Chapter 17 - Return

The only way I could think to get my mind off of Marcus was to get back to New York as soon as possible. I spoke to Trent and we arranged to bring forward my flight by a week. He was suspicious, but went with it anyway. Tasha wasn't happy, but she bought my story about a meeting I had to go back early for, which made it easier for me. She also swallowed the story about cooling it off with Marcus, or so she lead me to believe anyway. She'd would come with me to see me off at the airport. At least then I would have someone to hug goodbye.

I also went to visit my mother before I left, she was the only one I felt I could tell the truth. She was very sympathetic and didn't judge me. She sat and listened while I poured out my heart, but in the end she agreed it was the right thing to do. Keeping him hanging on, waiting for me to come back was just cruel. Six months was a long time to be apart. It wasn't as if he could travel with me, he had his career here in London. He couldn't just drop it for half a year and it didn't want him to. That wasn't fair. So even though it hurt like hell. I knew it was probably for the best.

The 22nd thankfully came by quickly. I pulled my case out to my door and Steve carried it to the car. Picking up my travel bag I wheeled it out taking a last look inside. Punching my code into the alarm system I pulled my door shut. With a sigh I walked to the car and slid in. Steve closed my door and climbed in the front. I was leaving my home behind again. Hopefully alongside painful but yet wonderful memories of my time with Marcus. It was time for me to go back to work.

We picked Tasha up on the way, her goodbyes were the worst. It hurt leaving her here in London.

"Ready?" She said as we arrived at Heathrow.

"Yep!" I sighed, faking another smile.

"Oh no! The tears have started already!" She dabbed the corner of her eyes with a finger.

"Come on." I squeezed her hand. "Let's save it for the departure gate at least." I think I was fresh out of tears by now.

Rescheduling my flight meant we'd fooled the press, making sneaking through to VIP departures easy. I handed over my documents and my suitcase and we sat together waiting to be called. Management hired me a private jet. Making my flight less stressful.

"I know what's happened Jen." Tasha said surprising me a little.

"What?"

"I know why you are flying back early." She said with a small supportive smile.

"You do?" I winced.

"I'm not stupid Jen, I'm your best friend. Of course I know."

An airport worker called me forward. We both stood up together.

"I'll call you." I said pulling her in close. "I'm fine, I promise, I love you Tash."

She squeezed me tight. "I love you too." as she pulled away she looked me in the eyes. "I'll always be here for you. OK?"

"I know." I gave her a weak smile.

"Just call if you need me and I'll come running."

I knew that too. "Bye."

"See you in three weeks." She rubbed my arm in support and a tear trickled down her cheek.

I picked up the handle of my flight case and stepped forward to the gate. I didn't look back. Her whimpering was enough to crack my heart. "This way Ms Austen." The lady smiled and I followed her out to the waiting plane. I picked up my case stowed it away above my head. Settling into my seat I exhaled a big breath, suddenly craving something I hadn't all week. A cigarette.

As the aircraft left the ground I stared out my window silently saying goodbye. To everyone, to no one and when the white fluffy clouds obscured my view I closed my eyes, hopefully I could sleep the whole flight. I was suddenly tired. So very tired.

.

"Ms Austen?" A female member of the flight crew touched my arm rousing me from my sleep.

"Hmm?" I said opening my eyes.

"We're on approach to land." She smiled. Wow! I had slept the whole way. I could get used to flights like that.

"Oh? Thank you." I returned a smile adjusting my position in the seat.

"No problem." She said quietly and turned to walk to the front to seat herself. Moments later I heard familiar words.

'cabin and crew seated for landing'

We landed at JFK exactly six minutes ahead of schedule. I thanked the crew once more and descended the steps with my flight case. Trent met me inside the VIP arrivals suite and greeted me with a hug. "Good flight?"

"Yeah! I slept the whole way." I tittered handing my documents to the staff member wearing a high viz jacket.

"So, are you going to tell me now why you have flown back a week early?" He gave me a disproving look.

"It's complicated Trent."

"Well I've seen nothing in the press or online, so I gather you have been behaving yourself?" He tutted.

"Like I said. It's complicated." I repeated.

"OK, well I've sorted security." He handed me a bottle of water to rehydrate from the flight, which I opened and sipped, making a face. I still hated water. "Once we have your case we'll go through. There are a few people here, but not many. Press have been tipped off though so there maybe a few there too. Then it's out to the car OK?"

I nodded, clear on my briefing. My case was wheeled through to me which Trent grabbed. He did come in handy sometimes.

I put on my best smiley face and we made our way through to the arrivals building. Cameras began to flash and I smiled and waved. I noticed a tiny woman at the front of the barrier being crushed forward by the press leaning in to get their good picture. "Hey guys! Be careful!" I scowled. I approached her and pushed back some of the cameras that were shoved into my face.

"Thanks!" She puffed. "They were crushing me."

"Yes I saw!" I turned to them again. "Think about other human beings guys, not just your scoop. It's only me. This lady nearly got hurt. Think guys!"

Security was now by my side and trying to guide me away. I turned to the guy pulling on my arm. "Wait!" I snapped. "We need to go Ms Austen." He said releasing my arm.

"Help that lady first! That's what you are paid for." I pointed to the woman who was being squished again but the press guys.

"You heard her!" Trent snapped at security this time.

Two members of security reached in and lifted her over the barrier, clear of the ruckus.

"You OK?" I asked her.

"Yes. Thank you Ms Austen. I only wanted an autograph. It's very kind of you to help me out." She looked a bit flushed so I handed her my water bottle. "Here, drink some water." I flashed a look to Trent who read my mind. He beckoned over a member of staff and asked for her to be checked by first aid by my request.

"Is this what you want me to sign?" I smiled softly at the small book she was holding.

"Uh, yeah!" She handed it to me "Please?"

"Who shall I pen it too?"

"Alice please." She beamed.

I scribbled a small note and handed it back to her as the airport first aider appeared. "Take care Alice." I gave her a quick hug and we moved off.

I turned to Trent as we marched and said "Make sure she's OK Trent."

"I will." He nodded.

"Oh and get her two tickets for the premiere."

"What?" He said confused.

"Trent what do I pay you for? Get her details to give her tickets to the premiere!"

"OK! OK! A pair of tickets." He repeated.

"My special guests." I said smiling. Today was gonna be a great day, I could feel it.

.

I didn't think it would, but I was wrong. It did feel good to be back in my New York house. It distanced myself from home nicely. I kind of felt like two people, at home I felt a more relaxed Jen. Able to walk down the street without many stares or comments, but New York was workaholic Jen. Always busy always going places. More rewarding.

Arriving home I parked my case by the stairs and walked through to my lounge, threw down my flight bag and kicked off my shoes. Flopping into my chair I turfed through my handbag for my phone to text Tasha and my mother to let them know I was home safe. Being hours behind it would still be late there. So I just text:

Home safe! Catch up soon. See in three weeks J x

That applied to them both. She had been thrilled with her ticket to the premiere for her birthday that I gave her last week. She loved visiting America.

My lovely housekeeper here looked after my house well. Feeling hungry I padded through to the kitchen. It made all the difference coming home to a fully stocked fridge. I grabbed a snack, a glass of red and I smoked a cigarette.

Now, I don't know whether the combination of the three were a factor, but running my thumb over the 'Trenchcoat' logo on my lighter suddenly made me feel ill. Drinking this early was clearly a mistake. My body clock got confused and I felt tired very quickly. Throwing the third glass of it down the sink. I headed for my king size bed to sleep off my sudden bout of jet lag.

A/N: So she's headed back to New York, leaving Marcus behind. Working Jen has returned. A stars life is never easy.

Big Squidgy booby hugs to Twihard till I die xx My beautiful Beta. I love ya Hunny pie xx

Lead on... straight through to chapter 18 xx

DeathToBeReborn xxx