The Unexpected

Chapter 3 - Where do we go from here?

A/N: Hey guys, thank you once again for taking time out to read, vote and comment on my story! Again if you would like to see nursery nurse edits my TikTok: @ventu.nursery. As always all feedback is welcome!

The night grew late around the pair, the café began to empty, the hum of the once bustling conversation had now been replaced by the rhythmic hum of the coffee machine and the occasional clink of a spoon against a cup. The manager who had dealt with the commotion earlier watched the pair intently from the counter, the once shocked face that he had sported had been replaced by a knowing smile. He had let the younger boy go earlier, it wasn't like he was any use anyway, he just kept staring at Mia instead of serving customers like he was hired to do. "We're closing up ladies, time to let me go home to the wife and kids!" He called out over to the pair as he finished wiping down the counter and placing the coffee cups back onto the shelf.

Mia glanced at her watch; her eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, I had no idea it was so late. I guess it's true what they say: time really does fly when you are having fun, huh?" She reached over the table and gave Charlotte's hand a quick squeeze before realizing what she had done before reeling her hand back onto her lap. If only she knew that the sudden absence of her touch had made Charlotte feel that she was left with a cold void that she was desperate to fill.

They gathered their things, made sure to tip the manager handsomely for his hospitality and the endless pots of coffee that were placed in front of the pair. The cold air hit them, the quiet streets providing a stark contrast to the warmth of their conversation. The realization that the reality of friends, family, work, commitments and the outside world had slowly creeped into the bubble that they had both lost themselves in.

As they stood bathed in the diminishing light of the café, Mia and Charlotte exchanged glances, the impending goodbye casting a shadow over their smiles. They both knew that this was their first date however the connection they had formed in such a short time had made the thought of parting bittersweet. "How about a walk?" Mia suggested, eager to prolong the evening. "There is a beautiful park near here, a few streets away."

Charlotte nodded eagerly, and they began to stroll leisurely down the pavement, the gentle clicks of their shoes echoing in the quiet night. When they reached the park, it was just as Mia described it was indeed beautiful, with its lush greenery and serene pond reflecting the moon's soft light. They found a secluded bench and sat down, the tension of the impending goodbye thickening the air around them.

"You know I have lived here for years and have never been to this park?" Charlotte admitted, looking up at the night sky, wishing on every star that this night wouldn't end. As she inched her body closer to Mia's in some last bid to keep her by her side and not let go.

Mia felt a twinge of regret at the thought of leaving so soon after meeting such an amazing person however she knew her job called. "Well, I am glad we made a point to visit it together before I go." A sense of unease lined the pit of her stomach as she knew that this was going to be their last meeting for at least a week.

"Go?" Charlotte almost whimpered like a child whose ice cream had just fallen out their hand. How can she just go after having this instant connection? It just made the goodbye even harder and even more unfair.

Mia's heart ached at the response, she felt she had reached into Charlottes chest and pulled out her heart and now it was fading away in her hands. "You're right I have to go away to Milan for a week, I have some business I need to take care of, sweetheart."

Charlotte felt a sudden pang of disappointment. A week apart already? She tried to keep her voice light. "Milan? I've always wanted to go to Italy." Her attention then focused to her hands as she started to once again pick at the skin around them.

"Maybe... if you're lucky I'll take you there one day." Mia responded hoping to offer Charlotte at least some comfort to an otherwise bleak situation which seemed to help as Charlottes bright smile once again lit up her face.

They talked for what felt like hours, their conversation flowing as naturally as the gentle breeze that whispered through the leaves above them. They touched on everything from their favourite books to their most embarrassing moments, sharing laughs and smiles that seemed to light up the darkened park. As the night grew later, Mia's eyes flickered to her watch, the glowing hands a stark reminder of the reality waiting outside their little bubble that they had lost themselves in again.

"I really should get going," Mia said, reluctance tugging at her words. "I have an early flight tomorrow."

'It's been an amazing night though." Charlotte nodded trying to hide the sadness in her eyes.

Mia stood up, now bravely taking Charlotte's hand in hers. "It really has, and I promise I'll make it up to you as soon as I get back." Their hands stayed intertwined as they walked back to the curb where Mia's taxi was awaiting, the engine purring into the night. She turned to face Charlotte, the glow from the streetlamps casting a warm halo around her.

"Thank you for a wonderful evening," Mia said, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "I had a great time getting to know you."

"Me too," Charlotte responded her eyes searching Mia's as if trying to memorise every detail. "I'll miss you while you're away."

Mia felt a sudden tightness in her chest. She hadn't expected to feel so strongly for someone she had just met, but here she was, feeling like she was leaving a piece of herself behind. "I'll miss you too," she said softly before reaching in her jacket for and placing a business card into Charlotte's hand. "We'll keep in touch, right?"

Charlotte nodded trying to keep her voice steady. "Of course. We'll message, call and maybe you can even send me some emails with all the juicy details and pictures from Milan?"

Mia's smile grew, she was glad of the prospect of staying connected to Charlotte even while she was away, filling her with comfort. "It's a deal. Maybe you'll even get some personal photos." She teased her, thumb brushing gently against Charlotte's hand.

They shared a lingering look, the kind that promised more than just friendship. "I'll hold you to that," Charlotte said, her voice a whisper.

Mia stepped closer, her eyes searching Charlotte's. "I'm counting on it," she murmured before leaning in to give her a gentle kiss on the cheek. It was a chaste gesture, but it held the promise of something more, something deeper.

Charlotte's heart fluttered at the touch of Mia's lips, and she felt the warmth spread through her body. "Stay safe," she whispered, not trusting her voice to say more.

Mia was about to climb into the taxi, however found her hand lingering on the door handle. "I will," she said, her eyes never leaving Charlotte's. "And remember, no getting into trouble while I'm gone."

Charlotte's smile was a little wobbly, but she managed to laugh. "I'll try my best," she said, the promise in her eyes.

Mia nodded, took a deep breath, and then move back towards Charlotte and leaned in for one more quick kiss, this time on the lips. It was a moment that seemed to stand still, the rush of the world outside the taxi fading away to nothing but the soft pressure of their mouths and the rapid beating of their hearts. When she pulled back, her eyes searched Charlotte's, looking for any sign of regret. However, all she saw reflected was her own feelings: hope, excitement, and a hint of fear at the unknown.

"I'll be counting the days," Mia whispered before climbing into the taxi and shutting the door. The taxi pulled away, leaving Charlotte standing on the sidewalk, her hand still on her cheek where Mia's lips had been. She watched the taillights disappear into the night, feeling a mix of happiness and a strange sort of sadness that she hadn't felt in a long time.

Just like that, she was gone. It all seemed to be a dream that Charlotte desperately didn't want to wake up from, Charlotte would spend the remainder of the night tossing and turning in bed at home, as her head flipped to the worst and best outcomes that could come of this newfound connection. Was this actually going to go anywhere? Was there any point in getting her hopes up? Did she mean what she said that she would come back for her? Should she just give up and tell Marjorie she got stood up? The thoughts gave her knots in her stomach as she considered if she was actually good enough to deserve such happiness. Tomorrow it was back to reality.