Chapter 10- Memories lie

Georgie ended up being out in Syria for 6 weeks, and it turns out it was just what she needed to help her heart start to heal. She hadn't heard anything from Elvis, and she hadn't contacted him, neither was she planning to. She loved Elvis beyond words but she would never forgive him for what he did to her, and she certainly didn't want to listen to his excuses. So that was that. Both as stubborn as each other.

Georgie arrived home to a very excited and emotional family, all relieved that she seemed to be in a better place then when she left. They had dinner and drinks out that evening. After a few to many drinks, Grace asked the question everyone wanted to know the answer to. 'So love, have you heard from Elvis at all? Was he on the tour?'. Georgie's family would certainly never forgive Elvis for what he had done to Georgie, but they needed to know why he hadn't turned up on their wedding day. 'No mum I haven't, neither do I plan on hearing from him. What's done is done. His loss. Time to move on', answered Georgie making sure no more questions would be asked. She had been left shattered over the break up and didn't want to keep reliving it just when she was getting better. After a couple of minutes of uncomfortable silence, Georgie stood up and said 'If you don't mind I'm going to go home now. I feel shattered and just want my bed. Thank you for dinner'. Georgie quickly grabbed her bag and coat, needing to make her excuses to leave before she started crying in front of her family.

On the walk home, Georgie decided to put her headphones in and listen to some music, but every song that came on seemed to remind her of Elvis. 'Memories lie, there's no such thing as a perfect life. Oh my beautiful lover, we were perfect for each other'. Georgie had to fight back the tears and change the song, but then another came on 'I've been restless cause you disappeared and that's all that's missing...I will survive and be the one whose stronger...I will move on and you should know I mean it'. Georgie had had enough of listening to songs that reminded her of her ex fiancé, so pulled the ear phones out of her ears and chucked her phone on the pavement in frustration. Since she'd gotten back to the UK, it seemed that every little thing was reminding her of Elvis and she couldn't cope anymore. Georgie composed herself a little, picked up her phone from the pavement and continued to walk home. As soon as she got home, she changed into her pyjamas, got into bed, pulled the covers up over her face and begged for sleep to take over. Tomorrow was a new day.

Over the next few weeks Georgie just felt like she was existing. Not really enjoying life. Just counting down the days and weeks until her next tour. She hadn't remembered feeling this way before she'd met Elvis, and she knew she had to get back there, but was just taking one day at a time. Marie was going out with some friends that evening and had insisted that Georgie go with them. Georgie wasn't keen on being the tag along sister, but Marie wasn't taking no for an answer. She had said that there would be some 'nice' guys there and that the best way to get over Elvis was to get under someone else. Georgie had laughed at Marie's comment, but she certainly wasn't ready to meet anyone else yet.

They met up with Marie's friends at The Laundrette restaurant bar. Georgie already knew a couple of the girls from working at the hospital. Marie had decided to sit Georgie opposite a guy called Jamie. It turned out that Jamie was a newly qualified Paediatrician at the local hospital, so they had loads to talk about. It was quite obvious from some of the comments that Marie was making that she was keen to get Georgie and Jamie together. In another life thought Georgie. It wasn't that Jamie wasn't a nice guy and he was certainly good looking and charming, but Georgie just wasn't looking for another relationship, and wasn't sure she'd ever be looking for one again. Georgie made sure to smile throughout the evening, putting on a front even though she felt her life was crumbling around her. After dinner she made her excuses to leave and said goodbye to everyone. As she was leaving the restaurant, Jamie ran after her saying he'd really like to see her again. Georgie explained that she wasn't looking for anything serious and that she'd just come out of a relationship. 'Can I just get your number then? Friends, I promise no funny business?' asked Jamie. Georgie thought about it for a few seconds and replied 'Sure. You can never have too many friends'.

Over the next few weeks Jamie and Georgie stayed in regular contact. Texting every few days. Jamie had asked Georgie if he could take her out for dinner a few times, saying he thought he could change her mind about future relationships. Georgie admired his persistence, just like Elvis had been, but she was due to go on tour again and didn't want any complications before she went. They compromised and Georgie agreed to go out for dinner with him once she returned.

This tour was a straight forward one. They went in, found who they were looking for and got straight back out again, without any casualties. It was a refreshing change, but Georgie always preferred her time away as it distracted her from her life back at home. She was back home within three weeks and didn't know what to do with herself. She decided this might be a good time to give Jamie a chance and finally agreed to meet him for dinner. They decided to keep it casual so met at Cabana's. The evening went well and Georgie realised she had far more in common with Jamie then she originally thought. They both chatted about their uni days, degrees and work at the hospital and Jamie was very interested in finding out why Georgie had decided to swap it for army life. They didn't leave the restaurant until after 11, neither realising how late it was. Georgie had been pleasantly surprised with how their evening had gone, and had actually really enjoyed Jamie's company. They both agreed they'd like to do it again.

As the weeks went by they saw more and more of each other, which was sometimes difficult with Jamie's long hours at the hospital and Georgie going away on tours, but they had made it work. Georgie would often spend her evenings and weekends when she was home, with Jamie at his apartment. Georgie's family got on really well with Jamie, and her nan was thrilled she was dating a doctor. Life was beginning to get better for Georgie, and she would often find herself smiling which she hadn't done for a long while.

After a year of dating, Jamie finally popped the question to Georgie. It was just the two of them at his apartment. He'd cooked them a steak dinner and for dessert had presented Georgie with a very sparkly ring and some red roses. At first Georgie didn't know what to say. She was completely speechless. She hadn't told Jamie about her previous engagement and it was bringing back lots of memories for her. Once she'd managed to compose herself, she managed to squeak out a little yes, not really knowing if she actually meant to say it. Jamie was delighted with Georgie's answer, and after a kiss picked Georgie up and took her to his bedroom.

The following weekend, after the newly engaged couple had celebrated their news with their families, Georgie packed her bags to go on her next mission to Kenya. Jamie was becoming more and more concerned about Georgie's job and safety, and pleaded with her to think about leaving the army. Georgie said she'd think about it after this tour was over, but deep down in her heart knew she didn't want to.

Once 2 section had arrived in Kenya, they were told they had to wait at the army base for a couple of days before they could get started. Georgie and the guys were relieved they had some time to get over their jet lag. They spent their time playing cards and chilling in the sun. At night, Georgie would listen to songs on her phone, but they still seemed to remind her of happier times. 'I remember how we danced so close,

I would stand on your feet. And the phone calls that would last all night'. She hated that every little thing seemed to remind her of Elvis, even after all this time. 'It's not giving up, it's letting go, and moving to a better place'. She knew she had to forget about him and put everything into her life with Jamie.

Song credits:

Birdy- Hear you calling

Birdy- Wild Horses