Living The Dream

The event of our lives

We were finally facing the best day of our lives, probably excepting the one we met Meryl. And one of the biggest events we ever attended, a Mamma Mia reunion.

For myself it was the day I was going to meet another idol of mine, Colin Firth. And I was as impatiently waiting for it as I've been before expecting to meet Meryl.
My friend have been a great support, trying to calm me down, but unaware it meant much more for me than for her.

First thing was to make sure Anna will make it to the event and wasn't going to accept no for an answer.

-Good morning, Anna!
-With this sweet voice you surely want something from me. What's it?
-You won't take your sarcasm with you at the event, right?
-I knew that was all about. I won't. And yes, I'm coming to the event.
-Fantastic, because I need all the support I can get out there.
-You sound impatient. Is this about meeting Colin?
-You know me well enough.
-There's nothing to worry about. I know him and he's such an easygoing person. You'll get along just fine.
-I have this feeling that we would but I still am worrying. Me and Nana quite got into the company of celebrities by chance, not to say my mistake.
-I told you countless times that it was your talent, not chance, which bough you here.
-For a countless time I accept your compliment. Thank you, I mean it.
-Alright, let's get back to work. You should be getting ready and I should finish up something at work.
-See you tonight!

What a blessing it is to have supportive people in your life. People you sometime only dreamed to be anywhere close to. When it becomes real is more like a parallel universe. You can't tell if it's still a dream or tangible reality unless someone assures you is all real.

***

The night came quick, as in the glimpse of an eye. I was in my hotel room, looking at myself in the mirror to make sure I look okay, but actually with my mind wondering off at what would happen during the event.
My daydreaming ended with a knock on the door.

-Who's there?
-It's me, Meryl. May I come I ?
*door opens*
-Of course! Sorry, you took me by surprise.
-I still have that effect on you? I though you'd get used.
-I think I will at some point. But is not just that, I'm anxious to meet all your friends.
-Turns out "all my friends" won't be as many as expected.
-What do you mean?
-Pierce cannot come, he has another event to attend. I called Julie many times but got no answer. She might very well be on vacation. And Amanda is busy at home.
-Well the event you organized will be perfect anyway, but I'm sorry it didn't work exactly as planned.
-Christine will be there and happy to see you and your friend again. So will be Colin and possibly his wife, Livia. Oh, and Stellan will be able to join us too later in the evening.

Did I hear it right? The reunion was suddenly turning into a smaller one. Like a dinner with friends. People I was connected with through Anna and now through Meryl..but apart from that total strangers. It felt like intruding old friends' reunion. I couldn't say all that was going on in my mind..

-We are much fewer but I'm sure it will turn out just as well.
-Anna comes?
-Sure. She won't miss it for anything in the world.
-Perfect! Well, see you there!

***

-Nana!
-Oh, here you are! I though you decided not to come either.
-No time for jokes. I'm still anxious. You heard how fewer we are left now? Is like a dinner between friends.
-We have 3friends here ourselves.
-Yes, but they all know one another for years now. It's hardly the same thing.
-We know Anna for years. That counts too.
-I suppose it might count but she's Meryl's guest as well.
-Tell me, this is actually about meeting Colin, isn't it?
-Shall I even try denying it?
-I knew it. You'll do fine. Just be yourself and it will work as well as it worked with Meryl.
-I suppose it would. Okay, thanks.

We stepped inside the restaurant, all reserved for us. Meryl was waiting by the table, glancing at the waiters from time to time. She gave us a bright smile and everything felt alright again.

-Welcome! You're a little early. It's just me here so far.
-It was Ande who wanted us to come early. She needs some time to think it over.
-Think what over?
-Meeting the rest of your friends.
-Actually meeting Colin Firth. She's a big fan of his and I can say she's about to pass out.
-I'm not..yet.
-Okay, I understand that. But you shouldn't worry, really! All my friends are going to love such sweet natured girls as you are. With him on top of the list.
-I hope so. Thank you! Would you be good to introduce us?
-Of course I would.
-Look! There comes Anna, followed by Christine.
-Are we late?
-No, we're early.
-Anna, would you sit next to me?
-She won't. Sorry Andy, I took the liberty to assign the seats to each of you.
-Who sits next to me then?
-Your friend on the left. And Colin on the right.
-What?!
-I supposed this will be your reaction but I did it for your own good. So you can talk to him freely.
-Here they come!

With these 3words I felt myself disconnected from all surroundings and I was watching in awe how Colin was coming toward out table, holding hands with Livia.
Then I saw Livia suddenly recognizing Anna and going straight to her to greet her. And Colin came to greet Meryl.

-Long time no see. We should've thought of making a reunion dinner long ago.
-Yes, we should have. But better late than never, right?
-Absolutely.
Good to see you again, Anna!
-Likewise. Both of you.
-Hello, strangers!
-Hi Christine! Good to see you.
-Colin, Livia, these 2 sweet girls are mine and Christine's newest designers. These dresses you see are all their ideas.
-Hello! You're very talented for sure. But my wife knows more about that than myself.
-Definitely amazing creations. Aren't them so, Anna?
-These girls are my "discovery", if I am allowed to call them so. I know their ideas by heart. They're brilliant.
-We don't deserve so much appreciation, really.

-There comes Stellan too. We'll be able to start our dinner now.

Meryl was the best hostess, making presentations, little comments and helping us to get along. I felt less anxious then but still couldn't get my mind of the fact I was to sit next to Colin. I was thinking all over what I was to say to him.
Everything now set, we started dinning and talking. I was quiet so far, except for receiving some compliments on the dresses. But Meryl glanced at me as if saying "You should speak to him now as you still got the chance."
I took a deep breath and started speaking..

-Sorry, Mr. Firth, can I say something to you?
-Only if you won't call me that.
-Okay, Colin. What Meryl omitted to say about me, particularly, is that I'm a big fan of yours.
-I can say the same thing now that I saw your dresses. And I see Anna is so fond of you.
-Her opinion in fashion world is the only one that matters. We're well aware of that. And lucky to have her support.
-I can tell you'll have Livia's support as well from now. She'll also be your next client.
-That's great to hear.
Also I would like to say you're as great a role model to look up to as Meryl ever was for me and my friend over here. And I truly believe you are one of the best people I ever..met.
-I appreciate you say person and not actor.
-Quite a difference. Of course I love your work. But is your kindness that I truly look up to. But I bet you hear this all the time.
-Well, thank you. And I don't hear it all the time. I'm pleased when people see beyond the screen.

And so went the dinner. For hours I forgot about the rest of the people, however they were not people to ignore. But I couldn't help having a long conversation with Colin, the real him, as I've always imagined...