It Begins With Us

42.

I lean back in my chair as old Mr. Judge folds his hands on the table and leans in.

"What do you mean by she's still back in Toronto?" He asks me and I smile a little.

"Well, we decided that a break is what we need." I explain and he nods slowly.

"I understand." He says leaning back. "How are you feeling now that you've experienced it for a week now, was it?"

"I feel like shit." I smirk. "I miss her every spare second."

"Have you spoken to her?" Judge asks.

"Yeah, we video call every other night." I nod.

"Every other night?" He frowns approvingly. "So what are your terms for this break?"

"We're just going to spend time apart, physically." I explain. "Then in a months time I'm going to go back and pick her up."

"I understand that, a lot of people have their own idea of what a break should mean in a relationship." He reassures me and I shrug.

"We message throughout the day." I add just incase he'd want to know.

"Right." He nods. "So how have the others in your life reacted to this break?" Judge crosses his arms then uncrosses them.

"Well Emmy's a little sad she couldn't meet her before she left. Alyssa's a little confused, seems relieved but also a little let down. Marshall's a complete wreck. Acting like he's some moody teenager who's parents are separating." I snort and he gives me an amused look.

"That sounds entertaining." He chuckles and I smile.

Judge is an old man, in his early fifties, forgets occasionaly that this is a proffessional gossip session. Not just a gossip session.

"It is, but I just can't wait till the months over. I'm drained." I confess and he smiles and nods.

"Alright, so then how have your management classes been?" He asks getting serious and leaning his elbows on his hickory desk.

"They've been going okay. After the outburst in Toronto it got real bad. Being alone at home again with my own thoughts and regrets as made me volatile. But if I try hard enough, I can push it down and direct it somewhere else. You know? Go for a jog, or work out some. Sometimes I'll break things and I'll be happy that she's not here all over again. It'll remind me what a good choice the break was no matter how much I miss her." Judge is pleased with my answer, I can read it in his eyes.

"You've matured, a lot." He grins.

"Thanks old man." I grin back.

-

"So, your month long break is over, how do you feel?" Judge asks me.

"I'm excited, little nervous, just a little. I'm worried, but I'm also ready. I know it." I lace my fingers together in my lap.

I haven't been able to get the grin off of my face all day. Today is Friday, tomorrow is the day.

"That's good to hear." He smiles. "You have any special plans for when you do?"

"The most special." I confess and pull the ring out of my pocket and place it on the desk.

Judge's eyes widen and he gives a soft gasp.

"It's beautiful." He nods.

"Right?" I ask and he grins.

"You're ready?" He asks me carefully and I nod.

"I'm beyond ready, I'm eager. I'm desperate." My leg jiggles with the jitters. "But what do you think?" I add seriously.

"Well considering your management results and all the time we've spent together," he stops and carefully observes me, "you have gotten a good grip of yourself."

'I've been longing to hear that since forever.' I sigh and lean back.

"Now don't waste time!" He exclaims just as our time is up. "Go get your girl!"

-

"Ryle!" I hear her voice echo in the vastness of the airport. I turn and before I could get a good look at her, she tackles me.

"I missed you, I missed you." She breathes against my neck and I tighten my arms around her.

"I missed you more." I mumble against her ear and she shakes her head.

"No, I missed you most." Alba sighs and then pushes her head back to see me.

"You look so beautiful." I whisper and she smiles.

"You look more beautiful." She giggles and I chuckle.

"Then you look most beautiful." I steal her line.

"That's cheating!" She huffs.

"Well you cheated first." I mock her huffing.

"I did, didn't I?" She asks looking at my lips and I know she doesn't really care for my answer.

So I skip the formalities, like I always do, and meld my lips against her's.

-

"I thought you ran away with my ring for good." Mrs. DeTamble scoffs just as Kimy leaves the room. "I thought I was gonna have to send the police after you."

"Why would I do that?" I laugh. "I don't need to steal."

"Hmph. Sure you don't." She harrumphs and I keep from rolling my eyes. "Oh! Did you give it to her?" Mrs. DeTamble asks.

"No, not yet." I answer fingering my pocket.

"Good, I forgot to tell you. You have to get the size fixed to fit her." She nods.

"It fits her." I infrom her.

"How do you know?" She crosses her arms.

".....I checked...... while she was asleep........." I confess, we spent the weekend wrapped up in bed together.

"Oh..... good for you." She replies clearing her throat. I watch, confused and suspicious as she presses her fingertips to her lips and her eyes sparkle.

"I'll go now." I stand up rubbing my sweaty palms against my thighs. "I need to get things ready before she get's home."

"Right," she nods her eyes sparkling, "go on then. And remember who I am." She threatens and I chuckle.

"Always." I smile. "The Time Traveller's Wife."

"Not that one." She giggles catching me off guard, and I raise an eyebrow to show it. "That one's a secret! It's Evil-Monster-In-Law."

"Right, of course." I grin and set off.

'I'm almost there.' I smile at the sky, my fingers tapping the small bump in my pocket. 'Almost.'