Solitude

Chapter 12 (London)

CHAPTER TWELVE

            She couldn’t sleep. She tried to but she couldn’t sleep. The silent hum of the engine and the stillness of the night went unnoticed by her as she stared into the vast sky outside the plane’s window, watching the stars as they twinkle the night by. Even the most simple minded person could tell that she’s so lost deep in her thoughts and by the way her brows furrowed and her jaw set, they’re not really the most pleasant thoughts. Her seatmate stirred in her sleep that made her removed her gaze from the sight outside.

            She envied her actually – her companion – it took her less than a minute to get settled and fell into a deep sleep while she’s here, staring at nothing, thinking about everything, and couldn’t get a wink of sleep, it’s really bothersome. Once again, she tried closing her eyes and shutting her thoughts to salvage some sleep because the plane won’t be on air forever. She needed rest badly. After a few minutes, she gave up and just settled in watching the sky changed its colors as the night turned into another day.

            They hurried to the arrival area once the plane landed, as far as she knew their ride wasn’t the most patient person she met in her life. They wander around looking for him but they couldn’t found him, it’s either he’s not yet there or he’s not coming at all which is irritating since it’s her first time in London and she failed to research about the place.

            “Have you found him?” She heard Betty asked her. They looked around but it was futile since they failed to see him.

            Alex puffed out some air to diminish the irritation that’s been bubbling on her chest from the when they’re still onboard. “No. I don’t think he’s here,” she started to walk. “Let’s just get out of here and find someplace to rest, I’m so tired and I think I’ve got some jetlag.”

            They found some chairs a few steps away from the door and sat to get some desperately needed rest. The sun was shining but a great mass of rain clouds were there hanging around as if telling everyone to enjoy the sun while it lasts for rain’s coming fast.

            A nudge on her shoulders caught her attention and she turned her gaze to Betty holding something that looks like a sandwich and a bottle of cold water. She murmured her thanks and took a swig of the cold water to help her cool down and replenish her, she felt so tired and her whole body ached for a comfortable bed.

            ‘What the heck is taking Nicolas so long? He should be here by now and yet here we are outside the airport looking like idiots. We’re going to have a nice and long talk once I get my rest.’

            She tipped her head backwards and closed her eyes for a while when a horn almost made her jump. She glared at the car right next to them wanting to give the driver a piece of her mind if only she’s not so tired, it would be a waste of energy to argue with someone right now. The door opened on the right side of the car (she almost forgot that the driver’s seat on British cars is on the right side) and the stupid driver jumped out smiling like the stupid person that he is.

            “Hi!” The driver said smiling as wide as the Pacific Ocean and opened his arms out wide. “Don’t I deserve a hug from the two of you?”

            She almost fell out of her chair when Betty jumped up and rushed to hug the guy in front of them. She studied him carefully, trying to recognize him because she felt like she knew him from somewhere, like she saw him before but she just couldn’t place him.

            He looked at her as if expecting her to follow what Betty did, well tough luck, she’s not that trusting. “Smith, don’t tell me you didn’t miss the most good looking man you’ve ever encountered in your whole life?”