Masquerade, A Tom Hiddleston Story

Part 28 'One Day More'

A soft kiss woke me up.

"Oh I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to wake you" A beautiful voice said.

I opened my eyes to find the source of that melodic voice sitting on the bed. His brilliant blue eyes, sculpted cheekbones and golden curls as wonderful as ever.

An angel. An angel wearing a tracksuit.

"Stay..." I find myself say, reaching out for him.

"Tempting... But I need to run. Go back to sleep. I'll be back before you wake up" He leaned over to kiss me again.

"Coffee..." I requested before he reached my lips.

His thin pink lips parted in a smile. And then we kissed. And he left, leaving his delicious scent behind.

His scent is everywhere. On the pillow, on the sheets, on me...

I could not sleep anymore. My senses are wide awake. I observed the state of the hotel room. Proof of our cohabitation is evident. His suitcase and backpack, opened and messy. His laptop and papers on the table. My suitcase is closed. My outfits hang neatly in the small hotel closet.

In the bathroom our toothbrushes lay side by side. His towel hangs sloppily and mine crisply at the back of the door.

A pile of clothes sits on the counter. Tom's of course.

I proceeded to brush my teeth and wash my face. And then I decided to take warm shower and wash my hair. I decided to use his shampoo which is also on the counter. My hair will smell like his all day.

I decided to let my hair naturally dry. So I went out wrapped in the hotel bathrobe. I stand by the window admiring the beautiful New York skyline, sunny and bright. The storm last night seemed to make the city sparkle.

I need to check my phone. If I can find it. I started scanning the room for it's whereabout. It sits next to the sketch of Tom that I drew last night.

Just seeing his tiny face on the tiny hotel notepad makes me smile. I wish he would come back soon. I can't wait.

My phone is blowing up with messages. But I was in no mood to answer any. I'll reply tomorrow when...

Tomorrow. I froze. It's as if cold hard wind decided to swoosh me back to reality.

But what if?

What if tomorrow is not the end? What if, as cliched as it sounds, love conquers all. What if, we can make it work?

Against my better judgement I started thinking of the possibilities. We could Skype most of the time. Send messages back and forth. And then meet every so often.

And then of course my head silenced my heart. Of course it won't work. Timezones will work against us. Our schedules would never match. And if the press found out internet's bf has a gf... I don't think I can handle that kind of attention.

So tomorrow we will wish each other the best and move on. I bit my lip. The best of what? Best for your career? Best for future relationships? Can I really wish him happiness with someone else?

I glanced at the beautiful New York skyline. It looks so peaceful and serene from up here. Of course down at street level, the city must be buzzing with New Yorkers hustling and bustling along to get to wherever they need to be. Just one day more I will forget that nothing else exist below the picturesque skyline of the world that is Tom and I. 

The door opened slowly revealing a sweaty Tom juggling two cups of coffee on one hand and a bag of food on the other. He smiled gloriously when he sees me up and about.

"Darling..." he drawled. My heart skipped a beat.

"I have coffee and sandwiches" he held up his bounty proudly.

"Thank God!" I said dramatically. I got up to reach for the coffee and bag filled with sandwiches.

"You showered? I was hoping to have company" He blushed at his own suggestion.

"You're a big boy, you can shower by yourself sometimes..." I said nonchalantly and made my way to the dining area. Tom chuckled as he joined me.

I took a sip of the hot coffee and helped myself to a sandwich. I listened quietly as Tom described his run animatedly. Where he went and what he saw. He looks so happy. Giddy even. He is glowing from the inside.

"Oh and Benedict called... He wants to know If I'm free for a quick brunch. We make a point of meeting up if we happen to be at the same  location. It's a habit we sort of invented..." He started.

"That is so sweet..." I interrupted in a mischievous tone. "The bromance continues..."

"And I said I would ask you first" He looked at me hesitantly.

"You told him about us?" I could not hide my surprise.

"Well yes... I hope you don't mind. Not the details of course. But I told him I am with you.  I told him if you feel up to it then we will go" he waited for my reaction.

"Wait you mean I join you guys for brunch?"

"Erm yes... I do apologise... If this is silly then I can always say we have other plans..." Tom said nervously.

Well this is something I never thought will happen. I was looking forward to spending another lazy day just the two of us. Making private memories to cherish.

One day more...

Memories that will make it harder for us to say goodbye. Suddenly stepping outside with another person seemed like a better idea.

"All right then lets go out for brunch with Benedict" I said confidently.

Tom is clearly surprised by my sudden enthusiasm.

"Are you sure? We don't have to. We only have one more day and..."

"Yes I'm sure! Let's go!" I pushed on.

"Ermmm... All right then..  let's have brunch with Benedict" He restated, making sure I know what I'm agreeing to.

"Maybe I'll order eggs Benedict" I winced at my own lame pun.