Why Can't I Tell You

Luck

Tina awoke in a soft bed, sunlight warming the puffy comforter. As soon as she opened her eyes the events of the past night hit her like a truck.

I love you reverberated through her brain. Confusion and hurt filled her veins. Newt's voice sounded soothingly above all of the clamor. She whipped off the covers, finding that she was still in her previous day's attire. She must have been too tired and Newt had lead her to her room. Tina changed into a fresh, light blue, long sleeved blouse and black slacks. She ran her fingers through her hair, now void of flowers, and took a deep breath. Tina stepped into the kitchen where most of the Scamanders were hurrying about, laughing, talking, and cooking.

"Oh good morning dear!" quipped Agnes holding a pan, "I hope you slept well." She winked at Tina. Tina's bewildered expression only further encouraged the woman. She pointed out the clear back door towards the pond. Looking out, Tina saw Newt sitting with his head down and his arms wrapped around his legs. The scene reminded of the time when they sat in the cells together. He looked worried and scared, beyond hurt. Tina turned back as to retrieve a coat, but Mrs. Scamander had extended a thick, maroon woven sweater in front of her without a word.

"Thank you," Tina said putting it on. It was very large, hanging over her skinny limbs and shoulders. As she walked outside she watched her breath create clouds of white in front of her, in and out, in and out. Without a word she sat down next to Newt.

"Good morning," she finally broke the unstable silence.

"Good morning, Tina, how did you sleep?" Newt asked chucking pebbles from the ground into the water, frustratedly.

"Better than I've slept in months," Tina admitted. Newt visibly tensed at the subtle mention of Tina's nightmares.

"None of that," Tina consoled, putting a comforting hand on his back. She felt him relax under her touch. She rubbed his back soothingly as they both lapsed into an uncomfortable silence again.

"I'm really sorry," Newt finally said.

"Hmmm?" Tina asked.

"The way I acted yesterday...it was completely ungentlemanly, putting you in that position...and then running, I'm so..." Newt started to ramble.

"No," Tina said firmly. Newt looked at her in surprise. "No," she repeated. "Newt, when I met you, well we didn't exactly get along. Did we. I saw you as naïve and unlawful. You were just another criminal in my book, and at the same time, a chance to get my job back. Honestly though, you struck me as quite odd with your quiet mannerisms and Britishness. But as time went by, well, I started to get to know you. Your love for creatures, your selfless heart. Over a short period of time I came to trust you, with my life even a few times. Before I knew it we were walking to the docks. At that moment I realized that I was about to loose you, the person who I had just undergone an unforgettable journey with was going to go home and forget about me. You turned around to board and I...I was crushed," Tina drew in a shaky breath, "and I couldn't understand why Newt. I didn't know why! But, but now I do. So what you did, what you said, it...well it was..." Tina faltered. Newt looked at her from the side. Her hair blew gently across her face, her cheeks were stained pink from the biting cold, her lips were slightly cracked.

"I love you so much," he whispered under his breath. But Tina heard.

"Stand up," Tina said smiling.

"What?" Newt asked, caught off guard.

"Stand," Tina demanded softly. He did and so did she. Tina slid her arms around him, underneath his limp ones, pressing her ear against his chest.

"I love you too," she whispered closing her eyes. Tina looked up at Newt, he looked awed, his eyes widened in wonder. Without thinking he pressed his lips to her forehead. They stayed like that for a blissful moment, listening to each other's quickened, and undoubtedly nervous, breathing.

"Newt?" Tina asked.

"Yes Tina," Newt breathed.

"I'm so lucky," she said, "I'm so, so lucky to have met you."

"No I am," Newt replied, "you have no idea."