Miranda – We're All Going On A Spanish Holiday

Chapter 11

ON THE TRAIN

Gary – "Next stop Barcelona! We'd better get our bags."

Miranda – "Ok, I'm ready."

They go to the luggage area but although Gary's bag is there, Miranda's isn't. It has been stolen.

Miranda – "Oh no! All my things! This is awful!"

Gary – "I can't believe it! I'm so sorry Miranda, look, we'll report it to the police and then we'll go shopping, get you some new stuff. In the meantime, you can share mine."

Miranda stares at Gary, aghast. But there's nothing else to be done.

They speak to the station police and then wander out into the city to find a hotel.

Barcelona is breathtaking, and even Miranda forgets her troubles as they take in the beautiful architecture and sights. They wander, hand in hand, down Las Ramblas, towards the Barri Gotic, in complete awed silence. The first few hotels are fully booked but they eventually find one with a room available. After a shower, Miranda feels a lot better, and Gary suggests they go out and get some new clothes for Miranda to wear. Fortunately, her wash bag and other personal items were in her shoulder bag, so she doesn't need to share Gary's deodorant and toothbrush. Even so, leaving the hotel in Gary's clothes is highly embarrassing.

They have a spot of lunch and then go back to Las Ramblas to the shops. Gary helps Miranda to find some t-shirts and a dress and they go back to the hotel so she can change.

Feeling far more human, Miranda is just starting to enjoy the afternoon when the thought of what might happen that night suddenly panics her and she becomes flustered again.

They visit the Sagrada Familia and then have dinner in a Taverna. Gary senses that Miranda is anxious and tries to find out what's wrong, but only succeeds in making her even more tense.

BACK AT THE HOTEL

Gary is in the bathroom. Miranda is ready for bed.

"Hello! Well, I won't lie, I'm absolutely terrified! This could be it! And all I can think of is that Gary is going to be so disappointed!" (We hear the bath water draining.) "Oh no! D-Day! Right, I know I'm a scaredy-cat, but the situation is completely out of control! I'm going to have to pretend to be asleep!"

Gary comes out of the bathroom; Miranda pretends to be fast asleep. This does not fool Gary for one minute.

Gary – "Miranda."

No answer.

Gary – "Miranda!"

No answer.

Gary – "MIRANDA! I know you're not asleep!"

Miranda – "How did you know?"

Gary – "I heard you talking to yourself, and saying that you were going to pretend to be asleep."

Miranda – "Oh. Sorry."

Gary – "What's up? I don't want to make you uncomfortable. I know things are perhaps going a bit fast, especially for us! But we can slow it down, I'll do whatever you want, Miranda."

Miranda – "Oh, that's so sweet Mike. Gary! Oh my god, I can't believe I did it again!"

Gary – "Perhaps I should get a name badge?"

Miranda laughs and it breaks the tension. Before she can object, Gary kisses her. Then he stops.

Gary – "See..taking things slowly…good night!"