The library

August 24th 2003

"A seven nation army couldn't hold me back."

I was resting my head against train window, sat on a rock solid seat that provided nothing in the way of comfort. I was listening to The White Stripes while staring at the sunset before me which was casting beautiful purple, pink, red and orange tones across the entire sky like a canvas. A canvas...

I sat up straight and opened my green backpack - my suitcase was on the rack above me - and took out my sketchbook. I was starting to get towards the end of it now, almost all the the parts being filled with doodles, sketches and in some cases some poetry. I glanced up at the sunset and took in what I saw. I was somewhere about halfway between London and Sheffield.

I had spent the month in London not doing much at all. It was good to see my parents again, how ever much they upset me by upping and leaving on their "World Tour" which was still set to continue.

I was staying in my childhood home in Camden Town, about a five minute walk away from London Zoo. It was a blast from the past and the whole "holiday" made me miss living in the capital. The early weekend mornings when the city was quiet. Slipping out the front door and going for a walk through the park, thinking then slipping back into the house before both my parents would wake up - they were and still are heavy sleepers.

Or maybe the days going to the zoo when it was at its most quiet. Usually a Monday after school. I'd go with both my parents as they both worked from home as consultants. I'd get home from school, switch clothes and we'd be off to the zoo within half an hour of school actually ending.

I suddenly jolted. The train had stopped. I was asleep. I quickly tried to recollect everything that had happened. I sat up straight and looked around. It was dark outside which provoked me to glance at my watch. 10:30pm. I should be in Sheffield by now. Hang on...The carriage was empty just like it was earlier. My sketchbook which I was seemingly laying on was wet. I must've dribbled on it. Really? Dribble? I sighed and packed the book away before glancing out the window to the station. Sheffield. The last stop. I could take my time. I put my iPod in my bag before getting up and reaching up for my suitcase.

I stepped onto the platform and breathed in the cool air. It was colder here than what it was in London. The heat wave had apparently moved down south. I walked down along the platform and to the exit of the massive train station.

After making my way through endless halls and corridors I finally found my way outside. Now I just had to get a taxi home. My aunt promised she'd be waiting for me at home so I had her warm embrace to look forward to. This thought made me smile as I briskly made my way towards a parked up taxi. Then, footsteps, quick ones, as if the person was running or jogging. I turned around to lay my eyes on him. His little smile. His glowing eyes, full of life and energy. He was wearing a pair of black beat up trainers, denim jeans and a large brown coat. I also noticed he was clutching a box of chocolates at his side. Oh Alex...

I didn't have any time to ponder all these thoughts that came rushing to my head as I was quickly brought into a tight embrace in his arms. I closed my eyes and laid my head against his chest as I took him in. Took in the feeling of his body around me. And there we stood. In front of Sheffield Train station at night, by a taxi stood in the tightest hug ever. It remained like this for at least ten seconds and I could not complain about it at all, but then he began to pull away and instead craned his neck downwards and closed his eyes so I knew what was going to happen.

I cupped his cheek with one hand as we kissed, his tongue working its way into my mouth. His arms snaked down my figure and his hands cupped my small behind - a feature of mine I had always been ashamed of so I blushed as I felt him touch me. The touch quickly turned into a grab and I couldn't help but open my mouth and moan quietly against his lips. The kiss lasted for the perfect amount before we pulled away and swapped the lip lock for another embrace.

"When did you get so touchy feely?" I teased quietly with a smile as I once again had my head against his chest. His arms were around me and he swayed us side to side slowly, something he did whenever I felt sad or worried.

"Did you not like it?" He mumbles against the top of my head before placing a quick kiss in the same spot.

"I just...don't like my arse." I giggled quietly and blushed.

"Why? There's nothing to be ashamed of darling. It's a lovel-"

"Alex can we not talk about my arse?"

"Oh yeah. Sure."

"I missed you so much." I looked up at him and smiled slightly.

"Likewise baby. I honestly didn't know what to do with meself this month. Well... apart from rehearsals and all that..."

I could feel he was about to go on one of his infamous tangents so I decided to say something before he could. "How's the band?" I had laid my head against his chest again and listened to his heartbeat and felt the rise and fall of his breathing.

"Great, great... we've potentially got another gig in September. It'd be on the 27th... at the pheasant."

"You don't sound to keen."

"That's just what I sound like when I'm in pain."

"What?"

"You're stood on my toes Lottie."

"Oh sorry." I quickly hopped off of Alex's feet and felt myself begin to flush a deep shade of crimson. "Can we have a recollect in the cab? I'm starting to get cold." I muttered quickly trying to change the subject.

Alex didn't have say anything. The boy just nodded and picked up my suitcase and took it towards the taxi. "Alright mate? Can we go to..." I listened to Alex talk to the driver as I got into the back with a sigh. After a few moments, Alex joined me in the back seat and quickly wrapped his arm around my shoulders and kissed my cheek.

"I've missed you so much babe. You don't understand how lucky I am to 'ave you." He whispered and this time it was me who planted a kiss on his cheek.