Today, Tomorrow, Forever

Chapter 1: Meet Elle

"Next, please!"

Elle stepped over the 'Please wait' line, which stretched itself boldly across the immaculately smooth, glistening, marble floor, approaching the nearest available stand.   

"Hello and welcome," said the man who barely glanced at her—his expression dry and meaningless. Clearly this was a formality that any airport worker was taught to say, - "Your passport, please. And a completed form, you should have filled it in onboard before landing."

She handed over the documents he requested. He flicked through some pages, without stopping on any particular one. Then, he put everything aside and looked up.   

"What is your name?" 

"Elle."

"Full name, please."

"Elizabeth Elle Levy, Sir. Elle is my preferred name though, so I go by it..."- she seemed a bit lost as she said it. She wasn't paying much attention, looking around, and staring. He continued:

"Very well. And how old are you?"

"I'm 16."

"What is the purpose of your stay in the UK, Elle?"

"I've come here to study."

An awkward pause followed. Elle smiled stiffly. He didn't notice. His eyes were fixed on something behind her. She turned around,  but seeing nothing extraordinary, questioningly looked back at him. A moment later, as if remembering that she was still there, he pronounced half-sleepily: 

"I see... New school?"

"Yes."

"You must be nervous. It's tough being a new kid... Nerve-wracking. You know, if you want a piece of advice, I would totally recommend..."

"No." - Elle interrupted him. Out of all people, this random guy would be the last person she'd want to discuss her transition with. 'What would he know?' - she thought to herself. - 'As if he perceives what I'm up for. If only I had the slightest idea myself...'

He watched her, seemingly surprised: a little girl stood in front of him, petite and innocent-looking, green sparkling eyes, dark raven hair, timid smile. And yet, with so much attitude... She looked too young for her age: naive and childish, despite projecting traces of seriousness and maturity. 

She seemed nice, and even though she responded shortly and abruptly, which came out rude and cold, he sympathized her because her green, sparkling eyes said it all—they were like an open book, despite feeling obviously foreign and noticeably uncomfortable—something her body language could not conceal, her eyes glowed with excitement, an expectation of something new; openness and curiosity could not be masked by them. 

He's met many people like this before - eager and impatient, they were mainly tourists, who came in search of unique experiences. Sometimes, UK citizens, who were returning back after a long journey: back to their comfort zone, looking for the day-to-day stability and seeking the comfort of their home. But most frequently, he saw students, just like Elle. 

As an airport worker, there really wasn't anyone he hasn't come across before. And yet, he's never rooted for anyone as much as he did for Elle: there was something sincere about this girl that really attracted him, making him wish her all the best, actually meaning it. 

"So, I'd like to know how long you will be staying?"

"Eight weeks."

"And then?"

"I will probably be going back home for an end-of-semester break."

"And where's home?"

"Ukraine."

He zoned out again and thought about it for a moment. Ukraine... 

Ukraine. He and his wife had long intended to visit there for a holiday; he envisioned himself on the beach (fishing pole in hand) while his wife brewed tea by the tent. Yet each holiday came and went, and the vision of that beach was eclipsed by other, more practical concerns. He wondered if the girl before him had ever been to the beach - perhaps this was as close as he'd get.

"Interesting... "- he said, while still day-dreaming. And then, as if awakened, he continued - "Well, Miss Levy, you may go now. Have a good stay, and hopefully, the UK won't disappoint... I do wish you all the best." - he added. This time, it sounded neither dry nor meaningless.  

"Thank you." - she smiled. To her, he suddenly seemed very friendly and welcoming. - "Thank you." - she repeated again. And not knowing what else to say to sound more amiable than she did so far, she added timidly - "Bye, bye now. Have a good day!"

And she walked through the gate of the airport exit. A brand-new life was waiting ahead of her. 

'What a lovely child!' - the airport guy was still thinking to himself. 'I hope she finds home here...' And as he sent Elle off with a gaze, the next traveler approached the stand.

He turned back to his stand. 

"Hello and welcome. Your passport, please?"

And just like that, the day went on.