Start of a Lifetime

The next morning was the last morning the entire team would be together in one group.

Breakfast was a silent affair, knowing we’d have to say goodbye to each other. knowing that the expedition was almost over had everyone in different moods.

After breakfast everyone seperated, some still having to pack. others seeking the last bit of solitude they could have.

Harry and I hadn’t spoken much since last night, just a quick good morning. We’d caught each other’s eye across the table at breakfast. But had turned away with blushing cheeks. when the other caught the other staring.

Even when we’d gotten into the van to leave towards the airport he’d taken the other van.

I hoped that I hadn’t screwed it up last night, I did have feelings for him, but I just wasn’t ready to act on them.

Damn, I’m pretty sure I loved him already, but dating him entitled a lot more then just being a couple. nothing would be private anymore.

And the thought I’d screwed it up by cause I know that right now him not talking to me was killing me.

I know that there isn’t anybody else like him for me, somehow we’d gotten this connection. understanding each other with one look.

But this isn’t an easy decision. If I became his girlfriend the anonymity was lost. I basically had to start living in the spotlight.

and that was one thing I needed to think about if I was ready to date him and the life that came with it.

I still remembered what they had done to Kate, I was a huge fan of his sister-in-law Kate. I’d looked up to her for a long time, you could say she was an inspiration to me, luckily.

arriving at the airport we all took our luggage and boarded the plane. our sledges from Greenland were already loaded.

Boarding the plane I took the window seat again. Looking out the small window I could see the hustle and bustle out on the airport.

Taking my phone from my handbag I looked down at my screen and saw several messages from my friends.

Autumn informing me she had moved in alright, and that everyone was still in London, waiting for my return.

from my grandparents and sister, I had gotten messages. Asking if I had arrived safely back in Iceland and that they were looking forward to seeing me. And messages from my family asking if I had arrived safely.

both my friends and family congratulating me on the successful expedition.

reading through them all I smiled, looking forward to seeing them all.

Just when I was about to put him down, having finished reading the messages, My phone pinged again. 'Autumn’ came across the screen.

but before I could reply a voice brought me out of my reverie.”Do you mind if I sit here?” Harry asked, looking up at me.

Yea, I definitely screwed it up’ I thought to myself. The once easy-going atmosphere that had surrounded the both of us was now gone. replaced by awkwardness.

“Of, course, you didn’t have to ask,” I answered with a smile.

“Are you mad at me?” I asked, getting right to the point. I hated beating around the bush and this was one such situation where I hated beating around the bush. I wanted to know what he was thinking. Why this strange and uncomfortable atmosphere was surrounding us.

“No, of course not. Why do you ask?” he replied, shaking his head as he sat down next to me.

“It’s just that we were comfortable around each other until last night. It feels like you’re walking on eggs around me.“ I explained, turning my full attention towards him.

“you haven’t even said two words to me.” I added, ‘great you don’t sound one bit needy.’ I scolded myself in my head.

his head bowed down as he toyed with his hands. “I just.” he took a deep breath, looking up at me. "I don’t know. I don’t want to screw this up with you and I’m scared about what I told you last night.” He admitted, placing his hand on top of mine that was resting on the hand rest.

“Harry, I asked for some time to think, being your girlfriend won’t be easy. I just need to think about everything without you being around with a clear head.“ I explained, shaking my head a bit as I looked down at our hands.

"That doesn’t mean you screwed up. I miss my friend.” I whispered, my head shooting up to look him in the eye.

“Okay, I promise not to walk on eggs around you anymore.” he smiled, taking my hand in his and giving it a squeeze.

“thank you,”I smiled, tilting my head to the side.

“What were you doing on your phone?” he asked me, nodding to said the object in my lap.

“I was about to read a message from my friend,” I told him, unlocking my phone and reading the message.

“So, what does it say?” He inquired curiously as he leant a bit closer.

“they’re asking me if I want them to pick me up at the airport. So I wouldn’t have to take a cab and if I want to go and eat lunch somewhere.” I told him, looking up from my phone.

“Well, that’s nice of them. Did your friend move in okay while we were gone?” he asked, leaning back in his seat, while he still had a hold on my hand.

“Well, they moved in, if it went alright, I wouldn’t know. I only got a text saying “I’ve moved in and everybody’s still here in London, waiting for you to return. Which makes me think they did something wrong and about tore my place apart” I told him with a chuckle. All kinds of ideas of what they could have done running through my mind.

***

Landing at Heathrow airport after a three-hour flight. It was back to business. we no longer had the peace and quite Iceland and Greenland had provided.

people surrounding us with congratulations and cheers as we walked through the arrival of the airport.

being escorted by the personnel of the airport, we entered a room filled with press and media. bombarding us with questions about the expeditions, flashes of camera’s nearly blinding me.

we did a short interview with the entire team. Before we separated into small groups and dived ourselves between the media.

After an hour of taking photo’s and doing interviews. we were once again escorted to another room where the family of my team members were waiting.

Looking around a room, I couldn’t help but grin. seeing the people I had successfully led across the Ice sheet being reunited with their families.

tears of Joy and happiness, the laughter of being reunited the only thing being heard.

standing a bit to the side, I didn’t really have family awaiting me like they had. I would go and see them tonight. Harry joining me as we watched how our team was reunited with their family.

‘we’d made it.’ I smiled, looking around the room.

“ Liv, You finally made it.” I heard Mia scream for the entire room as I saw her running towards me from the other side of the room.

"oemf;” I let out as she collided with me.

“Can’t breathe, can’t breathe,” I whispered, barely being able to breathe.

“What did you say?” she said, pulling back, keeping a hold on my arms as she looked me over.

“Can’t breathe, that’s what I said. I know you missed me, but that doesn’t mean you have to kill me.” I teased, slapping her arm in a teasing manner.

Moving on to my other friends I hugged them, happy to see them again, it had been a while since I’d seen them. I was almost working, it had been since new years since I’d seen them in real life.

I was just about to start telling something when Luke and Conrad approached me. wanting an update and report of the expedition. following them to the room the guides of Intrepid Travel had at the airport. I quickly informed them of the expedition, handing them the binder of reports.

They thanked me again, for taking over on such a short notice. and thanking me for bringing it to a success, Like Conrad had imagined I would he pointed out.

When I got back in the Family reunion room. My friends walked up to me with the suggestion of eating somewhere along the way to the apartment.

Saying goodbye to my team members, with a promise of seeing them soon. I left Harry last. approaching him a thought came to my mind.

“Hey, you’re leaving too?” I asked him, looking up at him, feeling a bit giddy and nervous. “Yea, Probably visiting my family. Assuring them that that expedition guide took care of me.” he teased with that grin of his, his beard making him more attractive. having grown throughout the expedition.

“Yea, thank god she did. Can’t imagine the Prince of England dying cause a rookie expedition guide took a wrong turn.” I joined in his teasing. something that had been going on between us since we met. we were great at teasing one another.

“Why don’t you join me and my friends. we’re going to eat somewhere along the way?” I suggested a bit nervous with a tilt of my head. Hoping he would join us so that my friends could meet him.

“I’m not sure Liv,“ he said, scratching the back of his neck. "They seem like a nice bunch, but I don’t want to be in the way,” he explained, looking at them over my shoulder.

“You won’t be, I promise, but I think that ordering pizza will be a wiser choice,” I told him, shrugging my shoulders. deciding not to give him another choice, I grabbed his arm and pulled him with me.

“Guys, this is Harry, Harry, this is Mia, Daphne, Jens and Autumn my new roommate.” I introduced them to each other.

recognising the freaking outlook on each of their faces. Freaking out about meeting the Prince, Harry didn’t seem to notice or he was just used to this part. As he gave them a broad smile.

“What do you guys think if Harry joined us and we order some pizza and watch some movies tonight?” I suggested, looking at all of them. They agreed and said they would pick up the food on their way to the apartment. Having decided on MacDonald’s.

Harry PoV

On our way to Liv’s apartment, I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t an unwelcome visitor. turning towards her in my seat I asked. : “You sure they won’t mind blowing up their dinner plans for tonight so that I could join you?”

she turned her head towards me with a smile. “Harry, come on. They won’t mind. Okay, they’re a bit star struck about meeting you, but I bet you, by the end of the night Jens will be making dirty jokes. And the girls will tell you every embarrassing story they have on me, including you in their pranks. They’ll forget who you are by the end of the evening. believe me.” she chuckled, resting her hand on mine.

“And do you really think that I want to spend time at a restaurant now?” she asked with a chuckle. And I knew she had me. If there was something I didn’t want to do right now was going to a restaurant after spending 5 weeks on the Ice. not even having had the time for a shower or a bath.

“Okay, you’re right, but now I’m really looking forward to hearing embarrassing stories.” I pointed out, giving her my cheeky grin, whilst rubbing my hands together.

“Of course, you do, but if they know what’s good for them, they won’t tell them.” She quipped, shaking her head with a smile on her lips.

anyone could see that this bunch was tight. having heard the stories of being bullied in school and now having those 4 friends. And I would bet all the money in the world on it that they would do anything to protect her. And Visa Versa.

Arriving at her place, I helped her get the luggage out of the trunk, carrying it inside.

“Hey Paul, they didn’t cause to much trouble did they?” she greeted the same security guy from the day we had left.

“No, ma’am, they didn’t, and here’s your spare key.” He replied with a smile on his face.

“Thanks’ Paul and when will you stop calling me, ma’am.” She asked him with a smirk as she turned around and into the elevator.

“Never ma’am.” He said with a chuckle as the door closed before us.

“I hope that my place is still intact.”She said more talking to herself, I realised as we rode up the elevator.

As she opened the door to her place, I couldn’t see anything out of place. But hey, I’d only been here twice, so the hell if I knew where everything was supposed to be.

“Just put it down here, I’ll start a washing machine in a minute.” She said pointing towards the luggage in my hand.

As we entered her living room, everything seemed pretty clean and from what I remembered in place. “See, they didn’t ruin the place,” I pointed out doing a swirl, scanning the place. For the first time when the natural light came through the floor to ceiling windows.

I said to her. “Thank god, or they’d be dead the moment they walk through the door,” she said in what seemed a serious tone, but in the five weeks, we’d been living in each other’s pockets. I’d come to realise that sarcasm was her second name.

“Why don’t you take something to drink while I put in a washing machine. Pretend you’re at home.” She said, giving me a smile as she passed me on her way out of the living room and open kitchen.

I did as she said and went to the fridge to take a drink.

looking around the place, I had to admit that it was a gorgeous place. And I hoped that I could spend a lot of time here in the future.

After refilling my glass, I heard a knock at the door. “Harry, can you get that?” I heard her yell from somewhere in the apartment. 'how big is this place?’ I thought to myself as I walked to the front door.

Opening the door I saw her four friends standing on the threshold. “Hey, I thought you had a key?” I said, moving aside so they could come in.

“Yea, Autumn has a key now, but genius here forgot her key,” Jens said, pointing his finger in what I assumed was autumn’s direction.

Just then Liv came in dressed in jeans and a shirt. “Jens, be nice like you don’t forget anything.” she pointed out, giving him a nudge as she passed him on her way to the kitchen.

And although I knew they were just friends I couldn’t help but feel a bit jealous at the banter between them.

“Yea, Jens be nice and set the table.” Autumn joined in and I knew that’s what this bunch was like, teasing each other merciless.

“Ohh, so that’s, how it’s going to be is it now is it.” He asked, looking at the women on the other side of the kitchen island.

“Yep,” all the girls answered with a cheeky grin.

And I couldn’t help but laugh at Jens. “Hey, don’t you start either.” He said, pointing towards me with a knife with a teasing smile on his face.

“I thought, I would a least have you on my team, come on help me set this table.” he said, nudging my shoulder.

the playful banter and teasing somehow made me feel accepted already. They didn’t look twice at my presence, didn’t mind pulling me in their banter and stabs.

“Yea harry, why don’t you do that while I show the girls something.” Liv stated with an amused tone, and a look that said:I told you’.

Once we finished setting the table Jens walked out of the kitchen to hear him yell seconds later: “Hey, we’re ready, what’s taking so long?”

when he came back he was shaking his head an amused look on his face as he turned to me. : “Always, the same with those women.”

“Liv doesn’t seem that bad,” I replied, thinking back to how she’d been back on the expedition.

“No, she is the easiest one of those four.” he nodded his head in the direction of the hallway.

the laughter and giggles accompanied the entrance of said women. “What took you so long?” Jens teased.

“We were packing for the day after tomorrow,” Liv answered, shrugging her shoulders. “Of course, you were.” he raised his eyebrow.

once we finished eating and cleaning up we all moved to the couch: “So what are we going to watch?” Liv asked, looking back from where she was crouched down at the TV.

“What about the notebook?” Mia suggested from her place on the couch, her glass of wine in her hand.

“No. No way I’m watching that chick flick. again” Jens answered shaking his head, sitting between the couch and the coffee table, scotch in his hand.

looking back at me from her place on the ground I could see liv rolling her eyes and I had to try hard not to burst out laughing.

In the end, when no one could agree on a movie, Liv decided and ended the arguing. Harry Potter was the final decision as she got up and sat down next to me. picking up her own glass of scotch from the coffee table.

“You okay, with this?” She asked, looking back at me. “It’s great, I love those movies,” I whispered in her ear, leaning down to her ear. feeling her shiver I looked down at her to see her trying to focus on the movie.

As the movie progressed, we got closer to each other. By the end of the first movies, she lay with her head on my shoulder.

When the credits of the second one came on, I decided to head home.

It was after all 10 in the evening. saying good to everyone, Liv followed me into the entrance hall. “so, I won’t see you for 2 weeks.” I asked, looking at her feeling sad that I wouldn’t see her for that long.

“No, two weeks. But after that you’ll get your answer” she smiled, looking up at me, she was a bit smaller than me and hand to look up.

I was looking more forward to that. the moment when she gave me her answer. As I was opening the door, she stopped me and kissed me lightly on the lips. Standing on the tips of her toes, her hands resting on my chest.

Leaving me with a want for more. like finally having gotten the taste of something and getting addicted to it immediately. And I left like I was in for the longest two weeks of my life.

***

Liv’s PoV

After he left I wanted to run in the hall and call him back. Tell him I had made my decision, already.

Tonight being curled up to him felt right and I knew in that moment what I had to do. What I would decide in the long haul anyway. I would choose him.

The feeling he gave me would make up for what I would give up. I entered the living room said goodnight and went up to my room.

***

The next day I went into the office to write the final report on the expedition. before getting in the car and driving out to my grandparents with my friends. During the day, Harry and I had been texting non-stop, I’d already gotten a text from him while I was sleeping. and it hadn’t stopped since.

The morning after that I was once again at the airport. It was an easygoing morning, not too busy. Well not too busy for Heathrow, anyway.

The plane left at 8 in the morning, so it was always fairly calm during that hour.

During the flight I was sitting next to Mia, using the 12 hours to talk to my friends about Harry and me.

Luckily we had privacy, Luke had arranged for us to sit in first class. All my friends had to agree that we seemed a lovely couple. That they even thought we already were but tried to hide in front of them.

Explaining the dilemma I faced with being scared of the paps. Being scared that my father would find me, scared about going through what Kate went through.

Of course, I had decided that I wanted him 2 days ago after kissing him, but that was in the heat of the moment. Now being away from him, I got a more objective side of the facts and was doubting that choice again. 'why couldn’t I just make up my mind'

As we got to our hotel in the evening I got a message from Harry asking if we had arrived safely. replying that we had in the blazing sun and Caribbean heat, I stored my phone away. now it was time to spend some time with my friends.

After a week of thinking things through, having weighed the pros and contras of each outcome. whether I decided to get to get together or not. being away from him had indeed given me a new perspective.

talking about it what my friends, they knew me the best of all people in the world after all. Harry had carried on with his endless texts throughout the first week as well. Waking up each morning to a text from him.

And on the 7th day of our holiday, when we still had 7 more days to go I made up my mind. What had been going on with me anyway? I never doubted, during exams, I would never check it, cause I knew I would start doubting myself.

Doubt only led to second guessing and third guessing and the cycle never ended. normally I would always go with my gut feeling and do it.

going with the decision I should have made all along, that was Harry.

A life without him wasn’t worth living for me. for the 6 weeks, I’d know him, the weeks he’d been in my life. It almost felt like my life had gotten a bit less dark than usual.

having him there, looking forward to his texts, whether they be sweet or teasing. a grin would always appear when his name came across my screen.

he just made it seem so easy to be around. He made my life easier by just being in it. And when I entered my bedroom I dialled Harry’s number.

“Hey, how’s Mystique?” I heard him ask with a cheerful tone.

“Great, but Harry that isn’t the reason I’m calling you.” I started, trying to keep from coming over to excited.

“Okay, What’s wrong? Did something happen?” he asked a bit apprehensive.

“No, Nothing happened. I made my decision.” I told him, opening the door to my balcony. “Okay, what’s your decision?” he asked as I heard dread enter his voice.

***

Harry’s PoV

I felt my heart beat in my chest and I was sure she could hear it all the way in Mystique.

I hoped from the bottom of my heart that she had chosen a life with me. I was sure that I wanted a life with her, she was it.

The person I saw myself marrying, the person I wanted kids with. she was the one I imagined standing next to me when on tour.

“I choose you, Harry, It’s always been you. I only didn’t realise it. you make my life easier. Every morning I see your message I just want you to be here in my bed telling me the same message instead of me reading it. I want to kiss you, hug you. I know you’re it for me Harry” She confessed, with each word the lump in my throat growing, tears coming to my eyes.

I wasn’t a crier, I didn’t cry much. But here in this moment, she was telling me that she had chosen me. I felt a tear roll down my cheek. It didn’t matter that I was at Clarence house with my brother, father, Kate and Camilla.

The only thing that mattered in the entire world was those words she was spoken. Despite what she had been worrying about, rightfully so. she’d still chosen for a life with me.

“Harry you there?” I heard her question. “Yes, I’m here. Love.” I said in a brittle and emotional voice, swallowing the lump in my throat.

“Harry, I choose you, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be easy. You will have to teach me how to deal with everything that comes with dating you.

I’m not scared of the life that I choose, but I’m scared of the effects it might have. I don’t want to be a rubbish girlfriend.” she whispered a tremble to her voice, knowing she was scared.

Hell, she’d been scared what that expedition might have done in her mission to hide. So I couldn’t even begin to imagine what this would be like.

But I would help her, be there for her. “Love, I will be there, every step of the way. I want to introduce you to my family. I know they’ll adore you and they can help you. Kate will help you, she’s been in your shoes.” I told her, planning in my head how I could help her as much as I could. Kate did seem like the best option and the two of us were close anyway.

only she could be able to imagine what Liv must be feeling, she wasn’t from a blue blood background as they called it. just a girl having fallen in love with my brother and I couldn’t be prouder for his choice. she was basically my sister, we were that close.

and now it seemed I was blessed with the same gift as my brother had gotten when meeting Kate.

“Okay. Thank you Harry,” she whispered.

We talked for a bit longer. “Love, you’re falling asleep on me, aren’t you?” I asked her with a chuckle.

“Yea,sorry.” she admitted as I heard her yawn through the words.

“well, go to sleep, I love you, love,” I told her, “I love you to Harry.” I heard her say before the line went dead.

As I got back into the drawing room with my family with what must of have been the biggest smile in my life Kate asked me. :

“Why in the hell are you looking like you’ve just been made king.” she teased, nudging my arm.

“That, dear sister of mine isn’t far from the truth.” I kept on grinning,

“Who was that call from?” My father asked. “It was Liv, she chose me,” I told them. They were all very happy for me.

I’d told them all about her. They were looking forward to meeting her. And that’s when I made the decision. the Next morning I wouldn’t send her a text, I would tell her in person like she asked.

I told them what I was planning. They encouraged me to do it. I left Clarence house to pack my luggage. “Hey Jim, can you call to the airport and tell them to prepare a Private plane. I’m going to Mystique.”