Later that night, Megyn lay in bed, her mind replaying every moment with Benjamin.
Their laughter.
His confident smirk.
The way he had looked at her, as though he already knew her.
Her phone beeped.
She reached for it, her heart racing when she saw Benjamin's name.
"Can I call you, my 'Gazelle'?"
Megyn rolled her eyes, amused ... she knew her night wouldn't be a peaceful one.
"Why?"
"Can we talk?"
"Why? Don't you think it is too early for this?"
Her phone rang almost immediately. She sighed, but a small smile played on her lips as she answered.
"Hello."
"How is my beautiful Gazelle?"
"Is that a new nickname for me?" she asked feigning disappointment in her voice. "I don't recall approving it."
Benjamin chuckled.
Megyn laughed despite herself. "Why is this man calling me?"
"To confirm that you got home safely…and because this man cares." Benjamin said smoothly
Megyn's heart made a small, unexpected flip.
She sat up in bed, twirling a loose thread on her bed sheet. "Well, this girl is trying to sleep, and you are making it difficult"
"I wish I could sing you a lullaby." Benjamin said. Then, after a pause, he added, "Megyn I like you."
Megyn froze.
"… What?"
"I like you," he repeated. "I like you a lot. And I can't believe it's happened on the first day."
Megyn swallowed. This was too fast. She just saw him for the first time.
"…And where is this man-flirt going with this?" she teased, though her voice was softer than before.
"Far away," Benjamin said.
Megyn's chest tightened.
"How far away?"
"I fly out tomorrow afternoon. I'll be gone for two years."
Megyn's fingers tightened around her bed sheet. She has so many questions.
Who was this man? Why was he saying all this? And why did she care so much?
Her voice was quieter when she spoke.
"Benjamin, we don't even know each other."
"Maybe," he said. "But I feel like I already know you."
She hesitated.
"I don't know, Benjamin. I have my attachment, my studies…I wasn't planning on any of this."
"I wasn't either," he admitted. "But I know what I feel."
Megyn sighed, rubbing her temple.
"The train is moving too fast." She murmured.
Benjamin's voice was gentle. "Then trust the drivers, Megyn."
She smiled faintly, though he couldn't see it.
"I don't know even why I am talking to you like this." she muttered.
Benjamin chuckled. "Because you want to."
"Benjamin, you amaze me. Tell me, what characteristics do you look for in a girl?"
"You," he said.
She didn't argue.
"Benjamin, have a great trip," she said after a long pause. "And let me know when you land."
A moment of silence, Then,
"Goodnight, my Gazelle."
Megyn hung up.
And as she lay back on her pillow, staring at the ceiling, she realized something.
She was going to miss him.