Light Blue

Part ii- Imagination

2

The drumming of footfalls and the busy chatter of families going to various places on the Summer Holiday. Small children crying, fathers leading the way convinced they knew the right thing. The din is audible even from the small café where I sit with Amelia, drinking mugs of steaming coffee waiting for our train to be announced.  The din is oddly calming and I stare out of the window watching them all pass by.

When my parents first surprised us with this trip, at first I couldn’t believe my ears or my eyes as they presented us the tickets.

**

“Two weeks in Paris. Two weeks.” I say, trying to make sure, trying to spot any tell-tale glints in their eyes. They nod eagerly.

“Yes. Two weeks in Paris, you and Amelia.”

“But, but why?” I say confused.

“Because you deserve it! You’re going to University soon and you deserve a well-earned break as well as a little taste of independence before you leave forever!” My mum says evenly. I look at Amelia standing beside me and her mouth is open.

“Not to be rude or anything Mrs Miller, but shouldn’t we be saving for University….?” Amelia asks tentatively. They both laugh good heartedly and we look at them in surprise.

“Oh Amelia. This is on us. This is our present to you and you should accept it. It’ll do you both good! Go out and have fun!”

Amelia slowly smiles, nodding her head. I start nodding along as well. And then they start nodding to, eyes wide as though they were expecting something.

“AHHHHHHHH!” Amelia shrieks, now jumping up and down. “We’re going to Paris!”

I start jumping up and down to.

“I can’t believe it!”

We both keep shrieking and my parents cover their ears.

“When are we going holiday shopping?” Amelia asks.

**

I trace patterns in the sugar on the table. The café is warm and light, bringing a sense of Paris into the small area. We hadn’t even reached Paris and already Amelia had bought plenty of small souvenirs from surrounding gift shops.

The speakers crackle and the train to Paris is announced; first in French then in English.

“Come on.” I say to Amelia, draining the last drops of coffee and picking up my suitcase and slinging my bag over my shoulder.

“Yep, just one second…..” She says, gathering up her numerous bags together. I roll my eyes and start of towards the door, pushing it open. I’m immediately swept up into the oncoming crowd hurrying towards the platforms. I crane my head around trying to spot Amelia and the cafe, but within the 5 seconds I had stepped outside, I had already lost her.

“Drat.” I say under my breath. Pulling up the handle of my luggage, I start to wheel it along the ground, following the surging crowd. I search around the train station and after heaving my suitcase up and down several flights of stairs, I see the Paris bound train on the tracks. I hurry forwards, accidentally treading on several peoples toes. Still looking around, I run into the back of someone and I give a small yelp.

“Sorry! So sorry! “I throw back the apology, not stopping to look who I had just run in to. I join the queues at the train doors biting my lip. I still haven’t seen Amelia. I just hope that she found the right train. I edge towards the door, and I push down the handle, but my scarf gets trapped in it as well, pulling me down. Panic rises up in me whilst I try to lift it back up to free it, but the handle sticks firmly. Conscious that I’m holding everyone up, I pick up the case by the other handle, staggering a bit as the scarf pulls, but the wheel gets caught under the door. Heaving, I try and pull it up along with my scarf but it wouldn't budge. I could hear some people muttering from behind me and I feel my face turning red.