Nineteen year-old Rose Tyler walked several blocks towards the bus stop before finding a metal bench. She pulled her coat tighter, her bare legs exposed under the brown monstrosity they called a uniform. She was wishing for a hot cup of coffee but there was no time.
'Blimey, it's cold!" She shivered as strands of her short blond bangs blew from under her purple beanie.
Her mother's voice fussing at her about moving so far away on her own replayed in her mind and maybe she was right sometimes Rose regretted moving to the city. She been in town for a couple weeks, living in a small flat, alone. She hardly knew anyone. Everything she knew including her friends and family were all back in the Powell Estate, but this was something she needed to do. She was determined to become something more than just Pete Tyler's daughter. Unlike her father who owned several department store, she wanted her own clothing shop, something that was actually hers.
But for now, she was stuck working in one a posh dress shop and though she was grateful it was hard dealing with stubborn customers while faking a smile. Also, being Pete Tyler's daughter came with its own challenges, everyone expected so much of her and dropping out of high school was not really a good look especially to her parents, who were pressuring her to pick a 'real' career. But so far Rose was doing okay even if it was messy, sometimes.
Rose sighed glancing down the bare street, a couple of cars passing by but no bus.
Realizing , it was going to be a while, she placed in her earbuds, letting a familiar Beatles tune calm her stress, her head moving briefly closing her eyes to the relaxing rhythm.
Suddenly, a loud Scottish voice cut through her music,
"Eleanor Rigby!"
Rose frowned pulling out an earbud, a lanky young man with shaggy cinnamon colored hair dressed in jeans and a baggy yellow sweater beamed at her like he'd struck gold, his amber brown eyes glistening.
"Um, sorry?" she said, blinking.
He hopped off the bench holding his arms out.
"The song—'I'm Only Sleeping,' Beatles, Revolver, 1966, a classic." He grinned.
Rose nodded.
"Oh," she said, relaxing. "Yeah, it's one of my favorites."
Oh, mine too," he agreed, dropping back onto the bench. "Though 'Drive My Car, on Rubber Soul is also a classic. Not sure if it counts but still." He shrugged, still smiling.
Rose smiled a bit. She had to admit his enthusiasm was endearing and he was also really cute.
He winced, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Sorry, rambling, again," He apologized, smirking embarrassed. "I'm Campbell Bain."
"Rose Tyler." She replied.
He repeated her name softly, as if it were a poem.
Campbell smiled.
"Nice to meet you, Rose Tyler."
She smiled but spotted another car passing by and her concern grew.
"Going to be late, again." She muttered looking at her watch, again.
Campbell shrugged.
"So, not your fault," He said. "Just blame it on the bus to your boss and tell him to get over it!" Campbell reasoned.
Rose smirked.
"I don't think I can do that," She said. "I kind of need this job." Rose explained.
"Wow, must be an important job." Campbell replied intrigued.
Rose shook her head.
"I'm just a counter girl," She sighed. "You know, demonstrating perfumes and pointing directions, stuff like that, nothing special." Rose muttered.
He met her eyes, smiling thoughtfully.
"I think that's very special." Campbell told her.
Rose smiled, blushing again! What was wrong with her all of a sudden!
"Thanks." She replied smiling.
Campbell grinned, she really had a pretty smile, he realized.
Rose looked at him, curious.
"What about you," She asked. "Must be a reason why you're hanging around here, too." Rose said.
Campbell lowered his eyes, pulling his watch strap.
"Um, I'm just waiting for my friend to pick me up," Campbell replied softly. "Doctor's appointment." He added shrugging.
Rose nodded.
"That's a nuisance," She scoffed. "I can't stand doctors, myself." Rose added. She then peered at him closer.
"I hope it's nothing serious?" Rose questioned him concerned.
Campbell just smiled faintly.
"Nah, I'll be fine," He assured her. Campbell sniffed dramatically. "You're looking at incredibly fit human being, here!" He grinned playfully.
Rose giggled, loving his quirky humor.
A white bus then slowly pulled up to the curb before stopping, Rose sighed disappointed. She was really having a nice time with Campbell and now it was over.
"I guess should get going," she said, standing. "It was great meeting you." Rose smiled.
She stepped into the bus, but Campbell called out, stopping her.
She paused.
"Yeah?"
Campbell shrugged casually.
"Well, my appointment's at 11:30. Want to grab coffee after?"
Rose felt her cheeks warm. "Yeah, I'd like that."
He brightened, then frowned as if realizing something.
"Wait, how do I reach you?" He said.
Rose giggled leaning out the bus door. "Check your pocket!" She gave him a playful smile before climbing aboard.
Campbell watched, slightly confused as the bus sped away. He then dug into his jacket pulling out a folded scrap of paper. He unfolded it revealing her number. A grin spread across his face.
"Very sneaky, Rose Tyler," he murmured, tucking the paper safely away, smiling to himself. Campbell then hummed happily to himself, the cold chill now not so bad.
.