The Art of Loving

[40] Mallaig

Once they were wrapped up warmly, they made sure the van was locked securely. "Where do you think we should go?" Ellie asked and looked around. There were no signs anywhere she could see.

"I'm not sure, but I think if we just go over there we're bound to find something. Or at least someone who knows."

Hand in hand they walked along the pier they had parked. Both of them were busy with looking around, there were surprisingly many cars alongside theirs, most of them were vans just like they had. It seemed like they weren't the only ones on their way across the country.

"We should make sure we find somewhere we can brush our teeth and all that too," Ellie reminded Brian. "So keep your eyes out for that."

"I will, yeah. I forgot we'd have to find somewhere to do all of those things. It's been a while since I've been on a roadtrip like this."

"Yeah, sometimes it's a weird feeling knowing that you have to find somewhere, but in the end it always works out. I really hope it also will this time, because I want you to have fun."

"I am," Brian assured her. "Don't worry about that. This is fun, I like travelling with you."

"That's good, that's what I like to hear." She turned her head to look at Brian, smiling when she saw how he was visibly enjoying this. They ended up finding a cute little pub next to the harbour where they had dinner. Ellie even managed to charm the pub owner into letting them use the bathroom of the pub to brush their teeth and wash up a little before bed later that evening. However, neither of them was particularly keen on spending longer than necessary out in public, so once they were ready, they were on the way back to the van. Hand in hand, they walked across the pavement of the port.

Brian was walking slowly, letting his eyes wander across what was still visible of the scenery, before he turned to his girlfriend . "Ellie, are you happy?" He asked, taking her by surprise.

For her, that question came out of nowhere, she didn't know that Brian had been wondering that for quite some time.

"I am," she told him. It was almost are reflex, but it was actually true though. "Wait, do you mean right now or in general?"

Brian hadn't seemed to expect a question. "Both actually. I'm curious. I hope you don't mind."

"No, I don't," she assured him. "I'm glad that you care. I think I am.. not unhappy in general. There are always things that could be a little better, but I am happy. I have what I need, I have wonderful people around me... yeah. And of course I'm happy now. Do I not seem happy?" She asked him, holding his hand tightly.

Brian shrugged a little. "I don't know. That's why I'm asking. Sometimes you can be a little hard to read, you're very..." He hesitated, trying to find the correct word. "... collected. You don't give away how you're feeling."

"Mhm," Ellie mumbled. "Yeah, I guess I don't. I just don't really know how. I'm trying to work it out but it's surprisingly hard. But I am happy. Very happy. I love spending time with you because I'm so comfortable, and I'm starting to really always be able to be myself. I'm enjoying this trip with you very much already. Sorry that's not more obvious..."

"You can just tell me things like that. You know? Tell me how you feel."

It was such a simple concept and yet Ellie glanced at him surprised. "You're right. I will. I am happy. And you know what?" She asked, taking a deep breath. "I'm happy because of you. You make me happy."

It was getting dark, but Brian smile made it a little brighter again. "I like hearing that. I'm glad I can do that. I'm not always so sure, if I'm honest."