Julia stepped off the coach, her hands aching from the weight of her shopping bags, and made her way towards the familiar front door of her familys cottage. Im home! she called out, pushing the door open with a tired but hopeful smile. Julia, darling! her family cried, rushing to greet her in a burst of joy. We just knew youd turn up!
That evening, gathered together at the old oak dining table in the glow of the fireplace, a sudden knock echoed through the hall. Must be the neighbours come to wish us well, her mum shrugged, heading off to answer. But when she returned, she wasnt aloneshe was flanked by unexpected guests. Julias eyes widened in disbelief as new faces crossed the threshold.
Earlier, as Julia had travelled on the coach, she gazed in silence through rain-speckled windows, her heart heavy but steady. On her lap, she hugged a hefty plaid bagthe only one shed brought, packed with essentials. Still, it was overstuffed, and, thanks to her gran, topped by a fresh parcel of warm sausage rolls, the delicious scent filling the entire coach.
Unable to resist, Julia zipped the bag and fished out two piping hot pastries.
Would you like one? she offered shyly to the young man beside hera stranger whod taken a seat at the last stop and kindly surrendered the window seat to her, instantly sparking a wave of goodwill.
Cheers, Id love one! he grinned, not hiding his delight.
Im Julia, she introduced herself.
Tom, he replied. Heading to university?
Thats right! Theres neither a college nor a university anywhere near my village. I mean, they only train farmhands, and Im no good with tractors!
Me, tooIm off to study, Tom sighed, but I do like village life.
The journey to London lasted four hours, during which Julia and Tom struck up a quick rapport, sharing stories, laughter, and hopes. By the time they reached their destination, numbers had been swappednew friendship forged. Each set off to a new chapter in their own corner of the city.
***
The whirlwind of admissions and entrance exams quickly swept away any nerves. Julia and Tom both got into their chosen universities, and the elation was overwhelming. With the anxiety and worry receding to the past, a sense of possibility and hope stretched ahead.
One afternoon, as Julias phone rang, she recognised Toms voice: Julia! How about we celebrate our success at a café?
She was thrilled. Tom was easy companywarm, genuine, without airs and graces. Someone who felt as familiar as home, unlike so many others shed met.
They agreed to meet at a quirky little café called The Hippo in the heart of London. Sitting by the window, they watched riverboats skimming the Thames as tour guides shouted cheerful commentary over loudspeakers.
I wonder, Julia mused, nibbling a fairy cake, why is this place called The Hippo?
Tom laughed: My guess is, people who come here and snack on all these treats end up just like the name!
That sounds about right! Julia giggled, devouring her pastry.
Soon, they began to refer to The Hippo as their place, arranging meetings with, See you at our spot.
On one magic night, they shared their first kissa gentle, deep moment Julia knew shed treasure as long as she lived.
Months passed, friendship deepened into something more. Julia felt closer to Tom than she did to anyone else in the worldexcept her parents, of course, and that was different altogether.
Julia, love, move in with me? Tom asked one afternoon during their third year. In the summerwe could get married.
Are you is this a proposal? Julia grinned, teasing.
Sort of! he shrugged.
Then I have to ask you, as in that old movieRemember? Are you sure youre ready for me to be around every day? she laughed.
As much as you like, Julia! he laughed, spinning her in the middle of the pavement.
Back at the flat she shared with housemates, Julia glided through the door, glowing.
Youre absolutely buzzing today! her friend Kate said. Spillwhats happened?
Oh girls! Julia sang, twirling around the living room, I think Ill be moving in with Tom soon!
So, are we invited to your wedding? her other housemate Mary joined in.
Not yet! Were just going to live together for now. Weddings for the summer!
No, Julia! Think about itso much can happen between now and June. Why rush? Kate cautioned.
Julia just laughed: Kate, you sound like a granny! Everyone lives together these days!
I am not a granny! Just dont trust these living together arrangements. My mums a solicitorIve seen it all, Kate huffed.
Alright, alright. Sorryjust joking! Julia apologised.
***
Julia brushed off the warnings, convinced that marriage certificates werent the be-all and end-all, that love as deep as theirs was one in a million. But doubt, seeded by her friends, began to gnaw quietly inside her. She delayed moving in, unsure.
Eventually, Tom stopped reminding her about it, and raised no objections.
One frosty evening in December, Julia and her friends walked through the city, the snowy streets gleaming beneath twinkling Christmas lights, the festive atmosphere bright but cold enough to make them shiver. Just as they passed The Hippo, Julia suggested, Lets pop in! Tom and I love this place!
Mary pointed inside, her eyes somber. Isnt that him? With someone?
Julia peered inTom sat by their usual window, chatting and laughing with a girl a few years younger, the pair enjoying each other’s company.
Without a word, Julia turned away.
I think Ill head home, she whispered.
Well go with you, Kate and Mary chorused, concern etched on their faces.
At home, they insisted the scene meant nothing; jealousy was misplaced, perhaps an innocent misunderstanding. But Julia couldnt forget the tenderness in Toms gaze, especially in their café and at their table.
It felt like betrayal.
She stopped answering Toms calls and, when he turned up at her door, begged her friends to say she wasnt there.
Eventually, catching her after a lecture, Tom seized her hand. Julia, whats going on? Have you met someone else?
Julia bristled, incredulous at the question: You really have a nerve! Me? Whos quick to shift blame now? Let goIm late for an exam!
She pulled free, swept through the college doors, leaving Tom lost in confusion.
***
Julia, having wrapped up her term early, took the train home for Christmas. Sheltering beneath her family roof, she felt safer nursing her heartache and anger.
Her spirits lifted instantly as she alighted at the old country station. Crisp winter air stung her cheeks; snow crunched underfoot, and the woods and cottages glistened like crystal against the pale sunlight.
Little wisps of smoke curled from chimneys, and the familiar fir tree by the fenceher childhood companionseemed taller, covered in tinsel and baubles just as it had been when she was small.
Happy holidays, everyone! she smiled, stepping inside the warmth of home.
Julia, darling! We just knew you were coming! her family enveloped her.
The day brimmed with joy. Only the brevity of winter daylight cast a shadowit was dark already by five.
Never mind, her father cheered, well light up the Christmas tree instead!
That evening, as the family sat in cheerful company around their table, a knock split the silence.
Probably the neighbours come to say hello, her mum shrugged and went to the door.
She reappeared, not alonebut with Father Christmas and his little helper.
Tom? Julia gasped, peering at the festive visitors. The helper was the very girl shed seen with Tom at The Hippo. How did you find me? What does this mean?
Tom broke into his familiar, booming laughter, his companion joining in.
“Your friends told me where to look. And let me introduce youthis is my kid sister, Emily!”
Sister? Julia repeated, stunned.
Yes, of course! Emily grinned. Look closely and youll see the resemblance!
Relief fell over Julia like a warm blanketif only shed asked outright instead of torturing herself for weeks.
And Tom, with a twinkle in his eye, took centre stage: And now, before everyone hereand my sisterIm asking you, Julia, will you marry me? He produced a tiny box, revealing a diamond ring.
“Of course!” Julia threw her arms around Tom in the guise of Father Christmas. “This is the best Christmas ever!”
Therell be plenty more best Christmases, Julia, but lets promise to always talk things through, Tom pledged.
Id like that, Julia breathed, her heart filled with hope.
