This part again follows straight on from part 2, so you might need to read that before starting this part of the story.
*****
While finishing work one evening a message from Emily came through on my phone.
'Matt please ring me as soon as you get home. I NEED to speak to you.'
The message seemed a bit serious. I rang her and finally reached her.
Emily came onto the line and she sounded upset. "Are you ok Em?" I asked.
"Matt I have to fly out on Monday. They have brought forward some of the promotional activities for 'Warrior Within' and I have to go to LA on Monday for a photo shoot and articles for a few magazines, then to New York for more work before going back to London to start filming my next movie... I won't get to say goodbye to you..." Emily said, sounding like she was tearing up.
"Oh Em that is terrible news. I was really looking forward to coming down to see you... I don't want you to go."
"I don't want to go either, but I have to."
"I know you have to, but I still don't want you to go."
"What are we going to do?"
************
Emily and I consoled each other over the phone, lamenting the fact that she had to fly out to LA on Monday and we wouldn't get a chance to spend more time together, or even say goodbye properly. I then had an idea. I went to my computer and asked Emily "What time does your flight leave?"
"It leaves at 12:15pm Matty. Why?"
"So you have to get there 3 hours before, so you will be at the airport from about 9 o'clock right?"
"Yes Matt. What are you doing?"
"I'm booking a flight down to see you at the airport before you leave... Right all done. I arrive in Melbourne at 8 am and I can get the shuttle across to the International Terminal to see you before you go."
"Really Matt. You did that just to see me?"
"Of course. I couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye."
"I can't wait to see you."
"I can't wait to see you either."
***********
The next day at work I spoke to my boss and told her how Emily was leaving earlier than initially planned, and that I wanted to go have the day off to say goodbye. My boss was initially unhappy that I wanted the day off, but when I told her why she agreed that I could do it.
My brother in law David also called in to see me at work and dropped off the present I had asked Jenny to make for Emily. He wished me luck for my trip to Melbourne.
I was so nervous heading to Melbourne and so sad. I didn't want to say goodbye to Emily. I had fallen for her and was pretty sure she felt the same way. In my backpack I had her present wrapped up and a card to give her.
My flight was a little late and once at Melbourne Airport I made my way over to the International terminal, messaging Emily to let her know that I had arrived. Once at the International Terminal I waited near the Qantas check in. Only 5 minutes later I saw Emily come in through the doors. She had her sunglasses on, jeans and a long coat. I could see her looking around the area. When she saw me her face absolutely beamed, and she started to walk quicker, almost running to meet me. She almost leapt into my arms as we hugged and kissed.
Emily held me really tight as she sniffled in my ear. "Oh Matt I've missed you."
"I've missed you too Em." I whispered back.
We were then interrupted by Emily's sister who had come up to join us. Emily and I disentangled from each other and she then introduced me properly to Sophie.
Sophie and I began to chat as Emily went and checked into her flight. I had spoken to Sophie previously on the phone so it wasn't awkward between us.
We talked about a few things before she said how good it was that I had come down to see Emily off and how much she was going to miss Emily. I agreed saying I was going to miss Emily too. Sophie then started to sound serious.
"Matt, I don't think you are, but I really hope you are not just leading Emily on. She likes you very much and I DON'T want to see her hurt again."
"Sophie, I definitely do not want to hurt Emily. She is amazing and I really like her a lot too."
"Good. It has taken her a long time to get over Derek." Sophie paused and continued "I haven't seen Emily this happy in years. I just want her to be happy."
"She makes me so happy too. I can't imagine being without her now to tell you the truth."
"Please look after Emily. Or else you will have me to answer to." Sophie replied with a little smirk, but she was serious about looking after her sister.
"I definitely will." I said
Emily then walked back to us. She had arranged for all of us to go into the Qantas Club lounge before she had to go through to her flight. Sophie declined though, saying that we should spend a little time together. She and Emily had a big hug, saying their goodbyes. They had done this many times over the years, but it still wasn't easy.
Sophie then gave me a hug. "Look after Emily." She said.
Sophie then left and Emily and I were guided by someone from Qantas into the lounge. Emily seemed to attract a bit of attention as we walked through to a more secluded area of the club. We sat down and cuddled together.
We held hands as we talked and snuggled together. Emily was telling me how her production company loved my story and definitely wanted to make it into a movie. They just needed a screenplay written. She suggested that I should do it and that I'd be a great writer. I sort of scoffed at the idea, but Emily was insistent that I should give it a go. I told her I would think about.
Our conversation was a little awkward, as we both didn't want to acknowledge that we had to say goodbye shortly. The looks we exchanged were full of longing and some sadness. Emily told me that I could come over to London and see her whenever I wanted. I told her I would arrange something as soon as I could.
Time flew as we were there together. A member of the Qantas team came over and interrupted us, saying it was time for 'Miss Windsor' to go through to her flight.