Unexpected Encounters [B.H.M.]

34

Sleep came easily, and I slept throughout the entire night, until there were knocks on the bedroom door the next morning. It was Brian, letting me know that it was time to get up, even though I didn't want to. I couldn't push it back endlessly though, so eventually I did get up and went downstairs where I could see how much effort Brian had put into the breakfast.

Starting the day with a smile, I couldn't really remember when that had happened the last time, but it was somehow inevitable with Brian waiting for me at his kitchen table with some fresh - and nice looking - porridge with apples, and a pot of tea. He told me to take my time, and we had breakfast together which was actually really lovely. He told me all about how he missed doing this for the kids regularly, but how he had talked to his ex wife and they were going to be trying out a different arrangement where he would get the kids a little more often, and also during week days. And when he said that he was so happy about it, it was impossible not to be happy for him too.

However, we lost track of time and when I realised how late it had gotten, I started to panic. It would take me much too long to go home and change and get my belongings because of how complicated taking public transport would be. So Brian offered to drive me, and for once I very gladly accepted because otherwise I'd inevitably be late.

Brian managed to get me home pretty fast, and he even offered to wait and then drive me to the school so I wouldn't have to bother with finding a parking spot, because I told him the staff parking lot was usually full if you got there too late. Again, usually I wouldn't have done that, but that time I was incredibly grateful that he was so kind. I told him I'd be quick, so I rushed upstairs, got changed and did my make up before I grabbed my backpack and hurried downstairs.

Again, he somehow managed to be relatively quick, so by the time we approached the school I was actually still on time. Brian pulled over to the side of the road, looking at me with a smile. "You're not too late, are you?"

"No, this is the time I usually get here too," I told him. "Thank you, I really appreciate the ride, otherwise I wouldn't have made it on time."

"Of course, it was my fault for chatting your ear off over breakfast," he said, shaking his head dismissively.

"I don't mind, I like it. It was nice having company for breakfast on a school day actually. It's a lot less sad than getting ready alone," I told him.

"Oh yes," he agreed. "Well... will I see you again soon?" He asked, looking at me hopefully.

I took a deep breath. I didn't want to promise something I couldn't keep. I was in a good mood now, but I knew that wouldn't last. "I'm not sure," I told Brian, already feeling worse when I could see his smile fade a little. "I'm going to be having a busy week, so I'm not sure how much time I'll have," I told him, somehow managing to lie fluently

"Oh, alright. That's fine. Maybe we'll talk on the phone?" He asked, fiddling with his hands.

I could do that. I hoped. So I nodded a little. "Of course.." I glanced at him before I placed my hand on his arm, making him look at me. "And you know, if you need something, anything at all, you can always call me. I can always make time for you if you need it, if you want it. Somehow I can always make it fit, I promise. If you need me, call me. Anytime. Okay?"

Brian smiled a little and nodded. "Okay. I know. Thank you, Frida," he said, leaning in for an awkward car hug.

But I hugged him back, because I loved that feeling. I could tell he knew that I was serious about him being able to call me any time of day, no matter what. We pulled away and Brian softly kissed my cheek before I opened the car door. "If not before, I'll definitely see you some time next week. I will be feeling better then," I told him before I cleared my throat. "I mean, I'll be less busy then so I'll be able to relax more."