Chapter 52 - Merry Christmas (1) (1/2)
After guests left and the party ended, Sarah finished packing her suitcase with necessities for few days. She is leaving with Aiden in the morning to meet up with Vivian so that they visit Gabriel. Sarah does not want to stress much if she forgot something, if she needs anything other than what's packed, she will buy it.
Sarah recollected their plan while enjoying hot shower… First, they are going to Vivian's place, and stay there overnight. In the morning three of them will head to the hospital. There is a hotel close to the hospital in case that they need to stay there longer than a day.
Sarah is not sure what to expect. 'Did Gabriel wake up? Will we be able to go and visit him? Passing by hospital staff is not a big issue, but his family is a different thing... I will think about it when we reach there. I'm sure we can find a way.'
Sarah got out of the shower dressed in a red Christmas themed two-piece pajama set and checked the time. It is almost midnight. She smiled, picked up one neatly wrapped present and headed to Aiden's room while making sure no one sees her.
Aiden was not in the bedroom. Sarah kept the present on the nightstand next to the bed and went towards the closet. She found him there. He was packing his suitcase.
Sarah stood at the door and watched him. 'I can watch him all day and not get bored of the sight.'
When Aiden noticed her, he got startled.
”Is your conscience not clear?”, Sarah teased.
”Where did you get that?” He was defensive.
”I heard that when people are this jumpy, that means that their conscience is not clear.” Sarah explained, unaware that she hit a nerve.
Aiden thought for a minute before responding: ”If I say that my conscience is clear, there is no way to prove it. If I say that it's not, then I'm in trouble. I will be at a loss no matter what I say.”
Sarah nodded in approval. ”Very good analysis.”
Sarah found great joy in talking with Aiden. He is one of the few people who can match her in a debate. Most of the people are not at the level that can get her mentally engaged, but Aiden is special. Everything about him is special, and Sarah loves his intelligence and how he can keep her on her toes. 'It would be troublesome to have a person like him for an enemy.'
Sarah peeked at the suitcase. ”Done packing?”
”Almost, I will finish in the morning” He stood up and they went to the bedroom.
Sarah took the present she kept on the side of the bed. ”Merry Christmas!” She handed him a neatly wrapped present.
Aiden sat on the bed and unwrapped it under Sarah's excited gaze. It is a travel journal. Inside front cover is a sleeve with a world map. Aiden unfolded the map and noticed two locations marked, one in France and one in PNW*. Aiden opened the journal, and there he observed a card with a message:
'Let's fill it up together
~ Sarah'
The journal is not empty. Aiden flipped the first page and saw a photo of two of them in the ski resort with a date: 'December 12' . On the second page is a photo of two of them from Paris, and above is a date: 'December 15' .
”Thank you.” He smiled. ”I will count on you to help me with fill it up.”
”Of course!” She responded. ”But entries in here count only if it's travel for pleasure.”
Aiden looked at Sarah and his heart swelled at the thought about the meaning behind her present. It means that she wants to spend time with him, to travel… she is thinking long term. He was never a long term guy, and he never saw his future with any girl… but he can't imagine his future without her. Thinking about tomorrow without Sarah by his side is impossible.
He pulled her on the bed next to him and they kissed.
Gentle kisses gradually deepened, making them both crave for more.