Jonathan looked at him confused, while dread flooded his body.
“What do you mean she left? She couldn’t have gone to Boston already. We haven’t even rented the apartment yet. We had a few places in mind, but we agreed we would see them next week when we flew there, together.”
The emotion in Frank’s eyes turned into remorse.
“She didn’t go to Boston, son,” he told him, and averted his gaze from him. Jonathan shook his head perplexed and pushed his hand through his hair.
“What do you mean, Frank? That doesn’t make any sense. If she really isn’t here, the only place she could have gone is Boston. She’s going to work there!”
Frank became silent. Jonathan’s heart started to race, and panic slowly set in.
“Where is she, Frank? If she’s not in Boston, then where is she?” He asked, but there was nothing but silence in return. A silence, that slowly began crushing Jonathan. “Frank, where is she?”
“I’m sorry, I can’t tell you son.”
“What? What do you mean you can’t tell me? This is Sam we are talking about. I need to know where she is!” He pleaded, unable to keep his voice down. The panic was now seeping through his pores.
Frank took a deep breath and shook his head. The distress in Jonathan’s eyes was painful to see. “She accepted a job somewhere else, son. She won’t be going to Boston with you. She’s already gone.”
Jonathan stared at Frank, unable to react. He blinked, when he began to feel lightheaded and took a step back as everything around him started spinning. The walls that held him, were falling to pieces. He shut his eyes trying to make it stop.
“She won’t be going to Boston with you. She’s already gone…”
His eyes opened and he forced himself to focus on Frank’s face once more. His throat had become dry, and he was having trouble breathing.
“No. No, she’s not gone. She wouldn’t leave without me, without at least telling me where she was going. She wouldn’t leave me!”
The pain in Jonathan’s voice tugged at Frank’s heart. Reaching for him, he placed a hand on his shoulder, and squeezed.
“I don’t know what happened between you two, son. What you needed to apologize for, but whatever it is, she wouldn’t have done this if she weren’t deeply hurt by it. I’m truly sorry, son. I know you care very much for my daughter, but she was very clear. She asked me not to tell you where she was, and I have to respect her wishes. I’m sorry.”
With that statement, Frank turned around and closed the door on him.
Jonathan could no longer breathe. He fisted his hands to stop the trembling and turned slowly. His eyes looked all around him, but couldn’t really focus on anything. He swallowed, and struggled to calm as he tried to make sense of what was happening. What exactly was happening?
Samantha was gone.
He walked back to his house, still trying to make sense of what he had just learned.
“She accepted a position somewhere else…”
He shook his head. “No, that doesn’t make any sense. She didn’t tell me about any other jobs. She wouldn’t do this to me, she wouldn’t leave me like this.”
He swallowed again, feeling his throat constrict as he closed the door and leaned against it, sliding to the floor.
He rested his elbows on his bent knees, and held his head. Franks words continued to play in his head.
“She asked me not to tell you where she was…”
Jonathan shut his eyes tight, bitterly wiping away the tear that had managed to make it down his cheek.
“What have I done? Sam is everything to me… what have I done?”
*
Samantha closed her eyes and leaned back on the seat. She was glad there was no one sitting beside her. The flight to London was only half full. The tears once again began to slide down her cheek as she looked out the small window. She wasn’t really surprised considering she had cried the whole flight. At one point, she almost got up to beg the flight attendant to turn the plane around. They wouldn’t have done it of course, she knew this well, but her desperation had been that great.
She was battling two different sides of her.
“What are you doing? Go back to him. You need him, he’s all that you have!” One screamed at her, while the other urged her to realize the truth.
“Could you look into his eyes and pretend that nothing happened? Could you be near him, still tasting his lips? Remembering how it felt to be in his arms? With his body against yours, and his lips on your skin? Could you accept an apology and look into his eyes, knowing he regrets it, when it was pure heaven to you?”
The answer was clear.
There were no words that could ever make this right.
There was no going back.
She cried at the realization. She was heartbroken. Jonathan was the one person she knew with everything inside her, who would never hurt her. She had believed blindly he would always be there for her. In the good moments and the bad. Yet he had been the one to destroy her heart with five simple words.
“It was a huge mistake.”
The breath caught in her throat, and she closed her eyes trying to regain her composure. Or at least the facade she had been able to hold for the last hour. Taking a deep breath, she reached for a napkin to dry her cheeks. The floor had been pulled out from under her, and there was only one way for her to go. Tumbling down. She had no idea how long it would take, but she would try her best to get over Jonathan. To fall out of love with him, to move on.
Samantha finally arrived at London City Airport after eleven hours of flying. Her flight had had one stop. Her tired eyes fell to her watch and she frowned trying to make out the time. It was Saturday 7:50am, including the five-hour time difference. Adjusting the dial to her new time zone, she stepped off plane. Her eyes were swollen and sensitive to the light, thanks to the crying symphony she had performed. Yet, as she walked into the airport her eyes couldn’t help but open wide in amazement. She stood right in the middle of that incredible sight, and twirled around taking everything in. The airport was bigger than anything she had ever seen. It was bright and open, with glass windows everywhere. The style was modern, minimalist and so clean. It was truly impressive.
“Wow,” she whispered while her eyes took in all the little details. Her mouth gaped open. An hour later she walked out of customs, picking up her luggage and stopped at the Information desk to get directions.
“Good morning, Miss. Would you mind helping me? I need to get to the train station. I’m on my way to Oxford.”
A dark-haired woman turned and offered her a smile. “Of course, it will be my pleasure. Just walk out through that door on the right, and then walk four blocks,” She said, extending her arm, pointing past Samantha to a visible hallway ahead, and then handed her a map. “You will find the DLR station on your right,” she opened the map she had just handed Samantha. “You shouldn’t get lost but if you do, just look at the map. This is where you are standing, and this green circle is the station,” Samantha nodded, smiling and enjoying the lady’s accent. “Very well, the train will take you all the way to Oxford. It will be about an hour, maybe an hour and a half long trip. Are you going to the University?”
“Yes, I am,” Samantha answered, feeling the excitement slowly resurface.
“Well then, good luck!”
“Thank you so much,” she answered, smiling again at the lady, and turned around walking through the indicated door, and towards the train station.
Once out of the train at Oxford station, Samantha walked up the stairs and towards the street exit.
“Why the hell did I have to bring two suitcases?” she mumbled, struggling to pull them up the stairs. “What was I thinking?” She added, fighting to drag them up the last steps. She finally got to the street, and stopped on the side of the sidewalk, trying to catch her breath. She wiped the sweat off her forehead with her sleeve and looked up. Her eyes opened so wide, she briefly wondered if they might roll off. She
was hypnotized by the beautiful Gothic architecture. From the church, to the McDonald’s, everything looked like a palace. It was simply gorgeous. Returning to reality, she hastily hailed a taxi that passed by and ran after it, dragging the luggage. Luckily, it stopped and she was soon on her way to the university.
After paying the cab driver she stood in front of the most beautiful structure she had ever set eyes on. “If I ever thought that Harvard was beautiful, I really have no words to describe this… It’s simply breathtaking,” she thought, while her eyes absorbed the vision in front of her. The structure was beautiful and overwhelming to say the least. The building looked right out of a fairytale. Soft yellow honey stone adorned the façade. Impossibly tall walls that seemed to extend to the horizon stood in front of her. Her eyes looked to both sides of the street, yet there was no end in sight. She walked through the main archway and her mouth dropped. Inside it, the buildings were extraordinary. High arches, intricately carved wooden doors, and impressive towers were everywhere she looked. They were a testament to the centuries of history that were hidden within. A million spires protruded from each peaked roof, giving it a stunning appearance. It had a beautifully manicured English lawn, with bright green grass, a crisp crisscross pattern, and colorful flowers everywhere. The paths had iron benches along the way. Every single detail was stunning. She couldn’t stop her eyes from tearing up. Yet she wasn’t sad, this time it was for a completely different reason. It was hard for her to believe that she was standing in front of an institution that had been erected in around 1096. Oxford University was the first university in the world. The mere thought of all the incredible minds that had crossed these gates, walked among these paths, and graduated here overwhelmed her. Sir Thomas More, Sir Philip Sidney, John Donne, William Penn, Oscar Wilde, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lewis Carroll, J R R Tolkien… the list would go on forever. And now she was standing there. It was incredibly humbling, and a true honor. Samantha took a deep breath, fully realizing what it meant to be there, and began walking towards the entrance with her luggage.
She walked into the main office, still overwhelmed by the beauty that surrounded her. It looked like a cathedral inside. A young redhead woman, in a black and white plaid jacket greeted her with a smile.
“Good morning, how may I assist you today?”
“Good morning, my name is Samantha Johnson. I’m one of the new Assistant Professors for the English Faculty. I was told to check in at the office when I arrived.”
“Of course, just a jiffy, let me check the list,” the woman said, turning to the monitor and typing the name in the computer. “You said your name was Samantha? Samantha Grace Johnson?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“From Harvard University in the United States?”
Samantha smiled wide. “Yes, that’s me.”
“Wonderful, just trying to make sure I have the right one,” she chuckled. “Welcome to Oxford University, let me arrange your welcome package and your accommodation information. I’ll return in a jiffy,” the woman said, getting up from her desk, and walked through one of the doors behind her. A few minutes later, she came out with a folder and a letter sized manila envelope in her hands.
“Well, it looks like everything is in order. I will need to make a copy of your passport, if you don’t mind.”
“Oh, of course not,” Samantha answered, reaching into her bag. “Here you go.” The woman turned walking to the copy machine, made a copy and came back.
“Perfect, this is for you,” she said handing her back the passport and giving her the folder. “Here is a guide of the procedures of the university, as well as the summer class schedules you will be required to lecture and assist with. There is also a class schedule for the Comparative Literature Department for your PhD, and the applications you need to fill out so we can finalize your registration and funding processing,” she said with a smile then handed her the manila envelope.
“You will also be required to fill out these forms, for the completion of your student/work visa processing. You have all the information regarding your accommodations, here,” she added, handing her a white, rectangular envelope she hadn’t noticed before. The woman continued. “You will be staying at 25 Wellington Square, the keys are inside. I need you to please fill out the student housing forms and bring them to me along with everything else, as soon as possible. I’m afraid we are in a bit of a pickle due to your joining us at the last minute. I’ll need your collaboration to get them done right away.”
“Of course, thank you so much for everything. You’ll have everything back Monday morning.”
“Oh dear, it will have to be very early. You have a meeting with the board of professors at nine o’clock. It will be held at the St. Cross Building, that’s where the Faculty of English is located. You will be able to get acquainted with the professors you will be assisting, and get the information on the classes and studies you will be in charge of. Hopefully, you might have enough time to prepare for the summer classes,” The lady smiled, yet gave her a calculative look. Samantha frowned while the lady stared. “You know, you are very lucky that the position was still available. Perhaps it was meant to be.”
Samantha gave her a small smile. “Perhaps. Thanks for all your help.”
“You are very welcome. Wait, take a map too so you don’t get lost,” the woman added and sat down once more at the desk.
“Thanks again,” Samantha said, turning around.
“Cheerio!” The woman answered and she chuckled. She loved that accent.
With the folder and envelopes, she had received still in hand, Samantha took the heavy luggage, and began dragging it outside again. She was going to develop serious muscles from this trip. She stopped in the middle of the path, looking at her map and trying to locate the building she had to walk towards. The moment she stopped, someone collided with her and down they went. The envelope, folder and all the forms inside it, including the map went flying everywhere.
“Ahh!” She yelled, as she fell bracing herself with her right knee and her hands. She quickly got up, trying to stabilize herself and felt a hand on her arm, helping her up.
“Oh, I’m so terribly sorry!” A man’s voice said mortified, with a very deep English accent. “Pardon me, Miss. I didn’t see you. I’m afraid, I might have been bit too distracted with my book to notice you standing here,” the man added. The shame was clear in his words.
“It’s ok. No problem, really,” Samantha responded, fixing her sweater and shirt. When she finally raised her gaze to him, she became quiet.
The man standing in front of her was about six feet tall. His straight, brown hair fell to his neck. She could tell it had been combed back with gel but was a bit disheveled due to the fall. He had bright blue eyes, almost an electric blue with a black ring around them. He had thick lashes; a full yet well maintained beard, and a very nice and warm smile. His body was lean but a bit muscular, it seemed. Long arms, nice hands, and long legs completed the package. He was nicely dressed, with a beautiful navy suit, a white shirt and grey and light blue knitted vest. He looked young but definitely older than her, maybe around thirty, or thirty-one years old. Samantha had just turned twenty-four.
He smiled at her and she felt herself blushing as she realized she had been staring at him for well over a minute. Yet, there was something comforting about his eyes. She averted her gaze, and looked down to the papers, scattered everywhere. His eyes followed hers.
“Oh, my apologies. Please, allow me to assist you,” he said embarrassed once again, and immediately began picking them up.
She wiped her hands on her jeans, and bent down in an effort to get the few that were left, and stood up accepting the ones he handed to her. She smiled at him and placed everything inside the folder.
“I’m Christopher. It’s a true pleasure to meet you,” he said, extending his hand to her.
“Samantha. Nice to meet you too,” she answered, shaking his hand.
His eyes went to the floor beh
ind her, and she realized there was still a paper there.
He picked it up for her, briefly looking at it before handing it back. It was the map of the institution and colleges.
“Trying to find your way around?”
She nodded chuckling. “Yes, I just arrived and I’m trying to find my dorm.”
“Dorm?” He asked, confused.
She chuckled. “My dormitory, where I’ll be staying,” she added, hoping he would understand.
He smiled. “Oh, your hall,” he corrected, and chuckled when she frowned. “If you don’t mind sharing with me which building you are in, I’ll be glad to assist you.”
She looked at him for a moment, contemplating his offer. She had just met the guy, but he seemed like a gentleman, and she felt at ease around him. There was also something about him… it intrigued her.
“Uhm, sure,” she looked at the paper. I’m supposed to go to 25 Wellington Square?” She said, as more of a question.
“Of course. Please, allow me to help you,” he said, placing his book under his arm and grabbing both her suitcases without waiting for a response.
Samantha looked at him startled as he walked away. He was a bit peculiar. She blinked, out of her momentary shock, placed the folder and envelopes in her bag, and hurried to catch up with him.
They arrived at the building and a smile curved her lips. She was in love. It was just another perfect example of the beautiful architecture around England.
“Wow, this is stunningly beautiful,” she said, and added in her mind. “It’s a castle. I finally get to be a princess,” she chuckled, inwardly at her own silliness.
He smiled. “Yes, it is. Everyone has the same impression the very first time they are here. It is definitely an experience.”
“Thank you so much, Christopher,” she answered, turning to face him.
“My pleasure. Are you certain you don’t need help bringing your luggage inside?”
“No, it’s fine. You’ve done more than enough. Thank you again.”
“See you around,” he added with a smile, and an almost too formal nod. He turned on his heel, and walked away.
Chasing Time: A Love Through Time Novel Page 7