Olivia had rang Peter last night asking him to meet her at the train station at 7 o'clock this morning. Peter had depicted the slightest sense of urgency in Olivia's voice and desperate not to alienate him, Peter had agreed, but he was worried inside. Why was Olivia changing their plans now, and why were they meeting at the train station?

Peter heard the train brake and it jolted him awake. The train journey would have got lost if it hadn't been for Olivia's arm trapped in the crook of her elbow. Peter had been trying to follow her directions but all she could feel was she inner joy she felt at having Olivia's arm in his.

'Hey sleepyhead' Olivia was still sat opposite him, two cups of coffee sat in front of him.

'Hey…'

'I hope you don't mind coffee… I figured you'd be thirsty but then I didn't know what you like'

'Strong and hot is all I care about. Thanks, was a nice thought'

'It's okay'

Olivia picked up one cup and Peter the other before gathering up their bags and leaving the train. Peter had no idea what was where they were going or why they'd come here, but he suspected the place had some connection to Olivia's mum.

'Aunt Claire!' Olivia responded with such a fierce hug that Peter smiled. he watched them for a moment, hovering uncertainly when they withdrew and the woman- Aunt Claire- turned to Peter.

'Who's this?'

'This is Peter. I… I wanted to bring someone for support…'

'It's okay Olivia, I know how hard today is for you. My dear sister would have been 70 today.

'let's get going. I'll drop you off like always'

'Thanks, you're the best'

Olivia walked off towards the exit of the station. Peter made to follow her but Claire pulled her back and gave her a look that made Peter feel curious.

'What?'

'In the 9 years since Olivia has been coming here, I have never known her bring anyone with her. You must be very special to her, if she wanted to share this with you'

'Share what?'

'You'll see, but a word of warning, don't mess her around, not on a day like today. Olivia has been through enough and today brings back happier times for her'

'I wouldn't… we're not…'

'If you are trying to tell me that the two of you are just friends, do me a favour. I saw the way you look at each other…' Claire winked at Peter, and followed Olivia out of the exit. Peter shook his head for a moment and then trailed after them.

Despite initial reservations, as Peter got out of Claire's car with Olivia, he was blown away by the view. The small footpath widened into a grassy bank that stretched off in various directions. But just beyond the edge of the green grass was a flat lake, the far shore a thin line in the distance. The lake mirrored the sky above, both of them the kind of blue that you only ever saw in children's picture books. The breeze that ran over the rippled surface, Without the distraction of the view he could detect the scent. The early summer air was fragranced with the pine trees that circled the lake, growing so close that some had toppled in and others dangled roots into the water, trying to plunge the secrets from the depths of the water below.

'Wow…' was all Peter could muster.

'I know… every year I come and it never gets any less amazing'

'What is this place?'

'Tatton Park. My mum used to bring me I have so many happy memories here with her as a child. I always come here on her birthday. I like to remember the good times, and this place is full of memories'

Olivia and Peter wandered off down the footpath and before long were at the edge of the lake. There was a bench right on the edge of the grass and Peter watched as Olivia ran her hands along the back of it, before beginning to cry. His instincts told him that this was no ordinary bench, and sure enough, on the back of the bench there was an inscription upon a bronze plaque.

'In Loving Memory of Serena Andrea Benson… who instead of many more had one more.' Olivia quoted out loud from memory.

'Many more? One more?'

'Years'

'Oh…'

Olivia sank down onto the bench and began to cry silently. Peter watched her for a moment before sitting down next to her. Unsure of what to do, he snaked his arm around the back of the bench, not daring to reach out to Olivia even though he desperately wanted to.

'Can I…. Can I ask you something?'

'Of course' Olivia looked at him through a mass of tears

'Surely this is a place that is special for you and your Mum? Your auntie said I'm the first person you've brought here in nine years'

'You are'

'Why me? I mean, why ruin your memories of your Mum and bring me here?'

'Because I wanted to share this with someone… I'm tired of being alone… my mum would have really liked you, I just know it.'

'Wouldn't someone else have been better?'

'This place has been a huge part of my life… I hope in time, you will be too… that's why I brought you here… a bit of my past, merging with the present which I hope will continue on into my future'

'Oh…' That was all Peter could say

'Although, as far as first dates go I had hoped you wouldn't have to see me cry, I look a right mess'

'You couldn't look a mess if you tried'

'You're so sweet'

'I'm not, but I'm honest'

Olivia looked into Peter's eyes, trying to see if he was being honest. Olivia had become adept at keeping her walls up and being alone, yet after knowing Peter for just a week, all the walls had broken down. Looking into Peter's eyes, she could see the insecurity he felt and the effort he was making to not run away. Without realising it, Peter moved closer to Olivia. Their hearts were in their mouths, as they both wanted nothing more than to kiss each other.

But then Peter thought she had interpreted things, and she moved away. Olivia blinked back the tears and smiled sadly. Peter needed some work but so did she. Their worlds had collided for a reason- maybe this was it. They were supposed to be together.

'Peter… are you okay?'

'Yes… I'm fine… more than fine actually'

'Good'

Before Peter knew what Olivia was doing, she had enveloped her hand in his and rested her head on Peter's shoulder. Peter was completely shocked and sat frozen for a minute before he realised that he actually liked the feeling of Olivia's head tucked into his neck.

Deciding not to read too much into the situation for once, Peter relaxed and the two of them sat there watching the fishing going on in the lake, content in the knowledge that things would become clearer and easier as time went by.

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