Chapter 1: The Initial Surprise
It's hard to open my eyes this morning. I had such a long, deep sleep last night, I'm not sure I have the will power to pry them open. That is, until my phone rings. Reluctantly, I part my eyelids and hastily feel around my bedside table for the source of the noise.
"Hello?" I grumble sleepily, without bothering to check the caller ID.
Drew doesn't hesitate for a moment on the other end of the line. "Morning, Lara!" He says excitedly. "I have a surprise for you. Pack a small bag of winter gear and meet me at the train station in an hour. We're catching a train to Sydney, where we'll meet Bridget and jump on a plane. Honey," he finally pauses for a breath, "I'm taking you to England."
I'm speechless. Before I find the words to express my surprise and excitement, Drew hurries on, "I have to go, but I'll see you soon. I love you, babe!"
Not until the 'beep, beep' sets in, signaling the call ended, do I realize what's happening. Flustered, I put the phone down and reach under my bed. It takes a few moment, but eventually I find my small, brown, leather suitcase. In it, I neatly place my folded clothes, my camera, my iPod, my laptop, a notebook and pen, my wallet, passport and The Hobbit.
Once I'm packed, I grab a pair of jeans and my Harry Potter t-shirt and have a brief shower before eating a piece of toast on my way out the door. Meanwhile, I make a mental note to call my parents on the train. Maybe I'll get to visit them before we go to the airport. I haven't seen them since they moved to Sydney three months ago.
…
The drive to the station is quick and easy, as it's only just after nine o'clock, so the morning rush has just subsided. Drew is already standing on the platform, two tickets in hand, when I arrive. When his big blue eyes meet my brown ones, his lips crack into a smile. It's contagious, so I can't help but return a toothy grin.
"Morning, my love!" I say cheerfully as he pulls me into his embrace. His strong arms around me and his soft hands on the small of my back give me goose bumps. Drew says nothing. Instead he greets me with a light brush of our lips.
"I love you," is all I can think to say as excitement bubbles up inside me.
The train rolls in as we drop our arms, releasing our embrace, and intertwine our fingers. Together, we pick up our luggage and step onto the carriage.
As we take our seats, I turn to Drew, curiosity getting the better of me. "Why are you doing this," I ask him.
"Doing what?" Is all the answer I get.
"Why are you going to all this trouble for me? For us? Don't get me wrong, I'm so appreciative! But England," I pause. "Wow. I really don't deserve this."
The boy's handsome face strikes me as he stares passionately into my eyes.
"I love you, Lara. I want you to know that and never forget it. I want to express that love by giving you the best Christmas of your life. It's the least I can do."
"Drew – " I begin.
"Don't question my motives. Just go with it and enjoy yourself." At this, he breaks into a cheeky grin. "So," he starts again, "do you want to know what's on the agenda?"
Of course I do, and I tell him. We spend the rest of the train ride discussing his extravagant plans of hiring a car and driving around the United Kingdom, after settling into London for three weeks over Christmas. Drew also tells me how he planned a lunch for me and my parents before we depart because he knows how much I miss them.
When the train finally pulls into the station in Sydney, I can't help but express a sigh of satisfaction, a sigh of gratitude.