Chapter 35

Abigail woke up with a pounding headache and a sour taste in her mouth. As she slowly sat up in her bed, she couldn’t help but groan and rub her temples. Memories of the previous night started flooding back into her mind and she couldn’t suppress a smile. She had gotten into Columbia University, her dream school, and had celebrated with Emma.

Abigail heard the sound of music coming from downstairs. She made her way to the kitchen, where Emma was cooking breakfast, wearing one of Abigail’s old t-shirts.

After taking some aspirin and a cold shower, Abigail felt slightly better. Abigail heard the sound of music coming from downstairs. She made her way to the kitchen, where Emma was cooking breakfast, wearing one of Abigail’s old t-shirts. She found Emma already brewing a pot of coffee and humming along to a tune on the radio. Emma turned around when she heard Abigail enter and flashed her a warm smile.

‘Good morning, sleepyhead,’ Emma teased as she poured Abigail a cup of coffee.

‘Morning, babe, thank you for the coffee,’ Abigail replied, as she walked over and wrapped her arms around Emma’s waist.

‘Hey,’ Emma said with a sheepish smile. ‘How are you feeling?’

‘Not great, but it was totally worth it. I can’t believe I got into Columbia!’ Abigail replied, rubbing her temples.

Abigail couldn’t hold back a small chuckle as she sat down at the kitchen table. Looking around, she noticed the empty bottles and glasses from the previous night and couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed. They had definitely let loose and celebrated a little too much.

But Emma just shrugged it off and sat down next to her, taking her hand in hers. ‘Last night was amazing, Abi. I’m so proud of you for getting into Columbia.’

Abigail felt her cheeks flush with happiness as she leaned in to kiss Emma. It was moments like these that she cherished, being able to openly show her love for the woman she adored.

As they enjoyed their coffee and breakfast, Emma helped Abigail plan for her move to New York City for college. Excitement and nervousness filled Abigail’s mind as she thought about starting a new chapter in her life.

‘You’ll love it in New York,’ Emma said. ‘There’s always something going on, and the energy of the city is infectious.’

‘I can’t wait to explore and try all the different foods,’ Abigail replied. ‘I’ve heard there are so many amazing restaurants.’

‘Oh, definitely,’ Emma said with a laugh. ‘Be prepared to gain the ‘freshman fifteen’ from all the delicious food options.’

Abigail laughed along with her. ‘I’ll make sure to balance it out with some regular exercise.’

‘Smart thinking,’ Emma said approvingly. ‘And don’t forget to take advantage of all the cultural opportunities the city has to offer. Museums, concerts, Broadway shows – the list goes on and on.’

Abigail nodded, her mind already buzzing with ideas. ‘I’ll definitely make time for all of that. And I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends.’

‘You’ll have no problem with that,’ Emma reassured her. ‘Just be open to new experiences and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. That’s how you’ll have the most fun.’

Abigail smiled, feeling grateful for Emma’s advice. ‘Thanks, Emma’

‘I’ll miss you when you’re gone, but I know you’ll do amazing things in New York.’ Emma replied.

Abigail hugged her tightly. ‘I’ll never forget this special breakfast and all your support. I can’t wait to make you proud.’

‘You already have,’ Emma said, returning the hug.

FAST FOWARD 2 DAYS BEFORE SPING BREAK

Emma sat in her living twirling her pen anxiously, trying to come up with the perfect French phrase to surprise Abigail during their trip to Paris. Emma had been wanting to visit the city of love for years and Abigail was determined to make it the most romantic trip of their lives.

As she was lost in thought, her phone buzzed, signaling a new message from Abigail.

Abigail: ‘Hey babe, I just finished booking our hotel room in Paris. It’s going to have a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. Can’t wait to see your reaction!’

Emma smiled, picturing the look of awe on Emma’s face. She quickly typed back,

Emma: ‘That’s amazing! I’ve been brushing up on my French and I can’t wait to surprise you with some phrases. This is going to be the best trip ever!’

Abigail: You have no idea 😉

Emma: I’m just counting down the days. Only two more days!

Abigail: I can’t believe it’s almost here! I’m so excited.

Emma: Me too. Have you started packing yet?

Abigail: Not yet, but I’ve been making a list. I don’t want to forget anything.

Emma: Good idea. I can’t wait to show you all the amazing sights and sounds of Paris. It’s going to be romantic and magical, just like you.

Abigail blushed at Emma’s words.

Abigail: I can’t wait to see Paris with you. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have you as my girlfriend.

Emma: I feel just as lucky to have you, Abi. I have a feeling this trip is going to be one we’ll never forget.

Abigail smiled as she imagined walking hand in hand with Emma through the romantic streets of Paris, trying delicious French pastries, and seeing the city of lights from atop the Eiffel Tower.

NIGHT BEFORE THEIR FLIGHT

While finishing packing, Abigail’s phone buzzed. She picked it up and smiled as she saw that it was from Emma.

Emma: ‘Hey, what time are we leaving tomorrow?’

Abigail: ‘We have to be at the airport at 5 am but our flight isn’t until 6am. I’ll be at your house to pick you up at 4:30am’

Emma: ‘Ugh, that’s so early. But it’ll be worth it.’

Emma: ‘We’ll have croissants for breakfast in Paris!’

Abigail laughed. ‘I can’t wait to see the Eiffel Tower and try macarons.’

Emma: ‘I can’t wait to see your face when you try French onion soup for the first time.’

Abigail: ‘You know me too well. I’ll probably love it.’

Emma grinned at her phone. She loved Abigail’s sense of adventure and willingness to try new things. They had been dating for a few months now, and Emma knew that this trip would be a milestone in their relationship.

Abigail: ‘Do you have everything packed?’

Emma: ‘I think so. How about you?’

Abigail: ‘Just about. I’m so excited for this trip.’

Emma: ‘Thank you for planning it.’

Abigail: ‘Anything for you, my love.’

Emma: ‘Can you believe it? We’re actually going to Paris!’

Abigail: ‘I know!’

Emma: ‘Do you have anything special planned for us?’

Abigail: ‘You will just have to wait and see.’

Emma: ‘That’s not fair’

Abigail: ‘just know that you will love it’

As she finished packing her bag, Abigail couldn’t contain her excitement. She had been dreaming about this trip for weeks and now it was finally happening. She quickly checked her bags one last time to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything and then headed to bed, unable to sleep as she thought about the adventures that awaited them in the City of Love.

The next morning, Abigail woke up before the alarm went off. She was so eager to begin their trip that she couldn’t sleep in. She got up, got dressed and made her way to Emma’s house to pick her up. Emma was still fast asleep when Abigail arrived, so she quietly let herself into the house and made her way to Emma’s bedroom.

As she gently shook Emma awake, Abigail couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her girlfriend. Emma’s hair was tousled, her face slightly puffy from sleep, and she was wearing the shirt that Abigail had given her for Christmas last year. She looked so peaceful and beautiful, and Abigail couldn’t wait to wake her up with the news of their trip.

‘Good morning, sleeping beauty,’ Abigail teased as Emma slowly opened her eyes.

Emma blinked a few times before a smile spread across her face as she saw Abigail standing next to her bed. ‘Good morning, my love,’ she replied, her voice still thick with sleep.

Abigail leaned down and gave Emma a kiss before sitting on the edge of the bed. ‘Come on babe get up we have to leave in 30 minutes,’ she said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Emma stretched her arms and sat up, ‘I’m up’ she said.

Abigail nodded, ‘Are you sure.’

Emma threw her arms around Abigail, pulling her into a hug. ‘I love you,’ she whispered.

Abigail hugged her back, ‘I love you too,’ she replied, holding Emma close.

‘Okay I am going to take a quick shower and I will be ready’ Emma said as she got out of bed.

‘Sounds good, I am going to put your bags in the car’ Abigail replied, starting to walk to the front door.

‘Wait’ Emma said as she walked up to Abigail. She grabbed Abigail by her shirt pulling her closer to her, kissing her one last time.

Emma let Abigail go and turned to walk to the bathroom stripping her clothes off as she walked.

Abigail watched Emma until she couldn’t see her anymore.

‘I have to stay strong or we will miss our flight’ Abigail said to herself. It took all the strength Abigail had to not follow Emma into the bathroom. She quickly turned around, grabbing Emma’s bags and walking out the front door.

Abigail decided to wait in the car for Emma, just to make sure they left on time.

Once Emma was in the car, Abigail turned to her with a big smile. “Are you ready for our trip to Paris?” she asked, eyes shining with excitement.

Emma smiled back. “I can’t believe we’re actually going! It’s going to be amazing.”

Once they reached the airport, Abigail showed Emma their first-class tickets and waited for her reaction. Emma was taken aback, but she couldn’t hide her excitement.

When they boarded the flight, Emma couldn’t help but be amazed by the luxurious seats and the attentive service. They were treated like royalty and Abigail couldn’t stop smiling. It felt like all her planning was finally paying off. She wanted everything to be perfect for Emma, and so far, it seemed like it was.