Crossing The Border...

Crossing The Border: Part 1

He had been on the train for seven and a half hours.

His heart pounding.

Danny had never done something like this before.

Coming from Aberdeen, he'd never travelled so far for love.

"What if she doesn't like me? I da ken fit I'd dee if she hated me." He said in his Scottish dialect.

His hands were trembling.

Danny looked up as he heard, "Next stop, Leicester Railway Station"

His pupils dilated in fear.

"Oh God... Here it comes."

As the train began to slow, he grabbed his back and his case and made his way towards the doors.

He surveyed his surroundings.

There were stairs on both platforms leading up.

He knew she was waiting up there for him.

They met online, on a dating site called Tagged.

Neither of them would recommend the site, as it was full of perverts and e-whores, selling pictures of their bodies.

Danny had been on the site for a few years, using it mostly as a way to kill time and shoot the shit with the very few decent people he could meet on there.

That's when Danny met her.

Her name was Michelle.

Danny didn't have the best introduction to Michelle.

He sent her a picture of his penis, but Michelle somehow didn't tell Danny to leave her alone.

They got talking and as they spoke, they got closer and closer.

Danny soon realised he was developing feelings for Michelle.

It started by saying "I love you", but replacing love with a heart emoji.

Eventually Michelle slipped up and said "I love you" and Danny returned it.

Eventually taking a video of himself telling her his feelings, he confessed fully that he was in love with her... and Michelle returned his affections.

They started a relationship and were as close as close can be.

Yes they got into the occasional argument, but what couple doesn't?

They had planned to meet up in July, but due to the covid-19 outbreak, those hopes were dashed.

It wasn't until October before those dreams were realised.

Now standing on the platform, Danny looked at the stairs with hope and fear in his heart.

He drank the last of his Cherry Coke Zero, tossed the bottle in the bin and made his way up the stairs.

He sent her a message on WhatsApp, "I'm here."

Instantly it was read by her.

No answer.

His hands trembling, he unplugged his headphones, placed them into their box, put the box into his pocket and walked towards the barrier.

As he passed through the barriers, he spotted her instantly.

All those times on video chat, he couldn't mistake her.

He made his way towards her, quickening his pace.

He dropped his suitcase and ran towards her.

Once in reach, he wrapped his arms around her.

He held her close to his chest, stifling his sobs.