The next morning Alex stood in Smithys' kitchen and boiled the kettle. She looked in the cupboards for two mugs. She found Smithys' favourite West Ham cup and a blue one for herself. The cool lino on her bare feet sent shivers through her body.
Smithy rolled over onto his side and noticed she wasn't beside him. He sat up in the bed and looked around his room. He dragged his legs out from under the duvet and pulled on a pair of trousers. He then walked in to the kitchen and rested his shoulder against the frame of the door. He stood and watched Alex as she pottered around making breakfast. She was smiling and humming to herself; she hadn't noticed him standing there.
He walked up behind her and placed his arms round her waist. He kissed her neck and then her cheek. She turned round to face him and kissed him properly.
"Good morning." He said as he held her tight. "I thought you'd gone."
"Don't be daft, go without saying 'see ya later' first. I thought I'd make us something to eat and a hot drink; I was actually just about to bring it through to you." She replied and handed him his mug.
"What time is it anyway?" He said as he stretched and yawned.
"Erm… half past eight." Alex answered, looking at her watch.
"Aren't you late?" He said sounding a little panicked.
"It's my day off today, but aren't you meant to be in?"
"No, I'm working the late shift for a couple of days." He grimaced at the thought.
"Aw, does that mean we won't be in at the same time for a while? Anyway, Gina wouldn't notice if we were in or not today because she's not in herself." Alex explained.
"Gina Gold taking a day off, whatever next?" He replied sarcastically.
Alex playfully slapped him on the arm. "It's Friday, so she's picking Adam up from the airport. She's taking the girls with her, which they're really looking forward to. They love airports, especially Molly. Their Dad used to take them all the time on his day off."
"So we get most of the day to our selves then. What do you fancy doing?" He asked through a mouthful of toast. Alex laughed at the sight of him.
"You know that was almost audible. I don't know, there's nothing really that I need to do so we could just take it easy for the day."
"Tell you what, we could meet Adam and Gina at the airport and take the kids to the fair that's in over the weekend. What do you think?" Suggested Smithy.
"That sounds like a really nice idea. Cara wanted to go to it. She was talking about it yesterday funnily enough."
"Right well, I'll get showered and dressed then. I can't stand being too lazy." He said.
"I'll need to go home and get a change of clothes, make myself look respectable and almost human." She replied.
At half past nine Alex drove home. She was looking forward to going out to the airport. She hadn't been to there in ages and she shared her children's love for airplanes. Instead of going straight home she went in to Ginas'.
"Hello?" She called through as she opened the front door.
Gina popped her head round the kitchen door. "Hello stranger." She said as she approached Alex.
"Morning. How are you today? Have they behaved themselves?" Alex asked.
"Yes they've been really good, as always. They're in the kitchen now having their breakfast. I've phoned the school and told them Cara won't be in today." Gina said as she hugged Alex.
"What time does Adams flight arrive?"
"Just after two I think. What time did you get home last night? I didn't see your car pulling in." Gina asked.
"I didn't. This is me home just now actually." She explained. "I was going to phone and let you know where I would be, but it was quite late on."
"That's fine. So, things with you and Smithy are going really well then."
"Yes, things are really good between us. In fact our relationship is getting stronger. He told me he loved me yesterday, and I feel the same for him. We haven't been together long I know, but we're really happy together." Alexs' grin shone like a giant beam. She hadn't felt this happy in a long time.
"Well I'm really pleased for you both. You've been through a lot, the both of you have and it's really nice to see you happy together. Anyway, do you fancy something to eat?" Gina asked as she led Alex through to the kitchen.
"I had something at Smithys' but I could always do with more. Since both Smithy and I are off today, we thought we might come with you and the girls to the airport. That is if that's alright with you of course. Smithy wants to take us to the fair afterwards. Cara was asking about it yesterday and it would give you and Adam a chance to catch up. What do you think?" Alex asked as she sat down at the table.
"That sounds like a really great idea. We haven't really spent much time together, me and you, have we? It's pretty ironic really considering we live next door to each other and work in the same station."
"Right well that settles it then. I haven't been to the airport in ages." Alex explained.
At half past one they arrived at the airport. Alex enjoyed spending time with her family and she thought it would be good for them to spend time with Smithy.
When they got to the airport, Smithy was already waiting outside for them. He walked over and greeted them, hugging Alex and saying hello to the girls. They went inside and sat by a window. Gina and Alex went to the coffee shop to get them all a drink.
Finally Adams flight arrived. It had been slightly delayed and Gina was feeling a little anxious. As the crowds of people bustled off the plane, Gina was looking round for him. At first she couldn't see him, but then he appeared. She smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. She walked quickly up to him.
"Hello Gina. You're looking well." He said as he hugged her tightly.
"You too." She replied. "Do you want to get something to eat or head straight home?"
"I think I'll head home Gina. Get something there. I think we've got a bit of catching up to do." He said.
They all headed back out into the car park. As promised, Smithy took Alex and the children to the fair. Gina took Smithys' car and headed towards Adams house.
At Adams house, Gina stood in the kitchen and cooked them both a meal. Adam was upstairs in the shower. On the way over they hadn't really spoken much. Adam was really tired from the long flight.
When he came back down, he had changed into some clean clothes and was looking more awake and refreshed.
"So, what's been happening since I've been away?" He asked.
"Not a lot really. Alex started at Sun Hill a couple of months ago which is really nice. She's getting on well. I wouldn't expect anything less though considering she spent most of her time there anyway. Smithy and Alex are now a couple. They've been seeing each other for a little while actually." She explained.
"And what about you; how have you been getting on?"
"Well, you know me Adam; I'm doing fine. I've really missed you though." She replied honestly. "What about you? Have you found the answers you were looking for?"
"Actually Gina, that was something I needed to talk to you about. I was hoping to tell you later on, rather than our first night back together." His expression changed. He didn't look as happy as he had done a couple of seconds ago.
"Go on Adam, say whatever is on your mind. It'll be easier if you get it out into the open."
He took a deep breath and started to explain. "I've had a long time to think about this since I've been out there. A part from you Gina, there's nothing to keep me here anymore. I've found a home and a job over there for me. All that's left for me to do now is pack up my things and sell my house over here." He said.
Gina looked at him. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Are you being serious Adam? You are actually planning on packing in everything, your job, your home, your friends, me…"
"Gina… I want a new start and yes that means that I have you make sacrifices, leave things behind, but I'm not prepared to lose you."
"How do you mean?" She asked looking confused.
"Gina, I want you to come with me. I want us to start our lives together over there."
Gina was stunned. She didn't know what to say. He looked at her for an answer, but she couldn't speak.
"Promise me you'll think about it Gina." He said.
She didn't say a word, she looked at him and drank her wine in silence.