Masquerade, A Tom Hiddleston Story

Part 17 "O call back yesterday, bid time return"

It's late. Probably even morning. I lie awake staring at the ceiling of my room. Kate slept like a baby next to me. Her face peaceful and calm. A snore or two would interrupt her even breathing. I smiled at this simple but wonderous sight. I kissed her hair softly. She stirred but went back to sleep. Small moments like brings happiness like no other.

I adjust the blanket so that her naked body, still smelling like me, is covered well and warm with the blanket. I settled in myself, rearranging the pillow to better support my head.

And then that word that is depriving me of sleep comes haunting back. 'Majorca'.

Okay to be fair to her, I never asked whether she would want to visit or not. But her blatant response againts the idea makes me... Well... Sad. And dejected. And at loss.

A conversation I had with my sister, Emma, is also the culprit for this sickening feeling in my stomach.

A few days ago, we went out running one morning. When we were done and started walking, she asked me about Kate.

"So when do we get to meet this mystery girl?" She asked me as we walked past an elderly couple holding hands.

"Kate? Soon enough. I asked her but she wasn't ready" I bit my lip. Too much information Tom. I braced myself for the wave of questions bound to come hurdling towards me.

"Oh you asked her? Not ready? What do you mean? I thought you two were serious?..." Emma stopped to take a breath and I jumped in.

"Em... I am serious about her. We are serious... But technically we hardly see each other. I've been so busy" I explained quickly.

"Hmm.. did she visit you in Belfast?" Emma asked as we sat down on a park bench.

"Erm no... She's busy too. Her work is as crazy if not crazier than mine..." I told her.

"But when we do see each other, we make our feelings clear..." I added confidently.

"Right..." Emma said trying to understand.

"But she doesn't want to come and meet us?"

"Not yet... But she said to ask her again..." I gave Emma my sunniest smile.

She smiled back. And then we people watch in silent.

"Em... I'm falling in love with her..." I whispered softly.

Emma quickly turned her head towards me.

"Wow... Okay... " She nodded solemnly.

"And she feels the same way?"

"I have to tell her..." I sighed.

"Tom... Im happy for you... really. But from the way I see it, if you want this to work out, you both have to invest a lot energy..."

"I do... I mean we do. We text and video call and make time to see each other" I said, trying to convince Emma and myself with my words.

"Is it enough? You will be jetting off to who knows where after Belfast, and she will be super busy... Will she take time to go visit you on set?"

I laughed.

"I don't know Em... We haven't discussed it yet..." I answered her truthfully.

"Why not?"

Because I'm afraid she will run for the hills.

***

I scooped a generous amount of eggs and bacon onto her plate.

"Enough... If you keep this up I'm going to end up fat as a cow" she held her hand up to signal that her portion is more than enough.

I chuckled and sat down beside her with my own serving.