More than a dream come true- M.G

Chapter 21- back home

The past few days had been a whirlwind, but now that I was finally home in Oslo, it felt like my soul could breathe again. Being back home felt amazing.

The moment I stepped into the house, my mom, Melanie, swept me into one of her signature warm hugs. "There's my girl."- she said, her voice filled with love. My dad, Jason, followed close behind, a wide grin on his face as he pulled me in for a hug of his own. "Welcome home, sweetheart."- he said.

The next day, my siblings came over. Luke, my older brother, arrived with his wife, Bella, and their daughter, Mia, who instantly ran to me with the biggest smile on her face. "Aunt Mathilda!"- she squealed, wrapping her tiny arms around my legs. My heart melted as I picked her up and spun her around. "I missed you so much, Mia!"- I said, kissing her cheek.

Natalie, my older sister, arrived shortly after. "Look at you, Eurovision girlfriend! You're practically a celebrity now."- she teased, pulling me into a hug.

"Hardly."- I laughed. It felt good to be surrounded by my family again.

***

For the next few days, I slipped into a rhythm of home life. I had lazy breakfasts with mom and dad, went on walks with Natalie and spent hours playing with Mia. She was only five, but her energy could have powered an entire city. In the evenings, I'd meet up with my best friend, Roni, and our friend group. We'd go to our favourite spots, reminiscing about the old days and laughing until my cheeks hurt.

Summer vacation had started for me and for the first time in months, I felt like I could fully relax. Work wasn't calling my name and I had no commitments other than to enjoy this time.

On the other hand, Marcus and Martinus had stayed in Malmö for a couple more days, going back and forth with interviews and meetings that come with being a winner. They went back home in Trofors a few days ago.

Martinus and I had been talking every day since I got back. I could tell he missed me just as much as I missed him. We'd finally decided that he would come to Oslo to meet my family and friends. The plan was for him to spend a week here before I joined him, Marcus, and the rest of their team for the summer tour.

At first, I was hesitant. Would I be intruding on their work? But Marcus and Martinus insisted that I should come along. "You'd be doing me a favour. He'll be unbearable without you."- Marcus had joked over the phone.

And so, after a bit of convincing, I'd agreed. This time together was precious, and I knew we wouldn't get much of it once the summer ended and I was back to work.

Now, I was on my way to the airport to pick him up. My heart raced with excitement as I waited in the arrivals hall, my eyes scanning the crowd. Finally, I saw him- his familiar tall frame, his smile lighting up the moment he spotted me.

"Mathilda!"- he called out, jogging towards me with his suitcase trailing behind him.

I didn't even care that we were in the middle of a busy airport. I ran straight into his arms, wrapping mine around his neck as he lifted me off ground. We hadn't seen each other in a month. "I missed you."- he whispered, his lips brushing against my ear.

"I missed you too."- I said, pulling back just enough to look at him. His smile was infectious and I couldn't help but mirror it.

The drive back to my house was filled with laughter and stories. I pointed out landmarks along the way, sharing childhood memories tied to each one. Martinus listened intently, occasionally teasing me when I told a particularly embarrassing story.