Author's Note: Thanks for everyone who's read so far :)
Chapter Three: Non Drunk Dialing
Ofpht.
Molly felt her head spinning in circles except she hadn't moved from her position on the bed. The sheets scratchy and smelt like stale popcorn. She twisted herself realizing she was flat on her stomach. She winced. The young woman didn't have time to try and recall the events of the night before. Tish was rolling her on her back.
"That's very dangerous you drunkard." Tish whispered leaning over to look at her little sister. She placed the back of her hand gently on Molly's forehead. "Better sleeping it off. You've been out for a while now. I had to go see the pandas without you." Molly moaned looking at the hotel's digital clock on the night stand. It was very late afternoon.
"I can't." She touched her hand to her head.
"I know, I know, sweetie." Tish sat with a thump on the bed. She stroked Molly's loose hair that cascaded across her shoulders. She was still in the dress, but her hair was no longer in the ponytail. "You had a long night."
"Did Martin -?" She wasn't sure how to end that sentence.
"He dropped you off like a good boy." Tish smiled brushing hair out of Molly's face. "Arthur knew he would. But you were both stupidly drunk. I never would have thought it from you, Miss Prim and Proper." Molly smiled to herself before closing her eyes and squeezing her face into the pillow.
"We were playing a game." Suddenly that sounded wrong.
"Was it that stupid one, Owen used to beg us to play?" Tish seemed to search for the name of her ex-boyfriend's favorite activity next to sex. "I have never."
"No." Molly insisted pushing her lips together. "Just a stupid thing I made up."
"Not going to tell me?" Tish pressed her fingertips into her sister's flat stomach wiggling them about tickling her.
"Stop, Tish." It wasn't a laugh. It was actually a demand. Her sister stopped causing Molly to sigh. "He kept apologizing so I thought if alcohol was involved he might come down a bit." She wrinkled her nose a bit. "And so might I."
"Ah," The older woman moved her fingers through Molly's hair. "Hence stupidly drunk." Tish then stood up heading to her own bed not far from her sister. She plopped on it soundly. "So you remember nothing, then?" Molly turned her head to Tish, clad in dark dress pants and an ivory colored wavy top that scooped down.
"No," Molly almost whispered. "I remember everything." She did. She was surprised how much she remembered. "I – gave him – my number." She saw her sister sit up immediately grinning.
"You idiot!" Tish squealed in wonderment. "That's wonderful! Why didn't you wake up with that news?!" Molly winced at the loud noises. "Ooo, not good, then?"
"Hung over, Tish." She rubbed her temples. Molly looked to her purse on the end table she could see her phone blinking inside. She nearly fell out of the bed reaching it. She winced realizing her ankle was still painfully sprained.
"Did he call already?" Tish wondered as Molly looked at her phone. "I have to give the captain credit. He works quick." It wasn't Martin. It was Lestrande wishing her well on her trip.
"No, not Martin." She liked how his name felt. Even if it was said with disappointment. "Just work."
"So sad." Tish then bit into her lip. Molly noticed this and sighed.
"How was –"
"Brilliant!" She nearly burst at the seams when she spoke. "Absolutely astounding. He's the sweetest person I've ever met, Molly. He just talks and talks about nonsense for hours. Things that are just plain and ordinary. Nothing boring either. He's not boring. Can you believe it, Molly? I'm attracted to a man that isn't dull as dish water." Molly just smiled.
"Good, Tish I'm –"
"And, and," She sounded like a child who had just seen Santa Claus for the first time. She was on her knees beside Molly's bed. "That's not the best part." Molly stared at Tish for a long while. "We had sex."
"Umm," Molly looked at her sister trying to figure out if she was telling the truth. Her sister was never one to lie, but then again her sister was never one to have sex with a man she just met. Then she remembered the conversation she had with Martin. The bits about making people happy seemed to have gone a bit too far right then. "You – you – just met him."
"You thought I was serious." She laughed a bit.
"God, Tish, don't – just – don't do that again." She saw her sister laugh backing against the bed.
"No, we just snogged a bit. Then I sent him off to his hotel."
"Don't break his heart, Tish." Molly let out without thinking. Suddenly Martin's concerns were hers.
"I just hope he doesn't break mine." Her sister's eyes were down on the carpet as she drew circles in the fibers. "I like him a lot Molly. A bit too much and a bit too soon." Molly watched as her sister put her hand to her heart looking at her hung over baby sister. "I've been trying to date since Viggo. He was cheating on me of course. Ever since I got pregnant with Alexis he'd been going around with other women, but I didn't want to see it." She huffed a sigh. "Finally had enough and divorced him, but then I just . . ." She looked to Molly with sad eyes.
"It broke me, Molly. Almost in two. Nobody's been able to get me up and out of the heartbreak, but myself," She then found her smile again. "Then I see Arthur and I think well he looks like he's sweet and I got it right, but he starts in with bear facts and I think, this man isn't real, then I want to see more. Then I get more, and I realize it. Nobody could put this on for this long. He's real. And I let myself smile. First time in a long time. I let him make me smile."
Molly could see her sister was happy. She watched her reach to the table grabbing something. She saw it was a cocktail napkin. It was stained with yellowed splotches as Molly was handed it.
"He wrote that out when I was in the toilet. Told me not to read it until he left." Molly looked at the napkin smoothing out the stains. "That's pineapple juice." She could hear the smile she didn't need to see it.
The note read:
Think you're absolutely brilliant! Know we'll be spending a lot more time together. Hoping to someday go to China to see those panda bears in their natural habitat with you. Did you know panda bears spend twelve to sixteen hours eating bamboo? Wish I could spend that much time eating with you.
His number was written out on the napkin. Molly looked at her sister who was blushing a bit. She gingerly took the napkin from Molly.
"Wow, Tish," She breathed out. "Just, wow." She was actually amazed at how sweet he was. Not to mention how happy her sister was.
"I've never wanted to call someone so much."
"Well, you've said the same thing before." Suddenly Tish was standing up towering over Molly. "But I see you really like him. And he's really liking you too, but you have to, umm, wait. They're on a plane."
"Twelve hours rest Molly." She reminded her sister.
"Yes, but if you call him up," She hated to say this because that meant Martin wouldn't ring her. "He won't be resting." Tish sighed.
"You're right." She plopped herself back on the bed. "Back to square one. Mulling over what kind of bear activities we can do in boring old Fitton."
Molly watched as Tish debated aloud over zoos, both petting and safaris. She was actually surprised as the minutes went by because Tish hadn't asked about Martin again. This thing with Arthur had to be really serious then.
Molly found herself staring at the ceiling for the later part of the day. Tish was chatting about her life at her sister rather than getting much of a response. Molly now knew her sister and niece were living in a small two bedroom flat on the outskirts of Fitton while Viggo was jetting off attempting to start a new business venture with his younger brother in the medical supply field. Tish kept saying India was the place they were looking to settle on. She found out Tish had gotten a bit of money out the divorce and was still debating what to do with it.
"I'd like to buy a magazine." Molly had forgotten Viggo had been quite wealthy. "Start a business venture myself. One where wildlife is featured. And different cultures. Always loved travelling, just never got around to it much after Alexis was born." Tish had always been the more adventurous of the pair. Molly always felt like staying at home, more the sitting down type rather than dashing about like her sister often did on whims. "Da would have liked that, huh. Starting a business venture. He always said I should have stuck with photography instead of business." The younger woman peered over to see her sister was painting her toenails on the bed beside her. "Guess now I can mix the two."
"Mmm, hm." Molly muttered a bit looking at her propped up foot and the empty containers of food at her side. The week was going to go on forever.
"You listening, Molls?" Tish flipped her hair a bit as she looked at the injured woman.
"I am." She peered down at the ratty pjs she had changed into. They were a pale pink with darker hearts along the top and bottom. "Just," Martin was creeping in her head as she looked down at her pale green cellphone. "Thinking."
"Ah," Tish said with a bitter smile. "You really should have gotten his number."
"Think it would have been," That's when the phone buzzed. Molly nearly dropped it with excitement. She could see the unknown number pop up as the text was received. "Worse."
"Is it -?" Molly held up a finger as her sister spoke nudging herself to the edge of the bed abandoning her polish.
The text read:
Hi Molly, it's Martin. The captain of MJN. I just want to say if I did anything unpleasant last night I really didn't mean it. And I hope that you giving me your number was a sign that I didn't do anything too horrid. – MC
Tish may have been saying something in that moment, but Molly was too busy trying to figure out how to respond to him. Her fingers were over the button when she got another text.
And I'm sorry that I'm texting you so late. I was trying to sleep off the hangover. - MC
Then another text followed.
I'm not saying that I regret last night. I REALLY enjoyed your company. I just have to go fly a plane soon. - MC
Molly smiled ready to respond when another text came.
I remember a lot of last night, but the part in the cab I forgot. I hope I wasn't a bother. - MC
Finally Molly decided to quickly text.
Not a bother at all! –MH
She sent it off quickly before typing out the rest of the message.
My sister said you were quite the gentleman. You told me I was brilliant and kissed me on the cheek and everything. – MH
"Are you blushing?" Tish was beside her now poking at Molly's hot face. The young woman swatted her away. "Oh, my little sister fancies the pilot."
"Captain." Molly corrected.
"Right, captain." Tish was just grinning as Molly stared at her phone waiting for an answer with such a strong intensity. "That's not going to-" The phone buzzed lighting up as Molly looked at his answer.
Well you are brilliant. – MC
Took him that long to send that, Molly thought with a smile. She responded promptly.
Hope you remembered you promised to take me to Duxford Air Museum – MH
"Course an airline captain would suggest that for a first date." Molly caught the tail end of her sister's eyes rolling.
"Airdot captain." She suggested with the proper smile on her face. "And I suggested it. Haven't been there in ages." Tish looked at her surprised a bit before Molly shooed her off. "And stop interfering with my conversation. You made it possible, now let me make whatever mistakes I can." The phone buzzed with a response.
We don't have to go to Duxford if you'd prefer a better spot to meet up – MC
I suggested Duxford! We're going! I can't wait XD – MH
She smiled poking at her phone before seeing it buzz again, but this time it wasn't a text. Molly's eyes widened as the phone began to ring.
"Tish!" She said holding her phone up at her sister who had slunk back to her own side of the room. "Calling! He's calling!"
"Well answer it, silly." She could hear the laugh caught in her older sister's throat. Molly taped the phone to respond.
"H-h-hello?"
"Molly?" He sounded a bit horse. She hated that his voice might be hurting, but damn did he sound sexy.
"Hello, se-um – I mean Captain!" Oh no. She had almost called him sexy. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine, but Douglas keeps going on about –" She heard a mumbling going on in the background. "Douglas, I'm on the phone with Molly!" She smiled looking to Tish who was now continuing to paint her toe nails.
"I was attempting a panda design." She wiggled her toes. "But it came out blotchy."
"Sorry about him. I'm fine. Thank you for asking. How are you feeling?"
"Good, very good. Very very good." She had to stop blabbering at some point. "Um, well ankle still hurts. Slept off most of the alcohol. Can't say who got more drunk though. Did you really forget from the cab on?"
"Um," His voice trailed a bit. "Yes and no. I wasn't sure if it was proper to . . ." She knew what he was going to say. She also knew neither wanted their current eavesdroppers hearing about the cheek kissing.
"I liked it." She wanted to back track, but the words would exit her mouth. "It was very . . . nice, Martin." Molly would have liked to say she wished he had kissed her on the mouth because she was sure she'd never see him again. Airline pilots tended to be off for long periods of time, but then again Martin Crieff wasn't an airline pilot. He was an airdot captain.
"I think I liked it too." He muttered into the phone. "I did like it very very very much." She was glad. She even nibbled her lip when she heard it.
"Careful," Her sister whispered. "You might turn into a tomato."
"Shhh!" Molly hissed at her sister.
"What?"
"No, sorry, not you, Martin." She waved her hand about as if Martin could see. "I got my own nagging first officer here."
"Oh right, your sister." He laughed a bit. "Arthur keeps going on about her."
"Same here." Molly chewed on the corner of her lip before seeing Tish had her head down peering at her toes. "Are you going somewhere interesting?"
"Adana." Martin said with a sharp swallow. "It's in Turkey."
"Oh." She bit her lip wondering how long he'd be gone for. She had a week with her sister she suddenly didn't want, but it would keep her away from the routine of her life long enough to wait out Martin's trip. She thought Martin liked her. She hoped at the very least, but she knew once he was off he probably would forget about plain old Molly Hooper.
"We're delivering special building material to a man who just moved there from Bristol." Martin pointed out. "He has a construction company."
"Are you coming back to Fitton after?" Molly wondered. Tish lifted her head up mouthing the name of her companion from last night.
"Should be in a week or so." Molly smiled at the words liking the timing.
"Arthur?" It was a hissy little whisper from her sister's mouth.
"Is Arthur coming back too?" The young woman asked with a sigh.
"Oh, yeah. He will be." Molly nodded at her sister hearing the answer. Tish immediately hoped off the bed and went for the bathroom. The younger woman was perplexed, but kept talking. "You know you really don't need to go to Dux-"
"I really love Duxford." Molly insisted. "Why do you think I wouldn't want to go? My dad was a pilot. He took me there all the time."
"Well, I, I," He started stammering before he whispered softly into the phone. "I don't want to make you cry again, Molly." Her heart did that thing again. "Just being me does that to you, but I don't want to cause you any tears. Not ever."
"Absolutely not," She blinked smiling to herself at his concern. "Duxford has very good memories for me. And I'd like to make some new ones as well." She had taken her dad there a few months before he had passed.
When she was younger he'd look at the planes telling her neat little facts. Molly would often go wide eyed at the fascinating information, but towards the end of her cheerful dad's life she'd find herself doing most of the talking. She could practically walk around that museum blindfolded reciting quips on the makes, models, and construction of the aeroplanes and their history.
"I – really?" Martin let his breath out in surprise.
"Really, Captain Crieff." She sighed a bit feeling a half smile coming on. "And I have to warn you, I'm pretty fantastic at identifying the different kinds of planes. That was usually Da's favorite daddy and daughter day trip spot. Probably been there more times than I can even remember." He loved flying so much that even when he was on the ground he wanted to find out everything he could about planes. Martin may have looked like Sherlock a bit, but he certainly reminded her of her dad, except her dad was more cheerful and had loads more confidence. Martin did have his passion though.
"I wish my dad had taken me there. He never liked that I wanted to be a pilot." Martin confided in her. "He was always begging me to get a real job." He sighed a bit. "Just left me his van when he died. Gave Cat and Simon money, but not me, thought I'd waste it on trying to become a pilot." She didn't know what to say then. She was shocked Martin felt comfortable enough to confide in her over the phone. "Sorry, didn't mean to do that. Just – well – your dad sounded really amazing and it just reminded me a bit that my – my dad – never got to see me fly." She wished he was telling this sitting next to her. She would have pulled him into a hug and stroked his gingery hair. She bet it was smooth.
"Don't be sorry. Missing our dads is normal. Especially when they never got to see you do something important." She tried to mull something over in her mind saying the first thing that popped in her head. "My Da always wanted me to get married. Thought I should be like Tish. Find myself a nice bloke and settle down." She sighed a bit. "I became a doctor though. He thought it was nice and I know he was very proud of me, but I think he always wanted to see me enjoy my personal life rather then get caught up in being professional and strict." Molly shrugged realizing she had just done the same thing. She sniffled a bit feeling her eyes begin to cloud thinking about her dad.
"Wonderful," Martin sort of laughed. "I'm not even in front of you and I'm making you cry." Molly laughed a bit feeling Martin's laugh spread into her eardrums and echo through her body and brain. She heard the shower go on remembering her sister had sunk into the bathroom. "And I have to warn you, I'm pret-tay good at identification and interesting facts myself., at least when it comes to aeroplanes."
"Are you challenging me, Captain?" She heard a small crack in his voice when she spoke. Maybe he was getting a bit giddy at the thought of a challenge. "Because I will accept your challenge."
"Duxford then. It's a date?" He wondered aloud. "I mean – that's not what I – it's not what I – I mean it will be fun. Not a – date – though." She felt a bit disappointed at the fact that Martin had back tracked on the idea of the date. She heard a mumble in the background. Martin called to someone reciting pilot lingo that reminded Molly of phone conversations with her dad. "I'm sorry, Molly. We're going to be headed to the airport now."
"Hi Molly!" She heard a chipper voice say in the background. She could almost see Arthur bouncing up and down. "Tell Tish I said hi! Tell her to say hi to the panda bears for me!"
"Arthur!"
"Sorry, Skip."
"Sorry, Molly." Martin told her through the phone.
"It's fine." She laughed. "Tish is in the shower right now, but I'll tell her when she gets out." She could have heard Martin's mouth open and close, snapping shut.
"Well, I'll let him know." Martin let out. "I'll call you once we get to Adana." She felt her heart soar a bit. "That's alright, right?"
"Of course it is!" Ooo she sounded too eager. She didn't want to be desperate, but right now she thought it was too late. "I mean you can if you want. I won't be doing much. Sprained ankle and all."
"This must be your worse vacation." Molly burst out laughing at Martin's words.
"No not at all!" She laughed covering her mouth. "In fact you've made it the best time I've had in a long time!" Why was she saying that so loud? "Sorry, that sounds sad, doesn't it?"
"No, I'm really glad to cheer you up." He was absolutely fantastic.
"Have a safe flight, Captain Crieff." She breathed out.
"Will do, Miss Molly." Now when Martin called her Miss Molly it sounded incredibly endearing. She hated when the phone clicked off. Hated that she had to stare at the ceiling regretting that she couldn't see the cute baby panda in person or fly to Turkey right then and there.
It was the only time Molly Hooper had wished she had wings.