Chapter 28
She let them into her flat with her keys and went to the bathroom. A look in the mirror told her that Oliver was right about how she looked. Her hair was flat and matted and her face was tear stained. She almost wouldn't blame him for ditching her in that state. She turned on the water and undressed. Then, she stood under the hot water for as long as she dared. When she got out, she brushed her teeth and pulled on some clean clothes.
Oliver was in the sitting room when she came out. "Feeling better?" he asked.
"Yes, thanks," she replied. "What's that?" She pointed to a package that Oliver had behind him.
"This is something I ran out for while you were in the shower," he said.
"I wasn't in there that long," she protested.
"Love, I've been gone for half an hour, but it's fine. It gave me time to get this." He presented her with a guitar. "I don't know if you play, but when I heard you sing, it was one of the sweetest sounds I've ever heard. You should think about music."
"I can't make that my career, Oliver," she said. "It's just not practical."
"I don't care about the practical," he replied. "This isn't about practicality; it's about dreams and whimsy. Have you ever played?"
"I have," she answered. "I took lessons for a few years. I never thought I was any good, though."
"Well, give it a go," he suggested.
She picked up the guitar and started to tune it; then, she played the few chords she remembered, but gave it up quickly. "Why did you stop?" Oliver asked.
"I don't know any other chords," she replied, blushing. "It's been a long time since I've had any lessons. But thank you, Oliver. I love it."
"I'm glad," he said. "Is there anything you want to do?"
"I don't know," she said. Then, her stomach grumbled loudly.
"Other than toast, what have you eaten today?"
"Nothing," she said.
"Come on. Let me feed you," he offered. She hesitated for a moment and he added, "Look, I know you want space and time and I'll give it to you, but just let me get you something to eat. No strings attached, I promise."
"Fair enough." She took his hand and let him lead her to their favorite pub near her house. When they arrived, a few of the patrons patted Amelia on the back and congratulated her for her performance. She had no recollection of doing any performances and blanched.
"Want to get out of here?" Oliver whispered.
"Please," she whispered back.
Oliver led her back into the street. "So, I guess it's fair to say you were drinking in that pub last night," he teased. "What did you do?"
"I have no idea," she whined. "And before you ask, I have no idea what I drank or how much. I only remember going to the twins' flat and passing out on George. I woke up on the sofa this morning with a blistering headache and the urge to vomit."
"And vomit you did, apparently," Oliver joked.
"Shut up," she ordered. She had led them to a small diner not far from where she lived. They sat in a booth and each ordered food. While they were waiting, an awkward silence settled over the table.
"This is really awkward, isn't it?" Oliver said, breaking the silence.
"Yeah, but it feels like it shouldn't be. It's not as if we don't know each other," she said, trying to lighten the mood and failing. Luckily, their food arrived quickly so they could fill the silence with eating. When they finished, Oliver insisted on walking Amelia home.
"I'm sorry," she said when they were in her flat. "About everything. I wish things were completely different. I wish I knew what I wanted." She had started crying again and Oliver held her face in his hands and wiped the tears with his thumbs.
"I know," he said. Then, he pulled her into a tight hug and they both cried for what seemed like hours. Finally, Oliver pulled away and made an excuse to leave.
"Wait!" Amelia called. She slid her engagement ring off her finger and offered it to Oliver. "I don't know if I should keep this."
"Keep it for now," he suggested. "We'll give this a few weeks. After that, if you want, I'll take it back. I'll see you on the weekend." She nodded and kissed him goodbye.
When Oliver was gone, she slid onto the floor and wailed for hours. Eventually, she found her way to bed and fell asleep. She woke to her phone ringing and answered it. Her mother had called her several times the day before and was terribly upset. "I'm sorry, Mum," she said. "Oliver and I had a huge fight and I needed some time."
"What did you fight about?" Camilla asked.
"It started over whether he pulled strings to get me a job with his team, but it was never about that," Amelia admitted. "It was always about I don't know what I want to do and Oliver got blamed."
"So what happened after?" Camilla pressed.
"Oliver left; I got drunk and then we agreed to take a break from house hunting and even thinking about wedding planning," Amelia explained. She looked at the clock and added, "Mum, I really have to go. I'm due at work soon."
"Call me," Camilla ordered. "And for goodness sake, Amelia, call or write to Oliver."
"I'm going to see him on the weekend," she promised. "That's only 2 days away. And he doesn't have a phone." Amelia hung up and went to work.
She passed the next few days in much the same manner. She'd cry herself to sleep, get up, and go to work. She wasn't living, so much as existing. On Friday, she finished her shift and declined another invitation to go out with her work friends, but promised that she would try to get Oliver to go out the following night. She went home and took extra care to shower and primp herself for when Oliver would arrive. She was just finishing her hair when he came into her room; he had let himself in with the keys she had given him.
"You look amazing," he said, startling her.
"Thanks," she answered. "And you really have to stop sneaking up on me."
"But it's so much fun." He plopped onto her bed and waited while she finished. "So, what's on the agenda?" he asked.
"I thought we could go out for a bit and then come back here to watch a movie and snog," she offered.
"Sounds good to me, but perhaps we could skip the going out and the movie and just snog," he countered.
She plopped onto her bed next to Oliver. "I'll have you know that by doing this, I'm undoing several hours of pretty," she teased.
"I'm terribly sorry, love," he said; then, he leaned over her and kissed her. Suddenly, going out became a really bad idea and they ended up staying in.
After a while, they were lying in bed and Amelia turned to Oliver and asked, "Would you mind meeting up with my work friends tomorrow night? They've been bugging me to go out with them for ages."
"Not at all," he promised. "I'd be happy to meet your friends."
"Good," she said. "Now that's settled, I've got a surprise for you. Wait right here." She leapt out of bed, threw on Oliver's shirt and some knickers, and scampered to the sitting room. She returned carrying the guitar Oliver had bought her. "I've been practicing," she said. Then, she started playing the few songs that she had learned since she had last seen Oliver.
"You should apply to music school," Oliver suggested when she stopped playing.
"What makes you say that?" she asked.
"Your face lit up brighter than I've seen it in ages," he said. "You just look happy playing."
"What if I try and I find out that I'm not good?" she asked.
"Amelia, if you believe nothing else I've ever said to you, believe this. You are amazingly talented," he promised. "You're very good and it's just a suggestion." He cradled her face in his hands and kissed her sweetly. Amelia put the guitar in a chair and returned to her bed.
"Are you hungry?" Oliver asked an hour later.
"A bit," she replied, and her stomach grumbled loudly. "O.k., more than a bit."
"We should get food," he offered.
"Probably," she whispered. "But I'm very comfortable where I am."
"As comfortable as I am, love, we both need to eat if we're going for round 3," he joked. "Come on. Let's get up and get some food. Then we can do whatever you want."
They did go and get food. The next night, they met up with Ella and some of Amelia's other work friends at a nearby pub. On Sunday, Oliver had to return to Puddlemere. "When do you have a few days off again?" he asked.
"Next week, starting Sunday," she replied. "I have Tuesday off, but I work tomorrow and Wednesday until Sunday. Then, I'm off Sunday until Wednesday. Why?"
"Come to Puddlemere for those few days," he offered. "I have a home game that I'm playing for and I'd like for you to come."
"I'd love to," she promised.
And so, Amelia and Oliver worked out a system that allowed them to be together on nearly all weekends. When Oliver had away games, Amelia would often stay home or go and visit her parents or brothers.
When she finally did go with Oliver to an away game, it was only because he insisted she come with him. Puddlemere was set to play the Appleby Arrows and Amelia was set to have a few days off work. She agreed after Oliver pouted for an hour. When she arrived at the stadium, she got sat with the rest of the players' families. A few girls nearby commented on Oliver's looks and insinuated that they wanted to get with him and Amelia allowed herself a smug smirk, since she knew that he was coming home with her.
After the game, Oliver and Amelia joined the team in a victory celebration at a pub near the stadium. When the party finally dispersed, Amelia and Oliver apparated back to his flat in Puddlemere for the night. She convinced Oliver to take his ring back, but he vowed to keep it and give it back to her when she was ready.
Over the summer, Amelia decided to apply to music school. She had an audition and was accepted for the fall semester. When she started school, she was excited. Oliver was waiting for her when she got back from the first day. "So, how was it?" he asked, expectantly.
"It was really great," she answered, smiling broadly. "I'm glad you suggested it."
"Then, I'm glad too," he replied. "So, in honor of a successful first day, I think a celebration is in order." He pulled a bottle of champagne out of the fridge and poured them each a glass. "A toast to successful new adventures," he said, raising his glass. She mimicked his actions and they drank together.
Puddlemere finished the season at the top of the British league and Amelia found herself going with Oliver to the end of season ball. Since the ball was to be held in London, they both agreed that Oliver would simply stay over after the ball at Amelia's flat. He arrived early on the day of the ball and dropped off his bag. When Amelia was just about ready, she called him into her room to help finish the zipper on her dress. "Wow," he stammered.
"Do I look horrible?" she asked, a nervous look on her face. She was wearing a strapless navy dress with silver sparkles on it that made it look like the night sky. She had paired it with sapphire earrings and the necklace that Oliver had bought her for Christmas the year before.
"No," he whispered. "You look… Wow!"
"Is that a good 'Wow?'" she continued.
"Absolutely," he said. He grasped her face and kissed her fiercely.
She pulled back and said, "If you keep that up, we won't make it to the ball and I've spent hours getting ready and I've got it on good authority that you're to be named the Rookie of the Year."
"If you insist," he groaned. He took her hand and led her to an apparition point. Then, they apparated to the hall where the ball was to be held. Amelia became nervous as she walked the purple carpet behind Oliver. There were several photographers and they were all clamoring for a picture of Oliver and Amelia.
"Just relax," Oliver said. "You're perfect."
"Thanks," she whispered.
It seemed like forever before they finally made it into the hall. Oliver found their table and held Amelia's chair for her when she sat. Then, he went to get them each a drink from the bar. He returned carrying 2 glasses of white wine.
"No beer?" she teased.
"Not tonight," he joked. "Nothing but the classiest for this establishment."
During dinner, the awards were presented, including the Rookie of the Year award that Oliver won. After dinner, there was dancing and Amelia let Oliver lead her onto the dance floor. While they were dancing, she looked at her hand and said, "I think I'm missing something."
"What are you missing?" he asked.
"I think I'm missing jewelry on my left hand," she concluded. "Do you still have it?"
"Let's talk about this later," he suggested.
Amelia, convinced that Oliver would want to break up with her, said, "Sure. How soon can we leave?"
"We can leave anytime," he promised. "Do you want to go now?"
"Yes please," she said. He took her hand and grabbed his trophy from their table before leading her to the apparition point and apparating them back to her flat.
"What made you ask tonight?" he said when they were inside her flat.
"I don't know," she said. "It just felt right, Ol."
"I can't give it to you and worry that you'll just give it back again," he protested. "I won't do it. If you're at all unsure about this, I'd rather wait. It's not even been six months since you said it was too early. What has changed?"
"I love you, Ol," she reasoned. "That hasn't changed and I know it's not going to change. In the summer, I was scared. I had no direction and you know how that annoys the crap out of me. You gave me the time I needed to figure out where I want to be and you pointed me in the direction I want my life to go. I want to be wherever you are."
"Let's give it a few more months," he suggested. "If at Christmas you're still sure, I'll give it back."
Amelia felt like she'd been socked in the gut. She promised herself that she would not let Oliver see her cry. "Fine," she said. She went to her room and slammed the door shut. She managed to wiggle out of her dress without any help from Oliver and curled up in her bed. She ignored Oliver's repeated knocks.
When she woke the next morning, she ventured out of her room to find that Oliver had left. She was incredibly disappointed when she noticed that he didn't even leave a note. She went to shower and get dressed as she was due at work. By the time she left, Oliver still had not been back and his overnight bag was sitting in her room. While at work, she debated on whether to take it to him or let him come back and get it himself.
She let herself into her flat, still unsure of what to do with Oliver's things, to hear her phone ringing. She picked it up and found her mother, hysterical, on the other end. "Amelia! You've got to come home right away!" Camilla cried.
"What's going on, Mum?" Amelia asked; she assumed it must be something bad since her mother rarely sounded like this.
"It's your father, Amelia. He's at hospital," she continued. "He's been in an accident."
"I'll be there as soon as I can, Mum," Amelia promised. She immediately started getting her things together, and suddenly Oliver's overnight bag didn't seem so important. She did send off a quick message to him that she was heading to Leeds and she anticipated being there for several days. Then, she called her work and explained that she needed to go home for her dad.
She apparated to her parents' house and dropped off her bag before apparating to the hospital. She found her mother pacing nervously by the lifts. "Mum," she called. "I'm here." She ran to her mother and pulled her into a hug. "When are the lads getting here?"
"Brandon and Maria are on the next train, Jaime and Mike went to get something to eat, and Jack is coming in tomorrow," Camilla explained. "How long can you stay?"
"As long as you need me," Amelia promised.
"What about Oliver?" Camilla asked.
"I sent him a note that I was coming here and I haven't heard from him yet," Amelia said. "He'll be fine." And so, they settled into a routine. Amelia's father had to have emergency surgery and was in a coma; so the family agreed that one of them should always be at the hospital.
Amelia was alone with her dad a few days later and dozing in a chair in his room when Oliver walked in and woke her up. "How are you?" he asked.
"I'm sorry for not calling or owling sooner," she started.
"Don't be," Oliver promised. "This is far more important right now. How are you doing?"
Amelia nodded at her sleeping father and let Oliver lead her into the hallway. "Honestly, I've been better. I'm glad you're here. How did you find me?"
"I stopped by your Mum's house first. Brandon told me where you were," he replied. "What can I do?" He pulled her into a tight hug and waited for a response.
"You're already doing it," she said. "Thank you." She pulled back and wiped the tears from her eyes. "I've been trying really hard to hold it together for Mum, but I've never been more scared in my life, Ol."
"How's he doing?" he asked.
"The doctors think he'll be o.k., but they're not sure," she answered. "They'll know more when he wakes up. How long are you staying?"
"As long as you need me to," he promised. "I'm sorry about what happened at the ball."
Oliver went to continue, but Amelia interrupted. "Can we talk about that later? I mean I just need my focus to be on my dad right now."
"Sure, love," Oliver whispered. He kissed her forehead and held onto her until she pulled back and went to see to her dad. Oliver followed her into the hospital room. "Bloody hell," he whispered. "What is everything for?"
"That machine is monitoring his pulse rate," she explained. "And that pump is giving him medicine. The good news is that he's breathing on his own."
"Could you heal him with your wand?" Oliver asked.
"I don't know how," she admitted. "They don't teach that in the first term at healer training. Oh, fuck! What if I made a mistake in dropping out?"
"Calm down," Oliver ordered. "You were miserable in that program and your father wouldn't want you to be miserable."
"But I should have finished the year," she wailed.
"Amelia, listen to the boy," Camilla ordered from the door. "He's right; your father would rather you do something that makes you happy."
"But, Mum, what if I…" She trailed off.
"No, Amelia," Camilla ordered. "No what ifs. Your father and I are both glad that you've found what makes you happy."
"Thank you," she said, trying not to cry and failing.
"Let me feed you," he offered. "You need to eat." She nodded and they told her mother they were leaving before they left the hospital. Oliver took her to a small pub near the hospital and ordered them each sandwiches and coffees.
"No beer?" she teased.
"Only the classiest at this fine establishment," he joked.
"Will you stay with me tonight?" she asked.
"Will your brothers try to mutilate me in my sleep?" he countered.
"Most definitely," she said. "But I'd still really like you to stay."
"Of course I'll stay," he promised. "And when we go back to London, we can talk about the other stuff."
"Thanks, but I'd like to stay here until my dad is out of the hospital," she said. "I quit the book shop yesterday and I've called in to my professors at the music school, so that's no excuse right now."
"Fair enough," he replied. "In that case, we'll talk whenever you're ready."
"Maybe we could take a walk after tea tonight and talk then," she offered. He nodded, paid the bill, and walked her home.