Winter Wayhaught

Chapter 9

Ten minutes before Waverly's train was due to arrive, the pair sat in Nicole's car. Waverly looked tired. Nicole was worried for her, considering the long journey she had ahead. It would take several hours to reach London, travelling alone, getting a cab, arriving at the hotel.

"Will you be OK?"

"I'm used to it. Hard when I first moved here, all the back and forth. Now, it's just part of what I do."

"I wish I could come with you."

Waverly giggled. "That and cake. Your signature chat up lines."

"What? No. Please don't think what Robin put in that text is in any way what I'm thinking right now."

"It's what I'm thinking right now."

"It is?"

"Let's see what happens when I get back. Nothing rushed."

"Nothing rushed. Although, your train is pulling into the station."

"Crap. I meant what I said."

"Meant what?"

"In my text."

Waverly exited the car, grabbing her bags from the back seat, running to catch her train. Nicole watched as it pulled out, Waverly walking down the middle of the carriage, sitting, looking out the window. Travelling into the night. Alone.

Nicole wished more than anything she was on that train. Her own bag alongside Waverly's. Sitting gazing into her eyes. Talking, laughing, perhaps sharing a snack. Not cake, too messy for train journeys. Travelling into the night. Together.

Nicole: Missing you

Waverly: Missing you more

Nicole: When are you back?

Waverly: Tuesday evening

Nicole: Call me when you get to the hotel

Waverly: It'll be late

Nicole: I won't sleep until I know you're there

Waverly: OK

Nicole: I'll worry if I don't hear from you

Waverly: Promise. Hugs

Nicole: Hugs

Nicole wondered if Waverly would remember to call. Rollercoaster. Waiting, thinking through all possible scenarios as to why she hadn't. Wondering whether to call, knowing it altered the dynamics of the relationship. She didn't care. She calculated she would be at the hotel shortly after midnight. If she hadn't heard from her by then, she would make contact, find out where she was.

In bed, half way through a novel, Nicole checked her phone. Twenty minutes past midnight.

Nicole: Are you there yet?

Waverly: Stuck on train. Signal problems

Nicole: Is anyone in the carriage with you?

Waverly: No. Just me. Wish you were here

Nicole: Me too. Do you want me to call you?

Waverly: It's late. Go to sleep.

"Hi, it's me."

"Why are you still awake?"

"How can I sleep knowing you're on your own?"

"Train's moving again. Should be at the hotel by 1am I think."

"When's your meeting?"

"It's a brunch. A few people who want to develop one of my stories."

"Sounds exciting."