The Notebook

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Finally. The show was over. He got rid of his costume and make-up. All he wants now is to go home and sleep. He worked so hard lately and his body is slowly telling him that it maybe was too much. But between him and his bed lays a 30min car ride and a bunch of fans outside. "Ok Ben keep your shit together. Just 1 hour and you'll be kissing your pillow."

He takes a deep breath and opens the stage door. The screaming booms in his ears, the flashlights blind him but he manages to smile. He signs books, photographs, poster. He doesn't even know what. It's become a routine over the years. All that's keeping him away from the car are a few photographs and then it's done for today.

Just as he wants to get into the car he notices that he forgot his phone in the wardrobe. Great. He tells the driver that he's so sorry but he has to wait another couple of minutes.

Ben goes back and catches up his phone. But he takes his time. Hopefully there be less fans outside then.

He steps out of the building for the second time this evening and... silence almost. Just the typical city noises. No fan is there anymore. He laughs a little but in the next second he feels bad about it. They're the reason for his success.

His driver runs towards him and holds an umbrella over their heads.

"Mr. Cumberbatch..." He interrupts him.

"It's just rain James. Now we can take our time. The fans fled from it. Haha!" They walk to the car as suddenly he hears a beautiful shy voice.

"Mr. Cumberbatch?!"

He turns around. The voice belongs to a girl. She's wearing a green dress and a black poncho. The hood doesn't manage to hide her dark brown hair. Like chocolate he thinks.

"Mr. Cumberbatch? I'm sorry. I know you're already on your way but is it possible that I get an autograph and a photo?"

He smiles. "Sure."

They take a picture together. Then she hands him a piece of paper and a pencil.

"Name?"

"Laura"

"You're not from here right?" he asks as he writes.

"Um no" she laughs. It's the most beautiful sound he's ever heard.

"I'm from Germany." He smiles. "That's great." She smiles back.

"Yeah."

For a few seconds which feels like years they stare into each other's eyes. Hers are green and brown with some yellow ochre dots.

"Here!" he manages to say as he's giving her the sheet back. Although if that means they'll be apart in a few seconds.

"Thank you." another beautiful smile "You can keep the book. You need it more than me." she says.

He looks down in confusion. In his hands is a little notebook with the Union Jack on it. He'd used it as a blotting pad.

"Umm ok. Umm should we drive you somewhere?" The rain has gotten stronger. It was pretty cold now.

"No thanks. It's just rain and my hotel is around the corner." she smiles.

He laughs. "Yeah. Sure?"

"Page 18" she says before she smiles and walks away, like a dancer to a silent song, only she seems to hear.

A few seconds he stares at her. Then he's getting in the car.

"What a lovely lady" says James who had been with him all the time holding the umbrella.

"Yeah." he says, lost in thought and with a smile.

They're driving home.

~

Page 18. He opens the book. His smile grows wider.

Page 18: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."

The whole book is full of quotes.

Half an hour later he's at home. He should go to sleep but he's reading in the notebook. As soon as he's finished it he feels happy and relaxed. She was right. He needed that. He goes to bed. But before he drifts into a deep, restful sleep, he swears to himself that he'll meet her again. He needs to. She'd made him feel better by just smiling at him. He'll find her, whatever it takes.

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