Something More

Chapter 1

She climbed the service stairs quietly, watching to see if anyone watched her or if anyone was there, but no, everyone was busy with the dinner, there was no danger. She was not sure why the sudden urge to go to him. It was obvious and she knew that he was leaving, willingly or recommended by Carson.

Walking down the women corridor, she stopped by the door that divided the corridor in two. On the other side was the men rooms and only Mrs. Hughes could open the door, but there was no risk at all in one single visit. She found that, standing there, that she didn't care.

Sarah just felt solidarity for the valet. A mix of emotions was choking her as she reached the door, giving her the impression of suffocating. At the same time he reminded her of her brother, he made her feel things that she was no used to. Something in that man mixed up her feelings, made her think about other things than the service, her regret and her miserable life.

She sighed, filled with confidence and opened the door, braking the last barrier to stop along his bedroom door. He was there, sitting on the edge of his bed, his hands supporting his head, his eyes closed. A suitcase lied in the floor, opened and empty.

"Mr. Lang?"

Her former colleague rose jumping, visibly frightened. It was clear for her that he wasn't expecting a visit at that time. He run his hands through his face before turning to face her with his sad eyes.

"What are you doing here?"

"I came to say I'm sorry for what happened." Sarah said in a low tone, looking at him with a little bit of sympathy for his pain.

He simply stared back at her, and his nervous and anxious expression softened after her words, allowing Sarah to notice the ghost of a weak smile curving his lips. Suddenly the urge to put her arms around him and comfort him was harder to control insider her chest. That was the first time Sara discovered the possibility to worry for someone, for him. She cared about him and couldn't deny that to herself anymore, and all she did was hold her hands together, staring at the floor to regain her self-control.

"Thank you." He muttered in response, his voice almost failed. "For everything."

"It was nothing, just promise me you will write me sending news. I want to know from you." Facing him she could see the surprise in his eyes.

"I promise."

Their eyes locked and she found herself unable to look away from that pair of gray eyes. A magnetic force kept them stuck and she could not even move. She stood there, staring at him for long seconds.

Her breathing became heavy, and soon a sense of suffocation grew up. Where had gone the room air? She notices his approach while their eyes are still locked. The affliction was gone, but not the surprise, and there was something else, a new bright and perhaps a little bit of uncertain. She swallowed hard when his big hands took her right hand, cradling it lovingly until his lips found her palm just for mere seconds. A shiver ran through her body, and felling scared, dropped her hand quickly, taking a step back.

"Good night, Mr. Lang." She muttered before leave the room hastily.

"Good night, Miss O'Brien."