Six ~ Evelyn

The next two days pass in an anxious blur of anticipation.

I looked up the menu online.

I'm a slow reader, so new menus make me nervous and result in me panic ordering something.

Contrary to most ambulance staff, I don't like hot drinks and avoid coffee altogether.

Instead, I run on a constant supply of sugar.

I've decided on a vanilla milkshake and whichever cake takes my fancy.

Heidi's face flashes onto my phone. I accept the FaceTime, slumping onto the bed.

"Hey girl!" She bounces her head to emphasise her curls and show off her new lemon highlights, "Valentines is over and the red needed to go!"

Heidi dyes her locks a new colour each month to match the time of year. A new range of colour coordinated clothes and eyeshadows follow.

Her collection of gothic tattoos are black to avoid clashing with any of the colour schemes.

"Looks fabulous!" I cheer "Let me guess…yellow chicks for easter?"

"Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner!" Heidi hollers, mimicking a gameshow host. "So, what's got you up before noon?"

I finish chuckling before answering. "I've got the coffee date later. Although, I'm not convinced I should go."

"You're not still hung up on the whole he was a patient thing are you!" She teased, "We haven't even graduated yet!"

"I know but the HCPC wouldn't take this lightly." I sighed, reflecting on all of my hard work, "I just don't want to lose my registration before I even have it."

"You won't, you're not a criminal." She took a moment to ponder over her response, "You were originally working under your mentor, so he's kinda her patient more than yours and the second time you just gave him a plaster. Chill."

That does make me feel slightly better. Even if it does involve stretching the logic within an inch of its life.

"Okay, so minus the patient aspect, he's still miles out of my league and from another world!" The relentless string of insecurities bounce around my head.

Why does someone that hot want me? He could probably do whatever he wanted with whoever wanted to. It makes no sense.

"Okay, stop, that's enough of that! You are stunning!" Heidi's scolding disrupts my trail of thought. "And what happened to starting to live a little? You're being offered an adventure, live frivolously for once."

She was right. Buying a flat in London at twenty had taken years of budgeting, number crunching and turning down plans. Now I'm in, I can afford to be less religious with my savings.

What's a better way to get out of my comfort zone than to go on my first date in three years?

"Fine, you win!" I rolled my eyes dramatically at my best friend "I better get dressed if I want to make it even halfway there."

We say our goodbyes and I begin my quest to get ready.

Half a wardrobe later, I've decided on a white jumper, with a loose turtleneck, tucked into my high-waisted jeans.

It's challenging to look elegant at the back end of a British winter.

I secure the top section of my hair in a ponytail before running the straighteners over any stray curls and frizz.

Completing the look, I put on eyeshadow and mascara. That's as far as my makeup skills go.

In college I tried to learn how everything worked, but with freckles my skin tone was constantly uneven and changing.

Fortunately, I didn't have bad acne growing up and have since invested my time into skincare instead of makeup.

I check the contents of my handbag prior to grabbing my brown suede boots. They have a decent heel to make me appear a more normal height.

One last check in the mirror and I head off.

The cafe is located in South Kensington. It takes me a little over an hour to get there by tube.

This feels like an ordinary commute.

I put my headphones in and read the time away.

Growing up in London, tubes, trains and buses quickly became my bread and butter. I don't know how I'd survive without them.

Emerging from Gloucester Road underground station, I stroll through the lunchtime rush to the cafe.

Reality began to weigh heavier on me with every step.

I fiddled with the strap of my bag to busy my hands.

Waves rolled in my abdomen, lashing against my throat.

My head swayed with my leaping heart.

I swiftly took a detour into a nearby park.

Collapsing onto an outlying bench, I appreciated the calm.

I focus on a tree swaying in the wind and use it to ground myself. Breathing in and out with its tranquil movements.

Damn. How am I going to get through this? I'm not even with him yet.

A brief glance at my phone confirms I'm still fairly early.

I close my eyes and let the breeze wash over my face. The sharp chill a welcomed sensation.

Would he even recognise this girl?

My uniform is like a mask. With it firmly in place, I can confidently fulfil my purpose to help people and lend them my strength.

Granted, it often leaves me emotionally drained in return. But, it's a job like no other.

We can do this!

It's just a date and if it doesn't work out, we never have to see each other again.

You got this!

With a few long breaths, I compose myself and get to my feet.

I march myself back on track.

Less than a minute away now, the decadent cafe comes into view.

The substantial windows are framed by columns of pink, red and white roses. A graceful contrast to the surrounding urban jungle.

Vintage metal tables pose on the pavement.

Past the eye catching display, I spot another tasteful distraction approaching from the opposite direction.

He's sporting a charcoal suit crafted by the gods. Walking with a natural confidence that exudes power.

His serene eyes shine in the sunlight. Only comparable to the smile he greets me with.

The drum in my chest reminds me I'm not dreaming.

"You look beautiful." He effortlessly eases the drumming. "I hope it wasn't too much trouble to get here?"

"Thank you." I engage all of my brainpower to ensure my answers come out in coherent English. "No trouble at all, how was the journey for you?"

"Negligible, my office is a short drive from here." He closes the gap, turning towards the entrance, "Shall we?"

I nod up at him.

Despite my considerable heels, I still only reach his broad shoulders.

Adrian places a warm hand against the curve of my back. I melt into the comforting sensation.

He tenderly guides me inside.