An Affair To Remember: England 1991

by tarskeewee08

Princeton University 1991

"Evangeline we'll miss our flight!" Ming yelled from the bottom of Forbes hall up at her roommate's third floor window

Evangeline peered over the window at her grinning, her long mane hanging downward somewhat in her face "Ming, our flight doesn't leave for two hours! Give me a second!"

Ming Chu was her best friend at Princeton and they both were going to Cambridge to do the exchange program to study at Newnham College. This was an opportunity of a lifetime and she couldn't contain her excitement. Running to grab her 300 pound suitcase her phone rang.

"Hello" she wheezed trying to lift her bag
"Evangeline baby are you all set to go?"
"Yes ma, we're leaving now"
"Did you pack enough winter clothes its cold in England this time of year?"
"Mom I got to go…"
"Okay baby, have a safe trip and don't talk to foreigners!"

"Hunh? Oh jeesh…by ma, call you when we land!" she said hanging up. Ming was screaming her name again and Evangeline laughed. Ms. Ming was a perfectionist, always punctual and always successful. She and Evangeline both majored in global economics and this trip was as much a competition as it was a challenge. They wanted to end up with the grant and neither would cut the other any slack to get it.

Slipping her arm through her jacket she picked up her book bag and checked for her passport. Grabbing the handle of the large olive green suitcase she pulled it roughly out of her dorm room excited about her adventure.

Cambridge, England Newnham College

Yawning Evangeline looked out of the window of the box shaped cab as it rode through the plush snow top acreage surrounding them on both sides of the two lane highway.

The car jumped and rattled bouncing them around in the back seat. Evangeline marveled at how similar England was to Princeton. Glancing over she saw Ming already had her little organizer out with her itinerary cataloguing every moment of her day.

"Ming we are going to go out at least once while here!" She said chuckling.

Ming looked up over her glasses and smirked "I'll let you run the streets of Cambridge while I snatch up that grant."

Evangeline laughed and shook her head "Ming one night….me and you will go out one night! Promise me right now. Hell write it in the planner you can pick the day."

Ming scrolled through her planner frowning. "Thursday is a free day for the exchange students. I guess that's your day."

Evangeline smiled satisfied. Ming appeared to most as uptight and rigid but Evangeline knew better, her friend was a wildcat on the party scene. Those thick rimmed glasses came off and that jet black long silky mane of hers, she kept tightly pinned to her head stopped at her butt when she set it free. She had to fight men off of her. Evangeline always marveled at the two sides of Ming.

Arriving at the resident hall they removed their luggage struggling under the winter breeze to carry it inside. The student guide assigned to them greeted them in the lobby, handing them their room assignments. They were both disappointed that they wouldn't be sharing a room but with so much going on they wouldn't have time to chit chat any way.

Evangeline accepted her docket with her financial card for food and any incidentals while they were there. There was also a map of the college and information on the neighboring colleges, id badges and a detailed schedule mirroring the one they received before arriving. Saying her goodbye to Ming she went down the long pale green corridor to her room.

Once inside she plopped on the rubber mattress, looking around at the small quarters. Besides the bed, desk and chair the room was bare. She walked over to the small closet, opening the door amused at the small space. Smiling she turned around with her hands on her hips looking at her elephant size suitcase, looks like she would be living out of her suitcase for the next few weeks.

Going over to her bed she lay down and opened the folder. In an hour there would be orientation in Clayton Manor, then followed by a meet and greet with the other exchange students. Dinner would be held in Henry hall and the shuttle bus arrived promptly at 6 to pick up the students. She fingered through the regiment and sighed. It was time to get busy.

Thursday Evening

Evangeline heard a knock at her door and called for the person to enter. Ming came in looking like her alter all set for a night on the town. Her black and silky hair parted down the middle; she wore tight fitting blue jeans and a hot pink turtleneck that carved out her large breast. She was the shapeliest Asian woman Evangeline had ever seen and men of all races were drawn to her exotic beauty.

Evangeline was bent over her word processor working away on her capstone, barely acknowledging her.

"No way man! We said we were going out! Get up and get dressed!"

Taking off her glasses she turned and looked at her friend "I can't Ming, I really need to finish this."

Ming walked over and looked over her shoulder at the 28 page document that she'd been working on for over three months. Ming said several times that Evangeline was over analyzing her work and she should let the research speak for itself, but Evangeline couldn't help herself.

"You will be fine. Besides that grant is mine anyway." she said putting her hands on her hips confidently.

Evangeline laughed "Still gunning for my grant I see."
Ming rolled her eyes. "It's my grant!" she said saucily "Now come on you were the one that made me pencil this in. Plus I got a surprise for you!"

Evangeline nodded "Oh boy what have I gotten myself into…."
"Let's go!" Ming said swinging her hips from side to side "I want to shake my bootie with some English cuties!"

They both fell out laughing and Evangeline reluctantly agreed. She went to her closet, pulling out her black tight corduroys that gave her butt a real nice rounded look and a black v-neck ribbed cashmere sweater that clung tightly to her thin waistline while the sleeves were long and belled out at the wrist covering most of her hands. She grabbed her undies, racing off to shower.

Getting dressed quickly she decided to wear her hair flat and smoothed out like Ming's. Giving herself a final look over she was proud of her figure and beauty. She and Ming were deadly when they wanted to be. Puckering her glossy lips she winked at her self before grabbing her coat and raced out to where Ming waited in a cab.

The driver drove through the dark winding streets and Evangeline got the eerie feeling of isolation on the country road. Turning to her friend she whispered "Where are we going? I thought everyone was meeting in the square to go on a bus into the village for entertainment."

Ming shot her a sexy grin. "Nope…I met some guys yesterday and we're meeting them at Ta Bouclé off marketplace for drinks!"

Evangeline's eyes grew big "How in the world did you manage to meet guys? I haven't been able to see over my books."

Ming shrugged. "Just did, I have it in my itinerary….study, meet guys….study, meet cute guys!"

They burst into girlish giggles then relaxed for the ride. The marketplace is over 30 minutes away. Evangeline looked toward the front of the cab amused. She could never get over them driving on the opposite side of the road. The fact that they rode by moonlight instead of streetlight was unnerving enough.

Arriving at the bar Evangeline stepped out the cab as the wind picked up her hair, blowing blew it around her face. She shivered in spite of the black shearing coat she was wearing. Pulling the hood over her head she welcomed the warmth. Ming paid the driver and held her coat close with one hand reaching for her friends with the other. They smiled and raced across the street to the pub excited about the temporary freedom.

Pushing in the door the warmth and crowd greeted them. Evangeline eyes popped out of her head to see that the patrons were 70 men. Pulling her hood off her head many of the guys turned and looked at them appreciatively.

Evangeline looked to her friend. "Leave it to you to find a bar full of men" she hissed through her teeth.

Ming winked at her and pointed at the screens on either side "Looking up she saw that there seemed to be some big soccer tournament going on."

Ming shook off her coat and Evangeline followed her lead, they both dropped them on the hook. Ming several inches shorter than her stepped boldly into the crowd of men. Evangeline wiped her hands on her pants nervously and followed her friend.

Several men touched her hand, whispering to her as she past and she smiled but didn't know how to respond. The British accents and schoolboy looks of these guys made her feel light headed from the attention. Stopping to have a man make his pitch into her ear, she grinned at the flattery. Men weren't this polite in there advances in the states.

Looking up she saw a man sipping his beer staring at her. His crystal blue eyes shimmered under the orange glow of the bar light hanging above. Her throat closed and she had a hard time swallowing. He stared intensely at her and then the corners of his mouth curled into a sexy smile.

Lowering his beer aware he had her full attention he winked at her. She smiled at him still trapped by some guy named Clifton, a blonde haired green eyed young stud, who rambled on about how beautiful he found her skin.

Ming pushed back through the crowd and grabbed her friend's hand freeing her from the bloke. Evangeline lost the passionate gaze and looked at her best friend grateful for the escape.

Taking her to the table, Evangeline looked back at the bar where she saw the handsome guy and he was gone. Disappointed she greeted the three men at the table. They all smiled and the one closest to her introduced himself as Peter pulling out her chair.

Sitting down the waitress shouldered her way to the table and took their drink orders. Evangeline ran her fingers through her hair and ordered a beer. The bar erupted in cheers as someone scored on the screen and Evangeline let her eyes travel around in search of the hunk of a guy she saw earlier, but he was nowhere to be found.

Peter asked what she was studying and how long was she in Cambridge, she made small talk blushing at how he leaned into her. His hair was a dark brown thick and curly peeked out from under his baseball cap. Sitting down she admired his strong muscled arm that was draped across her chair. His features sharp and chiseled he was more than handsome. Looking up at the other two guys she smiled at how Ming always knew how to hook them up.

The music turned on and techno blared through the bar. Ming jumped up gyrating her hips. Evangeline smiled at her knowing that it would be a long night and they would pay dearly for it in the morning. Drinking her beer she watched her friend pull one of the guys to the small dance floor. Peter reached over and touched her hair.

"You're very pretty.." he said seductively.

She turned and looked at him his eyes shielded by the cap he wore and blushed. His being so close coupled by the warm inviting feel of the bar pulled her under his spell. She hadn't decided if she would go with it or not yet. "Thank you"

"Where you from?"

"America"

"A Black American Princess…" he said flashing his pearly whites. She understood the comment as a compliment and hearing it with his British accent made her stomach flip.

Looking down she was suddenly startled as her handsome stranger plopped down in Ming's seat putting his drink on the table. He looked her up and down and Evangeline saw his eyes were even more mysterious up close. The guys at the table slapped hands with him and she realized that he was a friend of the trio.

He turned his attention back to her and her heartbeat quickened "What's your name sunshine?"

She blinked at him and knew immediately he was Irish "Evangeline" she chocked out.

He smiled at her nervousness. "Evangeline…..I like that, what does it mean?"

Evangeline frowned at him "I guess it means sunshine"

He laughed and so did she. "So what is an American beauty like you doing in this bloody pisshole?"

Evangeline laughed at the way he described the bar. "I'm at Cambridge on an exchange program for the next month."

"Really?" he asked turning up his beer.

Seeing the lustful way he stared at her she smirked "Are you going to tell me your name?"

Peter leaned over into her ear speaking in his deep smoky voice. "That my dear is Johnny Thomas an unsavory sort, I suggest you keep your distance, and give me your attention instead."

John laughed "Bugger off, Pete I saw her first."

Evangeline saw them jarring for her attention and relished in it. They both were heartthrobs, though she was partial to ole blue eyes. Slamming his beer down on the table he grabbed her hand. "Let's dance"

Before she could respond he pulled her up. The music had slowed down to some soft melody with a British crooner. Pulling her through the tight crowd on the dance floor, she looked to the left and saw Ming rolling her hips against a guy that towered over her holding her hips. She shook her head and before she knew it she was pulled into his embrace.

She looked into his face as he pressed her tightly to him. "Evangeline, I've been waiting to meet you all night…"

She smiled into his face "Have you?"

He nodded and buried his face into her neck continuing their dance. He rotated his hips and his hands traveled down hers. Feeling his breath on her neck she let her eyes roll into her head under the eroticism of the music and his touch. She wanted to feel his lips desperately but he refused to allow her that release.

Sliding his hand back up her back he avoided touching her butt and she marveled at how in control he remained, though they were to close for strangers he never crossed the line. Feeling her nipples stiffen as they rubbed against his chest her knees went weak as she inhaled his cologne. The song ended but he held on to her. Finally with the dancing couples around them twirling to the upbeat temple blaring he let her go. She looked up into his face and he down into hers. His eyes slowly traveled to the crease in her bosom and lingered.

"Let's blow this place, love."

"What?"

"Come with me I want to show you another part of Cambridge at night"
She looked over at Ming now jumping up and down dancing swinging her hair around her head. "I can't my friend" she said pointing.

John looks over and laughs. "It's cool." Holding her hand he yells at the man with Ming and tells him to roll. Ming gives Evangeline a curious look and she shrugs allowing John to pull her through the crowd off the dance floor. They go back to the table and announce their leaving. Peter gives Evangeline a disappointed look that he wasn't chosen but stands and kisses her cheek. Ming readily agrees and we walk toward their coats at the far end of the bar.

John helped her into her coat then grabbed her hand pulling her into the night air. She couldn't believe how forward he was. Once outside, the arctic wind blew against them and he pulled her under his arm walking toward his BMW.

Opening the door for her, Ming and her guy friend climbed in the back seat. Evangeline got in as John smiled down at her closing the door then rushing to the other side.

Soon they pull off to a destination unknown. "By the way the bloke in the back is Sam; your friend will be okay with him."

She looked back at him whispering in Ming's ear and rubbing her belly then smiles. "Sam doesn't know who he's messing with" she chuckled.

"So what do you ladies like to do for fun?" he asked

Evangeline looks back again at Ming and they both giggle replying at once "Study!"
Then men laugh at that and John shoots her a sexy look "Do you have a boyfriend?'
Evangeline blushes "No time for boyfriends"
Sam laughs loudly "What? You have to be kidding me….there is always time for boyfriends" he says squeezing Ming's thigh causing her to erupt in giggles.

She shrugs and continues to stare out the window. They drive away from the marketplace back onto the dark country roads and Evangeline looks over at John confused "Exactly where are you talking us?"

He smiled then winks "It's a surprise."

Turning in her seat she sees Ming kissing the guy and she shakes her head. Looking at John she sees him glance up in his rearview mirror at them.

"I won't be doing that tonight" she says quickly

He smiles slyly "Of course not"

She laughs and enjoys the warm air blowing from the vents. They pull off the main road and Evangeline looks at something that looks like a castle. "Oh my god!" she says covering her mouth.

John smiles and keeps up the rocky road. Ming comes up for air and leans in between the seat gawking "Holy crap! Where the hell are we?"

Sam looks out his window. "Johnny, is showing off one of his folks dwellings its nothing but a cottage! Isn't that right mate!"

John laughs. "Bloody right it's a cottage. The biggest blimey cottage in Cambridge" he said looking over at Evangeline and winking.

"It looks like a castle?" Evangeline asked in awe.

"Not quite but it is over 100 years old." He says pulling up to the eight foot tall gate.

Getting out with the car running he punches in a code and the gate creaks open. Getting back in he drives through and Evangeline tried to shake the creepy feeling of entering a 100 year old castle with two strange men thousands of miles away from home. She looks back at Ming who grins at her "This is spooky"

John looks at her and smiles "Spooky? You afraid of ghost?"

Evangeline nods and Ming laughs. "We watched A Nightmare on Elm Street one night and Van wouldn't sleep in her bed for a month in the dorm"

Evangeline sucks her teeth "Shut up girl"

John smiles more "How cute" he says looking at her pleased.

Pulling in front of the palatial old estate they all look at the dark entrance a little hesitant. John gets out first and Evangeline gets out with everyone else.

"Is anyone here?" Ming asks

"Nope" Sam says pinching her butt. She giggles and play fights with him.

John goes up the steps and Evangeline closes her coat tightly following him. The trees around them are bent and withering under the chilly wind giving a more cryptic feel to her surroundings.

Watching him push open the door she follows him inside. The place is dark and dank the only light is shone through the massive cathedral shaped windows lining the foyer. He goes over and flicks the light switch causing a warm bright glow to feel the room. The place is freezing. Evangeline looks at the old paintings of the former residents lining the wall. Ming comes to her side. "Do I know how to pick them or what?" she whispered at her.

Evangeline bumps her with her shoulder "I think you did pretty good this time, what is he a prince or something?"

Sam comes up behind them looking at the painting they're standing in front of "Or something is right" he said slipping his arms around Ming. John has already headed into the room to the right and Evangeline follows.

"I thought you were Irish?" she said watching him turning on a lamp to light the room.

He looks over his shoulder "Who told you that?"

"The way you talk….I just.."

He goes to the fire place and throws in the kindling next to it. "I am Irish, this place is just in the family."

"Some family" she said under her breath. The room was old English décor with large leather chairs and expensive rugs housing antique tables with all kind of vases and statues in every corner. The drapes are heavy and dark red making the light still give off a comfortable warm glow.

Ming comes up behind her saying "Boo!" causing her to jump. Evangeline turns and looks at her not amused "Don't do that!"

"Sorry, me and Sam are going to start our own fire upstairs. Apparently he's been here before" she says giggling.

Sam comes up behind her and scoops her up in his arms throwing her over his shoulder "Come with me woman!" he roared while she kicked and squealed like a damsel in distress.

Evangeline shook her head taking off her jacket going further into the room where the fire was crackling. "So this is your love nest hunh? Place to take strange American girls you meet in the bars?"

He rises from in front of the fireplace, blowing into his hands. "I guess you can call it that"

She looks into his eyes "Well I'm not some trollup you can bed after you buy her a beer"

"Good….I didn't buy you a beer that was Peter, remember?" he said chuckling taking off his jacket.

Evangeline had to laugh at his response.

Present

"Evangeline…"

She looked up to see Kevin frowning at her. "Hunh?"

"Where were you? I've been talking to you for the past ten minutes"

Evangeline realized she was in deep thought about John. Running her hand backward smoothing her hair into her bun she smiled at her husband "How about we call it a day and leave now"

He smiled at her "I'd like that"

Evangeline smiled and went to retrieve her purse. She hadn't thought about her time in Cambridge in years and though it was the happiest time in her memory, she buried those feelings when he walked away from her.

Kevin was her imperfect future and she needed to accept that. Walking over to him he put his arm around her and led her out and she went willingly. There was no point in digging up that skeleton, she told herself as her heart still pumped with excitement that he was in her life again. Deep inside she couldn't wait to see John McBain or Thomas….again.