Emerald Eyes

18 - Leiden

About a week after the incident with Toby, I grabbed my phone on Friday afternoon and gave Martijn a call.

M: Hey thereee!

L: Hey Tijn! How are you? How's work in the studio going?

M: It's going amazing! Thanks for asking! I worked on a couple of new ideas today. But why are you calling? Only to hear that?
L: No, I might have a plan for the weekend for you and me, given that you're not in Tokyo, Sydney or Vegas and have a little time to spare for me?

M: Ohhhhh sounds exciting! You're lucky! I'm free the whole weekend if I want too!

L: That's amazing cause I would really like for you to get to know my dad! What do you say, are you down for a weekend in Leiden? We could stay at my dad's house and I could also offer a seaside walk included in the package, plus you get to spend time with me, Mr. Garrix.

M: Weeeell.... I'll only accept if you throw in a kiss here and there... I mean, time's precious, right?

L: Okay Garrix, whatever you want! Are you down for it?

M: Absoluuuuutely! Will you come pick me up?

L: That was the plan. I'll be there tomorrow morning. I can't wait to see you!

M: Amazing! I'm so stoked! See you tomorrow, beautiful!

L: See you!

The next morning, I got into my little car and drove to Martijn's apartment complex. When I got there, I texted him to come down. After a while, he appeared in the entrance, carrying a small bag, his guitar case plus his backpack, a white pair of headphones around his neck and a dark blue hoodie. He smiled when he spotted me in the car and made his way towards me. "Hey there beautiful.", he said when he opened the trunk of the car and put his bag in there. Then he climbed on the passenger seat next to me and looked around, kind of amused. "Not your usual ride, right?", I smiled. He chuckled and said: "It feels good to be normal every now and then. Plus I can't complain, I don't even have my driver's license yet." "Hahaha alright. So, you're in charge of the music. Impress me, I'm great friends with a DJ.", I laughed and started to drive. Martijn connected his phone to my car and started to play a few tracks. It wasn't too far to my hometown, so time flew by quite quickly. After about a 30 minute drive, we arrived at my dad's house. Martijn and I got out of the car and grabbed our stuff: "Are you nervous?", I asked with a smile. He pretended he wasn't but I could feel his nervousness. "Don't be.", I added and opened the door to the house. "Heyyy Pops! We're hoooome!", I screamed. My dad immediately came out of the kitchen and wrapped me into a warm hug: "Line! Line, my darling, it's so good to see you. How are you? How was the drive?" "It's so good to see you too Pops!", I smiled, "The drive was fine. I had good company, you know?" My dad smiled and I put an arm around Martijn's shoulders. Then I introduced him: "Pops, please meet Martijn. He's the amazing guy I have told you so much about. And Tijn, please meet my dad. I am so happy I can finally introduce you guys." Martijn stepped forward and politely offered his hand to my dad: "Hello Mr. Hoelgaard, it's an honor to meet you!" Pops ignored the hand and pulled Martijn into a hug as well: "It's good to meet you, Martijn. Line has told me so much about you. Please, don't call me Mr. Hoelgaard. I feel way too old when you do that. I'm Peer." "Thank you so much for inviting me over, Peer. I haven't been to Leiden for so long!" "Pops, it smells amazing in here! You didn't bake my favorite cake, did you?", I smiled, grabbed Martijn's hand and ran into the kitchen and really, there was my favorite cake waiting for us. We sat down at the table and enjoyed the cake together with my dad. He and Martijn seemed to get along very well, they chatted and laughed a lot. When we finished the cake, I showed Martijn around the rest of the house and after that we went upstairs into my old childhood bedroom. We laid down on my bed and looked at the wall next to it. It was still covered with lots of photos from back then and I spent ages telling Martijn all the stories behind them. After a while, he sat up and said: "I'm kind of hungry... What about you?" "Ohhh me too!", I replied. "Can I treat you to something? What's your favorite place over here? I need recommendations from a local!", he smiled. Gosh, he was always just so kind and super sweet. "Aww thank you so much. We could actually take my car and drive to the boardwalk by the sea. They have lots of great places to eat there!", I suggested. Just minutes later we were sitting in the car on our way to the sea. Martijn and I chose a sushi place close to the beach and enjoyed the tasty food. After we paid, I invited Martijn for a walk along the sea. I had something special in mind and the sunset setting was just right for it.