Thanks to my keen people-watching, I successfully picked up my luggage, but I had to hire a loadman to do it – my numerous bags were «beyond my strength». Of course, I could have easily carried them myself, but in people's eyes I was just a fragile girl, and I could feel the admiring glances. I felt uncomfortable with all the attention.
I went out of the airport building to hire a taxi (the luggage handler rolled my bags behind me on a trolley), but, as it turned out, there were no cars in the car park. I was confused, not expecting such a turn of events and previously believing that there was a whole crowd of taxi drivers waiting for me, hungry for my money.
– Miss Mroczek! – I suddenly heard an unfamiliar male voice not far from me.
«Is it calling for me? It can't be, because nobody knows me here!» – I thought, but I turned round to see the voice calling my name.
– Miss Mroczek… Misha Mroczek… It's you, isn't it? – A rather tall, dark-haired guy came up to me, and of course he spoke English.
There was no limit to my surprise.
– Yes» I replied. – Do I know you?
The guy grinned and looked me over from head to toe. His tactlessness caught me uncomfortably off guard.
– My eyes are actually here! – I told him sternly.
– Oh, I apologise… No, I haven't met you yet, but I've been waiting for you to show up for over an hour» he said confusedly. – My name is Harry Smith: my family is your landlord.
– It's nice to meet you, Harry, but I don't understand why you've been waiting for me. – I was even more surprised.
– I'll take you to the flat» he replied.
– Thank you, of course, but I could have got there on my own.
– I hope you won't insist on travelling alone to Oxford: I just thought it would be more convenient for you if I picked you up from the airport, and you wouldn't have the hassle of travelling and the extra cost of a taxi.
I was confused: this Harry had completely ruined my plans and my independent, carefully thought-out itinerary. At first I wanted to refuse him, but then I thought he'd come for me on purpose, and I felt sorry for the guy for having to wait for me for over an hour. Me, a girl he didn't even know.
– All right, Harry. And thanks for coming to get me, it's my pleasure» I finally said.
– Glad to help. So, where are your bags? – he said cheerfully.