Saving Dreams at Christmas

Being Alive

Before I went inside, Adam told me to dress in something glam and fancy. I rummage through my wardrobe trying to find something that will make me stand out in a crowd, I finally settle on an emerald green strapless dress with black diamante sandals to go with it. I quickly touch up my makeup, flicking the ends of my lashes with a fresh coat of mascara and curl the ends of my hair, I wish I had more time to prepare, in typical Adam style he decides to throw things at me last-minute dot com. My line manager Alex left a small bottle of Prosecco on my desk at work, I take it out of my bag and down the entire bottle. I don't think I'll ever get over the shock of Adam's deception, however, I can't just walk away from him now. Like he said we've got an undeniable connection that cannot be ignored. As fucked up as it is we've built this beautiful friendship over this past year which I've cherished so much. In a weird way I feel like I've gotten to know the real Adam through this persona that he put across to me online. He wouldn't of been so open with me if I'd of known who he really was. He is one of my best friends and I can't imagine a future or life without him.

"Wow, just wow." He says as I come down the stairs preparing to lock up the house. "You look like a little Brussels sprout," he smirks. "Nice one, thanks. Well, you look your usual dark Lordish self," I laugh looking over my shoulder to make sure that everything is switched off inside. "I've got to maintain consistency if I'm going to rule the whole of Harrow," he jokes. "Where are we going then?" I ask as he bypasses his rental. "Some place nice," he says as he links his arm with mine. It's another bitter night with the chilly breeze and icy pavements. I'm surprised it hasn't snowed this year, we were meant to have a white Christmas but clearly that's not going to be the case. "So, what are your plans for Christmas Day then?" I ask Adam as we walk through town, wishing I'd chosen a warmer outfit and a more comfier choice of footwear. "It will just be myself, Joanne and Henry at our apartment. We like it when it's just us three, it's quieter and less hectic. I do all the cooking though," he winks at me. "You, cook?" I snigger, trying to imagine Adam behind a stove, chopping up vegetables and shoving a chicken in the oven. "Very well, in fact," he replies, rubbing my hand with his to keep it warm. "Who knows, maybe I'll plan a trip to New York one Christmas. I've always wanted to live the Kevin McCallister dream and cause mayhem in the Big Apple right before Christmas," Home Alone 2 Lost in New York is my ultimate favourite festive movie. "You could always stay with me at my place. Joanne would love you," he says with a glint in his eye. "You think so?" I ask, feeling like I am the other woman or something. "Of course, and so would Henry. From what your friend Natalie said, you're fantastic with her son. One day we will have to all meet up with our families," he replies genuinely. It would be so surreal but I'd love to meet his family, I have always admired Joanne and thought she was a great actress. Even if I do feel bad for longing to be with her husband, I'm happy that he is in a solid relationship with someone who has been there right from the very beginning. "Why don't we stop off here first?" Adam suggests as we approach the Arts Centre. The day of closing was last Friday, and it broke my heart, there's no way I can walk in there knowing that all those people have lost their jobs and their opportunities to shine on stage. The volunteers who have put their hearts and souls into this place for many years have been robbed of their livelihood. If I could've done something to save it I would have. "I know it's hard, but you've got some fantastic memories here that you can hold in your heart forever," he says encouragingly. "It'll be cold and dark just so you're aware," I say following him up the path. "Stop making excuses, get over here!" He waves his hand over to me. Whatever I might think it's better than freezing to death out here. "Just so you know, I appreciate you so much. Your friendship, your kind demeanour, your infectious smile and your quick wittiness. Thank you for this past week, I'll never forget it. Anyway, ladies first," he says as he steps aside, opening the door for me. Hearing him say those words mean the world, I never expected in a million years that I would meet him let alone become so close to him. To be able to call him my friend is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. "Everything you said and more," I say with tears filling up my eyes. "Save those for later," he whispers as I walk in. Later? Oh my God, I wonder what he has up his sleeve for me now. It's pitch black inside, however, it doesn't feel like we are alone, before I can turn in Adam's direction and ask what's going on the lights flick on and I am speechless with what I see in front of me. A fully packed out auditorium, over two hundred people must be here tonight. As soon as they see us they start cheering and clapping, bewildered I look at Adam and he is standing behind me with a massive smile on his face, he is clapping too. What I didn't notice straight away was the brand new decor and furnishings, it's like walking into a new theatre in the West End. I'm so confused, Adam takes my arm and leads me through the aisle, everyone is still beaming and clapping. I originally thought it was because of Adam but when I look at everyone I can see that they're focused on me, God knows why. When we reach the front my family are sitting right in the middle of the row, they've all got tears in their eyes especially mum who is sobbing. Mums dressed in a floor length baby blue gown with sequins all along the bodice, she looks sensational. Dad and Michael are dressed to the nines in tuxedos, very James Bond like. Desperate to get away from the attention which I'm cringing so hard at, I give Adam a "what the hell is going on look?" He remains dead silent and he gives me a side smile as he disappears off into the backstage area. "Guys, what the hell is going on?" I whisper to my family. "You'd better wait and see," says Michael with a mischievous look on his face as he hands me a cold glass of Prosecco. The lights dim and I can only just imagine what's going to happen.