Chim - Traffic

Chapter 27

Chapter 27

"So, Nicola liked her gift then." I say, referring to the birthdays present we had bought for our friend the previous weekend.

"Yeah, I'm so glad. So, how did it go today?" Kimberley asks, replacing her mobile in her pocket.

"It was harder than I thought it would be." Today had been me first day out in the field at work, and after almost breaking down several times I was still on edge, me emotions threatening to overwhelm us even hours later.

"I'm sorry, love. Are you going to talk to Ben about it?"

"Maybe, if it isn't better tomorrow. So, you still want the leftover lasagna for dinner?"

"Yes, I've been looking forward to it all day." She grins, heading towards the kitchen. "I'll stick it in the oven now."

I occupy meself by changing into me pyjamas, throwing me dirty clothes into the hamper before joining Kimberley on the sofa, smiling as she pulls me legs onto her lap, beginning to gently rub me feet. Almost thirty minutes later we're eating as the doorbell rings, Kimberley leaving the dining room to answer it. She returns a few minutes later, a brown parcel in her hands, frowning. "It's a delivery for you. Did you order something online?"

She begins peeling the tape off the box and me heart races as I jump up, startling her. "Don't open it! It's a Christmas present for you."

She raises her eyebrows, passing the package to us. "Not even my birthday yet, but ok."

I take the box from her, breathing a sigh of relief, happy me surprise hadn't been ruined. Once we've finished our meal I hide the present upstairs, near the ring it will soon hold. When I get back downstairs, Kimberley has turned the Wii on, and she tosses us a remote. "You, me, bowling."

"Oh, it's on!" I say, standing in front of the television, tightening the wrist strap, ready to bowl.

***

The next two months fly by, eventually work returns to a relatively normal activity and we even manage a night out for Kimberley and Sarah's birthday, in a small, local club.

"So do you want to put the Christmas tree up tomorrow?" Kimberley asks, and me heart races as I try to remain unaltered.

"No, babe, maybe next weekend." She raises her eyebrows at us, and I know I'm being obvious. The truth is, I had already planned me proposal to her, and it involved getting the Christmas decorations up to surprise her, which obviously wouldn't work if she helped us to do that. Thankfully, she doesn't push the subject, instead choosing to kiss us gently as her fingers trace down me arms until they entwine with mine.

"I have a surprise for you." She says, moving slightly backwards, our lips breaking contact.

"What is it?"

"I'm not telling you! You'll see when we get there."

"Ooh so we're going somewhere?"

"Stop trying to guess and go and get dressed."

"Alright, bossy." I mutter as I leave the room.

"I heard that!"

"I meant you to!"

***

"It's bloody freezing! This had better be worth it." I state, rubbing me hands together to try and get some warmth into them.

"It will be." Kimberley promises, wrapping an arm around us. I'm about to let out another complaint when we round the corner, with what I can only imagine is our destination coming into view.