Chapter 34 - "Enjoyment..."

Clara's PoV

I twiddled my thumbs as I stood by the dock at France.

What if he didn't come? What if he had decided that he wasn't leaving the army? What if he had to stay behind at HQ and wasn't able to contact me.

'Are you a relative?' Someone asked me as I stood nervously at the dock.

'Sorry?'

'Are you waiting for a soldier to come off the boat?' He asked kindly.

'Umm. Yeah'

'Do you know his name?'

'John Smith' I smiled.

'Officer Smith. Rank 6?'

'I umm, I guess. I'm his wife' I mumbled awkwardly.

'No problem. Relationships with our officers and soldiers are hard. Especially long distance. I'm surprised at him. His last relationship ended terribly' he mumbled. 'Sorry I shouldn't be disclosing passenger information - here. Take this card and present it at the door. They'll escort you with other family and friends to rank 5'

'Thank you' I said, as someone stood up.

'Lady Clara Oswald? Do my eyes deceive me?'

'Sir Robert. What an honour it is to see you? You must be serving in Germany with my husband?'

'Indeed. The men don't like him very much but I've got your back. Where am I taking you? Where have you been sent?'

'Rank 5' I smiled, but he didn't smile back, he just gave me a strange look. I was beginning to wonder if this was a good idea - because he was only docking here in France for four days and then he leaves again for about her 10 months.

I followed to a room where other family members and friends were waiting with young children all dressed smartly for the occasion.

I was offered a glass of champagne which I politely declined and waited nervously at the side of the room, when an official off duty noise was made apparently and several soldiers all walked through the door dressed smartly in uniform.

I didn't realise that it was customary for the officer to enter last so I had kind of given up hope that he was here but then why would they have let me in if he wasn't, but then he walked through the door with a smug look on his face.

My heart skipped a beat as I saw him, and I started to sweat seeing him all dressed up smartly.

His eyes trained the room until they rested on my face, and I watched as his face went from one of sadness to one of pure joy, which was just amazing to see.

'You came?' He said briskly floating across the room and had me against the wall. 'Where's George?'

'Master George is at home because it was safer for him. He's on the nursery and he's okay. Of course I came. Why would I not?' I whispered suddenly so happy to see him. I may not have known him long but I feel so complete now that he's here.

'I'm lost for words right now' he chuckled, cupping my cheek and leaning down to touch his lips gently to mine.

'Ahem. Officer Smith?'

'Mr Ryder. How can I help?' John asked without moving his smug look and cheesy grin off his face.

'You need to sign official paper work then your free to go'

'One minute and we'll get out of here. Let me go grab my bag' he whispered in my ear, flying off somewhere to do something.

'If I'd have known sir Robert was sharing a room with my husband I would never have been so worried' I laughed.

'I've seeing pictures of you and master George my lady. I'm afraid he is such a cutie'

'Thank you' I laughed.

'Where are you going? The Army pay for quite an upscale hotel... Your not going to know what hit you when you see this place' he smirked.

'I've got a room John' I mumbled. 'My Dad paid. I'm used to extravagant rooms so I'm sure it's not that impressive'

'Please?' He said with a winey voice, and pulling me towards the worlds most fanciest hotel.

He wasn't the first person to be checking in here, and it was very off putting as the staff got pretty nervous around all these soldiers.

Then they all noticed of course who I was and who John was and we got treated much more differently.

I just wish I could go somewhere in the world without being treated like that of royalty.

I wandered alongside John as he checked in and got his key, then led me to the lifts.

'You look a little uneasy' he pouted.

'It's all so much. I guess this is the first time I've seen you in months. And I don't like all these soldiers walking around. And there's so much to tell you. I just wish you could have come to Oswald house so you could meet the new addition'

'Once everyone is out of their uniforms you might feel more at ease'

'Actually I was wondering if I could try the hat... It looks really good on you' I smirked looking up as he shut the door.

'Okay. But only in private - it's kind of considered an offence when on duty'

'But your off duty now right? So you can do whatever you want?'

'Within reason. I can't be robbing any banks - but I can definitely have my way with you if you like' he chuckled, pushing me against the wall, and nipping down my neck.

I didn't want to ignore the elephant in he room - but I had to bring it up. I didn't want to get attached for him to walk away. Maybe he didn't get the letter?

Maybe he didn't know?

'Wait John---' I mumbled, in a half gasp, pushing him away from me.

'What? Your not asking to divorce me are you' he cried.

'God no. Umm. Did you get me recent letter?' I mumbled.

'What's recent?'

'As in the last one I sent to you? I sent it at the beginning of last month'

'What month are we in?'

'May '

'So it would be April yeah? I think I got it?' He nodded with a sly smirk, then ran to his bag, pulling the letter out that I had hand written.

I knew it was the one.

'You never hand write letters, so I saved it. I figured it really came from the heart of it was hand written'

'You understand what the letter says right?' I whispered not sure that he had really got the point.

'I did. And I freaked out... But then I docked in Germany and saw someone with a baby and realised like an idiot o had missed my son's first birthday. I'm so sorry'

'It's okay. You can make up for it with this one' I smirked, kissing him.