I'm Sick, I'm Tired Of Staying In Control - RW

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

December 1996

When it reaches December both Rick and Cathy are more than eager to see each other again. They haven't seen each other since that fateful Monday in September when she made the journey down to Oxford. They've tried but it hasn't been easy. It started with them both getting their timetables and finding out that they didn't have a day when neither of them had lectures or practical classes. She also quickly got very involved in all sort of societies – mainly art related – and he has his band.

There was a weekend towards the end of the October that he planned to travel down for a few days but his body decided at that point to get ill and he had to cancel. They call each other at least every two days though and even send the odd letter. She talks to him more than her own family.

The plan was for her dad to drive down to pick her up but due to unforeseen circumstances of her younger brother being involved in a bike accident she is now getting the bus home. The journey takes six hours in total because of it stopping in Birmingham and Sheffield before making a detour to Manchester; Leeds being the last stop on the list. It is just before four o'clock when the bus pulls up at the station.

Cathy is one of the first off with her backpack and grabbing her small suitcase from underneath the bus. 'Thank you.' She says to the driver before rushing into the terminal, her eyes searching for the familiar happy smile and dazzling blue eyes of her boyfriend. It is so busy though and she is struggling.

Her head is moving faster than she can register people's face and her tiredness is fighting against her. She didn't sleep well last night. 'Cathy.' She hears and a hand pulls at her coat sleeve and into Rick's arms. Her arms snake tightly around his waist as she holds on with dear life. She has missed him so much. 'I can't believe you are finally home.' Home. She cannot wait to go home.

'I love you.'

'I love you too.' He chuckles and pulls away to get a better look at the face he has missed so much. 'Let me take that.' The gentleman he is, he doesn't only take the bag on her back but also her small case on wheels.

They decide to walk the distance to her house instead of taking a bus despite the cold winter weather. She is sick of buses and could do with stretching her legs. As they walk through the centre they keep bumping into people they...well mainly Rick knows but he seems to have become a popular face since she's been away. An awful lot of banter with everyone but he hasn't mentioned anyone really during their phone calls. It has mainly been the band he has mentioned. The banter and the antics she would rather not know about to be honest...they are going to get into trouble faster than they get famous.

When they get past the busy streets she feels like she has him to herself again. They talk about potential plans over the next few weeks – lots of pub visits by the sound of it – and the dreaded "C" word. Christmas. 'We should spend Christmas eve together at the pub with the usual lot.' By the usual lot he means their various mates from school. 'Could be a laugh.'

'Sounds great.' But she sounds absent. Her mind is focus on other things as her house comes into view. 'I don't think I can spend another entire term without you.'

'Don't worry my love.' His thumb grazes over their entwined hands. 'We will make plans before you go back. I promise. And for now, let's just enjoy our time together.'

Cathy only starts to relax when she makes it onto her street and things start to feel familiar again. She nods to her neighbours every so often as they pass them noting that not much has changed in the few months she has been away. Why would it have done? Her street hasn't changed for years. No-one has moved away and therefore no-one has moved in; maybe it is all too recognisable.