The Art of Loving

[51] Keep It

Ellie's train was on time. Luckily, because she'd hate for Brian to have to wait for her. And she'd hate having to wait even longer. The last stop had been York on this train and that had been nearly two hours ago so it was easy to get impatient. Ellie kept glancing at her watch what felt like every other second and time just didn't seem to pass even though the landscape outside was unmistakeably already London.

When the hands on her watch had finally reached twenty past, she decided she would get up and wait by the door. The train ended at King's Cross and she knew it would get busy if she wasn't among the first to get off. However, she hadn't been the only one with that idea, by the time she had everything and she had reached the nearest door there were quite a few people waiting there.

Moving around again was good, it helped her get rid of at least some of her nervous, excited energy. She made sure all her belongings were safe from rolling away or falling over before she leaned against the wall of the hallway and looked outside, watching house after house rush by. She had considered getting out her book again for these last few minutes, but that seemed a little pointless, because there was no way she could focus on that anyway. She was too distracted by her thoughts, her thoughts revolving around Brian.

She was good at keeping her emotions under control - normally. But not in that moment. She was smiling widely for no apparent reason and she kept fidgeting nerously. When the conductor announced that they would be arriving at King's Cross shortly, Ellie let out a long breath she'd been holding and muttered, "Finally..." She was getting looks from her fellow passengers that ranged from amused to worried, but she didn't care because they were rolling into the station, slowing down.

Ellie picked up her belongings but had to wait another few minutes before the train finally stopped and the doors were opnened. She waited impatiently for the first passengers to get out before she finally could get out herself. When she had everything and had sorted herself, she looked around, trying to spot her tall curly-haired boyfriend.

It took a few moments during which she tried not to let the anticipation be replaced by disappointment. He had promised to be there, so he would be there.

And indeed, he was. She finally spotted him by the end of the platform, standing a little to the side so he wouldn't be in anyone's way. A growing smile on her face, she made her way over to him. As she got closer, she saw that he had flowers in his hands, a few roses. Smiling more, she sped up her steps until she reached him. When he noticed her, his expression mirrored hers, a big smile on his face. He barely let her pull her suitcase out of everyone else's way before he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly.

Ellie hugged him back the same way, closing her eyes at this comforting, familiar feeling. "Hey," she mumbled, pulling him a little closer. It was a relief to have him back again - to be back with him. "I missed you..."

"I missed you, too," Brian replied. "I'm glad you're back, it was getting boring without you."

Ellie chuckled. "You're so sweet.." It felt right. It felt so right. But not here. Instead she looked at him with a smile. "I missed you a lot."

Brian looked at her, still smiling. "I missed you too." He still had his arms around her and looked around before he kissed her softly and maybe a little too long for such a public place. But that didn't matter to them in that moment.

They broke apart and he stepped back a little, remembering the roses in his hands. "Oh, right," he exclaimed softly. "I got these for you." He held them out for her with a small smile on his face. "But I don't think I thought this through properly. It might be a little unpractical.. I'm sorry.. I could have-"

"Sh, Brian," Ellie interrupted him. "There are beautiful, I love them. Stop apologising for being an amazing boyfriend." She smiled at him and took the roses before she kissed his cheek. "You're so wonderful."