Goodbye Summer

I awoke the following morning a little sore but also the happiest I had ever been—right next to Marco. I wished every day could be this wonderful.

Instead, I had to reconcile with the fact that the contest had ended, and it was time to head back to Australia. It’s time to trade in the stage and pyro for some cattle and an Akubra—the sunshine of summer for the sunshine of the Outback Australia winter. Back to my mundane life, the one I had grown fond of leaving behind.

“Good morning,” Marco yawned.

“Good morning, I whispered back.

“How do you feel?”

“Sore.”

“Sorry.”

“Marco, you are a beast. You know that right?”

He smirked. “It takes one to know one.”

“Oh please, how was I a beast last night?”

“You were like a little bunny.”

“How was that a beast?”

“They are still creatures.”

“Not really what I was going for, but okay.”

We both laughed.

After some more time lying next to each other, we slowly got up, and I made my way back to my room to check out.

“Where were you last night?” Darcy asked once I got back.

“I was with Marco.”

“Did you write a song again?”

“Something like that,” I replied, not making eye contact.

We began to pack up our things. A short time later, there was a knock on our door.

I opened it to find Stephanie looking more relaxed than she had the entire contest.

“Your stuff all packed?” Stephanie asked, popping her head in.

“Mostly. It’s all together. I just need to put it in the bags.”

She paused for a moment before commenting.

“Why don’t you leave that to me? Now the contest is over, I don’t have to be so anal about you and Marco. Go spend some time with him.”

“I want to, but I can’t leave all this to you. It wouldn’t be right,” I tried to protest.

“Blake, this is an order from me. Spend some time with him.” She instructed. If it was an order, there was not much I could do.

“Alright, I will reluctantly go see Marco,” I said with a slight sense of sarcasm.

I went back to see Marco. He was also tidying up his hotel room. Unfortunately, he wasn’t alone.

“Oh my, if it isn’t Blake.”

“Hello there, Valentina,” I barely responded. Talking to her was like a snake slowly squeezing your neck.

“And what might you be doing here? I’m certain this isn’t your room.”

“I came to see Marco.”

“Well, I can’t have you distracting him. He has to pack up and check out in the next thirty minutes; otherwise, we will be billed. If you are here distracting him, I will have to file an official bill with your delegation.”

It seemed even after the competition, she would be persistent about controlling our relationship.

“You can stop messing with him now,” Marco responded coldly.

He finished zipping up his suitcase.

“Oh my, Marco, you are no fun.”

“I just don’t like you messing with my boyfriend.”

Boyfriend... He called me his boyfriend. I mean the whole world knew of our relationship, but hearing the words hit differently.

“Well you two have fun.” She waved as she walked off.

Once I was certain she had truly left, I sighed.

“She’s as pleasant as ever.”

“Don’t mind her. She’s not as bad as she acts.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” Marco leaned in and whispered. “She is much worse than that.”

I swallowed.

He laughed, “I’m just messing with you.”

“Marco!” I cried frantically, which only made him laugh further.

There was silence, and I was reminded that this might be the last time we would see each other for a long time.

“Marco.”

“Yes?”

“I don’t want to leave you.”

I clung to his arm. I felt if I let go, I would lose him forever.

“I don’t want you to leave me either,” he replied, pulling me in and cuddling me back.

“Is there any way we can stay together?” I asked.

“I mean, my house is always available.”

“If only...” I trailed off. “Wait... your house?”

“Yes, of course; why?”

I sighed.

“I was worried about where I could stay, how to afford it.”

“Yes?”

“If I can stay with you, that would save a lot of hassle.”

“Then why not?”

“Can I?”

“Yes.”

I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry. I had been panicking over something that was resolved in mere seconds.

“So let me check. You are going to come live with me?” Marco asked.

“If I can.”

“Of course, there’s nothing I would want more.”

“I’ll have to talk to the rest of my group. We are supposed to fly later today.”

“Alright, you talk to them and then let me know.”

I nodded and readied myself to tell the others. I hoped they would understand, though I must admit there was also a part of me sad to think I might separate from them. They were my closest friends and Jet.

I found them loading up their bag into the van for our delegation.

“Guys, there’s something I wish to discuss with you.”

“You’re gay? I don’t know how to cope with this news.” Jet joked, and I ignored him.

“I’ve spoken with Marco and um... I can’t go back with you. I want to go live with Marco for a bit. Please understand.” I bowed to beg them to allow me to go.

Although there was nothing they could physically do to stop me, if they didn’t give me their blessing, I don’t think I could have gone.

“Whatever, just don’t expect us to pay for it or another way for you to get back,” Stephanie sighed.

“We already figured you would do this,” Noah added.

“How?”

“The stars,” Luca replied.

“It’s fine with me. Just be back before our world tour.”

“Of course, it’s only for a bit...” I trailed off.

Huh?

“Wait, what do you mean about a world tour? We never agreed on a world tour.”

They all laughed.

The band all seemed to be alright with it. I turned to my best friend.

“Just invite me to the wedding.” Darcy signed smiling.

─── ༻ ☼ ༺ ───

End of Chapter 48