The rain cascaded down my back as I spilled into a pub a few miles away from my flat. I never thought I'd get used to the dense London rain. This is odd, because I'd lived in Seattle for a majority of my life. The rain here chilled me to the bone, whereas the raindrops in Seattle were so miniscule that you could walk in the downpour for an hour whilst retaining composure. I wasn't in much of a hurry to get home, so I resolved to wait until the rain died down, or at least until I'd thawed out enough to make it home comfortably.
As I strolled to the nearest empty stool, my eyes lingered on the figure slumped on the bar to the left. He seemed oddly familiar. But, I just couldn't place where I had seen him.
"What can I get ya, love?" Inquired the bartender, pulling me from my thoughts.
"Just a rum and coke, thanks."
As I straightened out my hair, I saw the stranger motion for the bartender out of the corner of my eye. I could just barely make out the words "I'll be paying for her drinks." The rest was drowned in the steady roar of the pub. The bartender looked at me, nodded, and smiled. It was strange, not knowing fully what transaction had taken place. Although, it was apparent it had something to do with me.
"So, American, eh? Visiting?" inquired the stranger.
"I'm studying abroad," the curiosity in his eyes prompted my elaboration, "for photography and writing. I can't really make my mind up."
"Ah, I'm far too familiar with that feeling…" He dwindled out at the end of his sentence, deep into thought. There was a soft undercurrent in the tone of his voice, which I can only describe it as solemn.
"Is there something upsetting you? I'm Camilla, by the by." I wasn't sure why I asked this. But, I was certain my concern was genuine. There was something strange about him; his familiar face seemed so unnatural in its current, sullen state.
"Matt Smith. It's just been a rough day, really. I feel so… stagnant. It's driving me absolutely mad."
I was momentarily distracted by his sad tone, and the way his hand gestures painted a portrait of emotions. Then, I realized it and my heart nearly leapt into my mouth. Matt Smith. I quickly tried to calm the glee bubbling up through my core, reminding myself of what was truly important.
"Oh ya, you're in Doctor Who," I maintained composure, but could feel my Minnesotan accent slipping out, "Well, perhaps it's time to shake things up, ya know. I usually set out for an adventure when I'm going bonkers."
Matt must have noticed the seemingly subtle change in my accent, because a smile of someone enjoying a private joke crosses his lips.
"Changing your accent now? I think a proper adventure would benefit me, yes" he said, amusement ringing through his voice.
"Oh, I'm from Minnesota," I felt my face turning to a light crimson, my accent fading in and out as I spoke, "Jeez, this embarrassing. It always happens when I get excited about something. Sorry, it's ridiculous, ya know?" I frantically reached for my drink, gulping it down, before meekly saying, "It'll pass."
I wanted to bury myself in a hole, to crawl inside myself, to avoid the rest of the world until the feeling passed. But, all I could manage was to turn a deeper shade of red. Of course you had to go all "oh ya, you betcha, I have a terrible accent fer sure, ya know?" Stupid, stupid Camilla, I thought to myself.
"It's fine. Anyways, would you be against me dragging you along on this adventure of mine? Ridiculous accent, crimson face, and all?"
"After I dry off a bit," I couldn't possibly contain my glee. An adventure with Matt! All thoughts of homework, and time slipped from my mind. After all, this adorable sweet man seemed genuinely interested in me. And he was so genuinely interesting.
We chatted for a few hours, consuming our fair share of drinks, until I looked out the window. It was almost sundown and I still had to walk home.
"Shit, my flat is a ways away. I better get going; I'm not comfortable with walking alone in the dark. Rain check on the adventure?"
His face fell sullen again, but I wouldn't dare require him to arrange my safe arrival. As I clambered off my stool, I tripped a bit. Damn, I'm clumsier with a healthy buzz. He jumped up to catch me, and held me in his arms for a prolonged moment, taking in a deep, hesitant breath before he set me back on my feet.
"I'll take you home. We still can have that adventure you promised me," he said as his soft eyes played with my heart strings, holding out his hand. I couldn't possibly deny this man. This stranger. I nodded meekly and grabbed his hand, whispering, "Let's go find a playground."
After wondering a few blocks drunkenly, we came across a large playground. "Oh! I love these!" I exclaimed, pulling him towards the merry-go-round. I launched myself onto it and urged him to push it. He managed to pick up quite a bit of speed before jump-tripping onto it, latching onto me in the process.
I wrapped my free arm around him, steadying him as we giggled the night away. I hoped the night would never come to an end. But, as the sun set, he turned to me asking,
"How far away do you live?"
"About a half an hour's walk, I think."
"That won't do," he said sleepily, "let's retreat to my flat, its only two blocks away."
I hadn't realized how tired I was until we found our way to the ground. I didn't want to walk any further. In fact, it was hard to keep my eyes open despite the fact that I was moving. I think Matt realized this, because he picked me up into his arms without a moment's notice. I closed my eyes, listening to his heart beat and nuzzling myself into the crook of his neck. The world faded away.