AN: This is the last update before Christmas! Thank you all so much for sticking with this story, reading it, reviewing it and messaging me about it! I honestly cannot tell you how wonderful it is to read all of your thoughts/opinions, and it makes me feel so wholesome when you notice the effort, descriptions and little details within the story, so thank you so much.

For those of you who don't know, I am a Nurse and I have all of Christmas off for the first time in eight years! Therefore, I am going to be signing off here for a good few days! I do however, promise that this story is not finished, and it will be coming right into 2022 with us!

Merry Christmas Everyone,

Stay Safe

Have Fun

Lauren

xx

Chapter Fifty five - Empty Chairs Part II

Henry sat at the kitchen table, his gaze vacant as his hands aimlessly tapped at the table, surrounded by empty chairs, ones that had been that way for a long time. He sighed as he tapped his phone, the sight of no notifications causing him to roll his eyes and question his motives.

What had been a long and difficult weekend in Pittsburgh with his siblings sorting through his late fathers belongings, was made even harder coming home to a quiet house. Quite, but not empty as the kids were back from DC upon his return, just missing something, maybe someone.

He leant back into his chair sighing heavily, the physical ache and stress of heartache impacting upon his body. With a gentle hand he rubbed his temples, offering some release as he set on a journey of recovery. After all, feeling empty is an invitation to refill your soul with whatever brings you joy and a sense of purpose. Henry found that lately his mind wandered further than his heart was ready to travel; exploring the idea of moving on; could he one day love another the way he loved Elizabeth?

He was broken from his thoughts by the sound of his phone shrilling in the empty room, the vibration on the table pulsing as he reached for the device, her name flashing on the screen. He paused for a moment and closed his eyes briefly before answering.

'Elizabeth, Hi' He hesitated

'Hi Henry, Have I caught you at a bad time? Shall I call back?' She bit her lip nervously

'No, no it's fine, Everything ok?'

'Yes, I just wanted to chat to you about Stevie'

'Oh..?'

'She is ok, I am just conscious that she hasn't been down to Virginia since you and the kids moved out, I was wondering if you could invite her down this weekend perhaps? I just think she would benefit and so would Ali and Jase, just from being together' She explained and Henry nodded understandingly.

'Yeah of course, I'll speak to her tomorrow and see if she wants to come down, Maybe even invite Jareth is she wants'

'Thank you Henry, It helps me out a lot too. I have to go away this weekend and I could do without her questioning me' She half giggled and rolled her eyes. Her body began to relax into the call as the apprehension she felt about calling him drifted away.

'Oo, that sounds like top secret government work if you want Stevie out the way' he teased her, something which came naturally to him of recent times. Elizabeth didn't respond, she bit her lip nervously. 'That's a yes then, where are you going?' Henry covered the silence as he continued to question her.

'It's not top secret it's just, I am going to the Philippines to congratulate their new president on his position in office and try to negotiate some deals with him' she sighed, running her fingers through her hair.

'Arh that makes sense, Stevie will have something to say about him, Heck even Alison referred to him as a 'Total genuine psycho' whatever that means' he chuckled as he chatted with ease to Elizabeth. His previous sense of emptiness leaves him.

'Yeah' she paused lingering on the letters as she let out a sigh. 'She did text me expressing her, shall we say concern about him. Listen Henry I'd really appreciate it if the kids didn't know where I was, it's not going to be a hugely public visit' she continued to explain cautiously.

'Your government secrets are still safe with me' He teased softly as she giggled

'Thank you' She whispered 'I heard that congratulations are in order for you?' She smiled happily for him.

'Me? Ohh, the interview, you heard then? I wondered if you would.' He ran his fingers through his hair, scratching his head as his heart fluttered at the softness of her praise.

'Yes, Jay told me earlier today. Henry delivering a lecture at the grand opening of the new War Memorial Museum is amazing. Have you any idea of a topic?' She asked, part of her thought she was pushing the line, not feeling entitled to the intimate details of his life anymore but, she also battled with herself to stop, desperately craving more of him, her old Henry.

'It's going to be on Military Ethics, a special hour lecture. Will you be there? You know, given that it's honouring our service men and women and in DC' He asked.

'I am not sure if I'll be there for the opening but I know the Military ball in the evening is in my diary'

'Arh I see, Blake not passing up the opportunity for glitz and Glamour' he teased and she rolled her eyes, softly laughing.

'Don't forget the free champagne' she joked and Henry laughed lightly at her. 'In all seriousness congratulations Henry, this is a huge step for your career, one I know you've dreamt about so well done. I'm pleased for you' She offered her sincerest tone, desperate to tell him just how proud she was, but again feeling compelled to tow that invisible line.

'Thank you Elizabeth' He whispered tenderly, his eyes closing at the sound of her name leaving his mouth, a name he missed calling, for no one could stand where she should.

'Sorry Henry but I need to go, I am due at the white house unfortunately'

'Really? It's almost Eleven o'clock' he replied, a slight shaking of the head

'I know but there is this, well, I am needed in the situation room' She chewed her lip, almost waiting for him to have something to say. She remained a little shocked when what she expected didn't come.

'Oh ok, I forgot you cannot tell me these things anymore'

'I don't think I was ever meant to tell you half of what I did' she giggled trying to lighten the mood.

'Probably not no' he replied with a heavy sigh.

'It was nice talking to you, please can you let me know how it goes with Stevie?'

'Yeah of course, It was nice Elizabeth, Goodnight'

'Night Henry' her words soft as she pulled the phone from her and placed it back into her pocket.

Henry sighed to himself, his phone dancing between his fingers as he tried to distract his mind. How was moving on from Elizabeth so conflicting? He was so sure yet so unsure all at the same time. Almost like he held this strong belief that this was for the best but only because he felt there was no reason to hope anymore. Desperately seeking a light at the end of the tunnel, but it was a light that had never been seen, his journey tunnel was cold, dark and empty, like that light was missing, much like the farmhouse kitchen table which he sat at.