I shake my head at how fast Christina had got home and is already making her way. She must've legged it to her bus stop when she left the office. The train doors are now opening which makes me realise that I have just reached Victoria. I walk to the underground station briskly to get the Victoria line to Oxford circus so that I can make my way home. I am on the platform to take the Victoria line to Oxford circus. Thankfully it’s not congested and I manage to get a seat. Its only two stops. Sometimes this journey takes a lot out of me. By the time I'm on the train going to Holland Park it nearing 4pm. There's no seat available. I have to stand up for the duration of my journey. I scan the carriage I am in. Mostly everyone is listening to music or reading a book. It doesn't take long for the train to reach. As soon as I'm crossing the road from Holland park tube station, I hear someone calling my name.
“Nadine, Wait up!”
I knew it could not be no other than Christina. I wait for her to catch up with me. I give her a big hug.
“How did you get here so quick?”
“As you can imagine I legged it fairly quickly to the bus station and thankfully I got on the first bus.”
“I'm impressed. You sure can be a speedy Gonzales.”
We both walked back, linking arms. It felt comforting to have someone to give me company. Once we reached, I turn on the lights. We both head upstairs.
“I'm going to have a quick shower and get changed. Make yourself at home Chrissie.”
It’s not the first time Christina has stayed over. I have a quick rinse under the shower and get into my pyjamas. When I come out of the shower Christina is sat on my bed, looking troubled.
“Hey you ok? If you want you can jump in the shower.”
“Whilst you're in the shower, I can crack on with making dinner. What would you like to eat? Pasta? Chicken salad? Or we can order food?”
“Let’s order garlic bread, pizza and ice cream. It would certainly help my mood”
“I will order the food now then.”
I head downstairs whilst Chrissie is in the shower and order the food. I order the deal where you get garlic bread, pizza and ice cream from my local take away. I rarely order food but I like to go all out when me and Christina have our girly nights in. I rarely ever remain downstairs when I'm alone as I am always tired from work. I hear Chrissie come downstairs.
“In here.” I call out from the living room. Christina like me is in her pyjamas.
“So are you going to tell me why you looked so glum earlier on?”
“What do I say Nadz, I seem to be going around in a circle. When I think I have met someone decent they turn out to be just like the other idiots that have come and gone in my life.”
“What has Tom said?”
“He has made it clear; he doesn't want what I want. He's just not ready for a relationship. I have heard that so many times before. I just don't understand why guys lead us on if they are not ready.”
“Oh Chrissie, don't lose hope. I am sure there is someone out there. Try not to rush into anything. You can't blame me as to why I have given the dating game up. You always end up getting hurt when you have expectations. This is why I do not bother. Simple as that really.”
Just then the doorbell rings. That must be the food. I answer the door even though both me and Chrissie are in our pyjamas. The smell of the food makes our stomach growls. I pay the driver whilst Christina brings the food in the living room.
“Oh nadz you ordered my favourite pizza, meat feast!”
“How could I not order your favourite pizza?” I shout out whilst I'm closing the door.
“Get your butt here, I've put on the film to start plus you wouldn't want the food to get cold now do you?”
“I'm coming, keep your knickers on!”
I join Chrissie in the living room. We're both sat on the floor, in dead silence eating away. You can tell that we are enjoying this food.
The movie is about to start. I don't know exactly which film she brought. Instantly as soon as it starts I know it happens to be one of my favourites.
“This is one of my favourite classic films, how did you know I loved ghost?”
“Ah come on nadz, you're practically transparent. You're a sucker for chick flicks or romance films.”
“I can't dispute that.”
An hour later, the box of pizza is empty. We are both sat with tissues at hand. It’s the end of the movie and as usual we are both sobbing.
“Oh this film gets me all the time.”
“Can you imagine going through that? I really do not think anyone would cope well especially you Nadine.”
“Well Christina what do you expect? It’s just a movie. You have to remember it is not based on a true story.”
We both yawn at that precise time and decide to call it a night. Before we head upstairs we put the empty pizza box in the bin. We both have a race as to who can get upstairs first and always I somehow beat Christina. There's a spare room for Christina to sleep in which I rarely ever use. We both give each other a kiss.
“Good night Nadine.”
“Good night Christina.”
My room is pitch black dark; I turn on my lampshade as I do have trouble sleeping in the dark. I get into bed and curl up in a ball. When it’s this cold, I like to keep my head under the covers too. My eyes start to close to the point I drift off to sleep.
It’s dark. The roads are quiet. There's no one in sight. I am the only one on this street walking. I hear my heels echoing on the pavement. I look up at the night sky. I can tell there's a storm brewing. I quicken my pace. My hearing and my senses are on alert. As I cross the road, I hear it. Someone whistling. It's faint. I slow down just in case I hear it again. This time I hear the footsteps behind me. I feel vulnerable. I don't feel at ease. I start to walk quickly, breaking out into a jog. The footsteps behind me have accelerated too. I know I'm being followed. I am running. Running in the dark. Some of the street lamps are burnt out. I run as fast as I can, but I buckle. My legs twist. Ouch! I'm in excruciating pain. I tumble down on the pavement. Hearing the footsteps closing in on me. I can't move. I am paralysed. The footsteps close around me. I feel another piercing pain. The air in my lungs is closing on me. I cannot breathe. I am screaming, screaming in pain, screaming in fear.
I feel someone shaking me. Forcefully shaking me.
Chapter 5
“Wake up Nadine!”
My eyes are open. I am gasping for air. I can see the outline of Christina. She looks worried. I hold on to her.
“It was another nightmare. It has started up again.”
“Christ, you woke me up Nadz. I did not realise how bad your nightmares were. I could hear your screams. I thought someone had broken in or something.”
“I need to have a shower. What time is it?”
“It’s nearing on 8am.”
“I need to have a shower. There is no point trying to sleep. I honestly thought I managed to get rid of the nightmares but clearly not.”
“I'll go downstairs and make breakfast ok? What do you feel like having nadz? I can rustle up a fry up if you'd like?”
“That would be great. Thank you Chrissie for just being here.”
“Any time.”
Whilst Christina is making breakfast, I have a quick shower. I decide to get ready for work despite it being early. I find a blouse which is pure silk and topaz, and opt for another one of my pencil skirts which is a bit shorter than the one I had worn yesterday which comes just above the knee. It’s far colder than yesterday, so I rummage through my drawers to find a certain pair of tights, which have floral designs. Nicely matched with my working outfit, I look at my options of heels and try two of them with what I'm wearing, I pick the last option which again is another suede wedged heel with a splash of topaz, it definitely matches my blouse and I feel geared up for what today has in store for me. I put my hair up and start doing my makeup, keeping it minimal. I can smell the fry up that Chrissie is rustling up. My stomach growls. I realise I a
m starving. When I go to the kitchen, Christina is washing up her plate and the pot and pans. I see that my share is already plated up.
“You sure did go all out Chrissie. Thank you so much. Seen as you have already had your fry up, you might as well have a shower and get ready for work.”
I scoffed the food in quick time. Within 10 minutes. Clearly I was famished. Christina sure knows how to make a mean fry up. I quickly wash the remaining plates. It’s nearing on 10 am.
“Chrissie!!!”
“Yes Nadz.”
“We need to get going to work in a bit.”
“By the way make sure you don't forget your things.”
“I'm coming downstairs now.”
Chrissie comes bouncing down the stairs. She reminds me of a little girl. It does make me smile. I must admit that having Christina made a world of difference being at mines. I can admit that it can get lonely. But again I was always used to that as I was an only child. Both my parents passed away a few years ago. It was hard at the time, but eventually I had to become a stronger person. Ever since I had met Christina at work she felt more like a sister than a colleague. Christina checks the living room and takes her films.
“Are you all set to make our way to work?” I ask her.
“I sure am, oh yeah just in case you forget we both have tomorrow off. That means we have 3 days off. You should know what I'm thinking. We can go out on the town again if you'd like.”
“I'll keep you posted.”
We both walk to Holland park tube station, with our arms linked.
“By the way Nadz, I forgot to mention have you seen that mysterious guy since the time we went out?”
“I thought I did yesterday when I was on the way to work, but I could not be so certain.”
“I could tell you liked what you saw. Normally Nadine guys struggle to impress you. I think that is purely because you are so fussy. I cannot even remember if you had a type.”
“I would not say that I have a type as such. If I like what I see, then I tend to just go for it. But you know that I am shy. That is my major flaw on the night when we both got separate cabs; as my cab was driving off, I am certain I had seen him holding my shawl.”
“Eh, what shawl?”
“I think you were far too drunk to even remember I had forgotten it at opal bar.”
“Oh hush you.”
It makes such a nice change to have Christina tag along with me to go to work. We are already inside the station. Entering the train. Christina spots a few unoccupied seats. We both sit down as the train departs. Christina reads the newspaper that she finds behind her. As my eyes are scanning the carriage, I am dumb struck. Every part of me has stilled, the air in my lungs have zapped out, I'm imprisoned in his eyes, so green with a gold rim, long fanned eyelashes, a detail I failed to noticed. I feel lost, I can't seem to break away this eye contact, my dark brown eyes is reflecting in his, I repeat a mantra in my head look down, just look down! Eventually I break the eye contact, my lips have dried and I don't know what has taken place in the past 3 minutes. I glance back up and try a feeble attempt to smile at this fine specimen. To my amazement he smiles back and it touches his eyes, such a smile and those eyes. I feel like he has seen into my soul. I could get lost in them. My eyes have met with those green eyes. I can't look away. He is standing where the doors are. My hands are itching to mess his hair even more. I do not think I could ever mistake his profile again after taking him all in. Christina has become all too aware of the fact that I was staring. She shoves me hard just then snapping me out of the staring contest. I managed to break the eye contact.
“Oi.” she whispers.
“What?” I hiss back.
“Is that him from that night?”
“Hmm.”
“I did not see the day where you Nadz could not phrase a sentence together. Clearly your brain has turned to mush. I don't want to be the party pooper but the next stop is where we need to get off at.”
“I am aware of that.”
Just as both Chrissie and I get up, I can sense him still looking. I could not help but turn back and smile at him. To my surprise he smiled back. I felt like I had melted. I felt myself being dragged out by Christina.
“What the hell was that about Nadine? Snap out of it will you?”
“I think I have just died and gone to heaven. All this time I did not think our paths would meet again. And did you see that? He was there, looking at me.”
“I must say it is nice to see you smiling after all this time.”
“I just hope I meet him again. I wish I had said something to him. I still don't even know his name.”
“We need to make our way to Gatwick unless that has slipped your mind.”
“I know we do. Seeing him has made my day though.”
As soon as we are on the Victoria line, I could not help but smile.
“Nadine you seriously look like the cat that has got the cream.”
“I just can't contain it. I mean what were the chances of seeing the same person?”
“Yeah you're right.”
It does not take long to get to Victoria. We both make our way to the train for Gatwick express.
As the train approaches the platform. I hear Christina's phone goes off. I glance at her and see that she too is beaming.
“I wonder who that could be. Tom by any chance?”
“How did you know?”
“With that smile, it is so obvious.”
We enter the train and take our seats.
“So Chrissie, are you seeing Tom tonight?”
“By the looks of it, I am. He wants to come over. To talk things out.”
“Well he may have changed his mind on not wanting a relationship. You never know. Maybe he has had time to rethink things.”
“Trust you to be the positive one Nadz. But honestly I think it is only going to be based on sex. I couldn't care less. If someone wants me they would make the effort.”
“Keep in mind though Christina not to rush things. Normally when you rush into something, it never works out, no matter how hard you try.”
We've reached Gatwick. It’s nearing on 2pm. We both quickly make our way through to air side. We reach thankfully before 2pm. Just as Tracey and Michelle are leaving. I give Christina my bag as she makes her way to the office. I remain on the shop floor. I check the diary to see whether there are any messages and if the prices are there. Glad to see that most of the prices were already displayed as there was a message from Tracey saying she had done most of them. That has helped me immensely as I can concentrate on setting the displays again. As soon as Christina comes back to the shop floor, I end up re arranging the stock on the displays to make it look enticing to customers passing by.
“If you don't mind serving the customers Chrissie whilst I do this, I would really appreciate it.”
“I honestly do not mind.”
I re arrange the displays of the stock. It takes just over 2 hours to do. Once completed. I help out serving customers as the boutique has slightly got busier.
Around 5pm the shop remains fairly quiet despite people boarding their flight. Sometimes on the late shifts, the time can really drag. I see the latest leaflets and stand outside handing them out to those passing by. Christina has remained quiet. I am sure she is wondering about tonight. I look in her direction. I can tell she's over thinking things.
“You alright? You're awfully quiet.”
“There's something I've meaning to tell you. But I would not want you to get upset with me.”
“You know you can tell me anything Chrissie.”
“Well....”
“....”
“Spit it out will you? The anticipation is killing me Christina.”
“I have decided to go to university. I am keen to study something like digital security which entails forensics and ethical hacking.
“Check you out. That was the last thing I expected to hear. Sounds real interesting though. I have to say though I am h
appy to hear that you want more from your career. It’s good to aim high. I don't think we would both want to be stuck in Gatwick forever.”
“Won't you miss me?”
“What kind of question is that Christina? Course I do. We are practically like sisters. Have you spoken to management to inform them?”
“I have not had the time. But a little birdie has told me that you won't be working here either for that long. Our days are numbered together.”
“What? Are you for real? Where did you find that out from?”
“I got a phone call from head office the other night. They were asking information on you Nadz. You've always said you wanted to work in head office right? Management role or being able to travel. They hinted that you will be part of the management soon; going to see what other products you can source out. That will be your job in a few weeks time.”
“You're joking right?”
“I am being honest.”
“How is it that you knew before me? They have not yet informed me. I still find it hard to believe.”
“Both of us soon will be going in different directions. I'll miss you Nadine.”
“I was contemplating this but having you stay at mines felt so good. I was thinking if you'd like you could move in with me. You do not have give me an answer just yet. Think about it and let me know.”
“I will definitely consider it.”
Both of us continue to enjoy work. Just as it’s reaching 6pm. I go on my break.
“I'm going on my break now. Will be back in an hour. You'll be fine right?”
“As always nadz. We make a sublime team”
“See you in an hour.”
I decide to have fast food as I am feeling hungry. I try to grasp what Christina has just told me. I did not anticipate hearing so many changes in the space of one day. I take time to reflect. It’s going to be weird not being in Gatwick any more. I ordered a burger with fries. Whenever I have something to eat in restaurants I do feel like I am flying out. I know soon I'll be travelling from what Christina has figured out.
Vanished: What Would You Do If The Love Of Your Life Disappeared Without A Trace? (Nadine's quest to unravel the truth Book 1) Page 4