Herophine - Short Stories

Lights, Camera, Attraction (5)

The last five weeks have been a fucking dream, who knew the sassy mouthed photographer would turn out to be my biggest obsession. I haven't let that woman out of my sight since we spent the night together, thankfully she seems to be as much into me as I am her. Everything about Jo is intoxicating. If I didn't know any better I would sure as hell say this could be love.

Today however is not a dream, I'm sulking like a friggin child who got his sweets took from him as I lay pouting whilst she packs a bag. Today she's leaving for India to photograph a flower that blooms once every 12 years, I've never heard of it but the way she spoke makes me know how important it is to her, the way her eyes lit up when she talked was beautiful. It made my deranged thoughts of holding her hostage subside when I watched her animated speech about how long she has waited for this opportunity. I want to go just so I can be near her but I have fucking work commitments I can't get out of. I hate the uncertainty around this trip. How the fuck will I manage without her being around, I have gotten used to my days and nights being filled with Jo, the idea of being without her is pissing me off even if it is selfish.

I try to out in a brave face for her looming departure, asking her about her plans.

'Where is it your going exactly, how long for baby?' I whine. God I am pathetic. Man up for fuck sake.

'I should arrive at Shola Forests of the Western Ghats in South India in 3 days. I have a few stops to make. I found a great hostel close enough to the bloom that I can stay at. I'll be back in 3 weeks so stop worrying. It won't be long for you to pine' she mocks whilst finishing her packing. She has a backpack, that's it. I admire how light she travels for a woman. I watch her gather numerous reels of film, I love work mode Jo. She is so serious and sexy with a camera in her hand. It makes my fucking cock twitch everytime.

I stayed here last night, I wanted to make the most of our last night together before she dissapears on her adventure without me. I offered to take her to the airport but she wouldn't have it, said I was being dramatic! Dramatic is she fucking serious. She is ditching me for a friggin flower. After putting me in my place I agreed to see her off from here, 3 weeks won't be so bad I guess. I will be working so it will distract me until she comes home atleast. I glance at the clock seeing that time is soon approaching, her Uber is probably outside now.

'Babe, that's my lift. Don't be like this, I will be back before you know it. I will call and stay in touch when I can OK?' she says whilst brushing my lips with hers.

'Sure. Still fucks me off that I won't see you though. Please be safe. I hope you have the best time baby' I reply wrapping her in my arms trying to hide the fact I might sob like a bitch if she doesn't hurry up and leave. When did I become such a melt. This woman has flipped my whole world on its arse in 5 weeks.

'See you soon handsome' she says whilst leaving my grip and throwing her bag over her shoulder, damn she looks hot, my little sexy backpacker.

'Jo! I love you. Please be careful' The words come out without me having chance to stop them, fuck did I just say that. I never have before, even if it is how I feel. What a time to drop that bombshell on her. She turns suddenly and studies my face for a second before running back to me and planting her lips in mine.

'And I love you Hero. See you soon babes. Plus stop flapping like a mother hen, I am always careful' her words knock the breathe from my body, I stand watching her leave with pride filling me from head to toe. She loves me back, fuck this has to be the best feeling in this god damn world.

A few hours pass as I mope around my place feeling sorry for myself, I feel like a spare part floating around here myself. Fuck, that woman has changed everything my life once was. She's been away for only hours and I already feel a gaping whole in my chest. I need to give myself a slap, man up. I grab my phone deciding to spend some time with my mates, I see them all the time, normally Jo comes along too which has been great. Everyone loves her making it easy not lose touch with the guys I grew up with because of my new loved up status. As I unlock the phone I see Jo has texted, my stomach knots with excitement as I read her words.

✉️ Hey Baby, I hope you didn't cry when I left lol! I got to the airport OK, just waiting for my flight call. I'm going to miss you but I am stoked to see the bloom. Behave and be safe. Speak to you soon. Love you H x

The written confirmation that she loves me has me smiling like a fucking fool. I get it now, those stupid rom com scenes where love hearts float round heads, that is me at this very moment. I quickly type out a message for my girl followed by another to Felix.

Josephine ✉️ I didn't cry, you better watch that smart mouth. I am saving up these insults for which you will receive punishment for upon returning 😜 I miss you already, you better hurry your ass back! Safe flight, speak to you soon baby. Love you x

Felix ✉️ Bro I am headed your way, be with you in twenty. Get the beers ready!

When I eventually peel myself from the sofa and throw in some trackies I make my way to Felix's House. He is already part way through a game of Fifa so I grab a can and take a seat, mocking his poor gaming skills and enjoying the distraction. The night is spent like this with a few others joining us. The guys give me constant shit about my moody state but its all banter and helps lighten my mood. I needed this, I need to keep my head busy. Before I know it we are all intoxicated and loud, nothing unusual about our bight just the lads and I having a laugh. Before I know it, it's 7am and we are all shit faced. I decide to call it a night or morning and stagger to my place, throwing myself into my bed to sleep off the booze I consumed.

I wake up and see its 9.15am, how is that possible I feel like I slept like a baby. All remenants of the boozy night gone. I check my phone and see a few texts and missed calls, fuck I notice the date. I slept for 24 hours. Fuck! How did I not wake to eat or piss, I lost a whole day. I scan the messages looking for Jo and relax when I see she has been in contact.

✉️ Hey baby, that flight was a killer but I got here. Just about to hop on a bus to take me out of the city towards the hostel. The heat is so bad! I am literally melting but this place is amazing, I love it. Signal is not great but I will text when I can. Speak soon x

I smile knowing my girl arrived safe, pissed that I slept a whole day away causing me to message back late but satisfied I got through the first 2 nights, meaning she would be back soon. Maybe I can do this for the next 3 weeks and she will be back before I know it. I reply before jumping in the shower, I'm sweaty as fuck and need to freshen up, get myself human again after my mini hibernation.

Josephine ✉️ Glad you got there baby. I had a drink with the guys and slept for 24 hours! Got me a day closer to you coming home so not all bad. Speak when you can. Love you x

Today is spent catching up with my agent and replying to various work proposals. Seems I have a few projects coming up and a casting audition for a book adaption. After an hour long call with my Mom I decide to eat and have an early night. I have shit to do tomorrow and can't afford to get up late.

My weeks have passed quicker than I thought. Jo has messaged as much as the network allows during our two week seperation. Seems they don't have much WiFi available out there. It's the 20th century for fuck sake surely technology is world wide by now I think as I see my message is still unread. Today I have a meeting with a producer and author for the upcoming casting audition, this is just a meet and greet, a screening as such. I get myself ready and head to meet my agent.

The screening went great, both women I met were lovely, I feel like I made a good impression and loved the character description. That guy seems fucked up at first but as they explained I couldn't help but feel intrigued by his dark, troubled demeanour. The small blonde said I was exactly what she pictured for the character which helped me relax. All I have to do now is wait to hear back. This is the shit part of my job, putting yourself on show to be left waiting. I hate how a rejection messes with me, no one likes to be told they were good enough but I guess you sign up for this when you decide to act. Hopefully I get this job, it would be my first lead role.

After seeing Morgz and Felix for a kick around I go home to eat, shower and sleep. Tomorrow is another busy day shooting for a new clothing range of outdoor wear so I have to be at 6am. Still no word from Jo, I want to be angry about it but I know she will message when she can plus who am I do make her trip miserable by whining about our lack of contact. This is what she does for a job, I have to support that rather than hinder her. I climb into bed with thoughts of my girl climbing mountains and snapping flowers and soothe into my sleep happy at images filling my head.