Thank you to everyone who read this story and left a comment. I am terribly apologetic for the late update. I am updating this story as I write and life tends to get chaotic.
Also just to clarify in case of any confusion - Lizzy and Will studied together in undergrad at University of Pennsylvania. They both shifted to London post that for their work, and now Lizzy is still living in London while Will has moved to Massachusetts. Hope that clears it up :)
Finally some real time Lizzy and Will interaction!
.
.
.
As I lug my luggage through the terminal, I wonder whether the past couple of weeks flew by too fast or moved interminably slow.
My research project was on fire, and with all approvals received swiftly I was working day and night, literally. Jane's wedding plans were moving along quite well and the date had been set. 3 months from now Jane would willingly adopt the surname Bingley and live happily ever after.
And I will be meeting Will.
As luck (and I reckon Charlotte) would have it, one of the research sites happened to be Massachusetts. What are the odds, right?
I am not sure if it was excitement or nervousness, but every time I thought about meeting Will, I would flush from head to toe. It has truly been a while since we met.
Will seems quite excited too. The moment I told him about my plans, he had already planned our itinerary, meals, movies to watch, and places to visit. I admit I felt rather giddy hearing the excitement in his voice.
And now I am here. For 3 whole days.
Moving through the crowd, I step out of the airport and look around, trying to find Will. He was supposed to pick me up.
I check my phone. 7:24 PM. My flight arrived on time.
Looking up, I scan the airport and stop when I see a tall man holding a sign. Squinting, I make out the words on the pale blue sheet.
'Lizzyyyyy'
Yes, with 5 Y's.
My face breaks into a smile as I begin to rapidly move towards the sign. Will wears an identical one as he hurries towards me.
As I come closer, I can make out his face better. His curly black hair still falls messily over his forehead. His full lips smile at me and his striking dark brown eyes stare right into my soul as we make our way to each other.
The moment we are within touching distance, I throw myself at him. He catches me and swings me around once, holding me tight as he puts me down on my feet. He doesn't let go and neither do I.
A couple moments pass and I feel him breathe deeply and pull back. With his hands still touching my forearms, he smiles at me.
"Hey."
I beam and reluctantly take my hands off him, "Hi."
His smile softens and we just look at each other for a moment.
A passerby jostles Will, breaking the spell between us. Taking my luggage from beside me, he begins to lead me towards the taxi he had hailed.
"I can't wait to introduce you to everyone!" He smiles at me, as he casually maneuvers me with a light touch on my back.
I smile and try not to overthink. Everyone?
"Lizzy, this is my flatmate Edward and his girlfriend Maddie. People, this is Lizzy." Will makes the introductions as we enter his apartment. Will and Edward are batchmates at Harvard, and Maddie works in the city as a teacher.
I smile at them both and greet them.
"It's lovely to finally meet the Lizzy Will is always going on about." Maddie gushes as we all sit down.
I look at Will with a raised brow, but he is busy glaring at Maddie.
"Well, it better be good things." I say in a mock-affronted tone.
"Oh, they are beautiful." Maddie smiles, glancing at Will.
I look at Will and see his ears turning pink. He gives Maddie his classic Darcy glare with no effect. She just looks back at me all smiles.
"Lizzy, you must be tired. Do you want to rest up for a bit? We can order in something to eat?" Will stands up and asks me.
I nod and get up. "It was great meeting you both. I am sure I will run into you on the way to the kitchen sometime soon." I joke.
Ed (as he asked me to call him) and Maddie chuckle. They say their goodbyes as they have plans for dinner.
I flop on the sofa and rest my face on the cushion. Will sits beside me and chuckles, "When I meant rest, I did not mean the sofa."
"Too tired." I stifle a yawn.
Will gets up and pulls my hand, making me stand. "Come on, the bed would be much comfier."
With this he begins to pull me towards his room, not relinquishing my hand the entire way.
We order in Indian food and clean it up within minutes.
Taking my toiletries and clothes, I make my way to the attached bathroom and close the door. I brush my teeth, wash my face, pat it dry, moisturise it, rake my fingers through my curls, and breathe deeply. This is just Will, your best friend. And someone you like, probably love, but just Will. Nothing to stress about.
Giving my night attire a final look – a big black baggy t-shirt and Captain America shorts reaching mid-thigh, I nod to myself and walk out of the washroom.
Will is already in bed, reading a book, his half-rimmed spectacles resting on his nose. I take a moment to observe him, noticing the planes of his face. The little wrinkle between his forehead, his curls all ruffled up, his lips pursed together in concentration. I wonder how they would feel if I kiss him, hard and unyielding or soft and plying.
He looks up at me and for a moment our eyes lock. His eyes subtly make their way down my body, taking note of my attire all the way down to my naked toes. Heat courses through me and I can feel my cheeks burning.
If his gaze does this to me, what would happen if he ever touches me?
I would probably combust.
I bite my lip and move towards the bed, snuggling into the comforter and tucking myself in. I can feel his arm just beside mine, almost touching.
"Do you want to watch something on Netflix?" He snaps his book shut and keeps it on the bedside table.
"Sure." I nod and snuggle further into the bed, the action putting me a little closer to Will.
He picks up the remote and switches the television on, then glances at me.
"What do you want to watch? Re-runs or something new?"
"Re-runs please." I yawn again, and settle in deeper into the bed, my head resting beside Will's arm.
Will puts on an episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S and switches off the light.
This close to him, his scent surrounds me completely. Something woodsy and clean that both soothes and stirs me.
I close my eyes just for a moment to rest them, and the last thing I remember is watching Monica and Chandler on the screen and a faint feeling of a kiss on my forehead.
