Intermission // Van McCann

3. Busy Day

I could feel someone stroking my hair and I opened my eyes to see Van leaning over me.

"It's about time you woke up. It's almost noon and I've already been to the store to stock up the fridge," he called. His voice was too loud and cheery so I turned away from him and pulled the covers over my head. I could feel him tugging at the covers. "What did I say about staying up last night? You should've just gone to bed. We've got a busy day today. We gotta unpack everything, remember? And we've got loads of laundry to do. And we gotta call me mum and dad and visit your parents to tell them the news."

I forgot that today was a busy day. We could always save some of the stuff for Sunday but I'd rather get as much done as possible today so we can relax tomorrow. I sat up and swung my legs over the edge of the bed. Van was already showered and dressed up, ready to go.

"I'll make you some toast and tea," he said and then left the room.

I went ahead and got ready for the day, meeting Van in the kitchen. I leaned against the wall and watched silently as he went to work. The table was already set with our mugs on the table and now he was waiting for the toast, his hands resting on the counter. This could be us everyday. I'd wake up to Van by my side. The toast popped out, snapping me from my thoughts and I figured it was time to let my presence be known.

"I started the first load to be washed," he said, spreading jam on the toast. "It should be done in half an hour or so. Here's your toast." He handed me the plate and I placed it on the table, waiting for him to join me.

"Thank you. How many loads of laundry do you think we have to do?" I questioned, grinning.

"Three at least. It's mostly your clothes!"

"Yeah, that's true," I said, nodding my head. I held the mug up to my lips and blew on the hot liquid before taking a sip. He's taught me how to make tea several times but I just prefer that he makes it. It's no different from how I make it since he's the one that taught me, but he puts so much love in it that it tastes better. I don't have any data to prove that, by the way. "It's getting late in the UK, isn't it? We should probably call your parents soon."

"Yeah, we should." Van pulled out his phone and FaceTimed his mom. After a few rings, she answered.

"Hello Van, how was your holiday?" his mom greeted him.

"Hi mum, it was great. The food was delicious and the scenery is gorgeous. We just got back and haven't sorted through the photos yet but we'll send them to you. Ren and I bought some souvenirs for you and dad. The parcel should arrive in a few days," Van went on.

"Sounds lovely. I look forward to the photos and souvenir. What was your favorite memory of the trip?"

Van looked at me and I knew that this was it. He was going to say it.

"My favorite memory was taking Ren out to the rocks by the sea to watch the sunset. That was where I proposed to her."

"Van, are you being serious?! Where's Ren? Put her on the phone, would you?" Van handed me the phone and I was greeted by an excited Mary. "Can I see the ring, love?" I showed her the ring and she squealed in excitement. "Bernard! Van proposed to Ren!" I could see Bernard in the background slowly making his way to Mary. "Show him the ring, love." I did as I was told and their excitement was contagious.

"Well, what's the story?" Bernard asked. I decided to scoot closer to Van so they could see the both of us. Van and I stared at each other willing the other to tell the story.

"Well I saw some fishermen on the rocks by the sea and thought that that would be a great location to propose to Ren so I told her that we should watch the sunset from there. She wasn't too keen on the idea but went anyway. I let her go first and as her back was turned to me, I took my chance to kneel down. She wondered why I was being so slow so she turned around and saw me and that's when I proposed to her. I was so nervous that I forgot the speech I had prepared and began saying whatever came to mind and she miraculously said yes," Van explained.