quite early in the morning and don’t worry about the private plane, it’s on us!”

“Thanks Rowe. I owe you one.” With that Sophia hung up the phone. A bubbling sense of relief started to flourish within her. Knowing that a little time in the sun and the waves of the beautiful Seychelles Islands was the perfect getaway she required, spending it with friends and days filled with laughter and alcohol would make her forget the struggles that kept her landed at home. It was time that she took the chance to be selfish.

Parking her cart at the cashier’s aisle she placed her items on the belt. Waiting patiently for her turn she scanned the corners of the trashy magazine covers giggling at the ridiculousness of the cover stories.

That’s when her eyes fell upon him. Seeing his arm wrapped around a brunette woman’s arm as he exited a popular club he attended. Her heart sank in her chest, crushing her lungs in the process.

It was Harry pictured with a mysterious new brunette woman with writing plastered over the front saying ‘Has Prince Harry found a new royal girlfriend?’

Not being able to contain herself, Sophia grabbed the magazine and skimmed the article. How had he moved on from her already? Sophia could not stop thinking about him in the past weeks since their kiss. Mind you it was she that ran away from him and strictly told Harry nothing could ever happen between them. But so quickly, how could he?

I guess he never thought twice about me…. I guess he never cared how I would feel.

With that thought she placed the magazine back in its slot, burying along with it every thought and feeling she ever held for the prince. It was not worth her heart or mind constantly thinking about someone who clearly had not cared for her the same way she did for Harry.

If he was going to move on this quickly, so would she. Adding yet another reason to attend Ben’s birthday trip.

Maybe this was what she needed to get her mind off of the prince for good.

Glancing out the window of the SUV the private plane came into Sophia’s view. It was nothing that she wasn’t used to; she had been on a few before hand but preferred to not waste her money on luxury. Working with the Red Cross, Sophia had become accustomed to flying all over the world, mostly on uncomfortable cargo planes.

The railing of the steps up to the plane smoothed over across the palm of her hand, her fingers gripping it lightly to steady herself while pulling her bags up them. Ducking her head beneath the entrance she was greeted by the pilot and flight stewardess who took her bags and handed her a glass of champagne.

Following in behind Ben and Rowen she met a couple, Marcus and Lena, joining them on their trip. Not knowing anyone else she was forced to make small talk with Lena, taking up the seat behind Rowen at the back of the plane.

Her small frame settled into the plush leather chair that reclined back into a bed for the long trip ahead of them. Taking a sip of her champagne Sophia chuckled at a joke Marcus had made at the expense of his girlfriend Lena. The light of the window beside her caused her head to swivel, looking out at the planes taking off going to whatever their destination maybe.

That’s when she heard a familiar posh voice.

“Hey mate.”

Snapping her head towards the direction of the voice she searched for its source knowing in her mind who it belonged to. Her hand flew to her mouth, silencing her gasp as Harry stood at the front of the plane greeting Ben. Gripping the arm rest beside her she tried to catch her breath feeling a sense of dizziness circle in her head.

Ben and Harry were friends, this she knew. Rowen did not allude to the fact that the prince would be joining them on this trip. There was no way that Rowen would invite Sophia had she known.

Those deep blue eyes caught her staring at him. He paused for a brief moment unsure of whether to proceed down the aisle to greet the rest of the group. A display of shock graced his face for every one to see, a look that did not go unnoticed but was hidden in its true meaning.

“Sorry Harry. Rowe invited her… I didn’t think you were coming.” Ben leaned in hoping to explain why Sophia was here with them. Everyone aboard that plane, hell everyone across England knew the unaltered hate between the Cromwell’s and the Windsor’s.

“It’ll be fine Ben. I don’t hate her, besides my plans changed last minute.” Harry reassured his friend with a faint smile hoping to down play the situation. The real reason was not that at all, it was the fact that Sophia and him now shared a past, one she evidently hoped to have kept buried. A smile tugged at his lips thinking that this trip would be the perfect chance for him and Sophia to work things out. It’s not like she could hide or run from him now.

Hanging her head low trying to hide her gaze Harry smirked sensing how uncomfortable she was feeling in that moment. Walking slowly towards her Harry saw the seat across from her free; picking his pace up he kept his gaze on her until her blue eyes peaked up at him.

Leaning on the seat in front of her Sophia was forced to look up at him. “Hello Harry…”

“Sophia…” Harry winked at her watching a faint blush appear on her cheeks. Knowing Sophia was trying her best to not smile at the fact he was here she cleared her throat nervously, fidgeting with her hands.

“Is this seat taken?”

“It’s yours if you want… but there are better ones in the front…” Sophia tried to convince Harry to sit anywhere else but across from her. The aisles were small, making it feel that Harry was nearly sitting right beside her.

Rowe turned her head rounding it into view from the seat ahead of her. “I didn’t know he was coming… I’m sorry Sophia.”

“It’s alright Rowen. It’s about Ben this weekend, don’t worry about me!” Sophia spoke loud enough so Harry would pick up on that fact. Seeing his head turn slightly Sophia knew he had heard her.

Sinking back into her seat she closed her eyes gripping the handles of the seat waiting for the plane to take off. No matter how many times she had been on a plane, the take off always terrified her for an unknown reason. Closing her eyes she listened to the engines firing up.

Harry sat down buckling himself in securely in the seat across the aisle from Sophia. Taking a brief glance in her direction he saw her tense body stiffen, gripping the arm rests tight. He wanted nothing more than to try and distract her from her obvious distress she expressed on her face.

“Sophia…” Harry whispered loud enough for only her to hear. Her blue eyes sprung open turning to look at him, her mouth slightly parted.

“You ok?” He mouthed to her displaying a look of concern.

Biting down on her lower lip she forced out a lie with a simple nod of her head.

‘Look at me…’ Harry mouthed to Sophia in silence. ‘It will be over soon.’ His blue eyes held a comforting gaze that calmed her nerves. Not wanting to fall again under his spell Sophia was hesitant to keep their eyes locked, but revelled in the feeling it surrounded her with like Harry was right beside her comforting her.

“Soph…” Her friend Rowen was gently shaking her body awake. “Sophia!” The voice became louder as her eyes sprung open from a deep slumber. “Hey we are landing now!”

“Ok ok I am up.” Sophia sat up slowly, stretching her arms up as she yawned tiredly. A set of blue eyes were smirking at her from across from her seat that helped to form her narrowing eyes at the prince.

The plane had landed safely in the Seychelles as everyone was standing up grabbing their overhead bags. Sophia gave her bag another tug unable to reach it high up in the overhead bins. Muttering beneath her breath she silently spoke profanities.

An arm reached above her and pulled it down. “Let me help.”

Sophia peaked up at the figure towering over her from behind. Of course it was Harry grinning proudly down at her as he gently placed her bag in his hands.

“Thank you Harry.” Sophia chose to be polite towards the prince, even though all she wanted was to ignore him and enjoy her mini holiday.

Making their way to the private beach front villa everyone started to explore their home for the next few days. Rowen had rented it out, which clearly had costed a fortune based on the size and amenities of it. Sophia dropped her bag and immediately ran straight out the door towards the beach.

Her toes squished in the warm white sand feeling the ocean breeze tousle her blonde hair. The waves came crashing in to the shore in a calming manner. This was exactly what she had needed to get away from all the stresses and worries back in England.

Closing her eyes she heard someone step quietly towards her silently turning around she could not hide her beaming smile seeing that it was Harry. Her smile faded when she saw his concerned expression.

“Beautiful isn’t it?” He stood beside her taking in the amazing view with arms crossed defensively.

“It’s breathtaking…” Sophia smiled up at him with curiosity. Harry would not look at her as he stared straight ahead into the ocean with a furrowed brow as if he was deep in thought.

“Harry? What’s wrong?”

“Rowe is trying to fix it don’t worry…” Harry put on a masked smile as he turned his attention to the blonde.

“Tell me.” Her voice became stern demanding to know.

“Rowen and you are going to stay together in a room, cause there aren’t enough beds for you and me to have a separate one.” He sighed deeply pausing. “Unless… you are ok sharing a bed with me.” Blue eyes held her gaze while she repeated every word.

Share a bed with Harry? I can’t…. but it’s Ben’s birthday? Sophia was trapped deep in thought pouring through every scenario. How can she ask that of Rowen?

“That’s not fair to Ben….” Sophia quietly whispered.

“Look, I don’t want this to be awkward or uncomfortable for you. So let’s just be ok with sharing and I will sleep on the couch in the room. It’s no big deal for me.” Harry kindly offered knowing that Sophia was being put in a tough spot.

“What about your girlfriend?” Sophia bravely asked with a slightly annoyed tone. Harry’s head lifted from the sand displaying a confused look. “The one you left Mahiki with?” Her voice fell into a whisper.

“Sophia… that was my friends girlfriend.” He tossed his head back in laughter. “You should know better than to jump to conclusions from a mere picture.”

Her blue eyes stared into the depths of his. Maybe she was wrong about Harry… maybe he did still care and want her the same way she so desperately wanted him. Shaking her head lightly from the thought she heard the door open from behind them.

Rowen and Ben came walking out towards them making Harry glance back over his shoulder angling his body. He had wanted to discuss the options with Sophia first before being put on the spot. Even though things with them had ended quite rocky he still respected Sophia. He did not expect to see her on the trip, but a tiny part of him was ecstatic to see her again after everything, like it was a second chance for them to figure out what was happening between them.

“Sophia! Can I talk to you for a minute?” Rowen dragged the blonde away from Harry and Ben. Sophia quickly took one last glance at Harry wanting to know what she should do.

“What is it?” Sophia pretended not to know giving her an extra few seconds to make up her mind.

“So, I originally had invited another couple before we invited you and I didn’t think that Harry was coming so I thought there were enough beds and well… there aren’t….” Rowen smiled weakly with caution as she treaded around issue.

“Will you be ok sharing with Harry? I completely understand if you don’t want to cause me and you can just share one and the boys can if it’s an issue at all!” Rowen continued explaining.

“It’s alright. I don’t mind sharing with him. I am not going to make you do that to Ben on his birthday.” Sophia plastered on fake smile acting like she was completely fine with the idea when she internally knew it was a terrible choice sharing a bed with Harry.

“Great! You are the best!!” Her friend pulled her into a warm tight hug. While her eyes landed back on Harry giving him a guilty smile.

Mind if I take this blanket?” Harry walked out of the bathroom glancing at Sophia that had pulled the covers around her body already careful not to show the prince any part of her silky pajamas. It had been a long day for everyone and all they wanted was some much-needed sleep.

“Yeah, and the other one too if you want Harry.” Sophia sat up in bed feeling guilty as she watched Harry walk away with pillows and blankets heading towards the sofa. It was unfair to him that he was the one to sleep on the uncomfortable sofa and her get the bed all to herself.

Harry flipped the light switch off still having enough light from the bed side lamp where Sophia was sitting up watching him carefully, to safely make his way to the sofa. Pulling off of his shirt he tossed it in the general direction of his bag wearing only his boxer shorts. Making himself comfortable as he could on the sofa he laid his head down on the pillow knowing Sophia’s eyes were still on him.

“Are you going to turn off the light?” Harry giggled quietly as he watched her sit up higher in bed.

Sophia closed her eyes briefly knowing it was a terrible idea what she was about to do, but she could not let Harry sleep there. “No….” She smiled at him weakly.

“Because you need to find your way back into this bed.” There was a part that worried her even more knowing that she did not regret inviting the prince to share the bed with her. He had been a gentleman and offered to sleep on the sofa, but she could not make him do that for the rest of the week. A small voice in her head was curious what it would be like to sleep next to him.

“Sophia it’s fine I can sleep here. It’s no big- ” He started to reassure Sophia, not wanting to play on her guilt.

“Harry, please just come. I cannot let you sleep on that lumpy sofa… we are adults I think we can both be respectful and share a bed together right?” Sophia half questioned herself remembering the last time she had been in Harry’s presence that ended with a kiss she would never be able to forget. She was asking for trouble.

The prince slowly sat up, placing his feet on the marbled flooring. “You get one last chance to change your mind Cromwell.” Harry warned her with a narrowing of the eyes as he stepped closer to the bed pulling the blankets along with him.

“Get here in before I regret it Wales.” Sophia could not help but giggle at him seeing his crooked smirk flash on his lips.

“What are you doing?” Harry could feel a pile of pillows along side his back. He turned over to look at the blonde making a pillow wall between them.

“Making sure you stay on your side.” Sophia was completely serious. “No funny business Harry.” She heeded yet another warning that he better keep his promise and stay on his side.

Harry was too tired to continue arguing with her so he flipped on his side facing her, knowing it would bother her more. Sophia was face to face with the prince shaking her head at him knowing that he was trying to get under her skin.

“It’s not going to work Harry.”

“We will see about that. This pillow wall will be non-existent by morning. We both know you cannot resist me…” His blue eyes winked at her causing an eye roll.

“You know better than to try a Cromwell.” Sophia laughed away his response.

“You should have known better not to kiss me then!”

“Harry!!” Sophia gasped before making herself face the other direction not wanting to see the pure giddy smile that was gently placed on her lips.

Sophia quickly fell into a deep sleep, sharing the bed with Harry as well as sharing her dreams with him.

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