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Ikaris was miserable.
Perhaps that was being dramatic.
Ikaris was not feeling particularly great at the moment but there were reasons to think it would get better.
He was done with work for the day and now he could go home, get some tea, and relax.
Until then, he was waiting in the rain for his bus.
The street was full of other workers getting off their own jobs and heading off to their next stops.
Ikaris fiddled with the straps of his backpack as he glanced at his watch.
Five more minutes give or take until it arrived.
“Excuse me, sorry.”
A woman was jostling through the standing crowd trying to get closer to the curb.
The bus stop shelter was stuffed full so she instead came to a stop besides him while holding a newspaper over her head.
She was already quite wet.
“Would you like uh…” He gestured with his umbrella.
“Oh, thank you.”
She moved closer and he tried to hold it evenly between the two of them while not bumping into someone else’s umbrella
“I suppose it doesn’t matter too much. I don’t know if I can get much wetter.”
Indeed, her jet-black hair was plastered against her head.
Her raincoat fared better, but her shoes were wet as well.
“I was late today and forgot my umbrella—not a good way to start a week.”
Her greens eyes seemed to be waiting for him to make a comment.
He formed one.
“Oh, ah…it’s not so bad. Happens to a lot of us.”
He felt the rain splattering on his shoulder and resisted the urge to move the umbrella towards himself.
“Happens to me a lot.” The woman sighed. “This job isn’t quite what I have been hoping for so far.”
“Oh, ah…”
This was a personal thing to randomly share with someone at the bus stop.
“What do you do?”
She gazed him over.
Ikaris didn’t think he looked much better than her—minus the wet hair. He shifted in his wet socks before he answered.
“I uh, work in software. The building over there actually.”
The skyscraper was a little hard to pick out amongst the rest so he just gestured vaguely.
“Really? Do you like it?”
Ikaris had to think about it.
“Well, it’s just temporary—part time at the moment I mean.”
“First job out of uni?”
Ikaris nodded sheepishly.
“Nothing to be ashamed of. A job is a job.”
“What do you do?” He asked in turn.
“I’m working at a natural history museum—well I am an assistant to one of the curators. I knew I wouldn’t be handling dinosaur bones day one but today I just brought her coffee and handed schedules of picking up and delivering artifacts—which I suppose isn’t nothing. I’m willing to work my way up—I guess I was hoping I wouldn’t start this low.”
Her face was too pretty to look so sad.
“Well, a start is a start.” He said echoing her words. “I’m sure you will make it.
She smiled.
“Thanks.”
The rain seemed to lighten as the bus pulled up.
The group waiting moved forward one by one and fit barely onto the bus.
He lost track of her.
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Ikaris’s foot tapped as he listened to music while he waited.
It was overcast today but thankfully not raining again.
A hand touched his arm and he moved to the left more as he assumed someone was trying to go past him. The hand tapped his again.
Ikaris turned his head to tell the person to bugger off when his lips tied forming the words. He pulled his earbuds out.
“I was trying to say hello.”
The girl—er—woman from yesterday.
A few people seemed to be staring at him so he figured he should stop making a scene and respond to her.
“Hello then.”
She looked even prettier not drenched in water.
“Did you have a better day today?’ He asked surprisingly smoothly.
“I did. Not much more exciting but I wasn’t late. I might even be taking a trip with my boss to a museum in York later in the month.”
“That sounds exciting then.”
It didn’t really to him but he could tell that she was happy about the development and that seemed the most important.
“It gives me something to look forward to at least. How was your day?”
Ikaris shrugged.
“Kind of the same.”
“Is your work interesting?”
“It depends on the project I guess. They aren’t letting me do anything too interesting so far.”
“We are in the same boat then, huh?”
It seemed to be that way.
“Yeah.”
She smiled as the bus pulled up.
“I’m Ikaris.”
She smiled brighter.
“Sersi.”
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She was late today.
Ikaris glanced around as the bus pulled up and everyone started filing on and off.
There was no reason to think that anything bad had happened but Ikaris couldn’t help but frown slightly as he took one more glance before getting on.
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“Ikaris!”
It took a moment to locate her, but he soon saw her weaving towards him through the busy London street.
“There you are.” He greeted her.
“Did you miss me?”
She was teasing but he felt his body freeze.
Well, he had, but it didn’t seem like something he should confess to at the moment.
“I…uh…”
“I worked a bit later than I meant to but I was given a small project so I want to make a good impression.”
“Oh, of course. Congratulations.”
“Thanks.”
“If there was time, I would offer to buy you a coffee or something.”
“Oh, uh…” Her eyes grew wider. “That—”
“Too last minute now, I know.”
“Well, I think…”
Sersi turned her head and he followed her gaze to where they could see the bus approaching.
“Maybe sometime?” She finished as the bus pulled up.
“Sure.”
He was a bit surprised that she was willing to take him up on it.
It seemed a bit forward of him now that he thought about it.
The bus door opened.
“I sit in the back.” Sersi said quickly. “Want to sit with me?”
“Sure, if there is space.”
He let her get on first and followed her down the row.
The bus was full as usual, but they fit.
Ikaris enjoyed their chat as the bus rolled along but soon it was time to part.
He wished her a good evening as she headed off and she promised she would see him tomorrow.
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Rain.
Again.
Ikaris sighed as he walked out of the front lobby and headed for the bus stop.
He was out a bit earlier today so he glanced in a few window shops along his normal route.
He couldn’t dawdle forever, though so he picked up the pace.
By the time he arrives, Sersi was already waiting—this time with her own umbrella.
She gave a wave and he gave her a nod from where he stood at the edge of the waiting group.
Once on the bus, he found--what was becoming his usual spot—open next to her.
“Did you get out late? Or were you behind for once?”
“I stopped and looked in some shop windows, that’s all.”
She made a sound.
“See anything good? I need a gift for my mum soon.”
Ikaris couldn’t claim to know of things to get mothers—he barely found gifts for his own. Still he said, “There are plenty of nice shops about."
“I know. I will have to stay behind and linger around for a bit. There is usually no great reason to rush home beyond the nice feeling of being done with work for the day."
“I understand that.” He commented.
The bus stopped and started up again with a slight jerking motion.
“The weekend is coming up soon. Do you have any plans?”
Ikaris nodded.
“Laundry I suppose and on the more exciting side, probably going to see a game with some of my mates.”
“Sounds like a good mix of weekend activities.”
“How is your project going?”
Sersi set her shoulders.
“Good—I think. I am doing some research and handing in my findings to my boss next week. That is my weekend plan.”
“Not the best, but not the worst.”
Ikaris tried to sound comforting.
“I’m glad to be given something.” Sersi said brightly. “It will be a good chance to prove myself.”
“Well, I will root for you then.”
A bit of a smile crossed her face before she ducked her head.
The next stop was announced and her head whipped back up.
“Um, could I have your number?”
“What?”
Ikaris thought he misheard.
She looked worried.
“Do you think we could exchange numbers?”
“…ah…. sure.”
Sersi dug out her phone and handed it to him on the contact screen.
He quickly entered his number as he knew her stop was next.
“Thanks. I’ll see you next week!”
“Sure.”
He gave a wave before she stepped off.
His phone buzzed soon after with a message from an unknown number.
Typing, he saved it to his contacts.
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“Wait, so you got some girl’s number?”
Ikaris wasn’t quite sure how they got on this topic but he nodded as he reached for another chip.
“How did you meet her?”
“Who is she?”
“Does she have cute friends?” His final mate chimed in above the rest.
“Well, I don’t know that much about her. She recently got a job at a museum. We met while waiting for the bus.”
One of the other men made a noise of disbelief.
“A bus-stop?”
“Yah.” Ikaris responded with a full mouth.
He took a sip of his beer.
“We take the same bus home.”
“Is she cute? Have you asked her out?”
“Well…no…I mean, I’m…”
His mates sighed and one of them groaned.
“What?”
There was a reason Ikaris didn’t like being the center of conversation.
“Mate a girl literally asked you for your number—she’s interested.”
Ikaris wasn’t quite sure about this.
Sersi seemed like a very friendly person. Perhaps she got everyone’s number.
“I’ve only been talking to her for less than an hour every day-it’s too early to think that way.”
His mates generally shook their heads and went back to picking at their food.
“She’s cute though, right?”
Yes.
Ikaris decided to put it more diplomatically than just that.
“She seems very lovely and kind.”
“’Lovely and kind’? She’s not your mother mate.”
Ikaris gave a laugh.
"Well, yeah, she’s…she’s very pretty.”
One of the men gave a whoop that didn’t really disturb the busy pub.
“Then what are you waiting for?”
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What was with this city and rain?
Ikaris tried not to grumble as he made the walk to the bus stop.
He had worn his good shoes today too.
He joined the huddled massed waiting for the bus.
Sersi didn’t appear to be here yet, so he kept an eye out.
Soon she appeared—sans umbrella. She shot straight towards him.
“Can I share with you again?” She asked his as she slid her arm into his.
He tried not to react but moved the umbrella over the both of them. It was easier now that she was closer.
“Of course.”
“Thanks. I remembered my galoshes but not my umbrella.”
“Well, there is always room under mine.” He insisted. “I wish I had brought some rubbers.”
Sersi glanced down at his shoes and back up.
“I’m sure they looked very nice. You look very nice today.”
Ikaris was flattered that she noticed. He had tried.
“My group had to do a software presentation today so I tried to…dress up as it were.”
“You did a fine job.”
He bit the inside of his cheek before speaking again.
“Do you have to rush home?”
“Not really, why?”
“Can I get you that coffee? We don’t have to take long.”
She didn’t even hesitate.
“Of course. I have time for that. Thank you.”
“Is there a spot you like?” Ikaris asked as he ushered them away from the line of people waiting.
“Usually down the street away but we can go anywhere.”
“That doesn’t sound far.” Ikaris insisted. “Just direct me.”
She did so easily.
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Her name was Sersi.
She had parents and a few siblings.
She loved nature and hoped to get a good position in the natural history museum, or maybe be a teacher, or maybe a researcher someday.
Her world seemed bright and lively.
Lots of plans with friends. Some side hobbies that had fallen to the wayside for this new job.
She had traveled some in her youth and hoped to again—for work might be nice.
Ikaris felt a little bland trying to talk about himself.
He had his own parents back in Scotland and a few sisters in various places.
After graduating from university, he had gotten a job.
Standard stuff.
Nothing to brag about.
She seemed interested enough but she was just probably being polite.
They traipsed back to the bus stop and rode the line down.
As usual, it was Sersi’s time to get off first and Ikaris gave a wave as she went.
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I’m running late. Save a seat.
Ikaris glanced about as people started to load onto the bus. He would try but it wouldn’t matter much if she was late.
With a glance behind him, he boarded and headed towards the back.
An older woman came down the row and Ikaris’s conscious couldn’t let him not give up a seat for the senior.
She thanked him as she sat down but Ikaris didn’t fail to notice Sersi’s face come into view among the last few people aboard.
He gave her a wave and stood up as she drew closer to allow her to sit.
“I don’t mind standing. I’ve mostly been sitting all day.”
“Are you sure? Thanks.”
She gave a small smile to the older woman besides her and looked back up at him.
“Stopped to shop?”
It was hard not to notice the bag with the very obviously logo on it.
“Yes, want to see?”
“Sure.”
Sersi pulled out a soft woven sweater in a chestnut color.
“Don’t ask me how much it was; I’ll start feeling guilty again.”
“No need for that. You deserve to buy something once in a while.”
She gave a slight grin before reminding him, “It’s for my mum, remember?”
Oh, she did say that.
“Oh, quite right then. I had forgotten.”
“Do you think she will like it?’
“Well, I am sure you would know best but…”
It seemed like an unassuming, sturdy garment that there could be no fault in.
“. . . I don’t think there would be any complaints.”
“I think it looks very nice, honey.” The woman next to her put in.
Sersi thanked her.
“Clothing from a real London shop.” Sersi said proudly. “I think she would like it no matter what.”
“They will have to come see you sometime then if you are going to be here.”
“There will be time for that.” Sersi agreed.
Two stops later, the older woman disembarked and Ikaris took the seat next to Sersi.
They rode in silence for a bit until Sersi spoke up.
“How do you feel about frogs?”
It was a strange thing for someone to bring up but it didn’t faze him coming from her.
“Oh, well, same as anyone else I suppose. I used to catch some with my cousins around various ponds growing up—is that a horrible thing to confess to?”
“What did you do with them?”
“Nothing.” Ikaris shrugged. “Just tried to see who could get the biggest one and then put them back."
He left out the part about trying to gross out girls with them.
Not too flattering.
“That seems all right.. So…” She bit her lip. “Would you like to come hear a lecture on them?”
“On frogs?”
She nodded.
“We are having a professor come and talk about how frogs have adapted and survived throughout the ages.”
“I can’t say I have ever thought of that…when is it?”
“Next Friday evening. It’s mostly for the museum patrons and staff to attend, but I was told I could bring someone.”
Even if it was about frogs, Ikaris was flattered.
Oh wait….
She must have read his face.
“If not, it’s all right. It’s a strange request—”
“No! Not well, I mean I suppose it is.” Ikaris had to admit. “I was supposed to go to a game with some mates but…there will always be games. Someone else would jump at the chance to go in my place no doubt.”
“Are you sure?’
“Yeah, it will be fine. I will pencil it in.”
Sersi gave a smile and looked ahead as the bus rolled on.
“What should I wear?”
“Oh just something…professional but causal I suppose—or as nice as you want I guess.”
Suit and tie it was then.
“What are you wearing?’
“A simple dress or something. I’ll rush at the last minute to decide.”
He smiled at her self-deprecating joke.
“Will we meet there or…?”
He didn’t have a car or anything to pick her up.
“Do you want to meet at the closest bus stop to the museum?”
Ikaris would have to find out which one that was.
“Yeah, that sounds good.”
“I get to go to York next week, remember?”
“Yes, yes that I do recall.”
It would seem strange to not be meeting up with her.
“Just enough time to get back and go to the lecture. I’ll send you some pictures if you’d like.” She offered.
“Sure, if you want. I can’t promise I could send you anything interesting in return.”
Her smile curled as if she was trying to fight a laugh.
He wasn’t sure why though.
“Next week then, eh?”
“Next week.” She promised.
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It was a long week’s wait..
She sent him various pictures of the museum she was visiting as well as anything she thought he might find interesting—including a nice one of her outside of the museum itself.
Which provided Ikaris the opportunity to show his friends why he was going to abandon them that Friday.
“Mate, I would abandon my mum for a date with her.” He was promptly informed by one of his co-workers. “Frogs or no frogs.”
Which was one of the swirling questions in Ikaris’s mind—was this a date?
She said she could invite anyone so surely by asking him…..
Right?
Or no?
“Totally mate. What else could it be?"
Ikaris swerved to avoid being swiped at.
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I’ll be there on time. I won’t be late.
Ikaris shoved his phone back into his pocket as he stood about.
He knew he was at the correct place at least as the museum stood proudly off to one side.
A waving hand caught his attention and he was happy to gaze upon Sersi for the first time in the week.
She was like an ethereal fairy coming towards him out of a sea of grey in her knee length green dress.
“Hey.”
“Hello.”
“Welcome back.”
“Thanks.”
She hesitated before leaning towards him.
It started slightly awkwardly but it ended in a decent hug.
“Are you very tired from your trip?’
“I woke up a bit tired but I am feeling better now. Excited for the evening.”
“Good. I am looking forward to it too.”
“Yeah?” She teased.
“Yeah.”
He would listen to a lecture on anything if he got to spend time with her.
“Let’s go then.”
She threaded her fingers in his and gave him a slight tug in the direction of the museum.
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Ikaris rubbed his neck as headed towards the bus stop.
Despite everything going on at his work, one thing occupied his mind throughout the day.
He was going to ask Sersi out.
It had been a bit since he asked a girl out and this was definitely the most nervous he had been.
He had gained courage when one of Sersi’s coworkers asked if he was the “bus boy”.
Sersi had flushed and hissed something towards the other woman who merely smirked.
Ikaris played along with a joke which seemed to relieve Sersi.
He figured he would ask her while waiting for the bus—it seemed appropriate.
Even more so—it began to rain.
Ikaris pulled out his umbrella and soon met up with Sersi who was already waiting.
“I was hoping you brought yours.”
Ikaris shielded her from the light rain.
“Of course.”
“Thanks.”
Ikaris glanced at the time.
He had a few moments before the bus came.
“Sersi, uh…. would you like to go out to eat sometime?”
Her pretty lips parted for a moment before giving a nod.
“I would like that.”
“Yeah? Okay, let’s…let’s do that then. What would be good for you?”
She shrugged.
“Whenever—but not Thursday evening.”
“Ah…I guess we can try for the weekend? Is this Friday too soon?”
Could he make reservations somewhere with that little notice? Could he borrow someone’s car?
“I can be ready then—and I will try to be ready.” She promised.
“You can make me wait—I won’t mind.”
“Don’t tell me that. I’m very indecisive when it comes to shoes.”
“I’m patient.” He assured her.
He could wait as long as it took.
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“Did you not drive into work today?”
“I told you I would take the bus. Were you hoping to drive home?”
He would have if he knew that is what she wanted.
She had needed to go in earlier today so he figured it was a waste just to drive himself in.
Sersi shook her head.
“It doesn’t matter to me—old times sake huh?”
“Not that old.” He had to object.
“What? A few years now?”
“Isn’t it the man that is supposed to forget these things?”
He had to tease her about it.
“I have not forgotten. It’s just that a lot has happened.”
That he could not argue with.
He had been offered a full-time position at his work place and then he had been promoted a year after. During that time frame, he had asked Sersi to marry him and she had accepted.
She herself had been promoted to a new role more fitting her desires and her talents. A museum to the north had reached out to offer her a job but she felt that it was too soon to move on already.
She was still in love with the London area and didn’t want to make Ikaris leave his new position so soon as well.
He knew it had been a hard decision for her but she said she was at peace with it.
They had married the next spring.
“I don’t mind some extra time with my bus boy.”
He gave her a grin.
“They still haven’t let that go, eh?”
Sersi looped her arm through his.
“Well, it is a very interesting way to meet—a kind gentleman offers his umbrella to a lady in need.”
“That makes me sound very gallant.”
They both stopped as they waited for the light to turn.
“You were. There were plenty of men there but only you offered.”
“Faster reflexes.” Ikaris insisted.
“Perhaps.”
The light changed and they walked across the road with the other people.
They both needed no instructions to find their familiar bus stop.
“It turns out it is very dangerous to offer your umbrella to a lady.”
There was a twinkle in those gorgeous eyes.
“Why? Because you make me wait sometimes?”
“No, because first you offered your umbrella which I accepted, then some dates, then I took your ring, your name—”
“—I still have that umbrella.” He had to remind her. Not a bad offer—an umbrella and that led to vows.”
“When you put it like that, it seems that it belongs in a museum.”
“I will place it in your care.” He assured her.
“Well not this current museum—it would be slightly out of place.”
Ikaris hummed in agreement.
The bus could be seen making its way towards the stop.
“I miss this.”
Ikaris glanced at her.
“Yeah?”
“Not so much the stop and go but the bits of time I got to spend with you in between all that. Sitting in traffic just seems different in a car."
“Well you can hardly avoid me now.”
Their flat wasn’t super lavish and they would sometimes end up in each other’s way
“I know. Life just seems so busy. It forced us to sit.”
“Maybe we can do so once a week.” He offered. “If you really want.”
It didn’t matter to him.
“Maybe… Tuesdays? I am still trying to do Pilates twice a week so we can’t Mondays or Thursdays. And Wednesdays…”
“Tuesday it is. You have a busier social life than me.”
“I told you to find something. A club would do you good.”
“Yeah, yeah, maybe. I’ll try. I don’t think I’m beyond hope yet.”
“Definitely not.”
The bus pulled to a stop and they waited as people stepped off.
Something wet hit Ikaris’s cheek.
He glanced up.
It had started to rain.