What If

Chapter 3 - Sunset

Thomas' P.O.V.
As I left work, I was more than surprised to see the sun shining brightly in the sky. It was meant to be dark already, but I didn't complain. It was nice to at least see the sun for once - living in Britain meant that I didn't see it much! Smiling, I decided to take the scenic route home, through the park. Although the sun was out, there was still a slight chill in the air, so I had to pull my coat closer to my body as I walked. Now in the park, I watched the children playing as I strolled. Some were laughing, where others were smiling and chasing their friends around. I couldn't help but chuckle as I watched them. Turning my attention away from the children, I looked up the path ahead. There were several benches on either side of the path, but at the very end, where a large oak tree stood overlooking the lake, was just one bench. There was a girl sat at it, and her head was bent, like she was reading or something. When I passed her bench, I couldn't help but look over at her again. She had long brown hair hanging loosely over her shoulders, and there was a satchel by her feet. Wait a second. Was that-

"Taylor?" I asked, causing the girl to turn round instantly.

"Oh, hey Thomas!" She smiled, "What brings you here?"

"Uh, I'm just on my way home. What about you? I thought you were on a date?"

"Oh, I am!" She grinned, patting the bench, "Meet Benchy, my boyfriend and partner in crime!" She laughed when she saw my expression of complete confusion.

"No I'm kidding! I said I had a date because I had a date with myself. For my writing."

"Ohhh that makes more sense!" I chuckled, sitting down next to her, "So what are you writing?"

"I'm writing a novel. I've only just started, but I come here often to get inspiration," She replied, stroking the binding of the book in her lap.

"May I?" I asked, pointing to the book.

"Sorry but it's personal and I don't like sharing my personal stuff with people," She said quietly, sliding the book into her satchel.

"No that's okay, I understand!" I smiled at her. She smiled back with those wild green eyes. They sparkled more in the light of the setting sun, and they took my breath away.

"So, do you come here often?" She said, folding her hands on her knees and looking out over the lake. The sun was setting just on the horizon, lighting up the water in an array of oranges, pinks and yellows. It's sun rays stretched out over the surface, like fingers of fire. It was beautiful.

"No, I don't actually. I should do more often though, it's stunning here!" I breathed, scanning the water with my eyes, "How about you?"

"Every day," She said quietly, "I come here to write and to think. I find it's easier to think when you're on your own you know? Away from the whispers and talks of others."

I turned my head to look at her. She was gazing out at the water, much like I had, her eyes fixed on the sun set.

"What do you mean?" I mumbled, and she turned to face me.

"Never mind! Anyway, I should be getting home now! It was nice to talk to you, Thomas! We should do it again sometime."

"Yeah, yeah I'd like that! Well let me give you my number," I said, as she handed me her phone. I quickly typed my number into her phone and gave it back to her.

"Okay thanks! I'll see you around Thomas!" She smiled for a final time, before turning and walking away down the path. I watched her as she did. In her brownish-orangey coat, and her dark hair, she blended into the scenery around her as she walked, almost as if she were becoming part of the autumnal trees and leaves, until I couldn't see her anymore. Smiling to myself, I chuckled quietly, before heading home myself.

"Bye Benchy!" I laughed, as I passed her bench.