Knightly in Shining Armor

Lukas

I paid the cabbie and walked into the airport. It was snowing outside, a little past midnight. The airport was a little crowded. All around me there was talk about the New Years Eve party in Times Square today. I felt as though I was forgetting something, but shrugged it off as the holiday.

I made my way through customs, check-in, and to my terminal. I sat down, my carry-on and bag next to me. An announcement went out through the terminal announcing boarding would begin shortly. I gathered my things together.

I kept thinking about Lourdes's face as I left. She looked so... confused. So hurt and worried and... sad? I bit my lip, a thought pressing the back of my mind. I was absentmindedly shuffling onto the plane as the thought occurred. New Years Eve... Lourdes... Oh hell. It was Lourdes's birthday.

I whipped around, pushing past people to exit the plane.

"Sir, please. What is the meaning of this?" An airline worker grabbed me by the hood of my sweatshirt. I pulled myself free.

"This was a huge mistake," I blurt out. "I've got to go." I sprinted off the plane and through the terminal, my backpack slamming against my back and my case dragging behind me. I had to get back to the apartment. I tried unsuccessfully to hail a cab for a while. Finally, one stopped and I clambered into the back seat. I listed off the address, willing the drive to be quick.

The cab sped through the snow at 75 mph as the speedometer indicated. I tapped my fingers against the door impatiently. I was beating myself up for this stupid, ridiculous mistake. I couldn't leave her. I just couldn't. I needed her. I wanted her. I was in love with her.

The cab pulled a sharp turn and stopped in front of the apartment building. I quickly paid the driver and ran to the door. I stopped. I didn't have the keys anymore. I groaned, turning to the buzzer. I lifted my hand to the button and buzzed in.

"Who is this?" A groggy voice asked. "It's 3 in the morning."

"Drew, hi. It's Lukas, Lourdes's... well, I don't know what I am to her anymore. All I need right now is for you to do me a favor and buzz me up so I can fix my horrendous mistake. Can you do that?" I pleaded. Drew sighed.

"Yeah, whatever, but you owe me. It's 3 in the morning you know."

The door clicked open and I sprinted up the stairs, leaving my bags behind in the lobby. I nearly fell trying to stop in front of Lourdes's door. I knocked a few times, waiting for an answer. I was bouncing on the balls of my feet as I waited nervously. I heard the lock turn and Lourdes opened the door, clad in pajamas and a messy bun. She opened her mouth in shock, her eyes wide. Before she could say anything, I pulled her into a hug.

"Lukas?" She breathed, wrapping her arms around me. "What are you... why are you... How?"

"Happy birthday, Lourdes," I murmured in response.

"Why are you back?" She asked, pulling back a little.

"I'm in love with you," I blurted. "I have been for a while since I almost lost you back in London. You're the only person who sticks around and cares about me no matter what I do, the only person willing to give me a fighting chance. You've shared your home, your life with me. You see me as someone worth something when no one else does. And I can't bear the thought of losing you.

"I know I've hurt you, and there's next to no chance of you feeling the same way about me after all I've done to you, but I couldn't just leave. Hate me all you want, be angry, I don't care. I want to be here with you, to make things right between us. I'm so sorry for everything I've done. I'll leave if you want me to, but right now..."