I hadn’t gone back to work after leaving yesterday. I’d called in sick and wasn’t sure if I wanted to go back. Surely, there weremore important things to do than sit in a dreary office listening to other people’s problems.
As much as I loved the house I’d lived in all my life, maybe to effect change, I needed to change my surroundings.
Most of the memories I held were good, but there were glimpses of the life Mum had led, and I often wondered if my life would end up the same. I didn’t realise until I was older just how much she’d suffered, and now, when I recalled the days she’d spent in bed, citing illness, it was her way of dealing with the dark days. I had them too and could now understand why she found things so difficult to deal with. There were days I couldn’t get out of bed. Days when I’d eat nothing and only drag myself out of bed for a drink and to pee.
Were cycles repeating themselves?
Maybe change was coming for us.
Finally, I spotted the train coming down the track. It screeched to a halt, and I stood back, waiting for everyone to disembark.
At first, I couldn’t see him, but then, there he was. He looked different. There was a light to him I hadn’t seen before. Funny how we hadn’t known each other long, but I could see the change in him from then to now.
“Harv! Over here.” His smile was contagious, and I couldn’t help but smile to myself. As if I’d be able to miss him.
I waved, a little embarrassed.
“Hey, Killian. You’re late.”
“I know. There was a delay. Held us up for about fifteen minutes, but I made it. I’m fucking starving, too.”
It wasn’t only his demeanour that was different.
“Have you had a haircut?” I peered a little closer. It was shorter, and his beard looked tidy, too.
“Yeah. Do you like it? Sully said I’d look better in the photos. I almost cut it last night, but I couldn’t find any scissors.”
By now, everyone was looking at him. He carried himself differently and had such a presence. I couldn’t take my eyes off him either.
He looked… great.
“We’d best hurry, or we’ll miss our booking. Bad enough I had to cancel last night’s.”
“Yeah, I’m sorry about that. Couldn’t be helped, you know?”
I did.
“Let’s go.” I led him out of the station and towards the restaurant I’d booked. It was nothing fancy, but I liked it.
It took ten minutes to get to the restaurant, but we didn’t speak, too busy dodging other pedestrians heading towards the station.
When we arrived, we were greeted by Bianca, the owner’s daughter.
“Mr Barton. How lovely to see you again. It’s been a while. I have your favourite table right here.”
“Come here often, Harv?”
“I’ve been here a few times.”
Bianca handed us some menus and smiled again. “When you’re ready to order, give me a nod, and I’ll be right over.”
She walked away and left us to peruse the menu.
“I think someone likes you,” Killian teased.
“No, she doesn’t. Don’t be stupid.” But when I looked over at her, she smiled again.
“Told ya. Now let’s get some food ordered. I’m fucking starving.”