Officially Cumberbatched? A sequel to 'Well and truly Cumberbatched'

Chapter 59

AN: Hymn for the weekend - Coldplay. 

Wednesday afternoon.

"Merlin couldn't be less pleased to see me." Bridget uttered, the two of us walking along the Wimbledon Common, Merlin a few paces ahead on his extending leash.

"Bridge if Merlin has to come all the way here for lunch he's going to want more than a belly rub. He's accustomed to a certain lifestyle that usually involves being doted over, not coming to people." I uttered, he wasn't pouting which was nice but I could tell he'd rather be on the Heath.

"Oh, he's got plenty to look forward to." She uttered looking over at him, a bag of treats in her hand.

"You didn't buy him a toy did you?" I asked, she shook her head.

"No, he's got enough at our house. He's more spoiled than most 5 year olds Rosie and they're adorable enough to spoil at that age." She said, I smiled thinking about it.

"I don't have a number for how many he owns, it's bordering on ridiculous. Ben's been the main source of Merlin's belongings anyway, I don't know how he finds the things he brings home. I'm not complaining though. If we'd had a child, I honestly can't imagine having a half-decent house for fear of toys being bloody everywhere." I replied looking over at her, a faint smile appearing on her face.

"Better to spoil him than to not have time for him."

"I know, he's not a bad assistant. He gives me a reason to leave the house when I really don't want to or feel as though I can't."

"Where's Phoebe? Speaking of assistants."

"She's in Twickenham today, spending some time with her parents, Chloe and the kids."

"Really? I thought they were from Hertfordshire. Phoebe grew up there didn't she?" she asked, I shook my head.

"No she grew up in Devon, they moved to Twickenham before she went to uni down here."

"Right."

"Yeah."

"Ben's working tonight isn't he?" she asked, I nodded looking ahead pulling my wayfarer's down, blocking out the sun.

Blocking out Bridget.

"Yes. He's got a few interviews and a photoshoot tonight. He's in Germany tomorrow so I might see him on Thursday before we head off. Might not."

"Let's have a seat, these heels are killing me. I'll grab our drinks in a few minutes from the local."

"Sure."

Sitting at one of the few benches I couldn't help but look into the distance, rubbing my wrist as time passed, waiting for it to just disappear.

...

"Here, they didn't have the tea you wanted. This will do won't it?" she asked, I nodded taking a steaming polystyrene cup from her, a stilton and tomato toasty bundled in my lap.

"Yeah, that's fine. Thank you."

"Rosie."

"Yeah?" I looked over at her mid sip.

"Are you happy to come to France in a few days? I understand if you don't want to. If you'd rather be with Ben whilst he works. He talked about you coming to set recently; he said it meant a lot to him. Just having you there."

"No I don't."

"Don't what?"

"I want to go to France, to just go. I want to go." I uttered taking a bite, my cup now next to me.

"Go where?"

"To France, like you said." I mumbled through a bite, my appetite disappearing by the second.

"Is there anywhere else you want to go?"

"Anywhere."

"With who?"

"No one. Just for five minutes."

"You're not alone." She uttered, a hand on my back.

"Have you seen my phone? I'm fully aware I'm not alone. I'm never alone. When I'm asleep I'm alone. That's the time I have alone, knowing I'm being watched, worried over, wrapped in cotton wool. The only time I enjoy being alone and I'm not conscious to enjoy it."