I'm Sorry, Do I Know You..?

Chapter 7- Delia

It's all there. All the memories of all the secret meetings in alleyways, all the stolen kisses, all the forbidden hand touches in the streets and cafes, all the risky nights spent in the single bed in my room, everything. I stare at her, taking in the beauty of her face, her vibrant red lips and jawline that you could cut your hand on it was so sharp. And then, without thinking, in the middle of a busy street, I kiss her. Not a friendly kiss on the cheek, a proper kiss. Even I'm shocked. I can feel her tense, tighten up, but after a moment she's kissing me back. Her hand slides up my back and rests on my shoulder, and I feel safe, protected by it. My hand, however, clearly has other ideas, slides down her back and sits, well, on her arse. I can feel her relax now, becoming less and less tense, and as she does so she kisses me harder. It's been so long since I've had these butterflies in my stomach, and I remember how just a few hours ago, Patsy was just a blank face in my dreams. Now I'm making out with her in the middle of London - this changed quickly!
After an eternity, we both pull back from each other, and I'm startled to see that she's crying.
"Patsy...Pats? I...I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have —" I stammer, but she cuts me off.
"Delia, don't you understand? People could have seen! I expect they probably did! And if we get reported then that's my career - and yours, as a matter of fact - down the drain." She tries to carry on but chokes back on her tears. I've really muffed this up.
"I'm sorry, Patsy. It was foolish of me, and unforgivable. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." And I turn on my heels to leave.
I'm halfway down the road before she calls my name. Softly at first, but firmer when I don't turn around.
"Delia...Delia!" She cries. I have to look at her. I slowly spin back. "Oh Delia, I didn't finish. What I was going to say was..." She's crying again. "I wouldn't mind - losing my job, you know - if it meant I could be with you. You mean the world to me and I never, ever want to lose you again." Now it's my turn to cry.
"Pats, all these months I was away, I remembered nothing but the back of your head. As soon as I saw you tonight, I remembered everything. I feel so guilty that I just disappeared, leaving everything, leaving you, and having no idea. I'd quite happily lose everything to be with you. I love you." It's the first time either of us has said it out loud; it's only been written down in letters before, and even then it was mainly her. I was just always too scared, that I'd commit and then let her down. Now I know that I really do love her. I'm sure of it.
     "I love you too, Delia Busby."

~I'm not sure if I'll update this anymore, but I'm moving over to Archive Of Our Own where my username is 'youareadarkhorse' and I'll be writing much more regularly over there. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!~