Note: Updated on 7/23/2018

The London park bustled with students and off duty nurses enjoying the warmth of tnd rare, clear day. Patsy Mount amongst them; her disinterested blue eyes briefly registering those nearby. As a soft breeze caressed her pale skin, she couldn't resist the urge to lift her serene face to the warmth of the sun. Her blonde hair shining bright as she took a long pull off a cigarette, exhaling slowly toward the sky.

It was incredibly peaceful there on her bench. She found so much of the city filled with a constant racket and wretched stench that breathing the clean air of green grass and blossomed flowers in the quiet of the park refreshing.

People came and went, passing her by without attracting any specific notice until the disembodied, lilting tones of a Welsh accent piqued Patsy's attention, causing her to glance around. A group of young women strolled toward her down the path, chatting excitedly. One woman in particular attracted Patsy's attention: hair the color of rich, dark chocolate, was up in the respectable nursing bun, fringe falling over her forehead.

Just as the group crossed in front of her bench, the woman's brilliant blue eyes glanced over and Patsy was entranced. Worrying her lower lip, Patsy looked on with a combination of anxiety and curiosity as the brunette's pace slowed and she turned to take a few backward steps before coming to a stop.

One of the members of the group called to the woman watching her intently. "Delia, are you coming?"

Without breaking eye contact with Patsy, the intriguing woman turned her head slightly toward her friends, raising her voice in reply. "No, I don't think so. I'll catch you up later." She stood there assessing Patsy with eyes sharp and arms crossed in contemplation. Uncomfortable with so much unwavering attention, Patsy squirmed on the bench, mindlessly picking at the skin around a thumbnail.

Briefly glancing to the retreating group, Patsy's questioning eyes were pulled back to the enthralling stranger still examining her. Her mouth had gone dry and her belly blossomed with a thousand tiny butterflies as a voice somewhere deep inside warned, Walk away! Now!

A decision had apparently reached as the young woman — Delia, the voice now whispered, Trouble — sauntered toward her. Apprehension peaking and heart hammered, Patsy dropped and crushed the forgotten cigarette beneath the toe of her shoe before clasping her hands tightly in her lap.

Coming to stand in front of her, Patsy watched Delia extend a properly manicured hand. "Hello there. I'm Delia Busby. First year nursing student."

Prying her own hands apart, Patsy was disconcerted to feel how clammy her palms had become. Attempting to appear relaxed, she moved with false casualness, as though she were simply smoothing out the skirt of her nursing uniform, in actuality she was taking a moment to subtly dry hands before taking the offered hand. It was both strong and gentle, and altogether terrifying.

Clearing her throat, Patsy tried to keep her nervous voice steady. "Patience Mount. But please, call me Patsy." Releasing Delia's hand, Patsy leaned back on the bench, attempting her own appraisal of this incredibly...friendly...woman.

The voice cackled at her, and she momentarily acknowledged it. Alright, yes! She's enchanting and undeniably beautiful. Now shush!

With a raised eyebrow and twitch of her chin toward the empty seat beside Patsy, Delia asked to sit.

A lump formed in Patsy's throat, interfering with her ability to speak. Instead she gestured toward the vacant space in what she hoped looked carefree; when in truth her ears were on fire and her foot jiggled uncontrollably. She watched with fascination as Delia settled onto the bench and sigh as she tipped her face to the warmth of the sun, the hint of a smile on her lips.

In the silence that followed, Patsy joined her, inhaling deeply in an attempt to calm her mind and body. It failed. The scent of the woman invaded Patsy's senses, sending her mind tumbling. Of course the ever present layer of antiseptic that surrounded all nurses was present. But there was also an element that transported her to a field of wildflowers after a storm, with soothing notes of lavender and mint. It pleasant. And unsettling.

Eyes closed, Patsy finally found her voice and broke the silence. "So. You're Welsh." Peeking out of the corner of her eye, she found her companion grinning at her.

"How very observant of you." Delia quipped and popped up off the bench.

A panic rushed through Patsy. No matter what the voice warned, no matter the fear she felt in every nerve, she wasn't ready for her time with this woman to end. But as she began to protest, Delia spoke again. "Come along."

When Patsy stood on shaky knees, Delia took a step back with appraising eyes, index finger tapping against pursed lips. Self-conscious, Patsy glanced down at herself. "What?"

Delia, eyes wide and a smirk pulling at one corner of her mouth, gestured along Patsy's length. "You're tall."

Patsy laughed softly in relief and rolled her eyes. She breathed deeply and glanced around. "Where shall we go?"

"Patience Mount, you are going to show this Welsh girl the best fish and chips shop nearby."

Patsy chuckled. "You're absolutely right." Her world had just been turned upside down, and she had no idea what to do about it.

Ushering her new friend into the small shop, Patsy gave an embarrassed wave when the stout, balding gentleman behind the counter bellowed a friendly greeting, "Nurse Mount! Very good to see you, again! And Nurse Mount's lovely friend. Welcome."

"Samuel, Nurse Busby is new to London and wished to know where to find the best fish and chips in the area. So of course I brought her to you."

Samuel laughed jovially. "Splendid! Splendid! A couple pints to wash it down?"

"None for me, I have to go back to the hospital, shortly. But I will take some of your lemonade, if you have any."

Samuel nodded. "I do. I do. And you, Nurse Busby?"

"Oh, lemonade sounds perfect actually."

Patsy smirked, following without comment as Delia led them to a table away from the other patrons. Sitting across from her, Patsy's anxiety rose at the intensity behind Delia's eyes. She had no idea what to say, her mind was both chaos and and completely empty.

But it was Delia who got the conversation going. "So, why nursing?"

It should have been an innocent place to begin, but the heavy feeling of sadness and pain that rushed through Patsy made it quite evident that it was a difficult subject.

Delia obviously sensed it immediately for she jumped in quickly. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to intrude."

Patsy blinked to chase away the ghosts of the past and slowly shook her head, reaching into her bag to pull out her cigarette case. Her hands shook slightly as she put one to her lips. "No, it's fine. It's a rather long, grey story. Fit for another time, I think."

Delia smiled gently, compassionately. "Yes, another time."

They were rescued from the weight of the moment by Samuel delivering their meals, wishing them the best. The table remained quiet as they ate, and sipped their refreshing lemonades.

"Well?"

Delia looked up, brow furrowed questioningly.

"The food."

"Oh! It's very good. Thank you."

Delia appeared deflated, distracted, and Patsy felt responsible. "I'm sorry I've upset you."

Delia shook her head. "No! It's me who's sorry. I pried. I want to get to know you. But not at the expense of invading your privacy."

Patsy smiled softly, reaching out to briefly touch Delia's hand before looking around uncomfortably and pulling back as she cleared her throat. "It feels very strange. You can ask anyone who knows me, I don't share much with others. Yet I feel I could easily tell you everything: every thought, every memory. It's just that some are not meant to be shared over fish and chips. Do you understand?"

Delia's eyes were wide at her honest confession. "I do."

They smiled shyly at each other for a moment before going back to their food and drink, but the general vibe of the table was much lighter. Delia began to chatter energetically about things she had been learning in lectures and the wonder of London itself. About being uncertain what to expect next but determined to prove her mother wrong. About how she wanted to be more than just a wife and mother. About the trials of sharing a bathroom with the dozen other girls on her floor of the nurses home.

Finally, Delia wound down, and asked with apparent hesitation, "So, are you seeing anyone?"

Patsy tensed slightly before grabbing her lemonade to swallow the lump of fear in her throat. "Uh, no. No I'm not. Are you?"

Delia shook her head no.

Glancing at her watch, Patsy sighed. "I'm very sorry, but I need to be getting back."

With an obviously uneasy smile, Delia nodded, "Well thank you for this afternoon. You have been exceptionally kind, thank you."

Perplexed, Patsy cocked her head. "That sounded awfully formal. Come along, let's go."

It was a quiet walk back; each woman comfortable next to the other, and equally uncomfortable with her own wandering thoughts.

Once at the entrance to the nurses' dormitory, Patsy turned to Delia but couldn't quite bring herself to meet those piercing blue eyes. Instead she looked to the sky, watching as birds flitter about. "I wish I didn't have to go back to the hospital." She finally mustered up her nerve to glance at Delia.

The butterflies in her belly once again took flight when Delia smiled at her. "Will I see you around?"

Patsy tried to squash the excitement that bubbled up inside her at the thought of seeing Delia again. She daringly met Delia's eyes with conviction. "Most assuredly." With obvious reluctance, she walked away, but cast a glance over her shoulder. Realizing Delia was still there, watching her, she half-turned and gave a small wave. Delia returned it, before hurrying inside when the door opened.

Patsy couldn't stop grinning, and thinking Weird day.

That evening, Delia hummed softly as she stood in front of the mirror in her room, applying night cream. She had enjoyed a long, relaxing soak in the communal tub, pondering the odd day she'd had. She'd been so...bold. It was rather shocking. But Patsy really hadn't seemed put off.

So maybe...

A quick knock interrupted her thoughts. Continuing to rub cream into her skin, Delia opened the door. When she saw the tall blonde standing there shyly, Delia squeaked and slammed the door shut. Leaning back against it, she closed her eyes and groaned, mortified.

"Delia?" She heard muffled through the door.

"Uh, hello Patsy. How...how was your day?" She spoke back through the door.

"Do you think I might come in for a moment?"

Delia tapped her fingers on the door, considering what to do. She sighed, and opened the door a crack. "Okay, but you have to face the wall."

Patsy snorted as she stepped inside, but did as requested with hands clasped behind her.

Delia stared at Patsy's back. "Sorry, I just...well...wasn't expecting you."

"It's alright, I just came to wish you a good night."

Delia grinned at this, crossing her arms and leaning against the desk. "How did you find my room?"

Delia saw tension enter the woman's shoulders as she began to turn. "Ah, ah, ah. Face the wall Nurse Mount."

Patsy shrugged, "I just asked a couple people. Can I please turn around?"

"Most definitely not. I look ghastly!"

Patsy looked at her feet and whispered, "I doubt that."

They were quiet for several moments, neither sure what to say or do. Finally Patsy broke the silence, still speaking down to her feet. "It has been a very strange day, I'm not quite certain what to make of it really. But I wanted to come see you...for a moment... I should go now."

"Wait…" Delia paused, her voice tremulous. "Thank you, for coming by. You're right, it has been strange, but...in a good way, I think. So, goodnight. And I hope you have a very good day tomorrow."

Patsy nodded and left. Leaving Delia with some very confused emotions.

To be continued...