Right I've made it back a bit quicker this time you'll be glad to know! Getting excited for Series 3 now!
Charles made good on his promise when he awoke her in the early hours of the morning for a no kit PT session with him. They'd fallen back to sleep again when an unwelcome alarm woke them a couple of hours later.
"Urgh turn it off" Molly complained, unwilling to open her eyes and admit to her brain that today she had to leave.
Charles reached over and grabbed the phone from her side of the bed, fiddling with the buttons until the shrill sound finally stopped. He collapsed back to his side of the bed and rubbed the tiredness from his face and brow. He turned onto his side, watching Molly who was silently lying on her back studying the ceiling. He already knew she was fighting the pull between staying and going back on duty as it were. He'd tried to make it as painless as possible so far by sorting her kit and packing her Bergen. He may or may not have stuck in a few treats to surprise her on landing, but other than take her place all he could do was hold her hand and stay with her until she was leaving the tarmac.
"You ok?" he whispered finally
"Yeah just trying to get my nut in gear you know"
"Yeah". He smoothed the stray curls away from her cheek, which eventually made her turn her head toward him.
"I know I don't want to go, but I need to be a big girl and get on. It's my job people expect me to be on the ball"
"And you will be. You're an amazing soldier Molly, you're everything I knew you could be and more"
"Thanks to you. You're my rock you know that"
"I'm glad. I promise you can cling to me always"
"What like some sort of starfish?!" she laughed moving onto her side to face him.
"No that's just the way you sleep sometimes, trying to hog the bed!" he retorted
"I don't hog the bed! It's your long arms and legs that do that. We'll have to buy a bigger bed!"
"Whatever you say my love"
"Well I say it's time for some breakfast-you've given me a proper appetite" Molly purred stroking the stubble on his jaw.
"Good as it might be the best meal you'll be having for a while!"
He kissed her gently before flinging back the covers to grab something for them to wear. Molly shrieked before hopping about getting changed. There was definitely a nip in the air which probably meant more snow falling or they'd potentially had a huge deluge overnight.
She could have just looked out of the bedroom window, but Molly ran down the stairs like an expectant child on Christmas Day. A couple of inches more had settled in the garden but not enough to give rise to any traffic problems Charles mentioned as he double checked his phone. That meant she had time to be leisurely and have a few moments more with Elizabeth and Edward.
The smell of Charles' brewing coffee reached her nose. She certainly preferred the smell to the bitter taste. He handed her a mug of steaming tea as they both stared out of the kitchen window.
"What you got planned for Sammy then?"
"Not got a clue, I haven't though past today to be honest"
"Surely a snowball fight is on the cards if it snows anymore"
"Well there is that but he'd say it would be an unfair fight due to my highly trained target skills!"
"You'd better teach him well then so he can one day properly round your arse!"
"Well next time, how about me vs you and Sam?"
"You're on! But seriously you need to think of something to do. I won't have the pair of you sitting about being miserable"
"I've been promising to take him bowling for a while, suppose there's always the cinema too. Maybe I'll take him to Weston for a run about"
"What's Weston?"
"Weston-Super-Mare, you know the seaside?"
"Nope-Brighton and Margate are the only seaside places I know"
"Wow seriously?! Ok first trip when you get back is to the coast. We'll have a nice walk and an ice cream"
"It's a date!" cheered Molly
"Yes! Yes it" grinned Charles.
They were still mooning over each other when Edward and Elizabeth appeared.
"Good morning you two-all ready for the off Molly?" enquired Edward
"Not quite. Charles is making sure I've had a decent breakfast and I wanted to see the both of you before I left. I wanted to say thanks again for having me and helping me surprise Charles. It's been the best New Year ever!"
"You're welcome Molly, well you're family now so you never need to ask for anything, we'll see you right" beamed Edward
"Yes Molly, it's been lovely having you and wonderful to have another woman about the place!" agreed Elizabeth.
"I'm sorry I've got so many things to keep you busy whilst I'm away"
"Don't be daft I'm looking forward to it, especially going to down to London to see your Mum and Nan!"
"Don't let them bully you and don't listen to my Nan about anything dodgy or knocked off-this wedding is going to be totally legit!"
"I think Mum can hold her own Molly"
"I know, I'm just warning you, I know what they're like. My dad too, don't let him whinge on about money, it's not like he's putting any pennies into the pot!"
"I've got our lists Molly don't you worry it's all in hand. I'll email you with all the progress, photos etc."
"Thanks Elizabeth you can keep Charles in line for me"
"Oi, I'll keep you in the loop!"
"Good cos this Bridezilla ain't gonna be here to order you about!"
"You're no Bridezilla Molly trust me, I've seen that behaviour before" corrected Charles
"Let's not talk about she who must not be named" Molly replied
"Yes come on Charles make Molly this breakfast you've promised her!"
"Bacon sandwich for me too son whilst you're at it!" agreed Edward as he patted Charles on the back.
They all sat round the kitchen table reminiscing about the previous few days over bacon, eggs and the not quite Full English that Charles had lovingly prepared for Molly. She sat clutching another mug of hot tea watching the family group passing banter back and forth. It was nice to see, how well they got on and glad she was to be swelling their ranks. Charles looked towards her and placed a hand on her thigh, giving a light squeeze acknowledging his comfort and the enjoyment of her presence. Molly lay her hand over his savouring these little moments.
The clock ticked onwards and the joy of breakfast was soon gone and the daily grind resumed. Elizabeth pottered about filling the dishwasher whist Edward showered. Charles suggested a last bath for Molly so disappeared off to run it.
"You will take care won't you Molly" worried Elizabeth as she sat back at the table.
"Of course! I can't do anything daft those stupid suits don't really let you!"
"Even so, I've seen that an aid worker has already contracted the virus and has been shut into one of those isolation units. I can't imagine it"
"Don't honestly. We'd never do our jobs if we thought like that. I've survived the first three months which are probably the most dangerous anyway. I'll be fine"
"Well don't become too complacent about it, it can also be dangerous just to be too relaxed about these things"
"I promise you, we all work as a team, someone will always have my back"
"Well good, you know I'll panic otherwise"
"Maybe I need some sort of lucky charm to take with me-got any four leaf clovers out the back?!"
Elizabeth laughed in reply as Charles re-entered the room.
"Should I leave? Are you discussing something secret?"
"No" replied Molly
"We're discussing lucky talismans and whether Molly should have one to take with her"
"I don't need one honestly!"
"See she's a bit like a cat with nine lives Mum!"
"Yes but I think you've already lost two at least by all accounts"
"I've got my engagement ring. I wear it round my neck, never take it off. It's obviously helped the last three months!"
"Maybe my Nan is watching over you"
"Can't be worse than my Nan I suppose!"
"Your baths nearly done by the way and I think Dad's out of the shower too Mum"
"Righto. Well enjoy your bath Molly, sounds bliss on a cold morning like this!" Elizabeth patted her on the shoulder before swishing out of the door in her silk dressing gown.
"Did you want to join me?"
"Is that a question or an invitation?" Charles grinned
Molly shrugged not to repeat herself.
"You sure you don't want to chill out on your own, get into the right mind-set?"
"I've got plenty of time to do that in the car or at Brize. Yes I do want you to join me, surely you don't need me to ask twice?"
"Ok, ok, come on then, let's have a good soak"
Sadly this time there was no wine, candles or soft music for Molly to enjoy but the warm scented water and the cushion of Charles' chest made up for it. He'd happily slathered a conditioning mask into her hair and was now gently massaging any tension from her neck and shoulders.
"You sure you don't want to jack in teaching for massages? You're really good at it" sighed Molly blissfully as his nimble fingers manipulated her skin.
"No thank you. I reserve this only for particularly special people which doesn't require any payment!"
"Oh well, can't say I didn't try to broaden your horizons"
"Cheeky mare" he growled against her neck as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her backwards until they were both lying down.
"Can we do this again when I get back?"
"Course you don't need to ask"
"It's just the showers there are fucking awful and nothing beats a bath, well until I start turning into a prune" she looked at her wrinkled fingers.
"I don't care-we're going to grow old wrinkly together anyway"
"You before me mate!"
"Yeah, yeah I know. Come on then this water is getting cold and no doubt you'll need hours to do your hair"
"Oi it's not like I'm getting dolled up for a night out. You know the rules-clean, tidy and presentable as I am representing the Queen when I leave the house in uniform"
"Yes ma'am"
"Go on bugger off and get me some towels then"
Charles stood up, rivulets of water trickling down his backside and thighs distracted Molly a tad from the task of rinsing her hair as he got out. He wrapped one towel wrapped his waist and selected two more from the heated rail as he waited for her to finish.
He watched the suds sluice down her back, wondering to himself how long he'd have to wait to see her flawless skin again. This was going to be long three months especially with a wedding countdown. At least he'd be busy that was the one upside and he still the pleasure of asking Sam if he'd his ring bearer. There was still the problem of the best man's job to fill as he was unsure as to whether Elvis would be the best choice.
"What are you day dreaming about?" asked Molly as he'd missed the sound of the showerhead stopping and the glug of the plug hole.
He handed Molly a large towel as she stepped out. "Just some wedding stuff-nothing for you to worry about"
"Ok. Chuck us that other towel for my hair then". She wrapped her hair up into a makeshift turban before gathering together her last toiletries to take back with her.
"Pass that here and I'll stick that in your kit"
"Thanks Charles. Right I'd better get my arse into gear then"
"No mention of arses please, I might get distracted" he laughed as they trailed out of the bathroom and back into the bedroom.
"Right before I start putting my gear on and turn into a soldier again, can we have a hug like any normal couple?"
They embraced each other, skin to skin, breathing in the peaceful lull in the room.
"We are a normal couple Molly, we just happen to have extraordinary jobs"
"Shhh you're spoiling the moment"
"Oh ok sorry"
They remained there for a few minutes until they both started feel a little chilly in their state of undress.
"I'd best dry my hair"
"Alright. When you're all done I'll take your bags down to the car"
Charles dressed himself in warm but comfortable clothing for his hopefully no more than three hour round trip. He was still playing it safe timewise just in case the overnight snow caused more problems and if they had to hang about at Brize well then they'd hang about.
Molly was throwing herself back into comfy cotton knickers and bra, nothing pretty but sensible and functional. She'd often thought about surprising Charles by wearing some more fancy undies underneath her uniform and giving him a bit of strip tease on her return but truth be told she was always so tired she'd probably fall asleep before she fiddled with any buttons.
Combats on she started to tackle her hair. Charles might moan about the length of time it took to French plait her hair but there wasn't exactly a mobile hairdressers she could call into camp and she daren't let anyone loose with a pair of scissors especially with wedding hairstyles to take into consideration. Up, down or half up, to put flowers in or jewels and what about veils or tiaras?! Thank god she could leave this all until she came back.
Her deft fingers worked quickly to tame her locks, sticking in the last pins to keep the stray wisps away. Her brush and hairbands were the last thing to pack and she turned from the mirror to hand them to Charles.
He was sat on the bed where he had been watching her intently. She smiled as she faced to him.
"Do I pass inspection sir?" she asked smirking just slightly.
"Perfect soldier, you look as gorgeous now as when I first set eyes on you"
"Don't start me off! Come on get into Captain mode or something for me"
"Ok Private Dawes, last checks for kit. All personal items present and correct?"
"Yes sir, last items here sir". She handed him the small pouch of ties and clips along with the hair filled brush.
"Very good. And what is our task today?"
"To not cry leaving Bath, make it to Brize and continue onto camp to complete the final tour phase"
"Your objective at camp?"
"To withdraw from the red zone and handover to the locals without getting ill myself"
"Top marks. And on your return?"
"Sleep, drive myself mental with rushed wedding organising and hopefully shagging my husband to be silly!"
Charles could keep up with his persona after that and laughed heartily.
"I'll sure we'll be able to squeeze that in between all the wedding stuff" he winked "right let's go and grab some scoff and we can set off the wilds of Oxfordshire!"
"Ok I've got a hankering for a good old cheese and tomato sarnie!"
"Alright you start digging out the stuff whilst I take these out to car"
Molly found Elizabeth in the kitchen once more and they nattered and pottered seamlessly making rounds of sandwiches and everyone's choice of hot drink. They took it up to the snug despite Molly's worries about crumbs on the carpet to relax into the comfy seats.
They all ate happily bar Molly who although ate all of her sandwich, felt it like rock as it began to hit her stomach as the seconds to departure ticked by. She half drank her tea, quietly watching Charles who had surreptitiously looked at his watch more than once. Everything was ready in car, she just needed to lace up her boots and say her goodbyes when the time came. She realised that this would be the first time they'd made the journey to Brize together. Obviously Charles would pretty much be on autopilot on their route but to Molly it was another small milestone in their relationship.
She began thinking of that bit in Love Actually with people dropping friends and loved ones off or picking them up. Airports were just full of emotions-happiness, sadness, longing, nervousness and anticipation. A bit like she was feeling now.
"Molly?"
"What?"
"You didn't hear me did you?"
"No sorry miles away"
"I was saying we'd better think about making a move soon"
"Oh right, ok"
She grabbed together her mug and plate to take downstairs before Elizabeth shooed her away and told her she'd do it later. She excused herself to take quick wee before they finally left. She went back up to Charles' room and bathroom, inhaling the last wafts of their shared scents. The bed still crumpled from their last bout of sex which was only the early hours of this morning but already felt eons ago. One last look around she made sure she hadn't left anything and slow trudged her way back downstairs.
The snug was empty save for Edward's radio mumbling in the background, so they must all have gathered downstairs for some big send-off Molly worried. She didn't want to cry, so blew out a breath and took a deep one in before descending the last staircase. Charles was twisted his car keys in his fingers, a sure sign of restlessness as Edward was talking about alternatives routes in case they wintry weather made an unwelcome return. Charles was trying to explain Google maps on his phone to him but he was having none of it and was insistent a good old AA road map was perfectly adequate.
Elizabeth was shaking her head trying not to laugh at her two favourite men at loggerheads at tradition vs modern technology. Molly spied her boots by the coat rack and motioned to them all so she could grab them and put them on. The tough material felt odd once more on her re-adjusted civilian feet. She pulled tightly and laced them, before grabbing her beret from the side table ensuring she now had all her kit.
"Right then, we'd best get going. I'll go get the car warmed up and let you lot say goodbye" said Charles as Molly straightened herself into an attention style stance. "I'll see you later but I'll ring you before I set off from Brize again so you know when I'll be back"
He opened the front door letting in a blast of the cold outdoor air before pulling it behind him, leaving it slightly ajar.
"Well I'd better do as he says, I know how grumpy he gets if you're late!" Molly laughed using the classic comedy diversion to stop herself from getting upset.
"Yes you're right Molly. Well take care now, tell me you if you need anything or help with the wedding bits and pieces"
"Thanks Elizabeth, I'll try not to clog up your inbox!"
They hugged tightly before Edward cut in. "My turn, I feel like I've hardly seen you at all Molly but no matter. As they say it's not goodbye it's see you soon!"
"Thanks Edward I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon enough. You will take care of Charles for me won't you?" she whispered into his ear.
"Don't you worry I'll keep an eye" he whispered back.
"Right I'll be off then, I'll see you end of March-ish then!"
"Have a good flight Molly, hope you get some sleep"
"Not likely, bloody noisy aircraft. Would be nice if we had tray tables and air hostesses with wine!"
"Unlikely on the British Army budget"
"Ain't that the truth! See you later" Molly waved as she stepped out the door leaving Edward and Elizabeth on the threshold.
She scampered down the path and steps to the car which was sending out plumes of vapour from the exhaust. Charles was on his phone once again re-checking their route.
"Stop looking at that bloody phone and let's get going" Molly grumbled as she put her seatbelt on. She waved again at her in-laws to be before Charles slowly pulled away curving round the crescent until the house was out of sight.
Past the assembly rooms, Charles headed north on the quickest way to the M4. If he stuck to the main roads it would be 90% normal he assumed. They didn't really chat until their slip road appeared and they merged with the traffic towards Swindon where they would come off.
"What you thinking about?" Charles suddenly spoke awakening Molly who'd fallen into a stupor staring at the various items of rubbish strewn on the verges as they sped past.
"Not much. I was thinking earlier though, this is our first trip together to Brize!"
"So it is, first of many Molly. I'd better get used to this journey then!"
"Well I was thinking about that too. I should probably get round to having some driving lessons. I never needed it in London but I can't keep relying on you to ferry me about all the time"
"Only if you're sure"
"Positive-especially if I can make it a training target the army can pay for it! Plus it might give me another string to my bow as it were"
"Suggest it to your CO, the more skills you possess the more valuable a soldier you become"
"When did you learn to drive?"
"Pretty late on. After I went to uni, I felt I had to fit it in before Sandhurst. I did one of those intensive courses where you do it over a week, passed first time"
"Great, no pressure then"
"It's not a race Molly. It's all about getting experience on the road, being comfortable behind the wheel and having confidence in your abilities"
"Well I'll look into it when I get back"
"I like it that you're pushing yourself Molly. I'm really proud of you"
"Well I can't have you showing me up all the time, I'll have to start reading some of those classics you've got too Mr Teacher"
"You don't need to read classic Molly unless you want to. Having shelves of dusty old books doesn't make you clever or smart"
"Sounds good though doesn't it if you've read Dickens or Shakespeare"
"Maybe, but I'm not bothered what's on your reading list"
"Good, so don't be expecting any fancy quotes on our wedding day"
"Don't worry about that. Here take my phone for a bit, we'll be getting off the motorway soon and I want a map about just in case I need to make a detour"
In classic commuter belt territory, they peeled off and headed north once again, through more villages with little snow piles outside gardens. Children still off school were building snowmen and having snowball fights which made Molly a little jealous. Onto Lechlade with its fishing lakes twinkling like diamonds in the fading daylight followed by signs to Cotswold Wildlife Park. She smiled thinking of their trip to London Zoo. She still had the little seahorse Charles had given her and all that talk of babies which had made her feel more broody than ever.
She vaguely recognised the scenery now as they drew ever closer to Carterton and Brize itself. They soon arrived at the main gate. Both showing their ID and with Molly's name confirmed on the manifest they were given a pass to proceed and park.
"Do you want me to wait with you until the last minute?"
"I dunno, I wanna spend every last second with you but I need to man up a bit"
"Let's play it by ear then"
"I'm carrying my bags by the way, I don't need the full chauffeur treatment"
Charles laughed as they got out of the car, pulling on the jacket he had slung onto the back seat. He opened the boot where Molly was waiting to haul her stuff to the terminal building. She was so determined once again it was like a replay of when he'd dropped her off in Yorkshire for her training for this mission. He still wanted to pick her up and call her his brave little soldier but he didn't want to sound patronising.
Molly grinned as he handed her the heavy bags, balancing the weigh on her shoulders. A few too many nice dinners were catching up on her already she thought. Charles locked the car and grabbed her free hand. Linking fingers they strode towards the entrance.
Molly checked in the kit bag, the flight was so far still on time but they had a couple of hours until it left.
"God what have you put in this Bergen it weighs a frigging ton?!"
"Just a few treats for you to enjoy when you get there. Come let's go and get a drink"
They queued in the coffee shops amongst frazzled mums with small children hanging off arms, tired but happy as they grabbed drinks and snacks, waiting for their husbands and boyfriends to return. Molly felt a little sad that she'd never do that herself now but at least the roles would be reversed and Charles would hopefully be doing that for her.
"Alright Boss! What you doing here?" came a northern twang.
Molly turned to see a skinny, dark haired girl a bit like her in kit obviously waiting to leave too.
"Lane, good to see you too. Off on tour again?"
"Nah replacement. Voluntary mission"
"Voluntary? That hard up are you?!"
"Oi no need to be rude. Anyway you're here in civvies, heard you'd resigned or something"
Molly was glaring now. The fact this bitch knew Charles and seemingly quite well was one thing but also that she was being ignored was another. She deliberately cleared her throat.
"Shit sorry, Georgie this is Molly. Molly, Georgie"
"Georgie" (the cow had a name) said Molly icily holding out her hand.
"Hiya Molly pleased to meet you" replied Georgie, oblivious of the daggers Molly was giving her.
"So what's the crack-you just come here for fun these days Boss?!"
"No. You're right I resigned my commission after my last tour went tits up. Molly actually saved my life and well one thing led to another. We're engaged now, getting married in the summer"
"Nice. Congratulations"
A flicker of something passed across Georgie's face that Molly couldn't read. Jealousy? Georgie might have had a crush on him in the past when he was married maybe? Whatever it was she didn't like it. She took Charles' hand possessively in an automatic response, a clear gesture that she wasn't comfortable. They took their now ready drinks and stood there for a few minutes in awkward silence.
"Well nice to see you again Georgie, we're going to chill for a bit before departure time"
"Yeah, yeah course. Well nice to meet you again Molly"
Molly nodded as they left to head towards some seating in a quieter corner.
"That was a bit rude" said Charles as they sat.
"Rude! Says you chatting away to some girl forgetting I was even there. Who is she anyway-some other little private who batted her eyelashes at you on tour?" Molly huffed, folding her arms and staring in the opposite direction.
"Actually Lane and I have never served together"
"So that's ok then? How does she know you, what does she do? Whatever it is you certainly tick all her boxes"
"She's a medic actually"
"Oh my fucking god! Have you got a habit of shagging medics or something that you've forgotten to mention? Tell me right now why I shouldn't throw this bloody ring at you and cancel the wedding"
"Jesus Molly calm down. You're getting jealous over nothing"
"Well tell me what I've not got to be jealous about then"
"I met Georgie through Elvis ok. They were engaged, were getting married until he stood her up" Charles sighed.
"Shit, was she the one you had to tell?"
"Yes. I know of her career obviously as we moved in the same circles for a while but after the wedding incident, well everyone went their separate ways"
"And you haven't seen her since?"
"No it's been a good few years Molly. I've never fancied her, we've never had a fling and she was my best mate's fiancée for god's sake"
Molly sat there silently, taking an occasional sip of her tea until she had the nerve to backtrack.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to be rude but we never did have that conversation about Elvis and I'm all over the shop if you know what I mean. I shouldn't have got jealous"
"Well it's not me you should be apologising to, but you're right I didn't tell you what happened. You can't just assume I've slept with every female soldier Molly, though my ego would enjoy the boost of being thought of as some sort of sex god!"
"I know I shouldn't get jealous but you know my past and all those arseholes that have cheated on me, I jumped to conclusions"
"Well I'm glad to prove you otherwise, you must be nuts about me to get that mad!"
"Yeah must be that marrying a sex god bit" Molly eventually laughed. Charles laughed in reply and pulled her to him.
"Sorry I don't mean to be a twat"
"It's ok you're my twat and I love you and wouldn't have you any other way"
"Well thanks I guess. Good job I love you too"
They sat and watched the people pass before Molly noticed Georgie sitting alone, fiddling with the edges of her empty paper takeaway cup and glancing at her watch to see if another five minutes had passed. She gave her cup to Charles and got up to walk towards her.
"Georgie, hi" said Molly in her best possible meek voice. "Sorry for acting like a rude cow earlier, why don't you come and sit with us, seems daft you sat here alone especially as you know Charles"
"It's okay, I don't want to interrupt anything"
"It's ok honestly. Anyway I reckon Charles could do with a break from me being mean and moody!"
"Only if you're sure"
"I am"
"Ok thanks"
"So where are you off to?" asked Molly as Georgie grabbed her Bergen.
"Sierra Leone"
"No way! Me too. You off to the camp in Kerry Town?"
"Yeah, you know it?"
"Too bloody well, I've been there the last three months, just finishing a surprise RnR week"
"I decided to volunteer when I heard that volunteer nurse Pauline something had caught the virus"
"You must be as mental as me then volunteering! How did you find the suits in training?"
"Awful-so hot and sweaty"
"Just wait until you're out there, it's like your own personal sauna!"
"Great well that's just gonna ruin my hair!" Georgie laughed.
The next hour passed by in a flash as Georgie and Molly tried to outdo each other with gruesome tales. Georgie couldn't top Molly saving Charles so in the end they gave up. Everyone was now much more visibly relaxed. Molly about leaving and Charles being OK, looking forward to getting to know Georgie and for having someone to talk to.
"So what are you going to do to keep yourself amused whilst your Molly's away and you haven't got any lads to order about?"
"Well I'm going to be volunteering at Tidworth for Help for Heroes for now, but I'm enrolled on a PGCE course back in Bath and I'm going to retrain to become an English teacher"
"English teacher ha! You'll be so bored. Won't you miss the camo paint, the sound of a chinook or the smell of gun oil?"
"Probably but certainly not the crap rations, the dust and heat or the blisters!"
"But it's still ok for me then?!" laughed Molly
"Hey I've been at it longer than you, give it a few more years and then I might cut you some slack!"
"Look we'd better get a shift on soon. We've still got to clear security and you'll know there'll be someone holding up the queue. I'll leave you guys in peace. Nice to see you again Boss"
"Lane" nodded Charles as Georgie grabbed her things.
"I'll see you in a bit Georgie" Molly replied as she left.
Charles watched as Georgie disappeared, glad to know he had someone he knew out there who could keep an eye on Molly.
"Well looks like it's time to go" said Molly leaning back to meet his gaze.
"You a bit more settled now you've got a mate in tow?!"
"Yeah I think so. Plus she can tell me some dodgy stories about you from in the past!"
"Well don't get up to too much mischief, I still want you back in one piece" he warned, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her flush to him.
"I'll be good I promise. I'll try and let you know as soon as I can that we've got there"
"I know". He looked longingly into her mesmerising green eyes. "God this week has gone too quickly"
"I know it has but it was luck that I managed to wangle it and you'd not be seeing me for six months instead of three!"
"There is that. Right have you got all your stuff?"
"Yes stop panicking! Right now give me a massive kiss that will have to keep me going until I see you here again"
"No problem" grinned Charles.
The background noise faded out as they drew their focus purely onto each other. Moly moved her hands up to his shoulders, her fingers tickling his neck. Charles breathed in the scent on her forearms that were exposed by her rolled up sleeves. He kissed the inside of her elbow and down to her wrists, his tongue touching the skin just as he suckled the pulse point there. Molly pushed back against him, her hand now on his jaw, his stubble prickling her palm.
He moved his face towards her, his own hands now at the nape of her neck. Small feather light kisses were placed on her jaw, her temples, the tip of her nose, all so teasing. Molly sighed quietly as his nose nudged her ear, his teeth tugging softly as her ear lobe. It was slow and delicious, Molly's heart rate was increasing swiftly with each touch.
He drew his face against the length of her jaw, his lips finally brushing against hers, his tongue touching the seam there, encouraging her to open her mouth. He probed gently as Molly replied the gesture. There was no urgency, no hurriedness just a tender kiss. Charles let out his own sigh as he reluctantly ended it, looking at Molly's slightly glazed vision.
"Mmmm that was nice" she purred, touching his nose with her finger before resting it on his lips. "I love you and I'm gonna go now before my hormones go haywire and I turn into a blubbering mess!"
"Ok"
"Give Sammy a kiss from me, oh and think about some songs for the wedding" muttered Molly as she picked up her Bergen.
"I will, now go on, you're stalling"
"Alright! Stop trying to get rid of me already"
"Have a good flight and phone me soon"
"Ok, I'll miss you"
"Me too"
"Well I'd best catch up with Georgie then"
"Yes"
Molly straightened herself out. Pleased she hadn't cried, she clasped fingers with him one last time, then turned to leave.
He pulled her back before she got an arm's length away and spun her round. He grabbed the back of her head and plundered her mouth as she gasped in shock. Her Bergen slipped from her grasp and fell to the floor as she then wound her fingers into his curls, matching each stroke of his tongue with hers. He grabbed hold of her bum, threatening to lift her off the floor, consuming her with abandon. He pulled away again, this time breathless and before he embarrassed himself getting a hard on in public. He rested his forehead against hers and gave her one last soft kiss.
"Hope that lasts the next three months for you" he whispered
"What?" mumbled Molly, feeling somewhat dazed.
"Well you did ask for a massive kiss!"
Molly laughed. "Yes I did! You sure you didn't copy that from a film?"
"Even if I did, I didn't hear you complaining!"
"Definitely no complaints, you can do that as often as you like when I get back!"
"I'll keep you to that"
"Now seriously, I'd better go and I hope that marmalade was wrapped in something, I don't wanna be finding bits of orange peel in my stuff"
"It'll be fine. Check it when you get on the plane"
"Alright. I'll email or message you hopefully sometime tomorrow"
"Ok, I'll look forward to it. Now scoot!"
Molly picked up her bag again for the umpteenth time and threw it onto her shoulder. Passport in hand she walked away backwards, facing him with a huge grin on her face. He looked happy, his hands in his pockets before he gave her one last wave. She turned and made her way to security to find Georgie.
"Bloody hell, the state of you!" laughed Georgie when Molly finally found her.
"What?!" laughed Molly, knowing her French plait was bedraggled and her lips a little chafed. She touched her mouth and smiled to herself.
"You've got it bad!"
"I know, I know" she sighed, shaking her head.
Molly didn't want to gush about their relationship and how much she adored him as she didn't want to rub it in, especially knowing how Elvis had seemingly dumped her. She'd have to gently pry and find out more on this trip.
They continued with random chatter until it was time to board. It was dark now, the winter evening had drawn in and the nip in the air was apparent as they walked onto the tarmac. They settled into their seats for take-off, before the noisy beast was in mid-air. Georgie was soon asleep but Molly was still thinking, so thought she'd check that jar and see what other treats Charles had stashed in there.
The jar was luckily still in one piece, wedged in with some chocolate (god knows how she was going to stop that melting), some biscuits, a few teabags (definitely not enough of those) and a small rectangular parcel with a note attached. Knowing how Charles had a little thing for hiding presents, she opened the letter not reading it, before pulling off the paper of what appeared to be a book.
She smiled recognising the battered spine-Under Milk Wood was officially back on tour again! She went back to the note to read Charles' cursive script. The tears then fell.
Molly my love.
I thought this should accompany you on this trip, especially after our conversations about lucky talismans! It's always kept me safe so I want you to keep it with you. I know you're not a strong believer in fate but do it at least for me, like a part of me is with you, along with my ring to hang round your neck.
I know little love notes are a bit cheesy and well I wouldn't be training as an English teacher if I didn't include a quote or a poem. I found this from another book that I loved as a child when I dug this out and knew I had to write it for you:
"If there ever is a tomorrow when we're not together…there is something you must always remember.
You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.
But the most important thing is, even if we're apart…..I'll always be with you"
I believe in you, you are brilliant.
I love you, I'm always with you.
Charles
x
I did need to jolts of inspiration to keep me going, mainly a re-watch of Amelie (one of my all time favourites-love a geeky love story) and few episodes of New Girl to gush over Nick and Jess oh and the quote is an A.A Milne Winnie the Pooh one by the way. Now I'd best get back to my battered copy of Under Milk Wood and wedding research for the next chapters!