Escape

"Excuse me madam, but the museum will be closing in twenty minutes."
Jane looked up from her sketchbook, nervously blinking under the security guard's gaze. She nodded briefly, checking her watch and looking around the room. The guard moved off, stopping to talk to each of the few remaining visitors on his way. Jane couldn't help worrying. She was supposed to be here forty minutes ago. Maybe she changed her mind. Maybe it couldn't be done. Maybe she'd been caught. A million scenarios rushed through her mind. No, she decided, she's not coming.
As Jane stood up to leave she caught sight of a flash of red in the corner of the room. She risked a more direct glance. Black trousers, black coat, black wollen hat. Red shoes. A red book - 1984. She was here!
Jane's breath began to come heavier, her pulse quickened, she felt her palms begin to sweat. This was it.
Crossing the room seemed to take an eternity. Finally she was stood beside her. A quick glance was all it took. The words were a formality now, nothing more.
"Funny weather for this time of year."
"Most peculiar indeed."
The smiled and headed for the exit. Once outside they crossed the road and entered the park. They walked for several minutes, until the sounds of traffic and the town were muffled by the surrounding trees. They paused under the boughs of the weeping willow. Finally they were alone, or as alone as one could be in a society such as theirs.
"Isabella..."
"Don't, I haven't much time. They'll notice I'm gone and then we'll both be done for. Here's everything you need."
From the depths of the coat appeared documents: a passport, visa, boarding pass, itinerary. They appeared only to disappear between the pages of the sketchbook. Desperate fingers fought with delicate pages.
"If I'm not there..."
"Don't say that!"
Isabella placed a finger on Jane's trembling lips.
"Listen to me! If I'm not there don't wait for me. They may have already worked out what I've done. If they have it's too late for me but you still have a chance. Get off the boat and go straight to the address. Everything will be ready there."
A moment of silence. Isabella managed a tense smile.
"It will all work out. You'll see."
She turned to leave. Jane reached out for her hand, pulled her back, brought her close and kissed her. The night disappeared. Their hearts beat together in one passionate, primal moment. Their breath became one.
Isabella broke the embrace, firmly taking a step back. They shared a small, awkward smile.
"Until New York."
And she was gone.