STARBOY

Surprise

"Oh, Mrs. Fay let me help you with those bags!"

I just got back to my apartment complex when I spotted my neighbor, an elderly lady, walking up the stairs carrying bags that looked heavy.

"Ines! Thank you, dear. I wonder when they will have the elevator running again..."

She hands me the bags and we climb the staircase to her floor. I help her carry the bags inside and place them in her kitchen.

"All good Mrs. Fay? You know you can call me if you ever need help"

"I know how busy you are my dear, I couldn't bother you like that. How's school?"

"You will never be a bother, Mrs. Fay, I'm happy to help. It's been hectic but things are finally settling down ahead of the summer break. I'm finally going home next week"

She takes my hands in hers and smiles gently at me.

"That sounds lovely Ines. Remember, your youth is short. Spend it wisely"

I wave her goodbye and head up to my apartment. I close the door behind me and kick off my shoes, breathing out deeply. One more week, then I'll be reunited with my family. Don't get me wrong, I love living in Paris, my apartment may be small but it's cozy and has a nice view of the Eiffel Tower. But it's hard being away from home, from my mom and my brothers. They mean the world to me. I take out my phone and FaceTime my little brother, Arthur. He looks happy when he answers.

"Ines! Hi sis how are you?"

"Hey, Arthur. I'm fine I just got home from school. How are you? Everything okay at home?"

"I'm fine, waiting for Charles so we can head over to moms place for dinner"

"You're making me jealous! I miss mom cooking"

There's a tugging in my heart, how I wish I was there with them right now.

"Hey Arthur... I need your help"

"Why? Is something wrong?"

He sounds worried and it makes me chuckle a little. He's so caring and sweet.

"No no nothing is wrong! It's just... I'm coming home next week, for the Monaco GP. And I want to surprise everyone. Do you think you can help me get paddock passes?"

"You are!? Ines that's amazing! Charles will be thrilled! Of course, I'll help you no problem"

I can see a door open behind him and Charles coming out from behind it. He comes up behind Arthur and waves, a big smile on his face.

"Now who is this you're talking to Arthur...? Oh is it Ines? I didn't recognize you it's been so long"

"Haha Charles, very funny"

I roll my eyes at him but smile. He's right though, it has been too long since you last saw each other... I haven't been home since Christmas and haven't had the time for visitors.

"Will you be home for the race next week at least?"

He looks hopeful, the home race is special and I've never missed one. I try my best to look sad and shake my head with a deep sigh.

"I'm sorry Charles... I won't make it this year"

His disappointment couldn't be clearer and I can't help but feel bad seeing how sad he looks.

"Oh... well I guess it's not much to do. Arthur and I need to rush now. But we'll talk to you later. Bye, sis!"

"Bye Ines!"

They both wave and hang up the call. He fell for it! Now I can't wait to surprise him.

......

The next week passes so slow it's almost killing me. But Friday finally comes around and you arrive outside my mom's salon in Monaco where I'm meeting with Arthur.