Here is a sample from the short story ‘Christmas Season Wedding’.

 

Christmas Season Wedding

What does it take to make someone give up their job, family and friends to travel halfway round the world….?

It was the first of December and the traffic on the M25 was horrendous. Taking the exit to Heathrow Airport Harry did not notice the traffic easing off. He had been asked by his father to pick up his friend’s daughter Jasmine at the airport. She had just made a long flight from Boston.

Jasmine was at the baggage collection area with her suitcases which she had collected ten minutes earlier. Harry was late, he had already been sent two text messages by Jasmine who was starting to get worried.

The large Christmas tree had been set up at the arrivals fully decorated with presents underneath. Boxes covered in wrapping paper and ribbons were underneath. Tinsel and decorations were also on the walls. Christmas tunes came from the speakers at the airport. The “Let it snow” song sung by Michael Buble.

It was cold that morning and in the next few days it would probably snow. Harry parked his car at the short stay car park and ran to arrivals. He was pleasantly surprised when he saw Jasmine. He thought that she was very good looking. Jasmine was 27 years old, slight build, blonde hair, sparkling blue eyes, oval face and above average height.

“Hello Jasmine, my name’s Harry,” said Harry in a deep cheerful voice. Harry had brown hair was 26 years old had a Medium build and was 5’10” in height.

“Hello Harry,” said Jasmine in a strong Boston accent. They shook hands enthusiastically.

“Sorry I’m late. The traffic on the motorway was terrible,” said Harry.

Harry offered to take Jasmines baggage trolley and pushed it in front of him. They talked on the way to the car park. Harry’s car had a sizeable boot and could easily accommodate Jasmine’s luggage. Soon enough they were on the motorway and making their way towards Shrewsbury.

“Have you been in the UK before?” asked Harry.

“This is my first time in England. I’ve done a lot of travelling about the States and other countries, but this is the first time that I’ve been in London,” replied Jasmine.

“So tell me something about yourself Jasmine?” asked Harry.

“Well as you know our fathers knew each other in the USA. They both studied accounting at Harvard University and were good friends. Dad thought that it would be good experience for me if I could learn something about accounting in England,” replied Jasmine.

“Accounting here is ok. There are plenty of opportunities to use it and we help out a lot of firms. Did you always want to be an accountant?” asked Harry

“I’ve always been academic and when I was younger I wanted to study literature. I was torn between the study of that and accounting. He taught me to be a hard working professional. I had a strong middle class upbringing. I’m book smart and people say I’m very intelligent. I performed well at school and took extra classes. I loved music and even played an instrument. I got on well with my teachers who thought I was an ideal pupil and student,” said Jasmine. “How about yourself Harry? Do you like accounting?”

“I love it,” replied Harry “My father also encouraged me to work and study hard. He was strongly academic and he always told me about the great accountants. But I have always been inspired by my father. I’m more book smart than street smart. I loved school when I was younger and rarely missed a day of it.   I was a self-starter and always wanted to emulate my father. We had a good bunch of teachers, very bright and they taught us well.”

“My mum met dad when she was at University. She graduated but decided to be a housewife rather than a professional,” said Jasmine.

“Sounds like my mum too. She met dad when she was visiting the states. She encouraged dad to move to England. They married and had two kids, me and my brother, and also became a housewife. Her great influence and best friend was her mum, my grandma, who taught her to become a good mother, housewife and friend. Luckily my parents both loved me but I don’t think I was ever spoilt. I never wanted for anything growing up, but if I did something naughty I was always told off,” said Harry.

“Good parents then. Did they ever overprotect you, keep you indoors safe from harm?” asked Jasmine.

“Not really,” replied Harry. “I always had a sense of adventure, liked climbing frames and playing outdoors. Guess they wanted me to able to recognise risk.”…………………..

 

‘Christmas Season Wedding’ is one of the stories in ‘Mixed Bag: 10 Short Stories’ by Alan Barr which is available in eBook and paperback formats from Amazon.

Kind Regards

Alan

Email: alanrove@hotmail.com

Twitter: @AlanAlanrove