The reason for Odette's lack of communication yesterday was due to her phone being dead, which shockingly has never happened to her before in the time that we've known each other - apparently she calmed down a lot after talking to Ben at work, he was probably the best person she talked to about it considering he's the only one who knows why she left France in the first place.

I took my carry-on suitcase over to her apartment, we had decided that it would be easier to be in one place rather than two, not that I minded much; I've grown very fond of Odette's spare bedroom now, it's simple and plain, very easily mouldable if she wishes to decorate it.

Anyway, our flight to France leaves in twenty minutes and we've already gotten ourselves checked in, the airport is its usual everyday bustle; passengers dragging suitcases through the terminals, security their usual alert selves and the cafés striving with customers. It's a nice atmosphere, but I'd still rather be seated comfortably on the plane than having to wait any longer. We got here two hours ago and have had breakfast in a local café, the pancake board hung on the side wall is what drew us in - the image was similar to those adverts on the TV with drizzling maple syrup; it was so mouthwatering we couldn't resist.

Odette is a lot more excited today and I'm immensely glad. She has nothing to worry about, although how am I to know; I really hope I find out what's happened, or is that me being too intrusive? I just want to know, I feel like that's a large chunk that is missing from our relationship. I've hit a brick wall with her and no matter how many times I get told or I tell myself that she genuinely likes me, I always find a stronger reason that persuades me otherwise. My poor girl, my poor beautiful girl, what happened to you?

Her eyes sparkle at the empty plate in front of her, stomach halted from their previous grumbles and her face etched with a content smile. I'm guessing she enjoyed it then. "Come on, we'll be boarding soon." I take Odette's hand tightly in mine, our carry-ons trailing behind us as we walk through duty free and towards the boarding gate, queuing up patiently behind the earlier passengers. 'How are you feeling?' My eyes scan her frame and I'm reminded, yet again, just how lucky I am.

'It doesn't matter. I'm here with you, and that makes me as happy as I could ever be.' She signs back and I'm surprised by her somewhat cheesy comment, though I gladly embrace it. She blushes at her own words and my unexpected small kiss to the corner of her lips.

'How did I ever get so lucky?' My question is rhetorical and one that I've asked her plenty of times before. I kiss her again and we shuffle forward with the rest of the queue, finally boarding our plane.

•••

Soft tickles wake me from my slumber, Odette's head leaning on my shoulder and her hair brushing against my face as she peacefully sleeps; her eyes flutter occasionally as she dreams, lips parting only softly to release light breathing and within seconds her face nuzzles into the crook of my neck. I can smell her perfume and the overwhelming scent of her citrus shampoo, Odette's entire body relaxed and calm, it reminds me of the day we met and that familiar smile took over her face - she looked in her element, so natural, just like she does now.

A slight movement nudges my shoulder and she sits up straight in her chair, topaz eyes scanning around her before they land on me, finally understanding where she is and what she was doing; 'we're almost there Odette. You're almost back home.' She glances worriedly out of the oblong and circular window to see a vast array of picturesque clouds - all floating peaceful across the sky like weightless balloons. My beautiful neighbour grasps my hand tightly for reassurance and the pilot warns us of slight turbulence, I interpret to Odette so she isn't spooked when the rough shaking occurs; her hand never leaves mine, just holds tighter until she feels safe enough to loosen her grip.

'I don't want to go back Harry.' She panics beside meand her breathing increases rapidly, I can feel her thumping heartbeat as her wrist rests against the side of my arm. Why is she so nervous? I hate seeing her like this, so vulnerable and scared, and I can't help but think the worst of this place. Maybe she shouldn't have come along, perhaps it wasn't a good idea after all.

Despite my own thoughts I reassure her, 'it'll all be okay, Odette. I'll be here with you the whole time.' My hands sign and her shoulders slump only slightly - I like that she feels relaxed when I'm around, it makes me feel like she needs me; my head portrays the scene as a damsel in distress needing her knight in shining armour, but of course, my mind tends to exaggerate slightly.

Sudden turbulence makes the plane jolt and shuffle, Odette's hand clasping mine tighter as she closes her eyes and ignores the world, something I'd say she does all the time. My heart thumps as we nudge shoulders, both of our bodies jerking in our seats and light whimpers coming from unsuspecting children.

I automatically assume the worst as anyone would. What would happen if the plane crashed and took Odette and I with it? Would anyone miss us? I would never have told her how I truly felt, never got to tell her that I love her. I sink internally. What a waste of emotion if that were to happen, a waste of pure devotion and love if the worst were to happen right now. To never have love someone so important to you, or feel that love in return, to be ripped of the opportunity. It's a hard concept to imagine; Fortunately, the plane calms moments later, however Odette doesn't open her eyes. I assume it's because she wants one last moment of peace before departing the plane.

The thumping in my heart calms and I squeeze her hand tighter not getting any response, I'm okay with that, as long as she's safe beside me. We spiral downward very slowly in the stack and wait patiently until it's our turn to land, passengers already organising the dropped down trays on the backs of the seats in front, deciding what's to keep and what's to throw away - I do the same and sort my rubbish into two separate piles. Everyone seems to be calm, I'd even go as far to say that there's an aroma of excitement in the air; whether it's families going on holiday, loved ones moving away, or simply people returning home, everyone is excited. Even me, I'm excited to meet Odette's family and learn more about her, especially to hear the rest of those embarrassing stories that Evelyn was telling me about.

One of the air hostess' stands from her seat as the plane finally touches down into the runway, she walks down the length of the plane with a spare bin big for anyone's rubbish and several minutes later struts back with it full. Passengers bustle with their belongings when the plane is safely taxied and parked in its correct gate - family members mumur as they wake their friends or loved ones, informing them of our arrival; I decide to do the same, running my thumb across the top of Odette's hand to wake her.

'We're here babe.' My fingers stumble as passengers stretch their legs and grab their carry-on luggage from the planes overhead compartments, everyone desperate to be relieved from the stuffy and overwhelming temperature on board that they've had to endure for the last two and a half hours. I simply watch on comfortably, we're not in any rush to move and Odette is still waking up from her earlier nap.

Moments later everyone has successfully aligned themselves in a single file line to exit the plane, clutching their belongings and constantly double-checking their seats, simply to make sure they haven't forgotten anything. My paranoid brain does the same, ticking my subconscious checklist and picking up things left on the tray attached to the back of the chair in front. Odette stretches her limbs and stands, following me out of our seats and carefully taking her carry-on luggage from the stranded overhead compartment. 'Do you have everything?' She nods and I follow behind her, carrying my own luggage off the plane.

The airport is bustling as expected, passengers running around like headless chickens, trying to catch their flights; then there is a small minority of people like Odette and I who stroll casually through the security checks and make our way out of the terminal. Overall it's been a pleasant flight, the swap over was a breeze and my nerves have started to kick in, I'll be meeting Odette's family soon - now I understand how she's been feeling, although I know it's not because she's nervous about seeing her family. 'You okay?' I sign, making sure that my effortless beauty is satisfied.

'Yes, it's strange being home.' Of course, she hasn't been back home for the last three years; this place must hold really bad memories for her if she decided to make the drastic decision to move countries. It's in that moment that I yet again wonder if I will ever know the reason for her leaving. In time Harry, just give her time.

Clasping clammy hands, Odette and I refuse to leave each other's sides - for completely different reasons though; Odette clings on to me most likely to soothe her nerves, whereas I retain my tight grasp in fear of her letting go. We walk out of the terminal and straight into a nearby taxi, the kind gentleman helps us with our bags - his age and personal pictures at the front of the car suggesting he comes from a loving family, and his general chit-chat signals his bubbly personality, overall he seems like a really nice guy.

The hotel isn't far from Odette's family home apparently - an approximate twenty minutes into the vast countryside - or so she says with reluctance. This is probably the fourth or fifth time that I've noticed her extremely hostile attitude towards this place, it appears that the closer we get, the more she wants to go home; this trip was meant to be fun and exciting for the both of us, an opportunity to spend time together away from the hectic mess of our normal lives, it isn't turning out as I'd hoped though. Maybe I should arrange something, we're here over Valentine's Day so hopefully what I have planned will lighten her dampened mood.

My hand is squeezed tightly, in an almost vice like grip as we make our way into the hotel room; Odette has refused to let go of me, to my satisfaction, and made an obvious effort to keep our hands clasped when going through awkward entrances - such as the struggle to get into our room. Once though the doorway I immediately notice the main feature, It's a double bed however Odette didst seem to mind when I first informed her a couple of weeks ago; maybe it's because she feels safer with me by her side - I hope that's true.

The suitcases are placed neatly on either side of the bed and pushed under, the both of us wandering in complete silence for the first half an hour of us being here. She needs to regain her thoughts and composure, maybe I should let her know that I will be here for her - the scattered movements of my troubled neighbour show me that her mind is mithered and she doesn't quite know what to do with herself. Poor girl, there must be so much going on inside of her head - so many troubles and fears that she's resilient to tell me, she shouldn't be thinking this hard; this is your element baby girl, live in it.

'Hey,' I pause her pacing steps. I like using sign language to talk to her; when in a crowded scene it's our own personal way of communicating, a conversation that can't be overheard or interrupted, peacefully perfect. 'I'm here for you. Stop worrying baby, I'll be here, always.' Her breathing hitches and for the first time her walls seems to crack only slightly and I don't like what I see - a small, tragically broken little girl, scared and timid in her own home. But why? Why baby girl?

Seconds later Odette gains her composure and embraces me in a thankful hug, soft lips placed against my clothed shirt and I understand it's her way of expressing a 'thank you'. My head lifts and I look at the black wall in view, her height significantly smaller than mine - "I love you Odette." She can't hear me but she feels the vibrations through my chest ricochet onto her cheek, and looks up at me expectantly - strong and closed off as always, her earlier sign of weakness forgotten. "I'm here for you Odette." I interpret a lie, knowing that I can't tell her how I truly feel, will it really make a difference? It would overwhelm her, she's already going through enough as it is.

'Can we do something?' She asks. Finally, she replies. I've missed those ocean blue eyes and familiar blush, within minutes she's back to herself again and I never thought I'd see the day; it's almost as if something has flipped inside of her and all she needed was that little bit of reassurance from me that I'm here to stay, everything will be alright.

'Anything,' I squirm excitedly, 'anything you want.'

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Let me know what you think about Odette's reaction in this chapter, what do you think is wrong with her?

Comment and vote please! Thank you :)

- Pianogirl56