Love is Patient

Chapter 2

Tina read through the letter one last time. 

Dear Tina,

The occamy eggs have finally hatched. I wish you could see the babies. 

I'm currently in Brazil studying some very interesting creatures for my book. I'm nearly done with it and when I am I'll be sure to bring you your copy as I promised.

Sincerely,
Newt Scamander

The letter was from a month ago and Tina wished he'd write again. She had responded as soon as possible but had gotten no reply since then. She knew that his traveling made it harder for him to write but she couldn't help worrying about him when he didn't. 

"Calm down," Tina told herself. 

"Tina." Queenie's clear voice came up the hall.

"Coming," Tina called.

Forcing all thoughts of Newt from her mind, Tina walked to the kitchen. She was greeted by a knowing grin from her sister.

"No news?"

"None," Tina said. "And please don't read my mind."

"Sorry, Teenie, I just can't help it sometimes."

"You can, and you know it," Tina said, exasperated.

Queenie grinned. "Breakfast?"

Tina sat down across from her sister and began eating. When she was done she went to get the mail. She quickly shuffled through them, hoping against hope that one of them would be addressed to her in Newt's slightly messy scrawl. She doubted it since Newt's letters had mostly come via an owl tapping at the window. 

Sighing, Tina dropped herself on the couch and opened the newspaper. The headline on the first page read, "GRINDELWALD RE-CAPTURED AFTER ATTEMPTED BREAKOUT." Tina sighed in relief. 

Tina and Queenie had arrived to work the day before only to be told that there was an emergency and they should go home at once. When Tina had inquired as to what was going on she was told that Grindelwald had escaped but was still in the building. Tina had insisted that she be allowed to help; however, the informer, a young man named Jim Livingston, told her that, due to Tina's past encounter with Grindelwald, President Picquery had decided that it was best for Tina if she stayed out of it. Tina had complained the whole way home but she knew it was for the best.

Tina read the article which explained that Grindelwald would be moved to a higher security prison in Britain so America wouldn't have to worry about him anymore. Afterward, she thumbed through the letters and saw one with the MACUSA addressed to herself and Queenie. She opened it. The letter was simple and to the point, explaining that the threat was over and they could (though it meant must) go back to work.

"Queenie," Tina called.

"Yeah?"

"We gotta go back to work."

"I know," Queenie said.

"You do?" Tina asked, surprised.

Queenie stuck her head out from behind a cupboard door and grinned.

"Stop reading my mind," Tina growled.

She then grabbed a sheet from yesterday's newspaper, featuring Grindelwald's escape, crumpled it in a ball and moved to throw it at her sister who had just cocked her head to one side as if listening. 

"Queenie?"

Queenie turned and rushed towards the window, undid the latch and threw it open. In flapped a tawny owl with a letter attached to its leg. It fluttered over to Tina who untied the letter and looked at the address. Her eyes widened.

"What did Newt say?" asked Queenie excitedly.

"I haven't opened it yet," Tina laughed, her initial shock turning into joy.

Tina tore open the letter and devoured the contents.

Dear Tina,

I'm sorry I haven't written recently. I've been traveling and writing my book. Then I had to get it published. It comes out soon but I've got the first copy now and am on my way to New York to deliver it to you personally as promised. I am on the ship now and arrive at 6:00 pm on 12 March. 

I hope you get this letter before then because I'm not sure I'll remember how to find my way to your apartment.

I miss you and can't wait to see you again.

Your friend,
Newt

"He's coming here," Queenie squealed. "When? March 12? That's in two days!"

Tina glared at her.

"Sorry," Queenie said. She moved back to washing the dishes.

Tina sunk into thought. Newt's coming in two days! I've missed him. She remembered how he had tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. She could almost still feel it. She read the letter again and couldn't stop the feeling of sadness when she read the word 'friend'. Did Newt only think of her as a friend? 

Stop it, Tina, she told herself. You're acting as if you love Newt when you barely know him. He probably isn't even thinking about you right now. . . . Does he even think about me as much as I think about him?

"Oh, Tina's in love," Queenie said from the sink.

"I'm not in love," Tina said, blushing. 

Queenie smirked. "Sure," she muttered.

"I'm going to go change so I'm not late to work."

I can't wait to see Newt again.