Just something I've been working on the past few days. I realise that it still needs work and that it lags in some places, but any feedback on this would be great!

Thanking you

E x

He drained the last few drops of his cold tea, and looked at the clock. One hour to go. Best not to think about it at present though, it would only tighten the knot in his stomach. He returned to marking the essay in front of him. This one was excellent, with some compelling theories. This girl always produced fantastic work, she was only seventeen and already she understood far beyond her years.

Seventeen, that’s how old she was - a young woman, with her own ideas and ambitions. Was he really ready for this? He knew nothing about her; he never even knew of her existence until two weeks ago when the postman pushed that fateful letter through the door.
After recovering from the shock of its contents, he had observed that it was a good letter: short and simple, yet he could tell from it that she had strength of mind. And she wanted to meet him.

What if she despised him? He was in his forties now and he still hadn’t settled down properly. He looked around his flat. Books and papers piled everywhere, a dirty mug on the shelf and a stain on the carpet by the couch that he hadn’t even tried to cover up. He was a mess. All he had in his life was his job which came with a lot of stress and headaches. He had never married, and wasn’t in any kind of relationship. The idea of a woman in his life had dissipated a while back. Ever since the love of his life had walked out on him years ago, his faith had crashed and burned and every relationship he was in had gone down with it. He had been so blissfully happy back then – he was young and hopeful. Never had he felt so connected to anyone and he was so convinced that it was mutual. But then one day she was gone. All that was left was a note; short and simple. At least it made more sense now. It didn’t make it any less painful, but things weren’t so blurry.

He looked back at the clock. It was nearing the hour. He should be going. He fixed his collar and tried to smooth his hair. He looked at his reflection – what if she took one look and ran? He took a deep breath, grabbed his jacket and left the house before he could dwell on the idea any longer. They were to meet for coffee at the café round the corner. It all seemed so unreal. He walked these streets every single day, yet every step he took further, was completely alien to him. Each building he passed was one he had never encountered before. He was on his way to meet someone who had only ever appeared to him in his wildest dreams. He just couldn’t get his head around the idea.

He waited five long minutes, then a soft, nervous voice;

“Hello, Iain?”

He spun round. Before him was a young girl of medium height, auburn hair and dark, hopeful eyes. But wait – this wasn’t the first time they had met, and there too was a spark of recognition in her eyes, followed by an intake of breath, and that wide, expressive smile. He felt his eyes widening with disbelief. His mind was cast back to about a month ago.

*

It was late in the evening. It had been the staff night out and he had shown his face for long enough so decided to head back. As he approached the bus stop, he could hear raised voices ahead. As they drew nearer, he could see a young girl desperately trying to get rid of some slime ball who was obviously half cut.

“Come on!” shouted the guy, “What’s your problem?”

“My problem? Right now my problem is you!”

They were now a short distance away from him, and he could see in the lamplight that tears were running down her face. That face – so familiar. His heart went out to her. Could this arse not take a hint?

“Babe – just let me explain, stop being so fucking difficult!” He staggered, and grabbed hold of her. “I need you!”

“Piss off Gary, I don’t CARE anymore! Why don’t you go back to your friend upstairs, looked like she was tending to your ‘needs’ just wonderfully – get OFF me!”

The shit now had her by the shoulders and was shaking her hard while yelling in her face. He couldn’t hear what was being said though, an unexpected surge of anger rose within him, and he felt such a powerful compulsion to protect this girl. Before he could stop him self he was charging towards the guy and two seconds later had given him a nose bleed.

“Stay the hell away from her!” He panted, fuming.

“Who the fuck are you anyway?” He snorted arrogantly. Yet he couldn’t seem to hold his gaze.

The girl stepped forward. “Just go.”

He spat on the ground, took one last look at them both and swaggered off. The girl looked up at him searchingly.  She was beautiful; she looked just like someone he once knew a long time ago  - her deep red hair framing her delicate face. He felt a rush of affection towards her.

“Thank you.” She muttered, her eyes still gleaming with tears. She looked behind her. “That’s my bus.”

“Will you be alright?” he asked.

“I’ll be fine.” She nodded, wiping her eyes. “As long as there are still nutters like you hanging around, I’ll be just great!” She smiled a wide, warm smile and got on the bus.

Somehow he knew she would be fine. He shivered. It was cold tonight.

*                                               

“So,” He said, “how about that coffee?”

“Actually I’ll just have tea, I don’t like coffee much.”

He laughed. “Me neither – can’t stand the stuff”