Boy with the Blonde Hair

27

We drove in silence. Adrianus's hand rested on mine as we drove to the center, to where the Eiffel Tower was.

Caleb was the first to break the silence: "Well, this has been a memorable year hasn't it? We journeyed to Italy, Netherlands, returned to Italy and the France. This has been the best year of my life. Thank you for sharing it with me. It was amazing."

"Yes, thank you", Aurora echoed.

"Why does it sound like we are saying goodbye?" Haruto frowned.

Caleb and Aurora swapped facial expressions.

"Caleb, what aren't you telling us?" Airi asked gently.

Caleb took a deep breath.

"I applied to MIT at the beginning of this year... so I could further my studies in Physics. I got accepted."

We all just stared at each other in silence before bursting into applause and whistles.

"CONGRATULATIONS!" we yelled.

"Honestly brother, that it amazing news! I'm so proud of you!" Adrianus patted his brother on the shoulder gently.

"That also means you'll be leaving CERN..." My voice trailed off.

"Yes, but it's an amazing opportunity." Caleb frowned.

I grinned, while wiping a tear that escaped my eye, "Of course you must, it's golden. I support you fully!"

Caleb sighed in relief before turning to Aurora, who smiled back at him.

When we finally arrived by the Eiffel Tower, we were all holding each other, arms around each other's shoulders.

We received complimentary champagne.

We held our styrofoam cups to the sky.

"To success in our future endeavours and to eternal friendship. Cheers!" I toasted.

"CHEERS!" My friends echoed after me.

We clinked cups before draining them.

"Speaking of endeavours." Haruto spoke suddenly, "Will you finally accept to go out with me, Ritza?"

We all looked shocked at that very forward un-Haruto-like statement.

Ritza smirked before replying "Took you long enough. I've been waiting 3 years for you to ask me out"

We all cheered loudly while the two friends- now lovers- embraced each other and their new relationship status.

Adrianus cleared his throat, all of our attention turned to him.

"Well, I'll be heading to the UK. I've been promoted, in the law firm I work for, to be a partner. I don't want to go alone though."

He turned to me before sinking to one knee. The girls gasped, while I was freaking out and trying to remain calm.

"Callisto, this past year has been magical. Even when I first met you, we got off to as rocky start but we got to know each other and we settled our differences. I have learnt that I can survive without you, but I don't want to. It's been a year since I started travelling with you, my brother and your friends. I've seen us all grow and mature. I want to continue learning and growing, and I want you by my side. I know it's early days, so I will not ask you to marry me just yet, but I know I want to in the future. Will you come with me to the UK and live together?"

I hardly dared to breathe. If someone told me last year I would fall in love with him and want him in my future, I would've laughed hard, and probably scorned you. Right now, this is by far something I want to hear. I feel reassured that we aren't moving too fast, but at just the right pace.