Back in Montréal, Marcel spent Christmas with his family, the Labradors. It was an overall joyful experience.
"I forgot how cold Montréal can get during the winter!" Marcel joked.
Antoine and Céline laughed.
"You don't get as much snow in Australia, do you?" Antoine commented.
"Not in Gold Coast at least," Marcel informed.
Jean-Luc tried his best to join in the festivities. He would smile a bit and chuckle lightly at some of the funnier jokes, but deep down, he still missed being with Bluey. He looked forward to hearing from her later on though.
Meanwhile, Bluey missed Jean-Luc as well. She wished he could be there for Christmas, but at the same time, she knew that he had to go back to Montréal, at the very least sooner or later.
"You still miss him, don't you, Bluey?" Bingo asked her.
Bluey nodded. "You can notice it?" she asked.
"Well, kinda, yeah," Bingo admitted, "You're usually really ecstatic during Christmas, but right now, you just seem... Depressed."
"Oh," Bluey said disappointedly, "I'm sorry, Bingo. We talked earlier, but I'm still feeling down." She tried to give a smile to make up for it.
"It's okay, Bluey," Bingo said, smiling back, "I can understand why you're feeling all down. I bet if I were in the same situation, I'd be the same way."
"Yeah," Bluey agreed, "But don't be." She gave Bingo a hug. "I wouldn't want you to be sad," she added. She then realized herself if the roles were reversed, and she promised herself to be better at least for Christmas.
Bingo hugged back as they both wagged their tails.
Bluey was starting to feel a bit better. Enough to join in the festivities for now anyway.
"Do you want to go for a Christmas swim now, Bluey?" Bingo asked.
"Yeah, okay!" Bluey exclaimed, happier in her tone.
The two of them ran towards the pool and canonballed into it, giggling together as they rose back up.
The rest of the day, Bluey was in high spirits. She interacted with her family more and acted more like her usual cheerful self again.
At the dinner table, the Heelers all sat down to be served the roast.
"You're feeling much better today, Bluey," Chilli noticed, sitting next to her daughter.
"Yeah," Bluey said, "Bingo and I talked a bit, and now I feel better."
"That a girl," Chilli praised.
Just then, Stripe presented the Christmas roast. "Eat up, everyone!" he exclaimed to the family at the table.
"I hope you got the crackling just right!" Bandit teased.
"Just try for yourself, bro," Stripe challenged.
Bandit took a piece and bit into it. It was sheer perfection. "Oh!" he said pleasurably, "This crackling is divine!"
"Told ya!" Stripe gloated, "I always make the best Christmas roasts!"
"Most of the time," Bandit corrected with a wink.
Everyone laughed. The Christmas party continued on into the evening until everyone went inside for the night.
Bandit and Chilli stayed in the guest room. Bluey and Bingo decided to stay downstairs on the couches. They wanted to try and watch Christmas specials all night. However, they only managed to stay awake until midnight.
The next morning, Bluey woke up early as usual to text Jean-Luc.
Bluey: Hi Jean-Luc!
A few minutes later, Jean-Luc responded back.
Jean-Luc: Hi Bluey!
Jean-Luc: I guess it's the next day for you, so Happy Boxing Day!
Bluey: lol
Bluey: And Happy Future Boxing Day to you too!
Bluey: Would you like to video call?
Jean-Luc: Sure!
Bluey: Okay.
Bluey: Hold on a minute.
Bluey switched over to FaceTalk and sent the video call invite over to Jean-Luc.
Jean-Luc answered and the video call started.
"Hi, Jean-Luc!" Bluey greeted with a wave
"Hello, Bluey!" Jean-Luc greeted back, waving as well, "Do you have any plans for today?"
"Dad, Uncle Stripe, and Uncle Rad want to watch the cricket game on TV," Bluey said, "And the rest of us are going to have a girls day at the shops. Great day for sales!"
"Sounds like fun!" Jean-Luc said enthusiastically.
"Yeah," Bluey agreed, "What are you doing for the rest of Christmas?"
"Nothing much," Jean-Luc said, "We just finished dinner. Mom and Dad are watching TV right now. And Uncle Marcel fell asleep. I think he's still experiencing jet lag." He chuckled.
Bluey laughed as well. "And what about tomorrow?" she asked, "Planning on going out somewhere?"
Jean-Luc thought for a moment. "I don't know for sure," he said, "My mom wants to go see this new movie that just came out and have lunch somewhere downtown. But that's all I know of."
"Oh," Bluey said, "That still sounds like a lot of fun though."
"Yeah," Jean-Luc agreed, "It'd be more fun if you were here though. I'd show you all of Montéal!"
Bluey giggled. "I'd really like that, Jean-Luc," she said with a bright smile.
Jean-Luc smiled back.
"Maybe someday, that can happen, right?" Bluey asked him.
"Yeah!" Jean-Luc replied, wagging his tail.
Bluey wagged her tail as well. It was something she really wanted to look forward to in the future. "I don't know how yet," she said, "But I really want to try and see you there in Montréal, Jean-Luc."
"That would be wonderful, Bluey," Jean-Luc said.
Both of them talked in the video call until the Heeler family all gathered into the living room.
"I guess I have to go now, Jean-Luc," Bluey said, a bit disheartenedly, "Everyone is getting ready for the day and all."
"I know, Bluey," Jean-Luc said, "It's okay. We can talk again tomorrow."
"Yeah," Bluey said, feeling better that there's always tomorrow, "I'll talk to you tomorrow then, Jean-Luc."
"I'll talk to you tomorrow, Bluey," Jean-Luc said, "Have fun at the shops."
"Thanks, Jean-Luc," Bluey giggled, "Bye."
"Bye, Bluey," Jean-Luc said.
With that, Bluey ended the video call. She then got herself ready to go out with her family.
Months pass by. Jean-Luc was about to start his semester at the university.
Bluey was waiting on acceptance letters. There was one in particular that she was anxiously hoping for. She would check the mailbox daily for it. Everyday, the postman would tell her, "sorry, not today" whenever the mail was brought. Then one day, the postman had a smile on his face.
"I think this is the day you've been waiting for?" the postman guessed, holding a university letter.
Bluey noticed and wagged her tail. It was most definitely what she'd been waiting for. "Yes!" she exclaimed as she ran towards the postman, "This is what I've been waiting for!"
The postman handed the letter to Bluey and she glanced at which university it was. It was from Concordia University. "This is the school I've been wanting!" she shouted excitedly. Her heart raced as she opened it to see if she was accepted.
Dear Ms. Bluey Heeler,
After a careful review of your application, I am pleased to confirm that you are being offered admission to the following program.
Bluey gasped. She couldn't believe it. She just got accepted into one of the best art schools in the world. And as a bonus, it was in Montréal. Bluey was so excited that she nearly fainted. She ran back inside the house.
"Mum! Dad!" Bluey shouted, "I finally got my letter!"
"What does it say?" Bandit asked.
"It says that I'm accepted!" Bluey squealed, wagging her tail.
"Oh, right on!" Bandit praised, "Which school is it?"
"It's from Concordia," Bluey answered, "It's one of the best art schools in the world!"
"Sounds prestigious!" Chilli remarked playfully, "Are you going to remember us plain-folk when you're up in your studio and gallery galas?"
Bluey giggled. "Of course, Mum," she said.
"Isn't Concordia University in Canada?" Bandit asked.
"Yeah," Bluey answered, "It's in Montréal."
"And you didn't just apply there so you'd get to see Jean-Luc whenever you want to, right?" Bandit interrogated.
"Not really, Dad," Bluey giggled, rolling her eyes, "He is a bonus though."
"Right..." Bandit said.
"So Bluey," Chilli said, "When do you plan on starting?"
Bluey thought for a brief moment. "Hmm," she wondered, "I guess in a semester or two? Or maybe next year. It just depends on when I can afford to get there."
"Well, that should be no problem," Chilli said.
"What do you mean, Mum?" Bluey asked curiously.
"Well, your dad and I have been saving a little every month," Chilli explained.
"More like a lot," Bandit corrected.
"For your university needs," Chilli continued, "Including travelling to it. You should have enough for your start."
Bluey gave Chilli a hug. "Thanks, Mum! Thanks, Dad!" she gratefully said.
"It's all good, Bluey," Chilli said softly, hugging her back.
"Yeah," Bandit added, "We just want the best for you."
"And I genuinely appreciate it," Bluey said, "Does this mean I can start this upcoming semester?"
"Well, maybe," Chilli explained, "It depends on when you register for classes and set up your dormitory."
"I can do all that today!" Bluey said excitedly. She was determined to get started in college right away.
"Okay, darl," Chilli said.
Bluey giggled as she went to her room to go on her computer to register for her future classes and look at nearby apartments and dormitories to rent out.
Bluey also debated with herself on whether she should tell Jean-Luc or keep it as a surprise. She looked at the time to see if she could have another chat with him today. But it was too late. It was past midnight for him already, so he was surely asleep by now.
"Oh, well," Bluey said to herself, "It gives me more time to think it over. Besides, I have more important things to do right now." With that, she continued choosing her classes.
For the first semester, Bluey decided to take some general studies to get herself used to university life. So she picked up her sciences, social studies, and mathematics. She also opted for a foreign language elective of, of course, French.
"Jean-Luc did say he would help me learn French," she said to herself. She also found it as a possible bonding experience for the two to be study buddies in that way.
After registering for her classes, Bluey then spent the rest of the day looking at places to live in Montréal. However, she didn't successfully apply to them.
That night, Bluey wrote in her diary of her day.
Dear Diary,
Today, I finally got my letter from Concordia University. And guess what! I got accepted to it! I'm still so hyped about it.
I wish I could've told Jean-Luc about it. He knows I've applied to it. But he doesn't know that I've been accepted. I guess I can tell him tomorrow. Or should I keep it a surprise like he did for my graduation and birthday? I guess I'll play it by ear when we talk tomorrow.
Anyway, I registered for my basic classes today. I also looked at some apartments close to the university, but it was more window browsing for one as I didn't apply for any of them yet. Maybe Jean-Luc can help me with that? He knows Montréal more than I do after all.
Anyway, I'll write again real soon. I'm getting tired for now.
Good night.
XXXOOO
~ Bluey
After finishing her entry, Bluey hugged her old drawing as usual. She still debated on telling Jean-Luc of the good news. She decided to sleep over it.
The next morning, Bluey woke up early as usual to talk to Jean-Luc.
Bluey: Hey Jean-Luc!
A while later, Bluey received a response back from him.
Jean-Luc: Hello Bluey!
Jean-Luc: Did you get your letter yet?
Bluey was surprised by Jean-Luc's question. She didn't think he'd be asking so soon. But she had to tell him something.
Bluey: Yeah.
Bluey: I got it yesterday.
Jean-Luc was now excited to find out the results.
Jean-Luc: You did?
Jean-Luc: What did it say?
Jean-Luc: Did you get accepted to it?
Bluey couldn't resist.
Bluey: Yes!
Bluey: I got accepted!
Bluey: I'm so excited!
So much for surprising Jean-Luc.
Jean-Luc: Does that mean you'll be moving here?
Bluey: Yeah.
Bluey: I registered for my classes yesterday.
Bluey: But I haven't gotten an apartment yet.
Bluey: I was hoping maybe you can help me look for one since you know Montreal more than I do.
Jean-Luc: Sure Bluey.
Jean-Luc: I can help you with that.
A brief pause.
Jean-Luc: Can I ask you something Bluey?
Bluey: Of course Jean-Luc.
Bluey: What is it?
Jean-Luc: Would you like to stay with me?
Jean-Luc: While you look for an apartment that is.
Jean-Luc: Of course you don't need to.
Bluey: I don't mind Jean-Luc.
Jean-Luc: Really?
Bluey: Yeah.
Bluey: I'd actually love to!
Bluey: If you don't think I'd be a bother.
Jean-Luc: No. You could never be a bother to me Bluey.
Bluey: Then it's set then.
The two of them planned more for the rest of the morning until Jean-Luc was feeling too tired to stay up any longer.
Jean-Luc: I'm sorry Bluey.
Jean-Luc: But I'm getting real sleepy right now.
Bluey: It's okay Jean-Luc.
Bluey: We can plan more tomorrow.
Jean-Luc: Alright Bluey.
Jean-Luc: I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Bluey: Okay.
Bluey: Good night Jean-Luc.
Jean-Luc: Good night Bluey.
The next few weeks, both Bluey and Jean-Luc planned out everything. Bandit and Chilli even gave Bluey extra money for when she arrived there to set up her living arrangements. Jean-Luc's parents also helped finance the transition.
Soon, it was time for Bluey to leave Brisbane. At the airport, the Heelers saw Bluey off.
"Are you sure you have everything you need, Bluey?" Chilli asked.
"Yes, Mum," Bluey reassured, "If it's not in my carry-on, it's in the baggage."
"Alright," Chilli said, "I just wanted to make sure."
"I know, Mum," Bluey said with a smile.
"Bluey, you need to know something," Bandit informed.
"What is it, Dad?" Bluey asked.
"Listen, I know Jean-Luc is a great kid and I know how much you feel for him," Bandit explained, "But I need you to remember that you're there for school, not to get it on with Jean-Luc. Alright?"
Bluey blushed heavily. "Don't worry so much, Dad," Bluey assured, "Jean-Luc's only trying to help me out until I can get on my own two feet over there."
"That's how it starts," Bandit mumbled.
Chilli gave a gentle smack behind Bandit's head. "Unlike your father, Bluey," she said kindly, "I trust you." She then gave Bluey a hug.
"Thanks, Mum," Bluey said, hugging her back, "I promise nothing like that's going to happen."
"Just be careful, sweetie," Chilli requested.
"Can you FaceTalk us when you get there?" Bingo asked.
"Of course, Bingo," Bluey promised, "It'll be in the morning when I do. That's the only time we'd be able to talk because of the time difference."
"Okay, Bluey," Bingo said, giving her older sister a tight hug.
Bluey hugged Bingo back. "Be the annoying one for me while I'm gone, okay?" she requested playfully.
"Okay, Bluey," Bingo agreed with a giggle.
With that, the announcement went off. "Flight 40 to Vancouver, British Columbia now boarding at Gate 6," it said.
"Well, that's my flight," Bluey stated, "I have to go now."
"Alright, darl," Chilli said, trying to hold back her tears as she held Bandit's arm, "Always know that we're here if you ever need anything."
"And keep being a good girl, okay?" Bandit asked.
"I will, Dad," Bluey giggled.
"Say 'hi' to Jean-Luc for us and remember to call us once you arrive," Bingo said with a wave.
"I will, Bingo," Bluey said, waving back.
With that, Bluey picked up her carry-on bag and started her way down to her gate as her family watched her leave.
At the gate, Bluey presented her boarding pass to the attendant and she proceeded into the plane. Inside, she found her seat and looked outside the window to take a good look at Brisbane as the plane was taxiing for takeoff.
Throughout the way to Vancouver, she listened to some music through her earphones. She was feeling a variety of emotions: excited, relaxed, and nervous at times.
It felt right making the decision of going to Montréal, but she was starting to miss her family. But she also knew that everything will settle in time. She was going to a dream school to pursue her greatest ambition. It was a whole new adventure for her and she wanted to face it head-on.
And on the plus side, she would have Jean-Luc by her side through it. This only made her feel more at ease about the whole decision. She couldn't wait to see him again.
The layover in Vancouver wasn't long, only by a couple hours. During her transfer, she decided to buy a quick cup of coffee at one of the airport's cafés near her gate. She decided to give Jean-Luc a call.
After a few rings on the other end, Jean-Luc answered the phone.
"Hello?" Jean-Luc said.
"Hey, Jean-Luc," Bluey greeted.
"Hello, Bluey," Jean-Luc greeted back, "Are you close?"
"Well, I'm-in-Canada-close," Bluey giggled, "I just got here in Vancouver for a layover transfer."
"Oh, okay," Jean-Luc said, "You're still on the other side of the country." He chuckled playfully.
"Better than being on the other side of the world," Bluey countered.
"That's true," Jean-Luc said, "How long is the layover?"
"Um, I think it's like, two hours," Bluey said, "But I'm near my gate, so don't worry about me missing my next flight."
"That's good," Jean-Luc chuckled, "Would you like me to pick you up from the airport?"
"I'd love that!" Bluey exclaimed excitedly.
"Okay, good," Jean-Luc giggled, "Because I've got a surprise for you when I do."
"Ooo..." Bluey said curiously, "A surprise? What is it?"
"But it's a surprise!" Jean-Luc teased.
"Aww," Bluey whined playfully, "What good's a surprise if you told me that you have one for me?" She tried to hide a soft giggle.
"I just can't say," Jean-Luc explained, "It's something you have to wait and see when you get here."
"Okay, then, Jean-Luc," Bluey finally caved into agreement, "I'll be a good girl and wait."
Jean-Luc chuckled. He couldn't wait to show Bluey his surprise.
"Not even a tiny hint?" Bluey begged.
"No!" Jean-Luc laughed.
"Okay, Jean-Luc," Bluey said, dropping the subject, "I'll be there in a few hours."
"Okay," Jean-Luc said, "What's your flight? I can look it up so I know what time to be at the airport."
"I'm flying on Air Canada, flight 32," Bluey described.
"Okay," Jean-Luc said as he simultaneously searched it online. He soon got the information. "Here it is," he said, "You should be here around 5:30 this evening."
"Sounds about right," Bluey confirmed, "It says it's about four and a half hours on my ticket."
"Yeah," Jean-Luc said, "That's around the time it takes to get here from Vancouver."
"Okay," Bluey said, "Well, I'll call you again when we're allowed to use our phones on the plane."
"Okay, Bluey," Jean-Luc acknowledged, "I can't wait to see you again."
"Me too, Jean-Luc," Bluey softly giggled, "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too," Jean-Luc said.
"Okay," Bluey said, "I'll see you in a bit."
"I'll see you soon too," Jean-Luc said.
"Bye, Jean-Luc," Bluey said.
"Bye, Bluey," Jean-Luc said.
With that, Bluey hung up and finished the rest of her coffee. She then lugged her carry-on with her to the gate. She waited for her flight to be announced on the intercom. She took out a book from her carry-on to read while she waited.
Right on time, a plane docked at the gate and her flight was finally announced. "Flight 32 to Montréal, now boarding at Gate 3," the intercoms announced, repeating again in French. As Bluey listened, she couldn't wait for her personal French lessons from Jean-Luc.
Bluey then put her book back into her carry-on bag and walked over to the attendant to give her boarding pass. Afterwards, she walked through the terminal into the plane. She found her seat and sat next to the window.
She was full of excitement. The next time she landed, she'd be in Montréal! And she knew she wouldn't be alone in this new country; she'd have Jean-Luc within just a mere few hours.
It wasn't long until the flight took off. With each passing moment, the more Bluey felt happier. She kept looking outside the window to see if the plane were close to landing, but still just clouds around her. Once the pilot gave the okay for phone usage to be permitted, she called Jean-Luc.
"Hey, Jean-Luc," Bluey greeted once he answered.
"Hello, Bluey," Jean-Luc greeted back, "Are you on your plane?"
"Yeah," Bluey said excitedly, "The pilot just now let everyone use their phones."
"Okay," Jean-Luc said, "I'm going to leave soon to go meet you at the airport."
"I can't wait," Bluey giggled.
"Neither can I!" Jean-Luc agreed, "Is there anything I can get you on the way?"
"Um," Bluey thought for a moment, "I never really thought about it. I'm still good from my coffee, and we're about to be brought a snack here in a minute."
"Oh, okay," Jean-Luc said, "Would you like to go out for dinner when you arrive then?" He was coy in his tone.
"I'd love to, Jean-Luc," Bluey giggled sweetly.
Her response made Jean-Luc's heart soar. "Great!" he exclaimed, "I know this one place. I know you'll really love it."
"Yeah?" Bluey wondered curiously.
"Yeah," Jean-Luc said, "They serve a lot of great food. My parents used to go there a lot before when they first met."
Bluey giggled more. She wondered if Jean-Luc was hinting for a date, especially when bringing up about his parents being used to go out to that place. "Okay, Jean-Luc," she said slightly sultry in her tone, "It sounds like a wonderful place to go for dinner, especially with you."
Bluey couldn't see it, but Jean-Luc was blushing heavily from her tone and words. "Really?" he asked.
"Of course, Jean-Luc," Bluey said, "You know I'd enjoy about anything with you."
"And I enjoy being with you too, Bluey," Jean-Luc said.
Bluey giggled. "I can't wait until I see you," she told him, "I'm so excited!"
"Me too," Jean-Luc agreed, "I'll be sure to be there at the airport."
"Okay," Bluey said, "Where do you want to meet at?"
Jean-Luc thought for a moment, trying to remember the layout of the airport. "I guess at the baggage claim," he suggested, "It's not far from the arrivals, so you won't easily get lost."
"Okay," Bluey said, "I can go there. I have a couple bags to pick up from there anyway."
"Alright," Jean-Luc said, "I'll meet you there later then."
"Okay, Jean-Luc," Bluey said, "I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Sounds good, Bluey," Jean-Luc said, "I'll go ahead and get to the airport now to get ahead of meeting you there."
"Okay," Bluey said, "I'll see you in a little bit then, Jean-Luc."
"I'll see you very soon, Bluey," Jean-Luc replied back.
"Bye, Jean-Luc," Bluey said.
"Bye, Bluey," Jean-Luc said.
And with that, they hung up each other's phones. Time flew by quickly. It wouldn't be long until the plane would land in Montréal.
Jean-Luc waited for Bluey at the airport near the baggage claim as they agreed.
"Flight 32, now arriving at Gate 16," the announcement said. It was Bluey's plane.
Jean-Luc watched very closely for the arrivals to walk in. After a few moments, Bluey walked among them.
"Bluey!" Jean-Luc called out, waving his arm.
"Jean-Luc!" Bluey replied, jogging her way towards him. She leapt in his arms and gave him a big hug.
Jean-Luc tightly hugged her back.
"I can't believe I'm here with you, Jean-Luc," Bluey softly said to him, nuzzling against his cheek. She was in near tears from the experience.
"I'm glad you are here with me, Bluey," Jean-Luc responded, nuzzling back.