It has been a week and I have been trying my best to forget her. I mean I know nothing but her first name. I even talked to everyone who had contact with her at the shoot, but no one could help. I am not even sure why I keep trying, she made it kind of clear that she isn't interested.
Just as Nani finally decides to come with me my phone rings and I pick it up, seeing it's Lukas. "Hi, anything new ?"
"Sorry Tom, I am doing my best here. But finding one girl in London with only her first name and not drawing attention… That's not an easy task". He says with a sigh.
"Well then we have to forget about discretion, we could post an ad or something, get a picture from the shot maybe". Nani has stopped again to sniff at something.
He sighs at the other end. "Tom, you are aware how that would look, right ? The media would pick up on it right away. Give me a little more time before we do something that drastic, okay ?"
"Yeah okay I… fuck stop that Nani". He suddenly sprints off, making me almost stumble, as I try to hold onto both my phone and the leash. Honestly I don't have a very tight grip on the leash, as Nani normally doesn't pull, so I lose my hold and off he goes.
Lukas sounds slightly worried. "Uhm what is happening Tom ?"
"Nani ran off… Sorry, got to go". I quickly pocket my phone and run after Nani, calling for him, but he ignores me.
I honestly panic a bit when he disappears around a corner. What the hell has gotten into him ? What if he tries to run home ? He could get hit by a car. My heart is hammering away at the idea, and tears prickle in my eyes. I need to get to him.
*Meri*
Lumi and I have just entered Hampton Heath for a late Sunday stroll when a dark brown cocker spaniel comes sprinting towards us, the leash flapping behind it and no owner in sight.We both stop and look at each other. I am about to call for the dog, when I realise it is coming right at me already.
"Hi there, did you lose your human". I squat down, taking a hold of the leash as the dog stops in front of me and it starts to snuggle into me. "Oh what a sweetheart you are".
"Does he have a tag ?" Lumi asks, squatting down next to me, and starting to check the collar.
I find the tag, lifting it to read. "Nani, oh so your name is Nani… hi Nani. I wonder where your mom or dad is".
"Dad… his dad". Lumi starts giggling, sending me a smirk. "Let me introduce you, this … my dear sister is Nani Bennett … Tom's dog".
"Shit… for real". I jump up, handing her the leash. "I have to run, you need to give him the dog. I… I can't do this".
She shakes her head and refuses to take the leash. "Too late… and you have been moping about for a week now, regretting you said no… so no more running… and if he asks you out again… you'll say yes or I'll kick your ass".
I look up and she is right, walking towards us briskly is Tom. He is wearing black jeans and a snug blue sweater. I swallow and whisper to myself. "Oh Lord".
"Meri !" He stops in front of me, just looking at me, like he doesn't know what to say or do. "Uhh hi".
"Hi Tom". I bite my lip, not knowing what to do or say either. "We found your dog".
Tom looks at the leash in my hand like he has never seen it before and has no idea what it is. "Oh thanks".
Lumi shakes her head and steps up. "Hi there Tom… I am Meri's twin sister Lumi, and believe me I have heard a lot about you and the best kiss ever. She really regrets that she said no by the way… so what do you say I take Nani for a walk and you two can… uhm talk ?"
"Yeah, sure… Thanks". Tom mumbles, his eyes staying on me the entire time.
I feel Lumi take the leash from my hand, then she leans in whispering way too loud. "Do not run again and do not fuck this up".
When she is gone Tom gently takes my hand, like he is scared I will run too. "I am sorry if I came on too strong that day… if I scared you off. It's just that I felt that… I felt something between us and I would kind of like to find out if… Well if it could be something serious".
"No I am sorry, it's just… Well, I am only here for a limited amount of time, and I need to focus on school. I was not looking to … get involved with anyone". I say, unable to look away.
"So it wasn't about me ? Because of… who I am ?" He looks so hopeful.
I shake my head. "No, not at all. Honestly I had no idea who you are. But I got to say that… not that you are old or anything, but your age, it scares me a bit".
"Uhh yeah. I can't really pretend that there is not a… significant age difference, even though I don't know how old you are". He says softly. "Just please don't tell me that you are 21 or something".
"I just turned 24, so yeah… I mean I always said I wouldn't date someone over 30". I bite my lip.
He slowly breathes out. "But age is really just a number isn't it ? Please let me prove it doesn't matter. Tuesday, I am doing a literary debate… let me invite both of you, not really a date even, just … friendly support and maybe you can use it for school".
When I don't answer right away, he scratches his neck and add. "It's Dickens vs. Tolstoy and with a couple of brilliant professors… there will be some great actors too".
I watch him push his glasses back, as they have slid slightly down his nose, then he runs a hand through his hair, a stray curls sticking out in an odd angle. How could I say no to that ? "Well that does sound interesting… so I would love to come, I am sure Lumi will too".
"Great… thanks. If you just give me your full name and phone number I will make sure there are seats reserved for you". He say smiling happily.
"Oh so just a hoax to get my information I see". I say lifting one eyebrow.
He looks scared for a second, then he realizes that I am teasing him and throws back his head laughing in the most adorable way. "Oh you almost had me there".
I give him the information and he put it into his phone, smiling the whole time, like he has just been told the greatest news.
Then Lumi shows up, handing him the leash. "The smile on your face tells me that I don't have to kick her… good".
"No please don't kick her". He says winking at me. "I'll see both of you on Tuesday evening".
"Yeah, definitely". I say, letting him pull me into a one armed hug. "See you Tom".
He walks off with Nani. Lumi steps up next to me. "Damn that man is so lost in you sis".
"What ? No he isn't". I can't help smiling as he turns to give me a small wave, almost tripping over the leash.
"Oh yeah, he keeps looking back at you, almost tripping over his own feet… he is so hot for you". She grins. "So what was that about Tuesday ?"
I watch Tom till he finally disappears after turning 3 more times. "Oh yeah tuesday…. Tom invited us to some literary debate, Dickens vs Tolstoy, where he is going to perform. I said yes for both of us".
"So I am to be the third wheel on your date ?" She raises one eyebrow, giving me that Lumi look.
"It's not really a date, just… friendly support and we… Well I can use it for school. Please say you'll come with me". I beg her.
She smiles. "Of course I'll come. I mean I am not stupid enough to reject an invitation from Tom Bennett".
Tuesday *Meri* "How do I look ?" I ask for about a millionth time, turning in front of my sister as she is putting in her earrings. I am wearing a red plaid skirt with a simple black top, my long hair held back by a simple braid that Lumi did. "You look great sis, relax". I look at her, she looks perfect in a long purplish-grey skirt and a black top, her hair curled to perfection. "Thanks… you look amazing". "So… what are you going to say when Tom asks you out on a real date ?" She picks up her clutch. "Who says he is going to do that ?" I feel my cheeks flush. I have been thinking a lot about it these last two days. Is Tom the destiny I should not refuse ? She rolls her eyes, before looking in the mirror, applying her hot pink lipstick. "Believe me, he is going to ask you out, so what do you say ?" "I… I have to say yes, don't I… I would regret saying no. So I just have to get over the age difference". I put the bright red lipstick I am wearing in my purse, in case I need a
*Tom* Of course I offered to drive Lumi home first or to an underground station, but she just laughed and told me to get going and have Meri home early enough to be ready for school tomorrow. After having a security guard check that no one is in the parking lot, I offer Meri my arm and lead her to my car, opening the door to her. "Here you go darling". "Thanks Tom". She smiles warmly at me, before putting on the safety belt and I close the door, hurrying around to the driver's seat. "It's a very cool car". She says running her hand over the leather seat. "It fits you". I start my navy jaguar. "Thanks, actually I should probably be looking for a smaller more efficient car. Especially since I don't use it much. On normal days I walk or take the tube, most events send a car". "But they didn't send a car today ?" She looks at me, as I navigate into the street. "Well, they did offer". I am happy that I can keep my focus on the road. "But I thought it would be easier having my own c
*Meri* "So… when are you going to see Tom again ? And how did the evening go ?" Lumi asks as we walk towards the School the next morning. I smile to myself, remembering the evening. "It went well, we had tapas at this cosy little spanish place. And he held my hand the whole evening, like literally the whole evening. We talked about everything. Oh Lumi he is so sweet and so brilliantly smart". "See I told you… aren't you glad you said yes ?" She grins. "So did he kiss you goodnight ?" "Oh yeah, he definitely did". I feel my cheeks blush. "And… it was even better than the last one". She giggles. "Sounds like old Tommy boy has some tricks up his sleeves. I am happy for you sis. So did you plan a second date ?" "Well he asked if he could call me today… that maybe we could go for a walk or something". I am fiddling with a stray lock of my hair. "He seems like a gentleman, so he will probably call today, or tomorrow at the latest". She sends me a happy smile. I bite my lip. "Actual
*Tom* I am sitting on a low wall outside the station, but jumps down as I see Meri exit. She looks so beautiful my throat instantly go dry. I hurriedly approach her, kissing her cheek. "Well hello again darling". "Hi Tom". She sends me one of those smiles that seems both shy and very sexy at the same time. "I am happy to see you again so soon". She squat down and scratches Nani behind the ears, making his whole body quiver with happiness. "And good to see you Nani". I can't help smiling. "I think Nani is happy to see you too". She stands up, looking at me, and I bite my lip. Actually I would love to kiss her right now. But given that we are on a busy street, in the middle of the afternoon it would be a very bad idea unless we want to blow this wide open from the start. Smiling softly she leans closer. "I get it Tom, we don't want to be plastered across every gossip site and newspaper tomorrow". "Thanks for understanding". I mutter. It isn't that I am embarrassed to be with her
*Meri* Almost as soon as Tom has closed the door he pulls me into his arms, kissing the living daylights out of me, making me drop my bag on the floor. When he breaks the kiss he chuckles softly. "Sorry, I have just been longing to do that ever since I saw you step out from the station". "Oh no problem… I kind of wanted you to do that… really badly". I giggle. "So… ?". He bends down to pick up my bag, handing it to me. "What about a homemade cup of tea and a talk ?"I look at Nani, sitting by Tom's feet. "Sounds good, but maybe you should take off Nani's leash first". "Oh yeah… Sorry boy". He quickly gets the harness of Nani and the dog runs off to somewhere in the house. Then he takes my hand. "Come on darling, let me show you the kitchen". He pulls me with him into a spacious and light kitchen. It is held white and light wood. I look around. "Oh this is so cosy". "You are saying that like you expected something else". He lets go of my hand to go behind the counter and fill
Next day*Lumi* "Hi sis or should I say beautiful mystery blond". I say giggling, as I open the door to Meri's bedroom. She rolls over, brushing the hair out of her face. "Uh what ? Where ?" "Morning sleepyhead, up and get ready. You need to look like a million just in case anyone recognises you". She still looks at me utterly confused. "You and Tom were spotted yesterday … you my dear are all over the net". She sits up rubbing her eyes, before grabbing her iPad. It doesn't take long before she is groaning. "Did they pick all the worst pictures of me on purpose ? And the headline "Bennett's hottie" ... Seriously ?" "Well you are a hottie, why complain about that ? Believe me they could have called you a lot worse". I shake my head. "And by the way you look great in every picture". "Tom Bennett seen out and about with a young beautiful blonde, could there be love in the air for the 37 year old actor ?" She groans again. "See I knew they would comment on the age". I shake my head.
*Meri* When the doorbell rings I hurry out to open, finding a smiling Tom outside … or a huge bouquet of white and deep red long stemmed roses with Tom somewhere inside I guess. "Hi… Tom". His head pokes up over the roses. "Well hello darling, I thought I would get you a little something as it's the first time I see your home". "You didn't have to Tom". I say biting my lip, wondering if I have a vase large enough for all the flowers. "I know, but I wanted to". He holds out the flowers to me and I take them. He steps inside, closing the door. "I hope you like roses". I smile at him. "Actually, I love roses… they are my favorite. Let's just go into the kitchen and put them into some water". "Sure". He follows me into the kitchen. "Oh hi Lumi, Nice kitchen". "Well hello lover boy and thank you". She says with a smirk. Tom pulls out a single white rose and hands it to her. "For you my lady". "Oh you big gooey teddy bear you". She smiles. "He is a keeper Meri, most definitely a k
10 days later *Tom* I am shuffling about in my kitchen getting lunch ready when the doorbell rings. So I dry my hands and go to open the door. "Luca, welcome to England". "Hi Tom". He grins and we hug each other. "So this is where you live. Nice place. Very much you it seems". "Yeah we can't all be cowboys unfortunately". I grin. Luca had called me, telling me he was coming to London to read on a part and do some interviews, so I told him he could stay here. He chuckles. "Oh I am sure you would make a mighty fine cowboy Tom, with a lot of sunscreen". "Ha ha, very funny". I step aside. "Come on in, lunch is almost ready. We are just waiting for Meri". "Oh … would that happen to be that cute little blonde you keep getting snapped with. The one who you claim is just a friend ?" He walks inside, looking around. I walk up the stairs showing the way. "Well yeah … that would happen to be her … and uhm truth be told definitely more than a friend". "Yeah sorry Tom, but I think anyon
*Lumi* I sit in the garden, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, as I watch my two-year-old son, Rasmus, playing with his cousin, Valo. Their laughter fills the air, a delightful melody that brings a smile to my face. Luca and Tom are tending to the barbecue, the tantalizing aroma of food making my stomach growl with anticipation.It's hard to believe that two years have passed since that special day when Meri and I both became mothers. My chronic leukemia, once a heavy burden, has been kept under control with the help of the new medicine. I feel healthy, alive, and grateful for every moment I get to spend with my family.The news of Meri's pregnancy fills my heart with joy. I glance over at her, as she is sitting beside me, her baby bump starting to show. I can't help but smile, I am so happy for her and Tom. "Meri," I say, excitement bubbling in my voice. "Have you found out the gender of your baby yet?" Meri's eyes light up, and a mischievous grin spreads across her face.
2 months later *Tom* The sun is blazing hot on the Texan soil as I walk into the room where Luca and I are supposed to get ready for the big day. I glance at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting the collar of my shirt, I am ignoring the faint pain in my leg… a harsh reminder of the past. "Think it's hot enough?" Luca's voice pulls me from my thoughts. He is already dressed in his new suit, looking more Hollywood than Texas, but his grin is as wide as the Rio Grande. "I think it's just right," I reply, a smirk pulling at my lips. I remember how Meri will often tease me about my British love for cooler weather. But today, even the heat seems tolerable, maybe because I finally will get to call her my wife. Luca laughs, a hearty sound that fills the room. "That's because you are about to marry the woman of your dreams. Even a Texan summer can't dampen that." "Marrying the woman of my dreams in a double wedding with her equally beautiful twin and my best friend," I add, causing
*Lumi* I walk into the room, the soft light casting a warm glow on the scene before me. My heart skips a beat as I see Luca sitting there, cradling our tiny son in his arms. A surge of love washes over me, filling every fiber of my being. Luca's eyes meet mine, and a tender smile spreads across his face. I can't help but be amazed by how effortlessly he handles our little one. It's as if he was born to be a father, his touch so gentle despite his size, his voice so soothing. After two weeks I am finally starting to feel mostly like myself again after the birth. At least in those ways that will return to being as before. The ones that won’t, Well I do not care, it was all worth it to have our little Rasmus. His name means beloved and desired and he truly is both. I watch in awe as Luca tries to make our baby boy smile. He makes funny faces and coos softly, his voice filled with pure affection. Our son's eyes fixate on him, captivated by his presence. It's a magical sight, one th
*Tom* I stand by Meri's side, holding her hand firmly as the doctor guides her through the labor. My heart swells with pride and admiration for the woman I love, as she bravely endures the pain and discomfort of bringing our son into the world. I glance over at Lumi, my soon-to-be sister-in-law, and am struck by the incredible bond between these two sisters, both going through this life-changing experience together. "Alright, Meri, when the next contraction comes, give it a good push". The doctor instructs, her voice calm and steady. Meri nods, her face flushed and sweaty, but determined. As the contraction hits, she squeezes my hand tightly, her nails digging into my skin. I wince, but refuse to let go or show any sign of discomfort. My pain is nothing compared to what she's going through right now. "You are doing amazing, love”. I whisper, trying to offer her some comfort between contractions. She manages a weak smile, her eyes filled with exhaustion but also an unwavering dete
*Luca* I watch as Lumi struggles with the electrolyte drink. I gently encourage her, saying. "It's important to stay hydrated, babe. Just a bit more”. After she has finished drinking, Lumi tells me she wants to get up and walk around. I support her as she rises, wrapping my arm around her waist. As we walk, the contractions continue to hit. Each time one comes, I gently stroke her lower back, trying to alleviate some of the pain, wishing I could remove it all. "Just breathe, Lumi. I'm here for you”. I whisper to her. Across the room, Meri is voicing her regret about not getting an epidural. Lumi, feeling her sister's pain, walks over to comfort her. "It's going to be okay, Meri. We are in this together". She reassures her sister. Seeing that Tom needs a break, having noticed him shuffle his feet for a while, I tell him, "Go ahead, man. Take a quick bathroom break. We will be here”. As Tom goes to the bathroom, I stay close to Lumi and Meri, prepared to help them through whateve
*Tom* I'm standing next to Meri, holding her hand tightly as we wait for the doctor to arrive. The room feels small, even though it's quite spacious, with both our families sharing it. I can feel the tension in the air, and my heart races with every passing moment. Meri's grip on my hand tightens as another contraction hits. I wince in sympathy, but she just lets out a string of curses that would make a sailor blush. It's a side of her I haven't seen before, and it catches me off guard. She has always been the more composed of the two sisters, but the pain seems to bring out a whole new side of her. My eyes drift over to Luca and Lumi. Luca is resting his forehead against Lumi's temple, whispering something in her ear. Lumi, who I have always known to be the more fiery and passionate of the two, seems surprisingly calm in this situation. It's a stark contrast to Meri's reaction, and it's oddly reassuring. I look back at my fiancée, trying to figure out how to help her through thi
*Meri* I'm sitting on the edge of the couch, gently rubbing my lower back as a dull ache radiates through it. Tom looks over at me with concern in his eyes. "Are you okay, love ?" he asks, setting down the book he has been reading. I nod, trying to smile through the discomfort. "Yeah, it's just my body getting ready for the birth, I think. It's probably normal". Tom's face softens, and he moves closer to me. "Let me give you a massage. It might help with the pain". I gratefully accept his offer. Tom fetches a yoga ball from the corner of the room and places it in front of the couch. I carefully lean over the yoga ball, resting my upper body on it, while Tom starts massaging my lower back. As he works on my tense muscles, I can't help but let out a small groan of relief. His strong hands expertly knead the achy area, easing my discomfort. After a while, Tom starts talking about our little boy, who is due to arrive in just a week. "I can't wait to meet him, Meri. Our lives
*Lumi* As we get ready for the appointment, I can see the worry painted across Luca's face. He's been so nervous ever since we found out about my leukemia, and now that we're expecting our first child, his concern has only grown. "Luca, I promise I've been feeling so much better since starting the new medicine," I reassure him, as we both get dressed. He nods, but his eyes still hold a hint of fear. "I know, Lumi, it's just that... I can't help but worry about you and the baby," he admits, his voice trembling slightly. I walk over to him, placing a gentle hand on his cheek. "We're in this together, remember? And the doctors are keeping a close eye on us. We'll be okay." He takes a deep breath and nods again, pulling me into a tight embrace. I can feel his heart racing, and I know that he's trying to be strong for both of us. We arrive at the clinic hand in hand, and check in at the reception desk. First I have to go to the nurse, having blood drawn, so the doctor can check e
*Meri* The sun is shining brightly as we enter the fair ground, and the smell of popcorn and cotton candy fills the air. "I have always loved the atmosphere of fairs". I say, grinning at Tom. He squeezes my hand and nods in agreement. Lumi and Luca walk beside us, their laughter contagious. "Remember when we used to come to carnivals as kids?" Lumi asks, her eyes sparkling. "Of course, we always had so much fun together". I reply, reminiscing. “But you never tried a Texan one”. Luca winks at us. “Cowboy style”. “Yi-ha”. Lumi cheers. It warms my heart to see her in such high spirits. As we enter the area with the games and rides, Tom spots a ring toss game and challenges Luca. "Bet I can win a stuffed animal for Meri before you can win one for Lumiøz He says, smirking. "You are on”. Luca replies, grinning. “You do remember my card toss right ? You can still bow out”. Lumi and I stand on the sidelines, cheering them on. "They are so competitive”. I laugh. "It's adorable”. Lum