9. Now or never
Walter had left to finalize some preparations for the plan they had drawn up. Arthur had not been able to bear the silence that had settled in the apartment, nor the desolation and concern that was drawn on Lily's face despite hours of meticulous planning. He had convinced her, or rather dragged her, into accompanying him outside.
They had barely traveled a couple of streets, completely covered with the help of coats and scarves to avoid being recognized. They had been as cautious as they could be when they had chosen a pub and wandered into a secluded corner. There the hubbub around was the best camouflage, no one paid attention to them.
They ordered food. At first the conversation inevitably focused on what was going to happen, hopefully, the next day. As time passed, part of the tension that both accumulated gradually dissipated. They ended up talking about movies. Lily told him about her favorite movies, some of which Arthur had heard about in history class or in documentaries. Arthur told her that, in a few decades, television would reign in homes and he narrated her own movies.
During the second course, they ended up confessing their most notable childhood pranks. Arthur told him about his toughest experience as a police officer, and by the time dessert was served, the easy talk they had established was gone.
– My parents died years ago and my sister has her own life in Liverpool. No one will miss me if I leave, if I disappear, not really. And since I can't stay in this time, Walter's watch seems like the best option. Search for a moment lost in history without many wars and try to establish myself... if everything goes well- there was no trace of positivity in his voice, just resignation. What are you going to do when this is all over? Will you return to your present?
– I have no family left in the present. I have friends... but there's really no one waiting for me. In addition, "the Spider" of my time is also looking for me. That's how I ended up here, trying to hide from them and understand what was happening only that I might not have chosen the best time,” he admitted.
Lily stared at him and Arthur thought that he could lose himself in them, that if it were up to him, the night would never end.
Just as he was about to open his mouth, to ask her if he would want him by her side wherever she went when they had to leave, she beat him to it.
– We could go together– he suggested.
Arthur would recall everything that followed in a hazy way. He would be able to clearly evoke Lily's smile when she had answered it, the wild pounding of her heart in her chest when they got closer, when he had touched her hand, her neck, the taste of his lips when he kissed her... Yet He couldn't tell when they left the pub, there was a big blank space all the way back to Walter's flat that ended when he dragged Lily with him, towards him and closed the door behind them.
