London Has Your Eyes

Chapter 6. Daniel

I get to the train station almost without any traffic jams. I park as quickly as possible and run inside. This time I'm not in a hurry, I'm looking carefully at the people around me and the outline of the building itself. It's funny, I've been to the train station so many times, but I've never paid attention to its architecture and uniqueness. I see Alex almost immediately. She looks somehow different: a burgundy yellow scarf wrapped around her neck, a smile from ear to ear, and eyes shining like two spotlights. She glows like the sun that makes you want to warm yourself in its rays. So, wait, what's happening?

There was no trace of the morning calm girl giggling at me. Now I see a little girl in a state of true happiness. I am staring at her. I study her for a while until she starts looking at her watch and typing something on her phone.

- Hello again,- I say, moving quickly closer. - You look like you had a good trip, don't you?

- Hi, it's a marvellous thing! Just look at how beautiful it is! To say that I am happy is to say nothing at all. So many emotions! It's like being brought back to my childhood and being taught to believe in fairy tales and goodness and unicorns. That's amazing! And see, I finally got myself a Gryffindor scarf trophy. This day will definitely go down in the history of my life as one of the brightest! Tomorrow would be the day I got to the museum! I've been talking too much, here's your phone,-she reached into her purse and handed me my mobile phone. - It's safe and sound.

- And where did he end up? - my curiosity takes over.

- In the room. It had fallen in the hallway, the maid accidentally found it. Lucky you. I hope you didn't miss anything important. - She says kindly. I swear I feel like I've searched every corner of her room. The maids must know places the guests don't even know about.

The first thing I do is turn on my phone, and for a couple of minutes all we hear is the sound of messages coming in from every possible messenger. I check to see if Sophie's name is among them, and sigh in relief when I don't see it on the list. So I haven't missed anything important. There is a lively discussion in our chat room about the reasons for my silence and the possible wonders of gymnastics that have been happening to me overnight. Jerks. I post that I'm on, and they start hooting all over again. Double jerks.

- What are your plans for the day? - I ask. I feel a bit indebted to her or something. She's helped me out twice in the last few hours.

- Nothing, just walking around and exploring the city. Are you busy? I'd really appreciate it if you could show me around London. Not touristy, your London, through the eyes of a local, so to speak.

Before I can answer it, her phone rings. She immediately gets serious, gestures for me to be quiet, and answers the phone. She's speaking in Russian, so I can't understand a word. But judging by her intonation and how soft her expression has become, she seems to be talking to someone she cares a lot about. She said she isn't married, but she didn't say anything about a boyfriend. I wait and she ends the call very quickly. I don't understand why it annoys me that she has someone.

- Sorry,- she says, - an urgent call from Russia, I couldn't miss it. So, will you show me the city?

- Yes, I will. But I'm not sure you'll appreciate it. London is very different from what's usually printed in guidebooks. I've got three hours, then I've got a game to get to. Me and the lads are playing football in our neighbourhood. Friendly regular game, can't be late. No way. You're welcome to join us if you like, since you're interested in "my London".