Chapter Text
The gentle sea breeze flutters through Mina’s dark hair and skirts as she gazes out over Whitby Bay. She leans over the railing of the gazebo overlooking the water, taking in the sights and sounds of one of her favorite places. She’s been here often as of late, more than she would like to admit. But she can’t help it when her fiance has been out on his business trip for so long. This is where she and Jonathan met, this is where they had their first kiss, it was their little secluded corner in the bustle of London. Being here comforts her especially when his letters have become fewer as the weeks have gone on.
Mina sighs watching the waves lap against the rocks remembering the beginnings of her relationship and praying for her fiance’s safe return. She’s so engrossed in her own thoughts she doesn’t hear the footsteps walking up behind her, only becoming aware of the man that has joined her once he speaks.
“On a sunny day like this, a beautiful girl shouldn’t be so sad.” He says, causing Mina to jump a little in surprise. She whips her head around to face the source of the voice. If she was shocked to hear his voice she is even more shocked to see him.
He’s beautiful, in a way that seems almost unreal, ethereal even. The first thing she notices is his bright red hair, it’s like nothing she’s ever seen before, shining in the sunlight. The soft waves of his bangs land just above his cheekbones highlighting his pale porcelain smooth skin. His features are soft and gentle though, he has a young face, with a high nose bridge, and round full lips. The only thing throwing the picture off are his eyes, the look in them is kind but Mina can see something beneath that. She has seen eyes like those before, in the old men that beg on the street, it was a look that only came from time and hardship. But this young man in front of her is dressed in finery, his dark red velvet coat sits over a perfectly tailored black suit, his shoes are shiny and well kept, and several sparkling rings adorn his fingers. To say she is intrigued would be an understatement.
“Sorry if I’m disturbing you,” he apologizes, turning away.
“Oh, no. It’s alright.” Mina quickly assures not wanting him to leave. “You just startled me, I was lost in my own thoughts.”
“That's good, I was hoping to be able to get a good look at the bay from here. I’ve heard it’s a gorgeous place.” He responds, turning back to look at her.
“Yes, the bay is really very beautiful. It’s one of my favorite places,” she confides. “Is this your first time here?”
“Yes, this is my first time in England. I’m meeting someone here.” He says with a gentle smile.
That smile, it’s like it flips a switch in Mina’s brain. She swears she has seen it before, it’s so familiar. Like she’s seen it hundreds of times but can’t quite place when. Maybe that’s why she is so intrigued by him, her mind is unconsciously trying to remember him from years ago. From when they were children perhaps?
“I’m sorry, have we met somewhere before?” She asks hopefully. “You just seem so familiar.”
“This-” he begins to respond but is abruptly cut off by a frantic female voice running up to the gazebo behind them.
“Mina!” Lucy yells as she sprints towards her, blonde curls bouncing as she runs. Mina! Mina! Mina! Mina!” Lucy excitedly grabs Mina’s hands completely disregarding the red haired man standing her. “The time has finally come!”
“Lucy what is this about?” Mina asks.
“Well, I should go” the red haired man says, stepping back as Lucy bounces on her heels in between them.
“Sorry,” Mina apologizes. “I hope you have a good time in London, I don’t know if we’ll see each other again”
“We will definitely meet again, believe me.” He says before turning and walking away. Mina is vaguely aware of Lucy's continued ramblings as she watches the man walk away. There’s a strange ache in her chest as he disappears from sight, and she can’t help but hope that he’s right.