The Blue Bracelet

Chapter 4

The chair scraped against the floor as May sat down, looking at Skye with expectant eyes. He yawned, wincing as a cut on his lip stretched. His face had paled again, and there was that cut. She wondered.

"Where'd that cut come from?" Skye's tired face darkened, and his right hand went to his mouth covertly.

"What cut?"

"Never mind. Are you doing anything today?" She changed the subject, her face brightening again. Skye shook his head, and May leaned closer in excitement.

"Alright, then! You're coming with me!" Skye suddenly became more alert and suspicious. Sensing his question, May added, "We're going sightseeing in London - no buts or what abouts. I'm paying, and you're coming!" She gleamed, while Skye just looked caught off guard. A moment of silence passed, with May bouncing happily in her seat, and Skye trying to work out,

"Why? Why me? Isn't there anyone else?" His confused face made May laugh and shake her head.

"Of course not, you're my only friend in the City, and I'd love you to show me around. I haven't been to any of the sights yet, and Ms Hartford said I could get some inspiration from London." May patted his hand, now on the table, before grabbing it and dragging him towards the door. Skye saw the wrappers of their packed lunch sticking out of her satchel, and followed May through the streets, his free left hand thrust deep into his pocket.

They went towards Tower Bridge and stood in the centre, watching the various tourist and pleasure boats rumble beneath them on the murky waters of the Thames. May paused from waving at some couple on a boat to look at Skye. Unlike her, he was watching the sky, as seagulls and ravens flitted and flapped about. A breeze carried up river from the sea ruffled his messy hair, and he closed his eyes in pleasure. Smiling, May nudged his arm and pulled him along to their first destination.

With one last look at the blue skies, Skye followed, hands deep in his pockets as they made their way across, to the Tower of London.

'''''''''''''

Within 20 minutes May had three pages' worth of rough sketches and drawings of the greatest prison in Britain, and the area surrounding it. When she'd asked Skye which he preferred, he'd pointed to the one of a raven, mid takeoff, to which she replied, 'me too.'

The lines of the Tower Millennium Pier was their next attraction as they waited for a ferry to take them to Bankside. Once on board, May ran laughing up the stairs to the open top deck; rushing to the side and holding her arms out wide to the wind, her hair whipping wildly. Sunshine hit her face as she watched the centre of London pass her by. Elation and happiness filled her, as she laughed with pure joy. She spent the rest of the journey meaning against the railings, watching other boats, gawping at buildings, and filling her sketchbook up with ideas. Skye wasn't far away from her, watching her closely whenever she leaned too far, or whooped too loudly.

They soon reached Bankside on the opposite side of the wide Thames river, and disembarked before walking along the riverside. Ambling along, they entered galleries with vast watercolour artworks and shops selling souvenir trinkets.

Conversation came easy to the two people who barely knew each other, as they watched a tubby man painted silver entertain toddlers on the boardwalk.

"Are you enjoying the day so far, then?" May asked at one point, as they sat eating their lunch on a bench outside Tate Modern. Skye shrugged as he polished off his burger before getting up. Following his lead, May dropped their rubbish in a bin and brushed crumbs from her clothes. Walking along, conversation turned to their favourite foods. May had just described her ultimate meal, which was an Olive and Pepper Pizza and Nutella and dough balls from Pizza Express. Skye turned to her quizzically.