Loving You Too Long

6 years later

“Take care of yourself, don’t bother Nathan and Gilbert.” This word was the umpteenth time Haisley had heard Mrs. Smith’s advice. She, sitting in the airport waiting room, could only nod her head at the advice of her mother, who was in another country.

“Don’t just nod. You have to get rid of your spoiled attitude. Remember, there you have to focus on studying. Don’t switch your focus to other things.” This time, Mr. Smith joined in. Haisley could only chuckle in amusement but then nodded again.

“Well, I have to get my luggage.” She said in a farewell tone. Both parents waved again at the flat screen in their hands. The faces of the middle-aged couple looked sad, apparently unwilling to let their youngest daughter go.

Yes. Haisley was following the direction of her best friend, Gilbert. Haisley is ultimately determined to fight for a scholarship to follow his soulmate.

Haisley forgot about ballerinas and chose to focus on academics so she could get good grades. For six years, she struggled, taking part in tutoring activities here and there. At first, she had difficulty adapting, considering that her brain was not as smart as Nathan’s or her older sibling, Crystal’s. But Haisley didn’t want to give up.

Finally, in the last three years of school, she got good grades continuously. As a result, she got a scholarship to the same school as her idol. She was getting her parents’ permission to go far away, even though she had to stay at Nathan and Gilbert’s residence.

Of course, this condition is manageable. Because the purpose of Haisley going to England was to be close to Nathan, and now, not just one step closer. But an inch closer.

Haisley smiled to herself. She was excited by the prospect of romance that would occur between her and Nathan in the future. Just the thought of being Nathan’s girlfriend made her cheeks instantly red, let alone the thought of marriage.

Haisley shook her head. Later, she can fantasize about it. Now, she has to focus on the queue to collect her luggage.

But where is Gilbert? Haisley again reached for her cell phone in her jeans pocket. Her friend said he would pick Haisley up at the airport, but there has yet to be any news.

She pulled the big suitcase with all the strength she had. Of course, she brought a lot of luggage. Apart from clothes, inside, there was also some food that her mother had deliberately put as souvenirs for Nathaniel and Gilbert.

Her cheeks heated up again. Nathan, how are you? Do you miss me too? Haisley couldn’t help but blush.

Her tiny body pulled the large suitcase with some difficulty. She walked towards the airport exit. Taxis are neatly lined up there. Haisley glanced around, looking for a familiar face. Where’s Gilbert? Did her best friend fall asleep and then forget to pick her up? Haisley shuddered in horror at her thoughts.

A tap on his shoulder made her yelp loudly. She turned her head and was really about to scream for help when she saw a tall, big man with bright orange hair, black glasses and a bushy beard looking down at her.

“I’m not late, am I?” asked the man in his deep, echoing voice.

Haisley frowned just as the man took off his glasses and looked at Haisley with a big grin.

“What are you doing!” She shouted. Several people turned their heads and watched the two of them.

“What am I doing?” the man asked casually.

“So this is why you don’t want to make a video call with me? Because your appearance turned ugly like this?” Haisley teased shamelessly.

Gilbert laughed out loud. “Don’t insult me, H. If I get angry, I will leave you here and let strangers kidnap you, people who like children like you.” The man answered in a threatening tone.

Haisley looked back at him with narrowed eyes. “Just do it if you dare!” she challenged. Gilbert laughed again and then ruffled Haisley’s hair.

“How dare I? What happened later was that Crystal ravaged my handsome face. Then it was chopped up to be crocodile food by your father.” he said again. Gilbert’s left hand grabbed the handle of Haisley’s suitcase while his right hand wrapped around her tiny shoulder. “Parking is a bit far.” He said to Haisley. Haisley just nodded and matched the man’s long strides. “Ready for adventure, huh?” he asked again.

Haisley raised her head, but Gilbert didn’t look at her. “How is he?” She asked curiously. Yes, for the past six years, Gilbert has been the source of information. Luckily, the man didn’t mind and was always happy to help her.

“He’s not good.” The man answered flatly.

“What do you mean, he’s sick?” Haisley asked, panicked.

Gilbert shook his shoulders. “You’ll find out later, H. But before that, I’ll ask you again. Are you sure you want to be with Nathan?” he asked uncertainly. Haisley nodded enthusiastically. Of course, she was sure. Otherwise, why would she want to fight this long and this far? “Are you sure you want to fight him? If later he behaves badly towards you, will you still want to survive?” he asked again.

Haisley raised the corners of her mouth. She knew the meaning of Gilbert’s question. And again, she just nodded her head in response. Gilbert then shrugged her shoulders. He knew that nothing could change his little friend’s mind. He roughly took a deep breath and exhaled.

“I can only help as much as I can. The rest, I can only pray for you two.” He said wearily.

Haisley smiled and nodded. “Thanks, G,” she said and wrapped her tiny arms around Gilbert’s big waist. “By the way, is that hair that just got stuck in the gutter?” she taunted again.

Gilbert snorted and ruffled Haisley’s hair again. “This is a Naruto cosplay. It’s booming, you know.” Gilbert replied angrily. Haisley chuckled again. “Do you want to go straight home or have lunch first?”

“Have lunch. I am very hungry.” Haisley answered in a spoiled tone. Gilbert chuckled again and then nodded. He took the car keys from his trouser pocket and pressed the automatic lock button. Putting Haisley’s large suitcase into the back of his silver Land Rover and then opening the passenger door for him.

Haisley bowed gracefully before getting into the tall car, making Gilbert laugh.

Gilbert drove his car and took her to a fast-food restaurant. Gilbert ordered a double-cheese beef burger with soda as an accompaniment for Haisley. As Haisley cut the large burger with a face that was almost drooling, Gilbert said. “I’m strange about you, H.”

Haisley stopped her actions and raised her head to look at Gilbert. “Why?” she asked with a confused expression.

“Your body is tiny, like the aunt of the dwarves. “But your portion size can be like a giant portion.”

Haisley glared at Gilbert. Bite the burger in one big bite. She is chewing it without even maintaining her image. She then swallowed before answering. “You should know, ya? Girls who eat a lot are sexier than girls who eat sparingly. Their food portions are large, but they are proud to show it. Outside of pretending to eat a little, after returning home, they can increase their portions up to three times.”

Gilbert laughed and ruffled Haisley’s hair again. “Yea, yea. Eat a lot, and finish it. If necessary, use a bottle of mayonnaise.” Gilbert mocked. Haisley just nodded her head and went back to munching on her burger.