Its been roughly one year since I started dating Chris which means I'm in my third year now. College has been great but I do not like the stress at all, I can't wait to be done with it.
I am so happy because over the years I have gotten very close to dad and I can manage to look at mom's picture without bursting into tears; probably the word is true- time heals all pain. The pain is still there but I am doing fine. We've repainted the house and rearranged everything. All her belongings have been put in a box- though most of it went to me. We are the same size now and mom was fashionable so her clothes and some of her shoes are just perfect for me; dad gave me her jewelries- my favorite is her pendant, it has spaces for 6 pictures and already three were filled up with me, her and dad's picture. I left those pictures there but added Chris and Emily's pictures. Wearing that pendant makes me feel like I can reach out to her. Dad didn't want to put her pictures away so we hung them in random places around the house.
Anyways, Chris and I have been doing great. He's such a nice guy and though we've not talked about our plans after college I can totally see myself spending my future with him. We've gone for several dates together even sometimes with my dad and Emily. It makes me happy that he's so comfortable with dad and Emily because they are my family; I see Em as my sister though we are not related
Dad is going on a trip this evening and he wants me to go with him. As much as I would love Chris to join us my dad said its just for both of us. I texted Chris and Emily to inform them about the development but surprisingly Chris didn't respond. I thought about calling him when my dad interrupted me.
"Baby, are you done with packing?"
Its surprising my dad still calls me 'baby'. No matter how many times I've told him he just laughs and says, "though you are grown you still remain my baby girl". I am not complaining though. It makes me feel like I'm his only priority. It was a name that stuck since I can remember, he called me that every time when mom was still alive but stopped after her funeral.
I look at the mess on my bed and back at my dad. "I'm still packing dad"
We are just spending a week there and then I'll be back for my exams. I guess the trip would do me a lot of good taking my mind off school for a while.
"OK but you need to get packed quickly so we can get there on time and also get your passport"
"Alright dad" I replied
I put my remaining clothes into a box before going into the bathroom. I considered taking a shower or a long hot bubble bath but there wasn't time so I went for the first option. My bubble bath would have to wait then.
I got out of the shower and dried myself dressing up in black trousers and a red crop hoodie. I straightened my hair and let it just fall on my shoulders. As usual I applied my bubble gum lip gloss and just a little coat of mascara on my lashes. When I was satisfied with what I saw in the mirror I grabbed my box and headed downstairs.
I didn't see any sign of dad downstairs, he'll probably still be in his room.
I remembered Chris and decided to call him since he didn't reply my text. I called him but it went straight to voicemail. He's probably busy I thought to myself
Dad came downstairs in a moment and we were off to the airport. I texted Em and Chris again that we were already on our way to the airport and drifted off to sleep. I was almost asleep when I heard my dad calling me
"Baby???"
"Yes dad. Are we there yet?" I replied groggily
"No but I have a surprise for you"
That one sentence made my eyes pop open all trace of sleep gone from my eyes; I love surprises.
"What is it?" I asked my eyes shining like a kid who was given a gift on Christmas morning
"You will have to wait to find out, that's why its a surprise" he chuckled seeing my expression
"But can't you just tell me please. A little hint, I'm dying of excitement here pleaseeeeeee" I pouted with puppy dog eyes hoping I would be able to convince him to say something
"You know that look won't work on me any more" he said laughing "but if you insist to know, I'll give you an hint. The surprise is something you love so much"
I looked at him like he was crazy. Is that even an hint? I love so many things- like chocolates, pink anything, candy, roses, strawberries, doughnut, ice cream- I can't even start mentioning.
"But I love so many things dad, your hint is not really helpful you know"
"Then you will just have to wait and see baby" he replied smiling
What other thing I had to say was interrupted as we had just gotten to the airport. We rolled out our boxes and checked in providing our passports and other vital documents before boarding the plane.
I was so tired due to the stress of packing which prevented me from sleeping properly at night that I slept off as soon as the plane took off while thinking hard about the surprise waiting for me.