you got me in love again

Garden Party

"So, where is it?", I ask when we arrive at the garden. "I'll show you.", Laura says and takes my hand to help me out of the car.

"Wait. Where is Tony going?", I ask because he starts the engine again. "Your gift contains of two things. The second thing wasn't ready yesterday, so he picks it up now.", she explains to me.

Laura opens the door to the little cabin. Inside are a lot of different foods and drinks prepared. I don't even know who Laura invited. She said she will take care of everything, so I let her do it. She did an amazing job so far.

"So? Where is it?", I demand for my gift. I'm impatient when it comes to stuff like this.

"God, how did I keep up with you for all those years?", she sighs, opens a cupboard and hands me an envelope.

"Can I open it, or do I need to wait for Tony?", I request. "Patient now.", she laughs. "It would be better if you open it now.", she says and sits down at the table, followed by me shortly after.

"There is still a possibility it's adoption papers for a dinosaur.", I joke. And Laura rolls her eyes.

"Funny, really."

"I know.", I grin and open the envelope.

To no one's surprise, it turns out to be a card. I open and read it. Inside I find two tickets for a drive-in cinema in a city nearby. "Laura, this is amazing.", I say.

"Glad you like it. Tony and I thought you and Leah could go there when she visits."

I just want to get up to hug her when I hear the door open, followed by a familiar voice.

"You already gave her the tickets?", she says.

I can't believe my own ears. Is this real? Is this possible? Am I dreaming?

I slowly turn around to find a smiling Tony next to an even more smiling Leah on crutches. "Hey Baby.", she says.

I'm in a state of total surprise, yet I walk over to her on autopilot and kiss her, carefully to not push her to the ground. "I thought you had appointments.", I say after the kiss and hug her tight.

"I still have. I'm just here for your party. I will fly back in like 18 hours.", she explains.

"You just flew here for less than a day just for me?", I still can't believe it. Leah nods.

"I love you so much.", I express and kiss her again.

"Did we promise too much?", Tony asks, and I shake my head in response. This is better than a dinosaur.

We talk for a bit more; I don't let go from Leah the entire time before we start to deck the table outside. The guests will arrive soon.

Laura and Tony did a fantastic job decorating. The table is quickly ready, and Tony begins to grill. Laura, Leah and I sit at the table, waiting for the guests. Laura currently asks Leah about Alessia when I realise something.

I carefully box Leah in the arm. "Ow!", she lets out. "What was that for?"

"You lied to me. And didn't call the entire day."

"I couldn't call in an aeroplane. I'm sorry baby.", she apologies and leans in for a kiss which I gladly accept as an apology.

"Urgh. Get a room!", Laura complains and I just passionate the kiss more as an answer.

"Yeah, get a room!", Mia, a friend of us I haven't seen in a long time says.

"Mia!", I express and get up to hug her. "So good to see you again.", I loosen the hug. "May I introduce you to my girlfriend Leah?"

Leah is about to get up, but Mia tells to keep sitting when she sees her crutches. "It's nice to meet you, Leah. I'm Mia."

"My pleasure.", Leah replies.

After Mia, the other guests slowly arrive, and the food gets ready.

The party is great. It's nice to catch up with old friends. I'm happy Leah is here. I can't think Tony and Laura enough.

We drink, dance, play games and have fun. Leah gets along with everyone more than fantastic.

Tony, some other boys and I play cards against humanity when Leah comes over and asks if she could lend me for a moment.

We all nod, and I follow her into the cabin.

"So, why did you want to lend me?", I ask and instantly lean in to kiss her. Leah kisses me back but stops before we can go any further.

"Not now and not here.", she breathes against my mouth. "I still have to give you your present.", she walks past me and opens her backpack to fish another envelope out of it.

"Happy Birthday babygirl.", she whispers, kisses my forehead and hands me the envelope.

I open it carefully and find two plane tickets. London to Sydney. 18th August 2023. Two days before the world cup final.

"I thought if I can't play it, we should at least go and watch it. My brother lives in Sydney, so we can stay at his place. But we can also get a hotel for our own. However, you like.", she explains.

"Our first vacation together?"

"Our first vacation together."

"Sounds fantastic.", I say and hug her. "I can't wait for it."