More Than I Bargained For - A Brian Quinn FanFiction.

Snow Day

I woke to the sound of my alarm filling the bedroom. I rolled over, rubbing my eyes, to turn it off. How can it already be 5am, I feel like I only went to bed an hour ago? I sat up on the edge of the bed, pulling on whatever I could find off the floor to keep me warm. I shuffled through to the bathroom and splashed my face with cold water in a vague attempt to wake myself up before work. My phone buzzed from the bedroom, breaking my still half-asleep daze. I went through to see who was messaging me at this time of day. I smiled as I looked at the screen, it was a message from my mum. Good morning, how are you? I looked on the news and saw the snow's bad today in New York, I don't know if it's anywhere near you now that you've moved to a new house but please be careful. I love you, mum. I'd been gone for nearly a year now and the messages had become less frequent but still as caring as ever. I replied, Morning, mum, it's fine don't worry, I can deal with a bit of snow, after all I have English blood, I'll message you later when I'm home from work. I love you too.

I placed my phone on my bedside table and went through to the kitchen to get myself a coffee and some breakfast. I absentmindedly started pouring myself a bowl of cereal as I was pondering what today might have in store for me. I absolutely loved my job and as much as I complained sometimes about the stress and upset, I would not give it up or change it for anything. I'd wanted to be a nurse for as long as I could remember and now, aged 26, I'd been living my dream for the past five years. The first four back at home with the comfort and support of my family and friends but about a year ago I decided to take the plunge and move, to a different continent. As much as I loved the little village where I lived, I wanted more, I wanted some excitement and staying in England just wasn't going to do it for me. I remember the day I told my mum and stepdad I was moving out and I also remember the looks on their faces when I told them I was moving to New York. As much as they said they were happy for me and would support me, I could see the heartbreak in their eyes, knowing I wouldn't be going to sleep and waking up in my childhood bedroom anymore.

I sat down on the couch and flicked the TV on whilst I ate. Nothing good on, as per usual. I quickly ate my breakfast and drank my coffee and then went through to my bedroom to get dressed. It was freezing outside so I pulled on some thermals and then a nice chunky knit jumper and some joggers. I threw my uniform and everything else in my handbag and made my way outside to my car. I got in and put the heating on as soon as I sat down, fearing that if I didn't, I'd lose feeling in my fingers and toes. I turned on the radio and attempted to get off my driveway, even though my car wasn't the best I was hoping she wouldn't let me down. I was wrong, she let me down majorly. I couldn't believe it.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I almost screamed to myself, completely forgetting just how early it was and that most of my neighbours would probably still be asleep. I put my head in my hands, not quite sure what to do. I sighed heavily and turned around to the sound of a door shutting at the house next to mine.
"Erm, hi, is uh is everything alright out here?"
I looked, not quite sure if the shaggy looking stranger was talking to me or not. I stood there and just looked at him, dumbfounded.
"Miss, are you okay? I heard someone shouting and thought I should come check."
"Hi, yes, hi. Oh my god, I'm so sorry did I wake you up? I completely forgot how early it is and I just had a meltdown because my piece of shit car can't cope with the snow and I have no idea how I'm going to get to work now." I ranted on, motioning towards my car to emphasise my point.
"Oh my, you're English," the man in front of me said with a smile. "And obviously in need of a ride, I can take you?"
"Oh no, it's fine, I couldn't ask you to do that and apart from anything I have no idea who the hell you are, you might try to cut me into pieces and store me in your freezer for all I know."
He laughed slightly and held his hand out.
"First of all you didn't ask me I offered, secondly I'm Brian and I'm going out on a limb here but I think you're my new neighbour and lastly, my freezer is full, I couldn't get you in there even if I wanted to."
I pondered for a second, placing my hand in his and shaking it.
"Okay, you have a point there you did offer. Nice to meet you Brian, yes I am your new neighbour, I'm Lilly," I paused a second and placed my hand in my pocket to try warm it up. "Are you sure you wouldn't mind giving me a lift? I wouldn't normally accept from someone I don't know because I wouldn't want to be a burden on them but I really can't be late today."
"Nah it's not a problem at all, where do you work?"
" I work at Staten Island University Hospital."
He looked at me, mouth slightly ajar.
"What? Why you looking at me like that?" I asked, slightly confused.
"No reason, sorry, let me just run in and grab my car keys and we'll head off."