Julia stepped off the coach and, struggling a bit with her heavy shopping bags, made her way towards her family home on the edge of a quiet English village. Im home! she called cheerfully as she unlocked the front door. Julia, sweetheart! her family rushed to greet her, all smiling and embracing her warmly. We just knew you were coming today!
That evening, as everyone gathered around the large dining table, a knock came at the front door. Its probably the neighbours dropping by to say hello, her mum shrugged, heading to answer. She returned with unexpected guestsJulia glanced up and couldnt believe her eyes.
Earlier that autumn, Julia had stared out of a coach window with a pensive expression, leaving her childhood village behind. On her lap sat a large checked holdall, which she clung to tightly, packed only with essentials. Still, her bag was bulkythe finishing touch was a bag of freshly-baked sausage rolls from her gran, filling the coach with the delicious aroma of home.
Unable to resist, Julia unzipped her holdall and retrieved two golden sausage rolls. Would you like one? she offered to the young man beside her, who had kindly surrendered the window seat to her earlier, winning her instant affection.
Go on then! he grinned, eyes bright and mouth watering.
Im Julia, by the way, she introduced herself.
Im Stephen. Off to uni? he asked.
Yes! Theres no college or uni near our placejust tractor training, and thats not really my thing.
Im heading to uni too, he sighed. Though I do love life in the village.
The trip to the city lasted four hours. During the journey, Julia and Stephen chatted, shared stories, and quickly became friends. Before leaving the coach, they swapped phone numbers and went their separate ways.
***
Busy days filled with entrance exams flew by, and soon both Julia and Stephen were accepted into their chosen universities. Their nerves and doubts faded as they looked to the future with endless hopes.
One day, Stephen rang Julia. Hi Julia! Fancy celebrating our university offers at a café?
She was delighted. Stephen was easy-going, funny, and felt familiarcomfortingly genuine and down-to-earth, unlike some others shed met.
They met at a quirky little café called The Hippo near the centre by the broad, shimmering Thames. From their window seat, they watched boats glide across the water, guides calling out through megaphones to passengers.
Why do you think its called The Hippo? Julia asked suddenly.
Stephen laughed. Probably because people who come here end up like hippos after all these cakes!
Probably true! Julia chuckled, tucking into a cream-filled sponge.
Afterwards, they often returned to The Hippo, marking it as their special meeting place. That same evening, Julia and Stephen shared their first gentle, passionate kissa memory Julia cherished for years.
Time passed and their romance deepened. Julia thought shed never feel closer to anyone than she did to Stephenexcept for her parents, of course.
One day, halfway through their third year, Stephen suggested, Julia, why dont you move in with me? And lets get married this summer!
Is this your way of proposing? Julia teased.
Sort of! he replied, a twinkle in his eye.
Well then, as they say in the films, Arent you worried youll get tired of seeing me all the time?
Julia, I could never tire of you! Stephen laughed, spinning her around right there on the street.
Julia was buoyant as she returned to the shared flat she lived in with two other girls.
Youre glowing! Something amazings happened, hasnt it? asked her friend Vera.
Oh girls! Julia laughed. I might be moving out soonto Stephens place!
Are we invited to the wedding? her other friend, Mary, asked more joyfully.
Were planning a summer wedding. For now, well just live together.
Julia, dont rush it! So much can happen between now and then, Vera cautioned. Is it really so bad living here now?
Julia just waved her off. Vera, honestly! Everyone does it these days.
Not meI dont believe in living together before marriage, Vera sniffed. My mums a solicitorIve seen how these things end up
Dont be upset, Veraits just a joke, Julia apologised.
***
Julia dismissed worries about living together as old-fashioned. A ring isnt the main thing, she told herself, and a love like ours is one in a million. Yet Veras words sowed seeds of doubt, and Julia kept finding reasons not to move in with Stephen.
After a while, Stephen stopped mentioning it.
One snowy December afternoon, Julia and her flatmates strolled through the festively decorated city. The streets sparkled as snowflakes fell, and even though they were shivering, Julia felt happy. Opposite The Hippo, Julia suggested, Lets pop in! Stephen and I love this place.
Hang onisnt that him? Mary said gloomily, pointing through the window.
Julia turnedat their usual table by the window, Stephen sat with a younger girl, laughing together. The sight made Julias heart ache.
I think Ill head home, she said quietly.
Waitwere coming too! chorused Vera and Mary.
At home, they tried to comfort Julia. Maybe its nothing; dont jump to conclusions, they advised. But Julia remembered how fondly Stephen had looked at the girl, and the fact that they were sitting in their café, at their table
It feels like betrayal, Julia thought.
She stopped answering Stephens calls, and when he came by, she asked her friends to say she was out.
One day, Stephen found Julia at the university and took her hand. Julia, whats wrong? Is there someone else?
She stared at him in disbelief. Youre asking me? Youre good at turning things around! Let go. Im late for my exam. She snatched her hand back and hurried inside, leaving Stephen bewildered.
***
Julia finished her term early and returned home to her village for Christmas. She felt that her familys house would be the safest place to heal her wounded heart.
Stepping off the coach at her village stop, she was greeted by icy winter air and gleaming snow. The familiar trees and cottages sparkled in the golden sunlight.
She smiled, hefted her bag of gifts for Mum, Dad, and Gran, and walked briskly home. The old fir tree by the fence, planted the year Julia was born, had grown tall and thick, now adorned with colourful baubles, just like when she was a child.
Merry Christmas! she called as she entered.
Julia, sweetheart! her family all gathered round. We knew youd arrive today!
The day brimmed with joyful reunion, even if the short winter days meant darkness came early.
No matterwell light the Christmas tree, Dad said, lifting the mood.
That evening, as they relaxed by the table, a knock came at the door.
Mum shrugged: Probably neighbours coming by with greetings, she said, going to let them in.
She returned not alone, but with Father Christmasand a helper.
Stephen? Julia asked, peering at Father Christmas and his helperthe same girl shed seen with him in the café. How did you find me? Whats going on?
Stephen chuckled with his usual booming laugh, and the girl joined in. Your friends told me where to look. And Id like you to meet: my younger sister, Emily!
Sister? Julia repeated, stunned.
Yes, my sister! Emily confirmed. You can see the resemblance if you look closely.
Relief flooded Julia. All this time, worrying, when I could have just asked, she chided herself silently.
Then Stephen, in front of everyone, knelt and produced a small velvet box. Julia, will you marry me?
Of course! Yes, I will! Julia exclaimed, rushing to embrace him. This is the best Christmas Ive ever had!
Therell be plenty more of thosejust promise well always talk things through and never let misunderstandings come between us, Stephen replied.
I promise, Julia breathed, her heart content.
Sometimes, the best gift we can give othersand ourselvesis the courage to communicate honestly, trusting that truth brings both clarity and connection.
