Exchanging Hearts
I was standing in the middle of the airport. Awaiting the plane to arrive from England. The new kid I guess is on there. Of course, the principle dude told me that he had to live with me! Why should I have to look after some foreign exchange student. He could walk on his own two legs! I have a reputation to keep up with. Having this little, proper kid following me is going to make me look like some loser! Or, someone's escort. I am not anything like that! "3:00 arrival from London, England. Now landing." Finally! I watched out the window, to see the large flying machine hit the asphalt. The tires coming to a stop, screeching on the ground. Only moments later, did the ladder come to release the people awaiting. The first was a posh looking woman, with a fur lined coat, and giant hat with a feather. Her clothes were about two sizes too small, but she wasn't the one I was waiting for. The next was a taller man, a butler looking man. Maybe he was like butler Alfred from Batman! That would be so cool! He seemed to be holding an instrument, like a guitar case.
Then, a younger boy appeared. He had on red and black, plaid skinny jeans. They clung to his slim legs. He looked a bit scrawny. He had on a band t-shirt it looked like, and a black sweatshirt over it. His hands deep within his pockets, and ear-buds plugged into his ears. Then, his face. As, he came closer to the entrance, I could see it much clearer. He had a feminine facial structure, deep forest green eyes, thick eyebrows, an expression that didn't look happy or sad, and then he had tousled blonde hair. Dude, I would so hit on him. Well, I would if I didn't have a girlfriend. Or, if I had the balls to come out of the closet. I sighed, and then forgot what I was doing. I was supposed to be looking for this Arthur kid. I took one last glimpse at the boy with the butler, and turned away from the window.
I walked to the middle of the floor, holding a sign that said "Arthur Kirkland". The sign was a piece of cardboard, that I wrote on in Sharpie. The English people entered the airport, and looked around. Not a person came to me yet. I saw the older woman, and she met up with her family. But, where was Arthur?
Then, the butler walked to me, and he looked at me coldly. "Are you Alfred Jones?" He had a heavy British accent, the kind that I would expect from a butler. He still clutched the guitar case in his hand firmly. This situation confused me, and I had no idea whether this man were a stalker, or somebody that could be actually meaning something. Dude, what if he was some secret agent coming to recruit me? That'd be freakin' epic! "Yes!" I answered that, much louder than I had hoped. He smiled gently, and bowed. "I am the butler of the Kirkland household, my name is-" Here it comes I thought. Alfred! Take me away. "Bardroy." Damn. What a downer. "Oh, nice to meet you dude." I sighed, and rubbed the back of my head. That's when I noticed the boy I was looking at, shyly hiding behind Bardroy. His sweatshirt, and tousled hair was a giveaway.
It was the kid that I was, watching only moments ago. He looked so stubborn, and not that interested. "I'm Arthur." Were the only words out of his mouth. I blinked a few times, but in turn only felt like a stalker. I was just staring at him a few minutes ago. Damn, I am such a stalker. I smiled, and looked at him, putting out my hand, "Sup Dude! I'm Alfred." He looked at my hand warily, and shook it slowly. His hands were so much smaller than mine, and they felt so fragile. Like that of a girl.
"Well, then I shall be on my way. Master, Jones," he bowed toward me, "and Master Kirkland." He went to bow toward the runt, but the kid pulled him into a hug. The butler smiled softly, and I swear I spotted a tear run down his cheek. The embrace lasted only a few moments, but to me it felt like hours. I was getting impatient. I tapped my foot, arms crossed over my chest, and watched the other blurs of people travel around the crazy populated airport. I let out a sigh, and the hug was cut short.
"Goodbye, Master Kirkland. Until we meet again." Arthur, gave a small nod of recognition. The butler handed over the guitar, and walked away. I quickly lost track of him in the bustling of the crowd. "Hey, dude. You alright?" I patted him on the back softly, and the boy sighed. He faced me slowly, using his sleeve to wipe away the remaining tears. "Oh, I didn't know you were crying. Sorry bro." I probably sounded like a moron, but I felt that he needed the support right now. "Um, would it be alright if I hugged you?" His voice was frail, and he looked hopeful. That was a weird question. "Sure."
His small arms wrapped around me tightly, and I hugged him lightly. He looked so broken on the inside, and I had the feeling to help. I held him there, and then he looked up at me. His tear stained face, looked so innocent. I felt blush rise to my cheeks, and he smiled at me. "You look cute like that." I was shocked at what he said, and I acted like I had not heard it. "Are you feeling alright now?" He broke the embrace, and he looked a little happier. "Yes, thank you."