The Love Abroad

Chapter 16

22 years of my life has gone by. It's just another day, really, but people for some reason, feel the need to celebrate.

Though I must say I've accomplished quite of few things so far that I am very proud of.

First things first: I've made it past my 21st birthday! That in itself is a major achievement.

Secondly, I'm studying at my dream university in my dream country.

Thirdly, I have a best friend who is more of a best friend than my sort of best friend back home.

Lastly? Well, I'm in love. Or is it lust? It's really hard to tell but I do know that whatever it is, I've never felt this way before.

"Haaaaapppppyyyy Biiiirrrttthhhdaaaayyyy!!!" Kris jumps on my bed, ruffling the sheets. "Wake up sleepy head, today is your day! Let's go celebrate! The day is half over!

I cower under the little bit of comforter I had available, blocking my eyes from the sun shining in my room.

"You forgot I'm still mad at you," I say, my words muffled.

I can feel Kris shift on my bed letting out a loud grunt. "I'm sorry okay? I had a little too much wine, I understand that your mad but it had to be said eventually."

I lift the covers from over me, sitting up in my bed with my hair all over the place. "Eventually maybe, but not in front of my parents or Tom, who was just as surprised as me!"

She looks down to the floor, "I'm sorry, I don't know what else you want me to do."

"For the record, Tom and I had a nice talk. So I guess I can't be too mad." I look at her with smiling eyes. She stands up, running over to my bed. "What happened?"

So I told her. Unofficially, Tom and I...are sort of together. "I told him I'll spend Christmas with his family. A little nervous to be honest." Kris laughs.

"Nervous? The guy is probably more nervous than you!"

"And why is that?" I ask wiping my tired eyes. "Well he's the celebrity. Obviously his family wants to know your intentions. Are you in it for the fame of being his girlfriend or for love?"

I never thought of that. "I'm in it for friendship and whatever that brings. Certainly I don't want fame. I want him."

Kris gets all giddy, "Then we need to go shopping! Your birthday dinner is tonight and you need to look your best!"

I nod and rush Kris out of my room. I jump in the shower, shaving my legs as quick as I can. Once finished I put on a pair of shorts and an oversized shirt with dirty converse high-tops.

It's my birthday and I really don't care how I dress.

Kris and I end up in the center of London at this cute, indie clothing boutique. We walk in and are greeted by two women who are covered head-to-toe in tattoos and look like they just arrived from the 1950's. Jet-black hair with cat-style glasses. Totally cool.

"Welcome ladies! How may we help you today? I'm Mickey and this is Sass."

Cool ladies with even cooler names. "I'm Kris and this is the birthday girl, Marie." We exchange handshakes before Mickey begins showing is around.

"So what are we looking for exactly?" Mickey asked. I look to Kris, confused. "Marie wants something unique and sexy. She has a sloppy style that totally works for her, but she needs to step up on the sexy."

Sass and Mickey look me up and down, "I love your style. We can keep it similar to what you normally wear but in a dress form?" Sass suggests. Mickey agrees. "Are you trying to impress a guy, dear?"