🍯 Immerse yourself in a captivating tale of youthful love and the pursuit of artistic brilliance. Follow an adventure of Theodor Andrei, whose heart beats in sync with the rhythms of his music.
Freshly embarking on his adult life after his triumpha...
Finally! Today Theodor passed his last exam of his Bac, now the high school is really over, and he can fully focus on his music projects; an EP with songs in English for his international audience, recording his second album ECHILIBRU., a few concerts in the country, and an international gig in London - the last one is yet to be confirmed.
"Meet the latest graduate of Dinu Lipatti National College of Arts!" he exclaimed, entering the flat he was living in with his parents. "Congratulations, Theo! I knew you'd graduate with the best results!" said his mum with pride and sincere admiration in her eyes. "Are you hungry? I've made lasagna and your favourite cake for dessert." "Mum and I are so proud of you, son!" said Theodor's dad, shook his hand, and pulled him in for a hug. The home-made food smelled inviting. The family sat down together at the table. "So, what are your plans for the upcoming weeks, son?" asked Mr. Andrei. "To keep on rocking the stage! Stage is my life." A big grin appeared on Theodor's face. "Oh, that sounds exciting, dear! You know I'm your biggest fan. By the way, Platform '96 confirmed your gig in The Water Rats." said Mrs. Andrei. "Cool! Haahaa! When's the big day?" "We are going on 28th July."
The family enjoyed the meal, and their presence. After a few minutes of silence, Theodor spoke. "Mum, dad, I've been thinking about it. I appreciate your help, but I can go with Diana." Mrs. Andrei was concerned. "Oh, Theo, that sounds risky! I don't think it's safe for you to go alone that far. What if something goes wrong?" Mr. Andrei responded to his wife. "Honey, let's hear Theodor out. He's a responsible young man, and sometimes we have to let him spread his wings." "But he's always traveled with us. At least with me. We've taken family trips together all these years. It's been our tradition, and I feel safer when we're all together. "Mum, I appreciate your concern, but I'm an adult now. I need to learn to be independent and make my own decisions. This trip is something I really want to do for myself. And Diana." "Well, I'll think about it. Have a piece of the carrot cake, Theo." "Thanks, mum, I'm full", said Theodor, wiping his mouth with a napkin and getting up from the table. "It was scrumptious." "You're leaving?" "I'm going for a walk." "When will you be back home?" "I'll text you. Love you, bye!" - Theodor kissed his mum on the cheek, and the door closed behind him, before Mrs. Andrei had time to answer. She was standing in the middle of the room speechless.
"Moni..." started Mr. Andrei. "You can't keep treating Theodor as he was still a child. It's important for him to have his own experiences and learn from them. We've raised him well, and we should trust his judgment." "But it's still our son. What if he gets lost or gets into trouble? I won't be there to protect him." "I understand your worries, but part of growing up is facing challenges and learning from them." "So what I am supposed to do? Leave him on his own?!" "I didn't say that. Look, we've always taught Theodor to be responsible and make wise choices. We can't shield him from every potential danger. This trip will help him grow and become more self-reliant. Just give him a little more space. We must trust him. He's smart." "I know. But he won't fly to the UK without me."
Theodor rang Diana, and after a short while they went for a stroll. It was pleasantly warm, the sun was shining, and a light breeze was blowing through Diana's long red hair. "Baby, can we talk?", started Theodor, pushing the glasses up the bridge of his nose with his index finger. "Sure, what is it?", asked Diana. "You know that the last few months were pretty intense. We had so much going on. First, the National Selection, then the rehearsals, the unfortunate collaboration with you know who, the exams and graduation." Theodor paused and hesitated a second, trying to choose the right words. "I think we need a break." said Theodor with the most serious look on his face. His brown eyes were now ice cold and piercing Diana. The girl's heart sunk. So this was the end? Why? What did she do to deserve it?! "A city break! Haahaaa!" Theodor changed the tone to relaxed, threw his hands in the air, and his signature smile blossomed on his face. "What do you think?" "You're killing me with your pranks, Theodor!" She wanted to sound menacing, but she was so relieved that she just chuckled nervously. "Don't you do that again to me!" Her heart was racing. She was happy for him; seeing him smiling, and being so enthusiastic, was making the butterflies in her stomach swirl. He was an extraordinary handsome in his "normal" mode, but this happy emotions amplified his attractiveness and took it to an incredible level, her boyfriend was glowing.
"I'm sorry, I won't, my flower, don't be mad at me." He put his arm around her. "I'm taking you to a little trip. Just imagine: London, summer, you and I" He presented her with his cunning plan. "I have a little gig to play, but that's one night, then we can have a nice weekend all alone." "Great! But wait, you mean, we really go all alone, without your parents?" "Yep, just the two of us." He grinned. "We're both adults." Diana looked at him with suspicion. "What? Is that bad that I want to spend some time alone just with my beautiful girlfriend?"
Diana was so excited about this trip that she spend the next few days planning everything. They would be arriving in London on Thursday in the afternoon, the event is on Friday, so that would give them the whole weekend for leisure. So cool! Just Theodor and her, no other people pulling him away from her. He was quite busy, he had so many projects in the last year: release of his first album, the senior year in liceu, so many music festivals (including the biggest one - Eurovision), hundreds of interviews, theatre... And she was busy, too, not only being involved in his projects, but also having her own projects and studies. So it was rare that he was all hers. Now nothing and nobody will disturb them. After the gig in The Water Rats is over, of course. Diana took care of everything. Her plans were always polished to the last detail, just as her choreographed dance routines. She bought plane tickets for both of them, didn't forget about the the accomodation, checked their passports, made sure Theodor's stage outfits are dry-cleaned and prepared, booked the appointments with hairdresser and in the nail salon.
The day of the departure has come quickly, and by now everything was going according to plan. As the sun began its ascent, casting a warm golden glow over Bucharest, Theodor and his dad embarked on a journey to the airport, picking up Diana from the previously agreed place. "Good morning, beautiful!" Theodor greeted her with his adorable smile. She glanced inside, placing her luggage into the boot of the car, and saw Theodor's dad behind the wheel. "Good morning!" She answered and looked at Theodor with a mute question in her eyes, he immediately understood it, so he answered: "Dad just gives us a ride. Mum wanted to accompany us in London, but, by a strange coincidence, she couldn't find her passport and ID this morning. So she stays in Bucharest".
The car hummed as they weaved through familiar streets, each adorned with memories of shared laughter and adventures. Mr. Andrei, the driver, gripped the steering wheel with a mix of pride and loving concern in his heart, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. Beside him sat Theodor, his eyes reflecting a quiet morning contemplation, his mind grappling with the impending gig. In the backseat, Diana fidgeted with her phone, pretending to be engrossed in the digital world. Suddenly, a transparent envelope on the backseat caught her gaze."Are these... your mum's papers, Theodor?" She handed the envelope to the front. Theodor turned the documents in his hands. "How...?" "A miracle!" exclaimed Mr. Andrei. "Thank you, dear, for finding it. Moni will be happy." The man winked at Theodor.
The radio played a familiar tune, but its melody was drowned by a symphony of unspoken emotions. The car pressed on, their conversations intermittent, filled with both light-hearted banter and comfortable silence. The airport loomed closer, a gateway to new adventure. Just a quick selfie, or four, and a takeoff story for Insta is ready: "London, here we come!"
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