The Thrill Is Gone

There was already an office for Sentebale stationed in Lesotho. The problem with it was that it couldn’t accommodate the necessary staff and supplies that a main office necessitated. The current office only had two rooms, which were decent in size, but lacked proper storage. There was also a lone bathroom and a snug kitchen area where the staff prepared their meals and ate them at a small table that was pressed up against a wall. The fact that there was no actual closet space, made it so that things were housed in storage bins that were neatly stacked one atop another in a far corner of the room that connected to the kitchen. It was due to the obvious lack of space and storage that Harry and Prince Seeiso decided it’d be best if they knocked the building down and started from scratch.

The permits necessary to do so were easily obtained by Prince Seeiso. And after the first few days of Harry being on location with their architect from London, the plans were given the necessary adjustments and a list of materials was compiled and then sent off to South Africa, where all their supplies would either be purchased from or imported to. In the days that they waited for their materials to arrive, they busied themselves by knocking down the building and prepping the area for the dramatic renovation that would soon be taking place. The building was going to be two stories tall. There would be an a room devoted entirely to the entertainment of children, another would be for coordinating with the other branches stationed in England and South Africa, and there would be several other offices, and a proper kitchen area complete with a small dining room.

By weeks end, most of the materials were delivered and they were able to begin construction on the new office. There were a few things missing, lighting and sink fixtures, but since those were being shipped in from England, they were going to be arriving a few days later. Not like their absence made much of a difference. The crew was able to dive right into basic construction and worked tirelessly to bring the building to life.

Harry had initially thought that a week or two would be enough for the building to be completed, but the first week had been spent perfecting the plans for the building, getting the materials and tearing down the old offices. The second week, though filled with progress, was not getting on as well as he’d hoped. It was becoming painfully obvious to him that he was going to have to stay a third week, perhaps even an entire month. In the past, he wouldn’t have minded so much. He loved Lesotho, loved working with his hands and spending time with children, but the fact that he hadn’t seen or spoken to Paulina in ages was weighing down on him. He could’ve called her. In fact, he meant to almost daily, but he was always so busy during the day that he hadn’t the time. There was always something to do, whether it was helping out with the construction or taking phone calls to coordinate with the other offices, and at night, when he finally had a moment to himself, he’d shower and tell himself that as soon as he got out he’d call her, but at some point between drying himself and walking to his room, the exhaustion would overpower him and he’d pass out on the bed.

He’d wake up cross with himself, annoyed that he’d forgotten to call her again, and then he’d contemplate whether or not he ought to phone her, but he knew that calling her so early in the morning would only get him told off, so he’d resolve to call her at night, which would end up not happening. It was a vicious little cycle, one that constantly left him wondering if she’d forgotten him, if she’d given up, but then he’d tell himself that there was no way in hell that she would. It hadn’t really been so long since they’d last spoken, and she loved that Jane Austen garbage so she’d wait. That’s what a proper Janeite would do. At least that’s what he thought and hoped they would. She was fond of him, wanted him to meet her family so of course she’d be waiting for him, and she knew that he was going to be busy so it wasn’t like she was waiting by the phone . . . and not to mention, she had finals! Yes. Finals were sneaking up and she was beginning to study like mad, so her cooped up self wasn’t going to miss him. If anything she’d enjoy the separation because she wouldn’t feel bad about telling him that she was too busy to see him. Yes. That was it. This separation was alright by them, perfectly fine and healthy.

And when he returned to Oxford, they’d have themselves a bit of a celebration. He’d take her out to that French restaurant she loved so much, have Alistair make him some reservations, and on that day he’d ask her if she wanted to take their relationship to another level, and be his proper girlfriend. It’d be fantastic, absolutely brilliant, and then they could go back to doing what they were doing. And if things kept going as well as they were, then one day, perhaps, he’d introduce her to society, but it’d be awhile before any of that happen, quite a bit of time would have to pass.

For now, Harry would just have to keep going about his daily business and hope that construction would soon be completed. In order to speed the construction process up, he brought in another crew from South Africa to work through the nights, that way construction would be done around the clock and with the addition of the new crew, they were able to finish construction just shy of the four week mark. With everything finished and with interior designer there with all the furnishings, Harry decided it was time to head back to London.

“Will you not stay to see it finished, Harry?” asked Prince Seeiso on the morning that Harry was to fly to South Africa and then board a plane to London.

“No, my friend, I believe it is time I return home. I’ve been gone far too long.”

“It’s not even been a month.”

“But come tomorrow afternoon, it will be.”

“Then I believe you should wait until tomorrow afternoon to leave. Make it an even month.” Prince Seeiso smiled encouragingly.

“What would I do? Wait around here and observe as our designer finishes painting the walls and placing the furniture? That will not be very exciting, not enough to keep either of us interested.”

“In that case, old friend, what say you to us celebrating this endeavor with a night on the town in South Africa?” asked Prince Seeiso. “You already have your ticket to Johannesburg so there will be no need to change that. I can easily get my own, and the only change in your travel plans will be that you return to London tomorrow morning.”

“Seeiso . . .” Harry was going to protest, the tone in his voice warned his friend of his intention.

“We have not had a proper dinner and drinks in the time you’ve been here. I believe we owe it to our friendship to celebrate this accomplishment.”

“What happened to the dinner for the unveiling?” questioned Harry.

“Well, that is more of a celebration for the charity, not us. And it will be quite some time before we have everything set up and all the files shipped from England to here.” Prince Seeiso smiled. “Come on, Harry, indulge an old friend or are you in a hurry to return to London? Have you left your heart there?”

Harry chuckled, shaking his head as he did so. “I’ll have Alistair make the necessary arrangements.”

“Brilliant.”

“But none of our usual rough housing’s going to happen this night.” Harry declared. “Your wife hates me enough as it is. Don’t want you using me as an excuse for a wild night out.”

“Then why am I flying to South Africa?” joked Prince Seeiso. “Do not worry, my friend, it will be dinner and drinks. I, too, am tired from the work we’ve been doing and acting half my age is not something I wish to do.”

After informing the crew that he would be gone for two days, Prince Seeiso packed himself an overnight bag and the two princes were driven to Maseru where they boarded a flight to Johannesburg. Prince Seeiso spoke warmly throughout their travels, speaking of how long it’d been since they had last had the pleasure of spending time together. Harry agreed. He’d always been great friends with the prince, which was one of the reasons why he’d been so eager to start a charity with him. Prince Seeiso was one of the few people that Harry genuinely cared for; spending time with him was always a treat, even though Prince Seeiso was nearly two decades older than him. They just got on well. They had similar tastes, ideas, and pursuits.

Upon arriving in Johannesburg, they checked into a villa in The Saxon Boutique. A simple room would have been well suited enough for them, but the moment the hotel staff saw the two Princes, they immediately ushered them into a villa, and began complimenting them as well as showering them with free gifts; a water, a complimentary basket of fruit and pastries, it was all given to them in hopes of pleasing. Their villa was beautiful, decorated in the style of modern elegance. It was also spacious, there were three rooms, one for each of the travelers, and after having set away their things and having a quick shower, they discussed their evening plans.

Dinner would be had at a nearby steakhouse, that much they’d known since they boarded the flight to Johannesburg, and the moment they disembarked, Alistair phoned the restaurant and made reservations for the evening. Had they not been royalty, they would’ve been told that there were no tables available, the following five evenings had been completely booked, but since it was Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, the owners found it necessary to add an additional table in order to accommodate their guests. After dinner they would go to a bar, it was quite exclusive, only members were allowed in and of course, the occasional visiting celebrity and royal, but it’d be a good spot for them to just sit back and drink in a booth while they talked and laughed. Alistair didn’t think that going to a bar was a wise choice. Harry had a habit of drinking too much, even when he swore he wouldn’t, and the fact that their flight left at eight in the morning made him wonder whether or not he ought to have purchased their tickets for a later flight, but Harry insisted that everything would be fine. They’d get to the airport an hour early, as was required, and there would be no drunken stumbling. Well, perhaps there might be a bit of drunken stumbling, but it wouldn’t be unmanageable.

“Tell me, Harry, when, may we expect a wedding?” asked Prince Seeiso as they drank cognac in a secluded booth.

“Hah. Well, I can not say when exactly, but it is only a matter of time before those two finally marry.” Harry lifted his glass to his lips, taking a long drink of the cognac, letting it warm his being as it traveled down into his stomach. “Been together over five years, they have. I suspect one of these days William ask for the approval and ask her.”

“Consent to their marrying will easily be given,” stated Prince Seeiso. “The Queen knows as well as any of us that Kate is very poised, and that she makes William very happy.”

“She does,” agreed Harry. “William broke up with her for a few months, to let her have a shot at a normal life, but he couldn’t be without her. Was going mad, he was. So he asked her if she’d give him another change. And, well, you know how that went.”

“Yes, I know,” chuckled Prince Seeiso. “But I must say I am curious.”

“About what?” he asked.

“About whether the same will happen with Chelsy and you,” stated Prince Seeiso.

“Me and Chelsy?” he shook his head. “No, afraid that’s over and done with.”

“Really?” he shook his head. “What a pity.”

“How so?” asked Harry, amused by his friend’s behavior.

“Because if you were planning on rekindling your relationship with her, tonight would be ideal,” he leant forwards in his seat. “She’s just walked in with a group of young ladies.”

The last time Harry saw Chelsy, they’d quarreled. He’d gone over to her flat to break up with her before he went off to Afghanistan, and Chelsy, believing that they were about to embark on a passionate night, had taken great pains to make sure that everything was perfect. Needless to say, when Harry said they needed to talk, she lost it. She started yelling about how she’d spent all bloody day getting ready to give a night he’d never forget, something to look back to with fondness while he was in Afghanistan, and Harry kept saying that he was sorry, so very sorry but that he didn’t want to be with her anymore. It was a gigantic disaster, and he’d been hoping he’d never run into her again, but there she was, standing by the bar with a few of her Zimbabwean friends.

“She must be on holiday,” stated Harry, nonchalantly. “South Africa is very beautiful, and ideal to visit in its winter months.”

Prince Seeiso nodded in agreement.

“How is your wife?” asked Harry, eager to change the subject.

“She is well, I thank you. She has been busy with the children, and a few preparations for the charities she devotes herself to, but she has been very well.”

“Is she going to visit you at the site? I remember she dropped by a few weeks back.”

“Ah, yes, she did.” He smiled at the memory. “You see she did not believe that I was actually working so she wanted to make sure I was not just supervising and pretending to actually build.”

“Was she really?” Harry nearly laughed.

“Mabereng could not believe that I was going to build, but I think she was just worried about me. That is what wife’s do best.”

“I remember you telling me that her worrying drives you mad.”

“Hah, well, it does,” admitted Prince Seeiso. “But I would not trade her for all the gold in the world. She may scold me, make me question why it is that I ever married her, but when times get tough – as they so often do – I know she will be at my side, that she will never forsake me and will push me to do what it is that I must do, even if I do not wish to. She is a better person than I could ever hope to be, and I think, my old friend, that men in our positions must search for women that are better than us. I believe that is why William is so fond of Kate. She is a very amiable sort of person, very intelligent, and poised – oh! And charismatic! Your brother is a good man, but with her, he will be great. We just need to find a woman to make you great,” joked Prince Seeiso.

“That is an impossible task.”

“Is it really?”

“Yes,” said Harry. “I already embody greatness. To be better than I am, is impossible.”

“You British are always so pleased with yourselves.”

Harry smiled smugly and poured himself another drink. “You want another?”

“Yes, please.”

In the following twenty minutes, they got through a bottle and a half of cognac, and their conversations began to grow louder and more filled with boisterous laughter. Eyes soon turned to them, people wanted to know who was laughing so bloody loudly, and when they saw who it was mucking about in the booth, whispers began to spread about the fact that Prince Harry was there with Prince Seeiso.

When word got to Chelsy, she was visibly shaken. What the hell was he doing in South Africa? Last she heard he was in Lesotho, working on the construction of a building for his charity. He had no business in South Africa, and she had half a mind to tell him that he shouldn’t have been there. Africa was her continent. It didn’t matter how much he bloody fancied it. She was born in Zimbabwe, and therefore, the entire continent was hers, and Europe was his. Her friends noticed the look that swept across her face when they overheard the strangers whispering about the Prince.

“You alright, Chels?” asked McKenna.

“What? Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Brilliant, really McKenna,” smiled Chelsy, reassuringly.

“Are ya sure? I’ve no problem with heading out somewhere else.”

“Don’t be daft. We’ve not seen each other in months, and I'm not about to run off on our holiday, just because he’s here.”

“You know you’re acting like you’re all calm about it, but I know you’re not,” spoke McKenna in a hushed tone.

“It’s complicated.”

“Thing are always complicated with you lot.”

Chelsy let out a sigh. “I know, I know, but I can’t help it. That’s just the way things have been with us. You know? We’ve always been breaking up and getting back together, and I don’t know – I guess I just think that, well I want to think that at some point things will work out. But he’s not called. And the last time we broke up, it was just awful. And he’s not contacted me in ages!”

“But he’s here. You lot are in the same bar and together, and maybe he knew you’d be here. You know? I mean, he’s royal so he can figure out where anyone is.”

“And he just knew this was the place I’d be?” asked a skeptical Chelsy.

Her drunken friend nodded enthusiastically. “Maybe this is how he wants to like start things over. He wanted to surprise you while you were on holiday and he was building, so he took some days off and was like, I'm gonna go see Chels.”

“Do you really think? No. It can’t be. Harry can’t be here for – well maybe he can. I don’t know. I'm angry at him for how thing ended so he’d know not to come.”

“Well perhaps he thought he’d have to come, that calling you on your mobile wouldn’t be enough.”

Chelsy pursed her lips together. She wanted to believe that Harry would do something like that, that the months of separation had been enough and they were about to give their relationship another go, like they’ve been doing for the last four years of their lives. She knew their romance wasn’t the sort that would last for the rest of their lives. His lifestyle wasn’t one that she wanted, she loved the freedom that being a commoner afforded her, she loved not having duty pressing down on her, but despite the difference in her wishes for the future, she couldn’t deny the fact that in the present, she was very much in love with him.

“You’re a horrible influence. You know that, don’t you?”

McKenna grinned drunkenly. “Oh bugger off, Chels. You know I'm a fantastic influence.”

“And what exactly does my fantastic influence think I should do?”

“Wait till he runs off to the loo and go surprise him.”

Chelsy waited and waited until McKenna told her that he’d left the booth and gone off in direction of the restrooms. She nervously left her place at the table, running a hand over her dress to smooth out the wrinkles as her feet carried her ever closer to him. When she got to the corridor where the restroom doors were located, she decided to simply linger there in the hallway, pacing back and forth. She was going to pretend that she’d just gotten out the bathroom, act surprised to find him there and then see where things went. She didn’t have to wait long, judging by how quickly he exited, he only had to pee or wash his hands, but as soon as he walked out, she made her presence known.

“Harry?” she called to him, voice composed.

He stopped in his tracks, turned his face slightly. “Chels?” he said.

“Yeah, it’s me, Harry.” She stepped towards him, unable to wipe away the smile that the martinis had stamped onto her face. “How’ve you been?”

“Well, thank you. I’ve been in Lesotho.”

“With your charity?” she asked.

“Yes, I’ve been helping build a new office for it there.” Harry stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do or say next. “And you? Are you on holiday?”

She nodded. “I needed time away from London.”

“It gets dreary there after awhile. Especially when you’re used to this lovely weather that South Africa seems to have.” Harry commented.

“Yes, exactly,” she smiled. “And you – oh bloody hell!”

There was nothing more to say, the liquid courage that the alcohol provided made her think that words were superfluous. It was best to act, not speak. So she launched herself at him, grabbed the sides of his jacket and kissed him with everything she had. For a fleeting moment, Harry was too shocked to do anything, he simply stood there, hands at his side as she continued the assault on his lips, then, his, hands went to her waist, lingering there for only a second before forcing her off of himself.

“Get off!” bellowed Harry, pushing her away. “Look, I don’t know what’s gotten into you but –

“What do ya mean what’s gotten into me? You’re here because of me! You want to give us another go!”

“What? No! That’s rubbish!”

“Then why the hell are ya here?”

“Because I'm meant to fly back to London tomorrow morning!” he shouted. “That’s why! I'm not here to give this another go. I don’t want to. I'm with someone else.”

“Y-you’re with someone else?” her voice softened, features relaxed.

“Yeah, I am,” answered Harry.

“But you – the papers, they’ve not said anything.”

“I’ve been keeping her a secret. I didn’t want to thrust her into the spotlight like what happened with you.”

“So you . . . bloody hell, I'm sorry Harry. I thought – I feel so stupid right now. I genuinely thought that you’d come back to give us another go, since we were always giving each other go and I – I'm sorry. I really am.”

“S’alright Chelsy, there’s been no damage done.”

The lack of paparazzi and flashing lights gave him a false sense of security. No one had captured that strange kiss in a picture. There’d be no image to sell to the tabloid magazines or to put up in the internet, but he was wrong. There’d been no flash because a lone camera phone had captured the kiss. Harry didn’t know that. At the time he thought that the patrons of the bar hadn’t even noticed the kiss and ensuing argument, that they’d tuned them out as just another couple quarreling. The kiss would just be something he’d have a laugh over and forget. That was what he expected.