Went to my mum's graduation yesterday (and met Oritse from JLS ;) ) and got a little inspired. It's just a one shot; sorry I will get back to writing my other ones but major writers block plus UCAS and A Levels :(
"Well it says it landed half an hour ago" Rosie said returning from the Arrivals board.
"Should be coming through now then" Max suggested, his hands in his pockets. Rosie continued to peer through the crowds of people emerging through the large doors.
"There he is!" Rosie squealed, dropping her bag, and before Max had even realised she was in her father's arms. Danny's surprised expression soon dissolved into a wide grin.
"Why are you here? I thought you were both working!" Danny asked as he pulled his suitcase over to where Max was standing.
"Got the afternoon off" Rosie beamed. "Come on"
Danny emerged from the spare bedroom.
"You find everything ok Dad?" Rosie called out
"Yeah thanks, that room smells of new paint"
"Really? Was done a few weeks ago"
"All with my pending visit in mind I hope" Danny sat down on a chair and Rosie passed him a cup of tea "thanks love" .
"Erm no, it's the only room that hadn't been done"
Danny laughed "You've been here for nearly 2 years!"
"And? We're busy people"
Max poked his head round the front door.
"I'm really sorry but it's frantic downstairs, could use an extra pair of hands"
"Really?" Rosie sighed
"Really."
"You don't mind do you?" Rosie turned back to her dad "You can stay up here if you like"
"No it's fine" Danny said standing up, and they made their way down to the bar.
"You look gorgeous" Max smiled, admiring his wife. She was wearing a red satin dress that pulled in at her waist, showing off her figure.
"Thanks, haven't dressed up in ages!" Rosie replied.
"We ready to go?"
"Yep"
Danny and Max were taking their seats in the hall, with all the other friends and families. Danny smiled as he watched Rosie chatting with her friends near the stage.
"She deserves this more than anything"
"Sure does" Max said "You've got Evans next year haven't you?"
"Yeah" Danny sighed. There was no doubt that he loved and treated his step children as his own, but Rosie, she was the eldest and she was his. She had always been his rock; she was always going to be the special one. The only one he really had.
"And now to the graduates of Veterinary Science . . ." The dean announced, Danny and Max sat up in their seats, they were beginning to tire of applauding people they didn't know. "Jennifer Marie Eberhardt ... Michael Hendrik Estherhuizen ... Rosemary Elizabeth Gifthold..." Smiles widened on both Danny and Max's faces as they clapped loudly. Rosie followed her fellow graduates onto the stage to receive her certificate.
"Congratulations sweetheart!" Danny grinned and enveloped Rosie in a hug.
"Thanks" Rosie beamed back "oh my god I was so scared of tripping over"
"Is that all you care about?" Max laughed kissing her on the cheek
"Yeah, you're a qualified vet now!" Danny reminded
"No, I'm not qualified until I've been in practice for a year" Rosie clarified
"Good enough"
Rosie, Max and Danny had gone out to dinner in Cape Town the night before Danny went home. They were sat at a table by the window, the waterfront was lit up, the stars shining and the lapping of the sea could be heard.
"It's such a beautiful night" Danny stared out of the window
"Isn't it just"
"You know, when you first left" He began, "I couldn't understand how it was ever possible for you to wake up each morning and not look out over the African bush"
"And now?" Rosie asked
"Well it's the same isn't it; it's all Africa wherever you are. Same place you fall in love with, same place that get's under your skin"
Danny smiled.
Ok that's that :)
I've had another idea for a FF – been inspired by a song this time but I will try to finish off one of the others first! Please R&R xx