Beyond the Notebook

The Day of Departure

Thursday morning arrived with a mix of excitement and nerves fluttering in my chest. The day of my departure to meet Zac Efron in Australia was finally here. After breakfast, I decided to check my phone before packing the last few things into my suitcase. As I scrolled through my notifications, a message popped up on Instagram that made my heart skip a beat.

It was a DM from none other than Zac Efron himself.

"Congratulations! I heard you're coming out to Australia. I know you've got a long flight ahead, so I hope you have a good trip. Looking forward to meeting you and spending some time together. I've prepared a few activities I think you'll enjoy! Safe travel. 😊"

I stared at the screen in disbelief, reading the message over and over again. Zac Efron, the man I had admired for years, had just sent me a private message. I couldn't help but let out a small squeal of excitement, my hands trembling as I typed out a reply.

"Thank you so much, Zac! I can't wait to meet you, and I'm really looking forward to the activities you've planned. This already feels like a dream come true. See you soon! 😊✈️"

I hit send, my heart still racing, and then put my phone down to focus on the day ahead. My suitcase was packed and ready, waiting in the living room. I had carefully chosen each outfit, especially the ones Carmen had helped me pick out. Everything had to be perfect.

I went to the kitchen to help my mom with lunch preparations. My family was coming over to my apartment to say goodbye before I left for the airport, and I wanted everything to be special.

As we worked together, chopping vegetables, and stirring pots, I couldn't resist sharing the news. "Mom, you won't believe this, but Zac Efron just messaged me on Instagram."

She looked up from the cutting board, her eyes wide with surprise. "Really? What did he say?"

"He congratulated me and wished me a good trip. He even mentioned that he's planned some activities for us in Australia," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the excitement bubbling inside me.

My mom smiled, shaking her head in disbelief. "Who would've thought? You used to watch him all the time in High School Musical. Remember that summer when you watched the second movie on repeat?"

I laughed, remembering the obsession that had taken over my life for a few months. "Yeah, I couldn't get enough of it. I used to sing along to every song and pretend I was Gabriella."

"You even made us watch it with you," my mom teased, a playful glint in her eyes. "And now, you're actually going to meet him."

"It's crazy, isn't it?" I said, still amazed by how much my life had changed in just a few days.

The rest of the morning passed in a blur. Lunch was set out beautifully, the aroma of roasted chicken and freshly baked bread filling the air. My family gathered around the table, each of us excited and a little in disbelief that I was about to embark on such an incredible journey.

As we began to eat, the conversation naturally turned to my trip to meet Zac Efron.

"I still can't believe this is happening," I said, shaking my head as I took a bite of chicken. "It all feels like a dream."

"It's more than a dream, it's a miracle," Kendall said, her eyes wide with amazement. "The biggest Zac Efron fan in the world, getting to meet him? It's perfect!"

Everyone laughed, and I joined in. "Yeah, it's a little crazy. But it feels so right."

"Remember how you used to make us watch High School Musical over and over?" Emma teased. "I think I still know all the words to 'Breaking Free.'"