Wait for Me

With trembling hands, Edward tapped Emilys number, pressing the phone desperately to his ear. Please, just pick up just pick up he prayed silently.

The person you have called is temporarily unavailable or out of service, came the deep recorded voice, and Edward knew then that fate was not on his side.

*****

Love never asks for permission before it moves in. It doesnt knock timidly or wait at your doorstep. No, it hits you like a sudden tide, sweeping you off your feet, leaving no room for resistance. Some, picturing this overwhelming wave crashing down in a romantic storm, might think, What a nightmare!

But its not. Quite the opposite, really.

Love is beautiful precisely because it lets you feel something so raw, so unique, unlike anything you could ever experience elsewhereeven if you were to ride a roller coaster ten times in a row. Honestly, love beats any fairground thrill.

And more often than not, it arrives in a flashborn instantly, like a supernova bursting through the darkness of space.

Its as if someones whacked you over the headyoure hopelessly, head-over-heels besotted before you even know whats happened.

Thats first sight love, the kind sung about by countless poetsShakespeare, Keats, Byron All have written about it, and writers still do, even now.

Edward had always been sceptical, a practical man, firmly convinced that love at first sight was just something for books and films.

It doesnt happen in real life, hed scoff to anyone who tried to tell him otherwise.

And then one day

Edward was standing outside Victoria Coach Station, scanning the throng of buses for his own, which was due any minute.

He couldnt risk missing it. These coaches stopped only brieflystragglers were left behind.

As some drivers say, if youre not there, youll wait for the next, Edward thought grimly.

And the next wouldn’t be until tomorrow morning. Twelve hours at least. He had already left his rented flat, so

so he watched every arriving bus, alert for his own.

Edward, come here! The bus has arrived! he heard someone call his name.

As it turned out, they were calling not him, but another lad, maybe eight years old. But Edward wouldnt know that right away.

He turned sharply, stung by the familiar, gentle-sounding call, and in that momentBAM!he took a nasty knock to the head, lights exploding before his eyes.

A spray of sparks as if someone let off a New Years firework right in front of his face.

If it were December, hed have believed itbut it was late May. Which made the whole thing even stranger.

What was that? he wondered, dazed.

He hadnt a chance to process anything; the sparks faded, but then everything just went black.

Seconds ticked by before Edward could start making out faint shapes, people shifting around him. As his vision returned, he caught sight of a young woman.

She was right in front of him, rubbing a sore forehead. Seeing her, Edward instinctively reached for his own bruised brow.

In their eyes danced surprise, confusion, and all those emotions that come with having no clue what just happened.

They stood amid the bustle of the station, staring at each other, spellbound, unable to look away.

Neither laughed nor cried. They simply gazedhe at her, she at him.

It had been only minutes since theyd collided, but it felt to Edward like a lifetime. And suddenly, he realisedhed fallen. Hard. At first sight.

He was transfixed, lost in the eyes of this enchanting stranger, completely immobile.

Something deep inside him told Edward that meeting her was no accident.

It was as if fate itself had butted their heads together, making sure they didnt pass each other bylost in the shuffle of endlessly hurrying people.

Sometimes, fate has to act boldly.

Everyones buried in their smartphones, or anxiously watching for a bus, paying no mind to those invisibly sent their way

Im so sorry! the girl broke the silence, stooping to pick up her smashed phone off the paving stones. I was in such a hurry I didnt see you at all. Are you alright? Did I hurt you?

What? Edward saw her lips moving, but couldnt process a single word.

I asked, are you hurt? Is your head spinning? You look a bit odd.

Its spinning, yes especially when I look into your lovely eyesI feel like the grounds fallen away. Is this could this be what they call love at first sight?

She smiled. Joking, are you? Goodat least youre joking. But come, sit down. Id rather you didnt faint. Ive got some water here for you.

Her warmth and sincerity sparkled brighter than any summers day.

There wasnt a shred of insincerity in that smileEdward could see and feel she truly cared, and even his foggy mind was oddly comforted.

Here you are, she offered him a bottle of water, and Edward drank gratefully.

A few gulps did wonders; the world seemed to snap back into focus.

Im Emily, she introduced herself.

Edward.

Pleased to meet you. I really am sorry about thiscross my heart, I wasnt trying to bowl people over. I was rushing for my coach, but She glanced towards the platforms. Looks like its gone without me. Serves me right, I suppose. And Ive smashed my new phone

Coach! Like a spark, the word jolted Edwards muddled thoughts. He spun, zeroing in on his own platformtoo late, as his bus, the last one, pulled away.

He was sure he could hear the driver, smirking in his rear-view mirror, say, If youre late, youll wait for the next.

Oh, blast Ive missed mine, too.

Really? Emilys face fell, eyes darting after the departing coach.

Mm. All your fault. He grinned, teasing now.

My mum always says Im hopeless, she replied with a rueful laugh.

Not true, Edward smiled. Its just how the stars aligned.

Whens your next?

In the morning.

Same here. As my mum used to say, Two lost souls who found each other.

You know, Emilyseeing as weve both missed our coaches, would you fancy a stroll in the park nearby?

She flashed a smile, tucking her lifeless phone into her bag. You know, Id like that.

*****

With two vanilla ices from the vendor, Edward hurried back to the bench where his lovely companion waited.

He didnt know why, but he feared Emily might leave himthat shed simply walk away. There was no real reason for it, but the feeling gnawed at him.

Seeing her still waiting, his heart finally settled. She was there.

He slowed, stopping altogether for a moment, just to take her in from a distance.

Emily had reached deep into his soul, rooting herself there so firmly he doubted anything could pry her out.

So this is love at first sight For a moment, he was embarrassed he ever doubted it.

What are you standing around for? Step aside! came a sharp voice behind him.

He turned to see an old woman with a walking stick glaring at him.

Sorry, got lost in thought, Edward said, stepping aside to let her pass.

Is it her youre staring at? the woman prodded with her cane in Emilys direction.

He nodded sheepishly.

Stop dreaming, lad. Therell be no happy ending for you two! she snapped, hobbling away.

Edward was stunned. For a moment, he froze.

The mere thought that he might never see Emily again chilled him to the bone.

As he watched the strange, funereal old woman disappear, he glanced back at the benchand felt his breath catch.

No one was there.

What on earth?

He began searching the crowds, his nerves frayingshed just been there, she couldnt have got far. He felt she was close

But no matter how hard he tried, she disappeared into the flood of faces, and the old womans words echoed in his mind: You two will never be together

He wanted to shout back, Why? What did we ever do to you?

Why are you just standing here? Forgotten where you left me?

Edward, startled by the familiar voice, spun aroundand managed to bang heads with Emily yet again.

Youre still here! You didnt leave! he laughed, grabbing her into a hug.

Careful, Edward, youll strangle me! Emily winced, rubbing her forehead. I just popped off to throw out the water bottle, saw you dawdling, and thought Id check on you and your brooding stare.

I was just scared youd gone

I havent. But listen, Edwardlets promise never to butt heads again, alright? Ive exams coming up, and a concussion will empty my brain!

Sorry, he grinned sheepishly. Just a strange old woman told me wed never be together. I thoughtnever mind. Shall we walk?

Its about time!

Handing Emily her ice cream like the greatest treasure on earth, Edward offered his arm and off they strolled through the park. Then along the Thames embankment. Along quiet streets until dawn.

Time dissolved in the night. Edward shared stories, hopes, even admitted to being a welder sent here on a job.

Emily, in turn, told him about life in her uni hall, studying in her final year at medical school, and a dream of becoming a doctor.

In the morning, back at Victoria Coach Station, they clung to each other, not wanting to part. As Edward boarded his coach, he promised he would return for her.

He tried to swap phone numbers, but Emily, holding up her broken phone, could only give an apologetic smile.

Cant call just now But as soon as I get home, Ill try to buy a new one and switch my SIM over. Write my number down, just in case.

Edward was delighted. Youd better take mine too, so we cant lose touch again!

Sir, the coach is leaving! barked the driver. On or off?

Coming! shouted Edward, then, turning to Emily, Promise me youll wait. Ill come back for you. Hear me?

I hear you! Ill be waiting! she called, waving.

Edward lingered on the steps, watching his sudden luck slip away into the dawn, and made his way to his seat.

*****

A month passed.

The longest of Edwards life. Emily never rangnot once. He tried calling her, but never got through. Finally, after pleading for unpaid leave, he prepared to travel back to find heronly for a family emergency to force him home.

His mother, Margaret, had suffered a stroke, and could no longer move unaided.

Shell need constant care. Recovery will be long, the doctor said.

Edward nodded glumly, thinking how nothing could have happened at a worse time.

He had no real choice. There was no one else to care for his mother, so he stayed.

But he swore hed find Emily when all this was over.

*****

He never managed to get his mother well. After a few months, she passed away. Edward buried her, passed the family pets and chickens to neighbours, locked up the cottage, and set off in search of Emily. Six months had gone by. He didnt even know if hed find her, but he had to try.

Approaching her halls, Edwards nerves set his whole body trembling. What if shes already found someone else? The doubt gnawed at him.

And then there were the old womans words: Youll never be together.

What if she was right? What if he never saw Emily again?

He couldnt understand why she never phoned, when she had his number. Why hadnt he ever got through?

Who are you after? snapped the matron at the front desk when Edward stepped into the student halls.

Im looking for EmilyI dont know her surname. She studies medicine, and Ive got her photo. Edward showed her their selfie from the station.

Oh, the boyfriends finally turned up, the matron sneered. Emilys gone. No one else here todayNew Years Eve

Gone? Where? When?

Long ago! Got her degree and left. Probably back home with her family, in the country somewhere.

Did she leave anything for me? A message phone number address?

The matron paused, rifling through a drawer. She did, as it happens Emily said she lost your number, and her phone too. Handbag stolen at the station. But left a letter for you. Only, I spilled coffee on it, ruined the address at the bottom. But her new phone numbers still legible.

Edward barely listened to her awkward apologieshe tore open the crumpled envelope and devoured the words.

Edward, my darling, Ive missed you more than you can imagine! Im so sorrylost your number the very day you left. Well, not lostmy bag was stolen at the station, smashed phone, your number, everything gone. I had no way to find youyou left no address. Promised to call, but there was nowhere to ring. Ive had a new phone and SIM for ages.

But I waited, Edward. I really did. Every day after lectures, I went to our bench, the one where we bumped heads, hoping you might arrive too. Every day, for a month.

But you never came. Only the big ginger tom was therehes got eyes just like yours. I named him Edward, and he listened to me talk about you for hours.

I couldnt take him in, the porters wouldnt allow pets, but if you come and see him, feed him some turkey dinner from the shop around the corner. He loves it.

Id have waited longer, but my degrees done, and my mum suddenly got very sick. Ive gone home to care for her.

I dont know if youll ever come. Or remember your promise. But just in case, heres my address (though the porter might spill coffee on it!). Five minutes from the bus stop.

Ive got a new phone now, so call me if you find this letter. Ill wait to hear from you.

Edward, with shaking hands, dialled the new number.

The person you have called is temporarily unavailable or out of service, said the automated voice.

He had heard those words for months now.

What is going on? Edward cursed inwardly. This number wasnt working either! He looked again at the letter.

Where the address was written, a great brown stain made it unreadable. He slipped the letter into his pocket.

Howwherewas he supposed to find Emily now?

*****

Edward trudged slowly through the snowy streets towards Victoria Coach Station. He ignored the grinning faces, the festive shop windows.

Despite it being New Years Eve, his heart felt empty.

He still harboured hope that Emilys number might, one miraculous day, work. When, though? Only God knew.

With a ticket bought for the first bus home, Edward checked his watchforty minutes to spare.

Maybe Ill pop by our bench, feed the cat, if hes there, he decided. At least he could take the cat home, if nothing else. Itd be some small token of Emily.

Sure enough, near the bench sat a big ginger cat, scanning the crowd as if searching for someone.

Wonder if its me hes after, Edward smirked.

As he drew close, the cat barely glanced his way. He knelt down.

Hello, namesake! Edward grinned.

At the sound of his voice, the cat looked up, truly surprised, as if to say, Where did you come from?

Then he sauntered over, gave Edward a cautious sniff, and finally pressed warmly against his legs.

It felt as though theyd known each other for years, and these were old friends reunited at last.

Edward scooped the cat up for a cuddle, then recalled Emilys plea to feed him.

Sit tight, mate. Ill run to the shop for some turkey. Dont go anywhere, alright?

Meow replied the ginger.

Wait for me, Edward. Dont disappear. Ill be back in a tick.

The queue in the shop was predictably longNew Years Eve, after allso ten minutes later, Edward hurried around the corner to the bench just as he saw

a young woman trying to pick up his cat.

Yes, by now, Edward considered the ginger tom his ownhed even planned to bring him back to the city. But now

He broke into a jog, worried someone else might steal his only link to Emily.

Oddly, the cat refused to be picked up by the stranger, yowling in protest.

Whats wrong with you, Edward? the woman scolded. Dont you know me? Its meEmily!

Emily?! Edward froze, stunned. Emily, is that you? he repeated, taking two steps forward.

She turned sharplyand once again, their heads collided and the world lit up with sparkling stars, as if fireworks went off for New Years.

When his vision cleared, there she was, rubbing her brow.

They stared at each other in disbelief, and then

They hugged, laughed, kissed, cried, not caring at all about the people watching.

It didnt matter what anyone thought. Theyd found each other again.

Now nothing would ever keep them apart.

How are you here, Edward? Emily finally managed.

I came for you. Like I promised. But at your college, they said youd gone home for good.

Yes, I finished my degree, wanted to find work here in London, but Mum fell seriously ill and I had to go home. She passed away last month, sadly. And Im here now to collect Edwardmy cat. And here you are. Isnt it a miracle?

Edward smiled through tears. A proper miracle. I was about to feed him, just as you wanted.

I couldnt understand why Edward the cat wouldnt come to mehe recognised me, but wouldnt budge. Turns out he was waiting for you

And you?

I was waiting for you too, Edward.

Im so glad I found you. Honestly, I thought it was hopeless. The porter at your hall spilled coffee all over your letter. The address was ruined

Oh, Mrs Potter I told her not to snoop! Was the number at least clear?

Yes, lucky for us. But there was no signal.

Just then, Edwards phone buzzeda message that Emilys number was finally back on the network. He showed her the screen and smiled.

Perfect timing

She beamed. You know, Ive let a flat for tonightbit last-minute, no food in, but theres still time. How about we spend New Year together?

You neednt askId love nothing more.

Then lets not waste time! said Emily, grabbing his arm and the ginger cat.