Monday, 12th December
Emma stepped off the coach, her arms aching under the weight of bulging bags, and trudged along the lane toward her childhood home in the village. Im home! she called as she opened the front door. Emma, darling! My family rushed to greet me, squeezing me tight. We just had a feeling youd arrive today.
That evening, while we were gathered around the big old oak table, someone rapped at the door. Probably the neighbours, popping in to say hello, Mum shrugged and went to answer it. When she came back, she wasnt alone; she had brought two guests with her. As they entered the lounge, I couldnt believe my eyes.
Earlier that day, staring quietly out of the coach window, I was leaving the place Id always known, clutching my tartan holdall on my lap. Though Id only packed the essentials, the bag was stuffedespecially after Gran slipped a bag of warm sausage rolls right on top, the scent of baked pastry making everyone on the coachs mouth water.
Unable to resist, I unzipped the bag, pulled out two golden sausage rolls, and offered one to the young man sitting beside mehed let me have the window seat back in Oxford, earning my immediate fondness.
Go on, Id love one! he grinned, visibly hungry.
Im Emma, I told him.
Jack. You heading off to uni? he replied.
Thats right. Theres nothing nearby but the agricultural college, and I dont think Im cut out for farming.
Me too! Jack laughed. Still, I do like village life.
The ride into London took almost four hours. By the time the coach finally stopped, Jack and I had swapped stories and phone numbers, and promised wed stay in touchwe both scattered off to our new addresses, excitement fizzing in the air.
The following weeks whizzed byapplications, entrance interviews, and finally exams. Jack and I both got into our chosen universities and were absolutely chuffed. Gone were the nerves and sleepless nights; now it was all plans and hopes for the future.
One afternoon, Jack rang me up. Emma! Fancy celebrating our success at a café?
I couldnt say no. Jack was the sort you just felt good with: easy-going, genuine. None of that city show-off stuff. We meet up in town at a little place called The Hippo, just along the Thames. From our corner by the window, we watched pleasure boats gliding through the crisp water, laughter from tourist guides echoing off the river.
Why is this place called The Hippo? I wondered out loud.
Jack snorted. Guess its all the cakes. Come here enough and youll be as round as one!
I burst into giggles, polishes off my slice of Victoria sponge with enthusiasm.
Our trips back to The Hippo became a regular thing, so much so that we started saying, Shall we meet at our spot? We shared our first kiss that nightsweet and passionate. Ive never forgotten it.
Time passed, and we kept seeing each other. Jack just felt like family, apart from my actual family, of course. But thats different.
Emma, why dont you move in with me? Jack suggested one day during our third year. We could get married next summer!
So, is that your proposal? I teased.
Sort of! he replied.
Hang on, Jack, let me do this properly, just like in the filmsarent you worried Ill be under your feet all the time?
Emma, you can be wherever you want! Jack laughed and twirled me in the street.
Back at my flata shared rental with two other girlsI was floating.
Youre glowing today, like someone just won the lottery! Spill it! asked Lily, one of my flatmates.
Oh girls! I might be moving in with Jack soon! I sang.
So well get an invite to the wedding? piped up Jessica.
Not yet, the weddings for next summer! Right now, just going to try living together.
Emma, dont rush it! Summers ages awayanything could happen. Is it so terrible here? Lily protested.
I just laughed. Lily, youre like my old gran! Loads of people live together these days.
Im not a grandma, thank you very much! But Mums a solicitor, so I know how these trial runs usually end
Alright, dont be cross, Lily. Just joking.
I brushed off the doubts, sure that Jack and I could make anything workwho needs a marriage certificate to prove love? Still, the conversation sat in my mind and I kept putting off packing up and moving in with him. Eventually, he stopped asking.
One December afternoon, the city looked magicala dusting of snow, twinkling lights, Christmas decorations everywhere. It was cold, but I was happy. Lily, Jessica and I ended up outside The Hippo.
Lets duck in! Jack and I love this place, I suggested.
Isnt that him? Jessica said quietly, nodding to our usual window seat.
I peered inside. There was Jack, smiling across the table at a younger girl, about three years his junior. They were joking and laughinga proper cozy scene.
I turned my back.
Im heading home, I muttered to the girls.
Waitwell come too! insisted Lily and Jessica.
Later, my friends tried to comfort me. Maybe it meant nothing, maybe I was being silly. But the way Jack looked at that girlso warmly, so tenderlyand in our café, at our table!
Thats a betrayal, I thought miserably.
I stopped answering Jacks calls, and when he came by, I had the girls tell him I was out.
Eventually, Jack caught me at uni and took my hand. Emma, whats going on? Do you have someone else? he said.
I was floored. Youve got some nerve! Do I have someone else? Nice try, Jack! Let me go. Im late for my exam.
I pulled away and disappeared down the hall. Jack was left looking completely lost.
I finished my exams early, packed my bags, and went home for Christmas. Somehow I felt the shelter of my parents house would help me get over my hurt and disappointment.
Stepping off the coach in our little village, I could feel my spirits lift. The crisp winter air tingled on my cheeks, the snow crunched under my boots, and the old fir tree outside our gate sparkled in the sunlight. Smoke curled cheerily from chimneys all along the lane.
I hefted my bag stuffed with presents for Mum, Dad, and Gran, and walked up to the front door.
Happy Christmas! I announced, stepping inside.
Emma, darling! My family enveloped me. We knew youd come home!
The day was full of joy, though the winter sun set early and by five it was pitch dark.
Never mind! Dad said, the fairy lights will cheer us up.
That evening, as we clustered around the table for tea, someone knocked at the door.
Must be the neighbours, here to wish us merry Christmas, Mum said, and went out to answer. She came back with… Jack dressed as Father Christmas, and a helperhis companion from The Hippo.
I was gobsmacked. Jack? How did you find me? Whats going on?
Jack roared with laughter, and his companion joined in.
Your friends told me where you were, and I thought it was time to introduce youthis is my younger sister, Sophie!
Sister? I gasped.
Yes, my sister! Sophie confirmed, grinning. We do look alike, if you look properly.
Relief washed over me. Of course! If only Id just asked instead of worrying so much, I scolded myself.
Jack continued, And now, in front of everyonemy family, your familyEmma, will you marry me? He handed me a box with a ring inside.
Oh, absolutely! Yes, I will! I threw myself at him, laughing and crying. This is the best Christmas ever!
And therell be many more best Christmases to come, Jack promised. But lets make a pactall misunderstandings get talked about, no secrets.
Agreed! I whispered.
I learned something vitalsometimes all it takes to solve your biggest worries is a frank conversation. Dont let pride or fear stew; speak up. Lifes too short for doubt when love is on the line.
