“Five hours, plenty of time” he sighed briefly. He expeditiously began moving boxes into the empty hallway, the dust lifting from beneath the floor boards causing his throat to emit a hacking noise.
When he was finally finished disassembling the labyrinth, he stood in the door way looking in at an empty space, an abyss that he once called home. All that was left in was an old red rub and a dying house plant. He took a step back, choking from holding back his tears. He pulled out his key and forced himself to plunge it into the rustic lock; he turned it a full three-hundred and sixty degrees taking in the screech coming from within the lock for the last time. He mournfully carried his belongings down his Volkswagen, which was parked directly in front of the building. As he piled the boxes and trunks into the boot of the royal blue car he noticed a woman directly opposite to him, leaning against a vintage roles Royce, looking up at the almost identical building next to his. His eyes were locked on her, she was radiant. Five foot six, slim, long black hair framing her soft, tawny skin. She glanced over and smiled, noticing the boxes by Harry’s car. She gently walked over, almost skipping. Harry was lost in her twinkling, dark eyes. It was as if he were in a trance. He pulled himself out of it when the beautiful woman was merely a foot away.
“Hi. I’m Grace. Pleased to meet you” she beamed, outstretching her arm.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Grace. Harry. Harry Diamond.” He replied, gently shaking her hand.
“I can’t believe their demolishing both buildings, it’s a travesty!” Grace sighed.
“Indeed. Where are you moving to?”
“I’m staying with my sister until I find a place. And you?”
“My grandmother left me her manor, so I’m going to stay there.”
“Sounds Lovely” Grace looked down at the boxes and the back up at Harry.
“Would you like some help with the rest of your boxes Harry?”
“Oh. Erm, sure if you don’t mind.” Harry smiled, slightly blushing. They began putting the rest of the boxes onto the back seat of Harry’s car
“All done” Harry said, slowly pulling out his pocket watch. He looked at the time and sighed. “Three hours until demolition”. Grace looked up at him solemnly.
“Why don’t we go for some lunch Harry? It will take our minds off it” she spoke, smiling hopefully. Harry nodded shyly, slightly blushing. “Great! I know the perfect place.” She beamed, gleefully.
Grace began walking away; it took a few seconds for Harry to bring himself out of the daze he found himself in, before catching up with her. Grace guided him through quiet streets, meandering down shortcuts and skipping along the pavement, pulling Harry, influencing him to join in. He enjoyed her playful spirit. It made him feel alive. After twenty minutes of skipping past peoples houses, they arrived at a small cottage, slightly hidden by several oak trees.
Harry stopped, noticing the lack of houses, taking in the scenery and feeling the warmth n the back of his neck which surely wasn’t present earlier. Graced had skipped ahead, stopping at the door.
“Come on Harry!” she giggled, like a small child. Harry walked eagerly up to the bright cottage, covered with flowers. Grace opened the door, and a jingle arose from the bell hanging above the door. Harry trailed in behind her as she hopped in smiling at the elderly lady behind the counter, inside the cottage it was brightly lit, with floral wall paper and there were lovely tables and chairs neatly placed around the room. There were a few people sat at them: families, children, couples, all seemed so serene, sat eating cakes and drinking tea. But it wasn’t the inside where Grace was leading him; she wandered straight through and out of wooden door leading to the back of the cottage. Harry followed, looking bemused, but as he opened the heavy door his face lit up.
Grace was sat in a lovely swing chair, in the middle of a beautiful, blooming garden, overlooking the sea. It was so bright and full of life, Harry completely forgot about his sorrow that had been plaguing him all morning. He looked over at grace who was twiddling a flower in her hands, gently swinging and smiled to himself. He walked over and sat close to her.
“It’s so beautiful, isn’t it?” Grace softly whispered.
“Not as beautiful as you, Grace.” Harry replied bravely. A soft pink colour dominated Grace’s face as she blushed excitingly. She turned to him, and smiled. Suddenly they found them selves slowly leaning in, waiting until their lips met. They jumped in shock when their lips met each other, it was like walking up stairs in the dark, thinking there’s one more step than there actually is, and feeling your foot plunge into the ground as wave of unexpected reassurance passes through your body. For them the kiss seemed to last a lifetime, but they were suddenly interrupted as the elderly woman, came out with a tray of cakes and a pot of tea.
“Ahh young love.” She sighed to her self. Harry rushed over to help her and they set the trays down on a lovely, white table next to the swing. “Why thank-you” she directed to Harry. He smiled and sat down as she toddled back into the cottage. Harry sat back down, and handed Grace a cup of steaming tea, Grabbing one himself they sat back together, resting their heads on each other and gently swinging back and forth.
After hours of drinking tea, and nibbling cakes, talking about themselves and sharing stories, Grace sat bolt up right, looking shocked.
“The demolition!” she mumbled through a mouth full of cake.
Harry Gasped inhaling his tea, choking profusely. He rummage through his pocket and grabbed his pocket watch.
“Twenty minutes!” he gargled. They rushed through the cottage door, swallowing the remains of their tea and cake. As they rushed past the counter Harry left a twenty dollar note by the till.
They rushed, frantically back down the shortcuts and the gardens they had past earlier. As they neared the corner of their street, they both pulled out their car keys and rushed towards their vehicles; they drove them round the corner,screeching to a halt before running back-into each others arms. They took one last look at the buildings they once called home.As the wrecking ball wass driven up, they helld each other tighter, knowing that even though they were losing their homes, they found something new in each other.