Chapter 18

“I know I’m never here, and I keep looking forward to the end of the year and a change for us both. I’m holding onto going back to how we were and being with you every night, Sophs. I hate leaving you.” He sighs, leaning into me to slide his arms lower around my waist, and moves his face to mine, cheek to cheek. I close my eyes, heart plummeting at his words, at the fact I still haven’t broached the offer of a second year here, and the heartbreak lets loose this time.

“What if it’s not the end? What if we had to do this for another twelve months instead?” I blurt it out like a child, sniffing, bubbling, and holding on tight because I have no idea how he will react. Fear in my heart and complete panic consuming me.

“What do you mean?” Arry pushes me back slightly, so I’m forced to look up at him as he regards me with confusion. I swallow hard, finally verbalizing what I have been putting off, trying to calm myself down as his fingers trace my face and he wipes my tears aw