Page 142 of How We Began

3rd May

Definitely Kronenberg. That stuff is EVIL. I can’t get out of bed and Ben is bouncing around looking frustratingly fresh and headache-free, stuffing marmite toast.

4th May

(10.15 a.m.)

We have keys. Tristan and I own our very own property. It is finally ours. Neither of us can quite believe it. We’ve been grinning at each other like idiots. I feel very grown-up.

(11.00 a.m.)

Mum’s idea of helping involves pouring Bucks fizz for everyone, much to the amusement of the removal men. The men with the rather large lorry were working really hard while we were just sitting around like spare parts watching them lift the heavy boxes.

I have a feeling this is going to be a very long day.

(1:45 p.m.)

Am having a quick loo break or my mum would have something to say about me writing in my diary when I should be helping. I just called Ben. I’m basically a hyperventilating mess. “Ben, I am sending the oldies down. Prepare your mum,” I told him.

Ben and Beverly have been cleaning the new place whilst me, Trist and Mum pack up the old one. Dad had a very important job of standing out in the street and making sure no one stole our parking space for the van. A bit like a scarecrow but for cars.

“It’s fine, Lilah. Stop stressing.”

“Hmm. Love you,” I said as I hang up.

Right, I’d better get out there otherwise Mum will be telling the removal men that I’m indisposed on the toilet.

(11.00 p.m.)

It’s done.

Everyone has left, apart from Meredith and Tristan who are in their room.

Ben and I are in my room, which will never be ‘ours.’ The day has been a success. My mum managed not to get drunk and embarrass me, and my dad put on his best Jack McCannon charm for Beverley. It was all very normal. As I sit here looking around my new room, I wish that it could last. Maybe I could have a normal family life, be able to participate in grown-up conversations with my parents, and sit around having fish and chips out of paper every time we move house. I know deep down that the normal feelings come from Ben. He makes things seem just right with his relaxed approach to everything.

Ben dutifully unpacked all the kitchen equipment for me, putting things away in various cupboards, shouting out instructions to me and explaining where everything went. I don’t know what he thinks I’m going to do with it after he is gone. “Lilah, did you know you had a juicer?” he called, turning to look at me.

“Never seen it in my life,” I bit down on my grin, which earned me a killer smile before he bent down to stash it in a cupboard from which it will never be removed.

What a perfect day.

(Later)

“What are you thinking?” I asked.

“That I wish this was my home, too.”

I had nothing to say to that, so I kissed him instead.

5th May

Breakfast cooked by the hottie from next door, who’s no longer next door, but instead with me all the time.

I gave an involuntary squeal as I watched him from the doorway. Damp hair drying on his shoulders, feet bare under his jeans. I slid my arms around his waist and leant my head on his shoulder, like a living backpack. I stayed there the whole time he cooked, which made us both giggle and resulted in very crispy bacon and rock-hard eggs.

6th May

What does one do on a Bank Holiday Monday?