Baggage & Buttons

by C. J. Fallowfield

  ‘Thanks, so will I,’ she smiled. ‘Holy shit, look there’s Starbucks, it really is just around the corner from home.’

  ‘Come on then, I need coffee and something sticky, sugary and delicious to eat as I feel a bit dizzy from that blood test. It’s on me for last night.’

  ‘You better bloody believe it is.’

  It was just approaching eleven as we made our way back up the stairs to the apartment. I beat Lexi up to the top and turned the key in the lock.

  ‘I need to have a quick bath to get rid of this bloody gunk Lex.’

  ‘TMI mate.’ I smiled at her and headed into the bedroom and screamed. ‘What? What is it?’ she yelled as she rang in and stood open mouthed next to me. ‘Holy shit,’ she exclaimed. On my dressing table was a huge display of the most beautiful red roses I’d ever seen, I went to smell then and pulled out the small card that was attached.

  Mia. There’s one for every day since I first laid eyes on you and just knew. All my love and apologies Gabe x

  ‘What does it say?’ I handed the card to her and looked at the roses again confused.

  ‘Lexi he says one for each day since he first saw me, but there are loads here.’

  ‘So I’ll count them for you.’ After a while she announced that there were 18 of them. Now I was definitely confused.

  ‘But I only meet him a week last Monday. That’s 11 days, not 18.’

  ‘Well 18 days would be the Monday before that. Are you sure you didn’t meet him in freshers’ week?’

  ‘I think I would’ve remembered if I had, given my reaction to him in English that first day and every time I see him now.’

  ‘Well we were out every night at loads of parties and you were pretty wasted Mia.’

  ‘Don’t remind me,’ I shuddered. ‘I think I was sick four days out of seven.’

  ‘You must’ve met him then and you just don’t remember, well anyway he’s smooth. What’s that on your bed?’ she asked as she turned around. I looked and saw a hand written note propped up on the pillow and jumped up on the bed to retrieve it. Lexi sat at the foot of the bed waiting patiently while I read it to myself. I felt a few tears well up in my eyes and roll down my cheeks. ‘What, what does it say? Come on the suspense is killing me,’ she moaned, so I read it to her.

  ‘It says, “To my dearest Mia, I want to apologise again for what I put you through yesterday. My chest still hurts when I remember that look of pain in your eyes, that I put there. I never want to be the cause for your tears ever again and I fully intend on making it up to you at our one week anniversary dinner tonight. Saying I love you doesn’t seem enough to express how I feel for you. I ache when I’m not with you, I’m drifting in an endless ocean when I’m not with you and only your touch anchors me. If one day you can love me, half as much as I love you, I’ll die I happy man”’ I had to stop reading to blow my nose before I carried on. ‘“I know in you I’ve met my soul mate and I intend to spend the rest of my life showing you what you mean to me. I’ll treasure you always. I love you Mia. Your Gabriel” and then he’s put a load of kisses on it too,’ I said as I sighed.

  ‘O for god’s sake, now I’m crying as well,’ sniffed Lexi and I passed her a tissue giggling. Lexi really didn’t do emotions, it must be her pregnancy affecting her. ‘He has it so bad for you Mia. I want a Gabe, though without all this bloody drama,’ she muttered, waving her hand around in the air. ‘How’s it your one week anniversary?’

  ‘It was Thursday night when I agreed to the date with him, technically Friday’s our one week anniversary. I don’t get why I’m all emotional over flowers and a letter. I’ve had plenty before without crying.’

  ‘You’re such a dumb ass,’ she grinned and thumped my leg.

  ‘Owwww. What do you mean?’

  ‘I’ve told you Mia, you’re in love with him, that’s why you’re getting all emosh.’

  ‘Don’t be so ridiculous Lexi. Lust yes, love no.’

  ‘Right keep telling yourself that, you’re way beyond lust. I’m going to get coffee before I vomit all over you. All this sickly romance is too much for me,’ she said before winking at me and leaving.

  I read the note again and felt all warm inside and my stomach fluttered. Love? Lexi was being ridiculous, wasn’t she? Was what I felt for Gabe love? It was definitely more than I’d ever felt for anyone else, if you didn’t count how I felt about mum and Lexi, those were very different feelings. I did get excited every time I was about to see him and he was on my mind all the time. Was that why I’d forgiven him for last night? Lexi was right, if any other boyfriend had behaved in that way I’d have kicked them to the curb. I frowned, feeling confused again and hurried through to the bathroom to have my bath and clean up. Once dried, I changed into a fresh pair of knickers and jeans then donned my jumper again.

  ‘Are you out yet?’ yelled Lexi.

  ‘Yes, why?’

  ‘I need you to come in the kitchen.’

  ‘Coming.’ I walked across the hall and she was standing in the doorway with a big stupid grin on her face. ‘What’s going on?’ I asked.

  ‘Look,’ she stood aside and I saw a bouquet of pure white lilies, gypsophila and palm leaves in the middle of the kitchen table. I looked at her surprised. ‘They’re for me, from your boyfriend.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Yes, shall I read the card that came with them?’

  ‘You don’t have to Lex, not if it’s personal.’

  ‘Well I’m going to. It reads, “Dear Lexi. Thank you for being the best friend to his girlfriend that a guy could ever hope for. If there’s ever anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. Thank you again, Gabe” I like him again,’ she smiled.

  ‘Wow he’s going all out on the apology front.’ I was pleased he’d made the effort, especially acknowledging Lexi.

  ‘He is,’ she beamed. ‘I’ve never had flowers delivered before, unlike you. You know we’ve missed the bus don’t you?’

  ‘Shit have we?’ I asked looking at my watch, to see she was right.

  ‘Yes, English starts in fifteen minutes so we’re going to be late. We either have a 40 minute wait for the next bus, and we’ll get there about an hour late, or it’s a ten minute taxi ride.’

  ‘Will you call for a taxi then? I’ll go and get my books together and text Gabe a thank you from us both.’

  I gathered up my texts and notes and shoved them quickly in my bag.

  ‘Fifteen minutes downstairs,’ yelled Lexi.

  ‘Ok.’ My phone was fully charged and I turned it on and sat at the dressing table smelling my roses as I waited for the signal to kick in. I was really touched that he’d thought of organising some flowers for Lexi too, in the space of 24 hours he’d won us both around from last night’s drama. I glanced down and saw I had a text from him.

  I hope you both got on ok this morning? Thinking about you, as ever and looking forward to seeing you this afternoon Gabe xx

  I’m looking forward to seeing you too. Thank you, my roses are so beautiful and the words in your letter were very sweet. Lexi’s absolutely thrilled, you have a new best friend :-) We got on fine this morning, talk to you about it later. We’re running behind. See you soon!

  The taxi was waiting for us when we got down the stairs and we made it to campus and stood outside the doors to English, staring at them, twenty minutes late.

  ‘You go first Lex,’ I said, turning to face her.

  ‘No, it’s your fault we’re late, with flowers and bloody soppy letters and leaking lube, you go first,’ she replied as she faced me, hands on her hips.

  ‘I can’t, Jenkins already hates me, please, do you it,’ I begged.

  ‘No.’

  ‘Please Lexi.’

  ‘NO!’

  ‘LEXI!’

  ‘Jenkins is one scary dude, you go first.’

  ‘Scary dude? You said dude Lexi. O you’re so into Doug. You’ve already picked up his expressions,’ I giggled.

  ‘I’m n
ot bloody into Doug alright,’ she scowled, going crimson. I gasped, that wasn’t a look I saw on Lexi very often. Crying and blushing in one day was unprecedented.

  ‘You so are, why won’t you admit it? He’s good looking, he’s dark haired, tall with a very good body …’

  ‘Well why don’t you have a bloody threesome with him and Gabe if you like him so much,’ she interrupted, all huffily.

  ‘I don’t like him like that Lexi, I’m all about Gabe, trust me. I just know Doug’s so your type and he’s already asked you out. I can’t understand why you’re being so bloody obstinate about it.’

  ‘Ok, so maybe I do like him, but I’m one night stand Lexi, I fuck around. I’ve never done dating and relationships and I don’t want to screw things up for you by screwing your boyfriend’s best mate and it all turning pear shaped.’

  ‘Excuse me for interrupting.’ I felt my heart stop as I heard the well to do voice and turned, horrified to see that the door to English was being held open by none other than Mr Jenkins himself, fixing me with one of his disapproving glares. I looked back at Lexi who looked equally mortified. ‘I’m trying to impart my wisdom to those that are actually here to learn, so if you’ve both quite finished, kindly either step inside and join us, or take your talk of threesomes and one night stands somewhere that’s not outside of my door,’ he said firmly, as he gestured inside.

  Both of us rushed forwards at the same time and got wedged in the door way, so Lexi scowled and elbowed me out of the way and marched in first. I followed quickly behind, my cheeks flaming and glanced up at Gabe and he smiled, shaking his head. The entire room were giggling again and when I spotted Milo, he gave me the double thumbs up, nodding his head. I pulled my tongue out at him and sat down.

  ‘How long was he standing there with the door open?’ groaned Lexi.

  ‘I’ve no idea, I was looking at you. I feel so humiliated,’ I whispered.

  ‘You do?! I apparently just announced to the whole lecture hall that I do one night stands and like to fuck around.’

  ‘Well on the bright side it’ll make it easier for you to get offers, no fake disclaimers and all that,’ I smiled. She frowned at me and pulled out her notebook as Jenkins recommenced his lecture, with another of his stern over the rim of his glasses looks at us. As I emptied my bag, I felt my phone vibrate and saw it was a text from Gabe.

  Nice entrance you two! Good to know that you don’t fancy Doug. I’m glad that you both liked your flowers. I can’t wait to see you naked tonight. I’m hard now just imagining it x

  I shot him a glance and he winked at me and I saw his hand clutch himself under the desk. He was so virile, it was intoxicating.

  Well I figured we may as well continue in the vein in which we started, embarrassing ourselves. Good to know I can turn you on so easily and I’m very happy to hear we’re getting naked tonight. I can’t wait to see you naked either big boy ;-) I’m puzzled with my flowers though. I only saw you for the first time 11 days ago and you sent me 18 roses. Why?

  No it was 18 days ago. You’re not seriously telling me you’ve forgotten?

  I’ve no idea what you’re talking about Gabe!

  Then I’ll have to show you later, though I’m hurt that you don’t remember :-(

  Then I’ll be intrigued to find out. Now stop bothering me, it’s your fault we were late, wooing us with flowers and sentimental notes. I came to Westhampton to study you know :-)

  I’m studying you Mia Page, very carefully. I’m going to get a first class honours, a Masters and a Post Doctorate in you xx

  I smiled over at him and he pursed his lips and blew me a kiss making me blush.

  ‘Whipped,’ muttered Lexi under her breath.

  As the lecture ended I made my way to the door with Lexi and Gabe and saw Milo approaching and I quickly looked up at Gabe.

  ‘Try and be a bit nicer to Milo this time will you? And remember I haven’t slept with him and have no intention of ever doing so.’

  ‘Fine,’ he sighed and I turned and smiled at Milo.

  ‘Hey, I’m not sure if you’ve officially met my best friend Lexi. Lexi Milo, Milo Lexi.’

  ‘Hi good to meet you Lexi.’ Milo gave her one of his amazing smiles.

  ‘You too Milo, we ought to go out for a drink one night, the four of us.’

  ‘That’d be great. Hi again Gabe, nasty looking bruise on your cheek.’

  ‘Hmmm, small disagreement with someone,’ Gabe mumbled, embarrassed. ‘Did I hear you say you shoot pool Milo?’

  ‘Yes, though I wouldn’t say I was that good at it.’

  ‘Do you want to join my friend Doug and I for a game on Tuesday? Mia and Lexi have movie plans.’

  ‘Thanks Gabe that’d be great.’

  ‘Shall we walk and discuss a plan of action then? I’m heading this way,’ Gabe nodded down the corridor.

  ‘Sure,’ Milo replied and flashed me a confused glance. I just shrugged looking equally perplexed. I’d meant be friendly as in “hello how are you?” not going out for the night plans.

  ‘Ok give me a second to say goodbye to Mia.’ Gabe turned to me and I mouthed ‘Thank you’ at him and he gave me a very quick short smile, leaving me in no doubt that he was being nice under duress. ‘Give me your phone and I’ll put my address into it. Are you ok to make your way to mine? I’ve got a few things I need to do first, but I’ll pay for your taxi,’ he said as he typed it in.

  ‘Yes that’s fine, what time?’

  ‘Seven thirty.’

  ‘Great, I’ll see you later and thanks again for the lovely roses and letter.’

  ‘Yes thanks Gabe,’ said Lexi.

  ‘You’re both welcome, I’m just sorry I had to send them in the first place,’ he said, having the grace to look embarrassed again. ‘Wear something sexy for me,’ he whispered in my ear, before kissing me on the lips and heading off with Milo.

  ‘What just happened?’ I asked, slightly stunned.

  ‘What?’

  ‘Gabe being nice to Milo and inviting him out.’

  ‘He’s making a bloody effort after yesterday that’s what,’ scoffed Lexi.

  ‘I hope he’s being genuinely nice and doesn’t have some ulterior motive, he’s very overprotective of me.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Lexi Clarke, sarcasm doesn’t become you.’

  ‘But I’m so good at it Mia. So what anniversary present have you got for Gabe?’

  ‘I didn’t buy anything, I didn’t know I was supposed to. What the hell am I supposed to get? I don’t have a clue what he likes.’

  ‘Well we know he likes you. Why don’t you surprise him by turning up on his doorstep naked?’

  ‘Now that’s not a bad idea,’ I nodded.

  ‘I was joking.’

  ‘I’m not, he said wear something sexy. He went crazy to see me in stockings and suspenders last time and I haven’t worn my Basque for him yet.’

  ‘The black and red one?’ I nodded. ‘That ought to do it,’ she grinned.

  ‘Well I’m going to have to skip Pilates tonight then and go and get ready.’

  I sat staring out of the bus window on the way home confused at my reactions to the last 24 hours and mulled them over again. Despite what had happened I somehow wanted him even more, I really did have it bad for him. I pulled out my phone, did some research and made a call and startled Lexi from her game of flappy birds by nudging her.

  ‘Damn it Mia, I was on a roll.’

  ‘Sorry but I’d like you to come somewhere with me tomorrow morning.’

  ‘Yeah sure. What you up to?’

  ‘I’ve thought of something I can give Gabe, instead of just sexy clothing, or lack of it,’ I grinned as we hopped off the bus.

  I made another call from my bedroom to arrange the taxi to his for five past seven, just to be safe, I knew he hated lateness.

  I hopped in the shower and washed my hair and shaved where necessary and slathered myself in sparkling body moisturiser before pinned my h
air up in a sexy messed up do. I did some minimal eye makeup and did my finger and toe nails in sparking black. I put on a black lace g-sting, my stockings and suspenders and high heels and yelled for Lexi to come and do up my Basque for me. She nodded her head in approval when I did a final twirl for her.

  ‘Holy crap you’re going to make his head spin. You won’t be able to walk after the rodgering he gives you.’

  ‘I was hoping that was what you’d say, thanks.’ I grabbed my black mac out of the wardrobe and tied it tightly around my waist and shoved some clean knickers and a bra in my handbag, along with my phone and a few toiletries. ‘Right, be ready for nine thirty tomorrow will you?’

  ‘What are you up to?’

  ‘Not telling, it’ll be a surprise for you too and I want to see the look on your face.’

  ‘Ok,’ she frowned, looking puzzled. ‘It better be bloody worth it to make me get up that early, again. That was the door buzzer. You and your outfit better get going.’

  ‘Will you be ok on your own? You know you only have to ring if you need me?’

  ‘I’m not a child, I’ll be fine Mia. Have a lovely evening making up. Hope he’s stocked up on condoms.’

  ‘God me too, see you tomorrow.’

  I sent Gabe a text as the taxi set off.

  On my way. Really looking forward to seeing you. I’ve got a surprise for you. Mia x

  He replied quickly, really quickly.

  Great, really looking forward to seeing you too and I also have a few surprises G xx PS I love the kiss at the end of the text. It’s my first from you xx

  I smiled, glad he’d spotted it. We were parked outside his house in just over ten minutes, no way was I knocking on his door to ask for money, so I paid the taxi driver and stepped out with my bag. As he drove off, I looked around in amazement. King Street was a very expensive looking road, with large detached houses in substantial grounds. In front of me was an old tall brick wall and there was a black wrought iron double gated entrance, with a small gate for visitors at the side. I opened it and passed through, my feet crunching on his gravelled driveway, which was lined with big thick oak trees.