Flying with Messengers

By Berti M. Bagdi

This exciting and romantic story is set in the contemporary time of heaven and earth. Here, feisty guardian angels fight their rivals, the demons, to best guide humans toward their true destinies and love.

The natural duality of light and darkness has been thrown off-balance by the dark angels lately. Humans happiness scores are way too low on the guardians leaderboard. More and more people are being influenced by the demons.

To guide humans is not an easy task for the guardian angels. They not only have to deal with the tempting demonsespecially the deceitfully attractive demon prince, Belphegorbut they also have to respect the free will. Moreover, they need to get the humans to listen to their subtle guidance, including intuitive messages and signs day by day.

The story follows two heroines adventuresthe marketing manager, Lily, with her seemingly perfect life (that is not perfect at all), and the courageous angel, Violet, who was once a human as she tries to fit into the angelic kingdom. Heaven and earth fight side by side for light and true love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Oct 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543404241

Berti M. Bagdi

It had never crossed Berti Bagdis mind to write a book. A Hungarian writer based in Australia, Berti has believed in the angels since her teenage years. In her thirties she left her regular job as a sales manager to live her childhood dream, becoming an actress. After a few years of an unsatisfying search for her dream movie, and dream role, she had one of those divine spark moments. She realised she needed to create a movie that she would love to appear in; one that would shake the world. Berti felt it was her true calling from the angels by the huge enthusiasm in which the idea rushed into her mind. The idea was to create a story about how the guardian angels help humans in their everyday lives just as she had experienced in her own life. English being her second language and lacking the initial confidence to write, Berti asked a few writer friends for advice. However, it seemed the story needed her own unique voice and perspective. The divine continued to deliver irresistible signs that encouraged her to just do it. She finally gave in and to her biggest surprise, as soon as she sat down, the ideas just flooded into her mind. Helpful people came into her life constantly, to inspire and assist her. After a few versions of the movie script and positive feedback, she received another huge call from above. This time to write a book that could inevitably bring forth her desire for a movie version. With a huge passion for completing something worthwhile and bringing it to the world, she has managed to complete part one and two of the book within two years. With this enchanting story Bertis vision is to bring light and hope to peoples lives.

Book preview

PART I

CHAPTER 1

Early years

G ood night sweetie. Lily’s mother tucked her eight year-old daughter in and kissed her cheeks that were covered with tiny cute freckles. She pulled the door in but left a thin gap allowing a small amount of light to seep in.

Lily shut her eyes tight and tried her hardest to get to sleep, but it was hopeless. Try as she might, she just couldn’t block out the loud thumping music that was clamouring in through the thin walls from the next door neighbour’s party. It was as if the walls were made of paper. Not for the first time, she wished they lived somewhere else.

She leaned over to take her trusty little blue torch from her bedside drawer. Lily had found it in a box of her father’s things her mother kept at the back of her closet and she cherished it as if it were a precious heirloom. She pulled her knees right up under her chin, hoisted the pink fairy covered blanket high up over her head and buried her nose in her favourite book.

It was a book about angels and their magical deeds and how they went about helping people in their lives and all the different adventures they would have whilst looking after them. Her beloved grandmother had given her the book two years ago for her sixth birthday. It was filled with colourful and mesmerising illustrations that left Lily in awe. Most of the time, the only way Lily could fall asleep was if her mother read her an angel story. She treasured those little windows of time they spent together, especially as her mother was always so busy working all the time it seemed.

When she managed to fall asleep after a story, Lily had this recurring dream that she was flying over the city, not very fast and not very high, but just enough to admire the seemingly endless, beautiful landscape spread out beneath her. Flying made her feel free and overflowing with joy. It seemed to her as if she had been swept up by a soft wind that was carrying her wherever she wished to go. Mesmerised, she watched Budapest’s beautifully illuminated bridges gracefully arch over the River Danube. She happily flew towards the hills of Buda observing the couples on the chairlift, gently rocking up and down the hill.

In these flying dreams of hers, the people never noticed her, but as she glanced up at the fluffy white clouds, she saw a few angels waving and smiling lovingly right at her. Lily waved back at them. She always had a feeling they had something to tell her. But at this point the dream would end and she would wake up. She was so disappointed that it had only been a dream, but they seemed so realistic that she felt sure her angels were watching over her even while she was awake, just like they did in her book.

There was no time for stories tonight though. It had been really late when they got home from the school play Lily had performed in. Reading under the blanket had made her soon feel sleepy enough, but the noise from next door seemed to be getting louder so she couldn’t take it any longer. She shouted out to her mum to do something about it, although she knew it was probably another mission impossible; still she hoped this night would be different. Lily heard her mother arguing through the thin walls.

Could you please turn down the volume, my daughter can’t sleep.

Oh c’mon, the guy said with a casual manner. It’s just a few of us celebrating my brother’s birthday.

On a Thursday night? Seriously? Another birthday? This is the third one in two weeks. Don’t you people have work tomorrow? Well, unfortunately I do and I have to wake up early and so does my daughter…

Alright alright love, keep your knickers on, we’ll turn it down in a bit. Okay? Lily heard the neighbour’s front door slam. Her mother returned to their flat and tried to suppress her fury and frustration until she got to Lily’s door. She poked her head in.

I tried my best, but you know what these people are like. Try to sleep my dear, and maybe they will keep their word for once and turn the music down soon. At least that’s what she hoped. Then she walked back to the living-room and snuggled onto the sofa to continue the film she had paused before being interrupted.

Lily rolled her eyes. She just knew this would happen and it could take hours until the raucous party would actually die down. But she couldn’t wait for that to happen. She was just too exhausted, physically, not to mention emotionally after her mother couldn’t arrive in time and missed the entire performance. It seemed that her body was sinking into her soft bed like lead. She turned to her side and glanced down at her book; it was open on a page that read: All you have to do is ask your angels!

She gave a little thought to that idea and then smiled to herself.

Okay, well let’s see what you can do then. She closed her eyes and whispered, My dear angels, please stop the neighbours’ party, so I can finally go to sleep.

She turned off the little blue torch, got herself comfy and hugged her favourite doll. She took a deep breath, and waited for the miracle to happen.

For a good ten minutes, nothing happened at all. She was so tired and was trying to block out the noise, but if anything the racket seemed to be getting even louder. She had almost given up any hope of the angel’s help, when suddenly the music cut out and the TV in their living room turned off too. Lily’s eyes flew wide open in surprise. She kept an ear out for a while, and then sat up and knelt by the window to see what had happened. Outside everything was shrouded in darkness, even the streetlights were off. She could hear the neighbours trying to guess what could have happened.

It was probably just a blackout. Don’t stress guys, it’ll come back on in a couple of minutes, the neighbour said.

To which a female voice announced, Well it’s probably for the best, maybe we should take off. I’ve got work tomorrow anyway and if I’m late again, my boss said he’s gonna sack me . . . Another party-goer agreed.

Lily could hear the neighbour was desperately trying to get them to stay. She was stunned by the turn of events and couldn’t quite believe her eyes and ears. Was this actually just a power cut or was this really the angels answering her call and coming to her rescue?

*     *     *

Perched atop the roof of the block of flats was Lily’s guardian angel, the ethereally beautiful Ariel, with her loyal cherubs Zaniel and Cassiel. Ariel’s pale pink wavy hair was streaked with strands of shining gold and her long yellow dress was swaying softly in the light breeze. On her left shoulder, she wore a white and golden feather cluster signifying her guardian angel status. It was secured in place by a dazzling heart shaped golden citrine crystal.

Cassiel and Zaniel flitted merrily around Ariel with their tiny rainbow coloured wings, all three angels were glistening in the moonlight. This merry trio had worked together in harmony for hundreds of years and guided countless humans quite successfully through their life’s journeys. Not every guardian angel teamed up with the playful (and sometimes annoying) cherubs, but they were Ariel’s first students. Since then they were inseparable. She just loved them to bits and enjoyed their ever-cheerful companionship. Every time she felt a bit discouraged or frustrated about her human charge not listening to her, the trusty cherubs always found a way to come up with the funniest and most creative ideas to make her feel better. They loved to make fun of each other and never missed an opportunity for a good laugh.

Cassiel, in a pink feather-edged frilly white dress was very pleased with herself. Two adorable dimples appeared at her cheeks as she grinned contentedly. Pastel purple unruly curls bounced softly against her perfectly round face. The very first attempt to prove to a human that the angels were listening to them was always a huge deal. Zaniel was a bit disappointed that it was Cassiel this time who had come up with the winning idea first. It was a great breakthrough when Lily finally asked them for their help. All three of them had been eagerly waiting for this magical moment since Lily was born.

The tiny hollow above the upper lip is created when at birth, the guardian angel puts her finger above the baby’s lip to seal it. Consequently, the soul forgets that it lived and died and that they’ve had angels helping them before, through and after their life. Sometimes it took decades for people to connect to their angels and in some cases it never even happened, all throughout their lifetime.

But Lily was different. She had great plans for this life. Before she was born, they planned out all the details with Ariel. This is the first thing the guardian angel needs to do with every soul they are assigned to before beginning a new life together. Hence, Lily’s first attempt to connect with her angels was an exciting moment for all of them.

Cassiel, you cheeky chub! Zaniel taunted.

Hey! I’m not chubby! I just have a ginormous appetite! Cassiel said defensively.

Perhaps the ‘Lullaby Shimmer Dust’ alone would have been enough for little Lily to fall asleep, don’t you think? Ariel interrupted the playful banter, laughing.

But the blackout will ensure everybody has a good night sleep. This way everyone wins, right Ariel? She winked knowingly at Ariel who smiled and nodded approvingly.

Teachers pet! Zaniel sneered and suddenly started cartwheeling towards Cassiel. He bumped into her on purpose and pushed her off balance.

Hey! That’s it! I’m gonna get you for that Zaniel! Cassiel hopped up and they started chasing each other in mid-air, cherub style. As Cassiel grabbed onto Zaniel’s sparkly pink dungarees, they both tumbled onto the chimney and then fell back onto the roof where they continued their playful wrestling. They were rolling and toppling over each other from one end of the roof to the other, behaving like two unruly children. Glistening rainbow coloured feathers were flying just about everywhere and instantly turned into snowflakes as they gently floated towards the ground.

Seconds later, Ariel’s heart shaped pendant lit up and started glowing green. The cherubs abruptly ceased their roughhousing and flew over to where Ariel was standing and landed gently beside her. They fixed their gazes upon Lily’s window, where they saw her silently observing the snowfall with a bemused grin on her face. All three angels were so touched. A miracle had happened; Lily acknowledged their help and was thanking them.

Ariel stroked Cassiel’s pretty purple curls. You did so well my little Cherubs! Just look, the blackout worked even better than we hoped. Lily’s mother was peeking into Lily’s bedroom, candle in hand, to check if she was alright. The little girl was still kneeling in front of the window. She felt her mother sink down onto the bed behind her and wrap her arms lovingly around her shoulders. This always warmed her tiny heart. They sat like this for a little while, just watching how the snowflakes were dancing in the moonlight. After a couple of moments, her mother softly whispered in Lily’s ear, You know you mean the world to me, sweetie. I am honestly sorry that I couldn’t make it to your play tonight. I promise, next time, I’ll be there. Lily turned and buried her wet face into her mother’s arms.

*     *     *

When Lily woke up the next morning, she felt as if she had dreamt the whole thing. Did last night really happen? She wasn’t sure, but she’d been glad when the music had finally stopped and was grateful for that perfectly still silence.

On her way to school, Lily couldn’t help thinking about last night’s performance. She’d waited so long for that day, she thought it would never arrive. With an aching heart, she recalled every minute of last night’s event.

Lily and her schoolmates had been preparing and practicing for this Christmas performance for months. And when the big day had finally arrived she remembered how nervous, but at the same time how excited she was…

She peered out cautiously from behind the curtain in the school auditorium, glanced along the rows of the audience into a swarming sea of faces but could not see the one face she was looking for; her mothers. She let out a disappointed sigh and rearranged her tutu. Her drama teacher, Mrs Horvath helped her into her angel wings which had been crafted with such care and happiness in class.

Don’t worry Lily, your mother will definitely show up. Mrs Horvath tried to encourage her with a wide smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Lily nodded but couldn’t help staring at her gap-toothed friend Dina as she stood on her tiptoes and waved excitedly to her parents who were already seated in the audience.

Lily’s grandmother used to come to every one of her school plays, but she was at home sick that night, this time with the flu. She always seemed to be sick lately. So no matter how much Lily wanted her to be there and see her smiling, reassuring face looking back at her, tonight it was not to be.

Her granny would babysit Lily after school while her mother was at work. Most of the time she was the only one to play with her, read to her and occasionally bake some delicious cakes and cookies with her.

Together they had decorated her bedroom inspired by the pictures in her favourite angel book. They made paper butterflies and plastered them all over the pastel pink walls and adorned her reading lamp with feathers painted in shimmering gold. Around her bed they had hung white and bright pink curtains intertwined with miniature fairy lights. It was her magically decorated room, as well as the angel stories in the book, that made Lily feel like she was living in a fairy tale. To Lily, every day brought an opportunity for a new miracle.

Together, they had also turned her dolls into little angels. Granny had helped her craft and secure wings of colourful feathers to the dolls backs and also fashion long filmy robes for them to wear from scraps of fabric. Lily often acted out how her angel dolls saved Little Red Riding Hood from the Big Bad Wolf or Snow White from her evil stepmother.

She loved these role-playing games and had always been interested in theatre from a young age, and of course she absolutely loved watching movies. Her favourite ones had a main character where the girl was around her age; like Annie or Curly Sue. She would watch these movies over and over again and she could recite the script from memory.

Her Granny was a huge fan of her impromptu performances at home in the lounge room. Sometimes, Lily imagined herself as an award winning Hollywood actress. She would drape a white feather boa around her neck and put on her mother’s glittering earrings. In her hand she held a wooden spoon as her trophy and she paraded around the room. Once, she nearly tripped over in her mother’s emerald green dress and high-heeled shoes, acting if she had just won an Oscar.

Thank you! I love you all! Lily grinned at Granny and the rest of the imaginary audience. Granny always applauded excitedly.

But tonight there was no imaginary audience, these people were very real and there was no Granny. It was nearly show time and her mother was still nowhere in sight.

Surely she is just late because of the snow. Lily said, hoping this was truly the reason behind her mother’s lateness.

A few seconds later, the lights dimmed and the audience quietened down. She felt her heart beating in her throat. The Christmas music began. It’s show time Lily! She took a deep breath and with a smile on her face, flew out onto the stage with Dina. The reflector’s blinding light obscured the audience from Lily’s view, which made her relax a little. She put everything out of her mind and completely gave herself into her role, just as her drama teacher, Mrs Horvath had taught her.

In this year’s play, she was a Christmas Angel who was teaching a moral to the heartless miser of the town. The audience chuckled at their children’s cute acts and wiped their watering eyes, touched by the sound of their joyful singing.

When the play came to an end, the children all lined up at the front of the stage with Mrs Horvath, and bowed low. They were rewarded by a thundering applause from the proud parents. They bowed again, just like they had practiced, and as the lights in the audience flared on, Lily’s attention drifted to the back of the auditorium where the doors had just opened. Snowflakes drifted in on the icy breeze and her mother stood there in her thick winter coat, her face red and flushed from the bitter cold outside. Lily’s heart clenched and tears gathered in her eyes. She realised then that her mother had missed the entire performance, which she had put her heart and soul into.

When she had changed out of her costume and was ready to go, her mother was waiting for her outside the change rooms. Being only an eight-year-old girl, Lily found it hard to mask her disappointment. And so with a heavy heart, she walked slowly towards her mother.

I’m terribly sorry Lily, apologised her mother. But today I had to stay back at work longer than I expected. You know, I had to finalise arrangements for a big business project, which I’ve been working really hard on for months. Maybe now I can finally get the bonus they’ve been promising me. You know how much we need it.

Lily didn’t say a word, but silently her heart broke in two.

I’ll try to make it next time, okay? Her mother attempted to comfort her without much success. Lily just nodded sadly.

As they walked out through the school gates, Lily’s little booted feet tried to follow the pre-trodden larger footprints in the snow. She was explaining how hard it was to be the only parent working to support them both and how her father certainly couldn’t send money to them from the afterlife. She had heard this excuse countless times before, so she just sighed and silently trudged beside her mother, trying not to slip.

I wish I could’ve known my dad, she murmured quietly as they reached their good old car. It got them from A to B… but clearly didn’t like the cold weather either. Shivering, they piled into their seats, rubbing their hands together and trying to warm up their frozen fingers with warm exhalations.

I know sweetheart, I know, her mother stroked Lily’s red cheeks. I wish he could have known you too. She’d been too young to remember her father. He died in a horrible motorcycle accident when she was just a baby. But she loved looking at his photos and thought he was a handsome man who had kindly hazel eyes, just like hers. She was very proud of that.

Mum, what if we asked the angels to help? she asked with hope.

Her mother just laughed bitterly, shook her head and started up the engine.

You and your angels… But Lily persisted. Yes, exactly! They could definitely think of something to make sure you could make it next time. That’s what they do. They help if we ask them, remember? It’s in my book. Then she added quietly, That is, if you do want to come next time.

Geez, Lily, stop that! her mother snapped. Of course I want to come. She was angry that Lily would even suggest such thing, but mostly she was angry at herself. It was really just her own guilt at not being able to stand up to her boss that night either. Jobs were hard to find for a single mother and she was petrified of losing hers. Where would that leave Lily and I then? she often thought. It wasn’t just Lily she had to think of either, her elderly mother was starting to need more and more care lately. Sometimes she felt it was all just too much for her to bear. But she just kept going, one day blurring into the next. She stepped on the gas firmly and the car started with a lot of loud revving. You’ve got to stop fantasizing, Lily you need to understand that angels don’t exist. It’s all just fairy tales. The real world is way more complicated than that.

Her mother’s harsh words hit Lily heavily in the heart. To her, angels were real and they meant a great deal to her. She knew she could rely on them; she just needed to ask for their help. Exactly the way it had happened that mysteriously miraculous night, when the power cut happened. She decided then that she would never mention the angels to her mother again. She would lock her secret deep within her heart and start a diary to write down the magical events that happened similar to that night.

*     *     *

CHAPTER 2

To be or not to be?

L ily absently moved the uneaten grains of rice around on her plate. Her mother was pushing an uncomfortable topic; her career choice. She knew it would not be easy to convince her mother of her ambitions - she was always practical and down to earth and never dared to dream big. But Lily couldn’t blame her, she knew that it wasn’t easy to raise her alone. Unfortunately her Granny died when she was ten and for that she had to grow up very quickly. At seventeen, she found herself wishing she could finally make her own career choices. She was one of the rare few who knew exactly what she wanted to do. She just wasn’t sure if her mother would support her plans. She gathered all her courage, thinking she didn’t have anything to lose.

I was thinking to audition for enrolment to the National Drama Academy, she said tentatively, sneaking a sidelong glance at her mother who was busy chewing the food in her mouth. You know how much I love the stage and acting. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do since, well since forever. My drama teacher says I am talented enough…

Are you serious? her mother cut in. She couldn’t believe this frivolous childhood ambition of Lily’s still remained so prominent in her thoughts. Do you know how many people try to get into the Drama School every year?

Lily obviously didn’t know. She only knew one thing; she adored the theatre and the movies. Her only desire was to entertain people and make the audience laugh, or touch people’s hearts. She wanted to wear many different costumes from different eras, sing and dance and to make the audience forget all about their worries and problems when they were watching her and the play. She thought it was her destiny. She started to envision her name in lights and saw herself looking glamorous on the silver screen… until her mother’s voice brought her back to the harsh reality.

Are you listening Lily? I said seven hundred people! She paused a little for Lily to process that information. And out of those seven hundred people, only twenty get in. And possibly at least only half of them are talented. So no matter how talented you think you are, there would be still a very small chance for you to get in.

Lily could practically hear the sound of her dreams crashing onto the kitchen floor and smashing into a thousand pieces. Weren’t parents meant to support their children in making their dreams come true? Or did they really just mean to protect their children from the possibility that they might fail? Emphasis on the might . . . What would happen if parents actually believed their children would succeed? Who feared failure more, us or them?

Well, thanks for that Mum. I think I’m full. Lily stood up and shoved the remaining food on her plate into the bin.

Her mother rolled her eyes. Lily, you know I only want the best for you. Why do you think I signed you up for those English lessons that cost a fortune? I did it so opportunities would be open to you in the international labour market. Good jobs are few and far between in this town. She softened her tone. I would prefer it if you didn’t dive into something that may cause you disappointment.

There it is! I knew it, thought Lily.

You have to be realistic, continued her mother. You’re going to have to choose a career where you can earn a normal wage, like a banker or a manager. Most actors can’t even find a job because the competition in the theatre is so fierce. The Hungarian film industry just wasn’t made for this many actors. As she shoved a bite of bread into her mouth, she added that most of the actors are starving.

Lily was slightly discouraged by her mother’s advice. Should she listen to her logical reasoning? Perhaps she really wasn’t as talented as she believed herself to be and upon further thought, her stomach twisted at the realisation that she’d actually have to audition. What would happen if she forgot her lines? And she certainly didn’t want to starve. Maybe, she thought, it would be better to ask Tom. He was so clever and seemed that he was so well informed about all things. Not to mention how cute he looked…

Tom was by far the coolest guy in school. There was a lot about him that set him apart from the rest of the crowd. His family had moved to Hungary from America when Tom was twelve; his mother was American but his father was Hungarian. He was insistent that Tom knew his Hungarian roots and experience the culture and learn to speak the language fluently. His father had also made it quite clear that he’d be happiest if Tom would take a Hungarian girl for his wife.

Tom was happy with his life and clearly loved his popularity at school. He was tall for seventeen and that made him seem much older. The boys all wanted to hang out with him and the girls all melted around him. Lily couldn’t decide if it was his cute American accent or his irresistible smile that swept the girls off their feet. Needless to say, Lily wasn’t exempt from his charms either. Apart from being incredibly handsome, with his carefully styled brown hair and ripped jeans, to Lily he practically oozed Hollywood glamour. Often she’d dream that Tom would take her to LA, the city of angels, where she would become a famous Hollywood star. But the idea of moving to Hollywood didn’t interest Tom in the slightest, especially considering that he had grown up in New Jersey, which he’d informed Lily was on the opposite side to Hollywood and a million miles away from them.

To put it simply, Tom was a car fanatic. He could spend hours talking about different makes and models and their history. If Lily liked living in a fantasy world, Tom had his own dream world and it was called Car Heaven.

They both lived in the same direction, so ever since that sunny spring day when Lily had saved him from bumping into a light pole - while he was deeply involved in his car magazine, as usual, - Tom decided that it was much safer for him if they went to school together from then on.

The other girls always glared at them jealously and loved to speculate whether or not Tom actually had the hots for Lily or if they were just friends. Lily was certain her friendship with Tom was purely plutonic, and no matter how much she wanted him to like her more than just a friend; she didn’t even consider the possibility that he would have romantic feelings for her.

On the way to school they always stopped by the freeway overpass. Lily was still completely amazed that Tom was even talking to her, let alone walking with her to school, so she happily listened to him prattle on about cars and played his favourite guessing game. She’d have to guess the horsepower and maximum speed of the cars that happened to pass below them. Of course, initially she had no idea about any of it, but Tom soon taught her.

To Lily, Tom always came across as being very knowledgeable, and he seemed to know everything about the world. America had always fascinated her and she often asked Tom thousands of questions like: Does everyone listen to rap music and eat hamburgers there? Has he been to Disneyland? Has he seen the Grand Canyon? One of her most important questions was to know if he had met anyone famous. Mostly he would just laugh and shake his head at her.

Truthfully, not only did America fascinate her, but the whole idea of being abroad made her feel excited. Her friend Dina couldn’t ever imagine leaving Hungary, but the thirst for adventure and her insatiable curiosity fuelled Lily. They worked together practicing her English and Tom helped her to improve her accent so it mirrored his.

There was no way she wanted to get stuck in an ordinary life, where it seemed to be a person’s duty to go to school, finish studies and then find a job. Meanwhile, she would dutifully marry, bear children and buy a house with a white picket fence. Lily wanted so much more than that for herself. She wanted adventures and to discover the world.

Walking home from school that afternoon, Lily needed Tom’s advice more than ever.

So, I had another fabulous conversation with my mother last night. She wasn’t too taken by the idea that I wanted to audition for the Drama Academy. Actually, just the idea of it practically made her choke on her dinner. I don’t know Tom, do you think I’d have a chance of getting in?

Would you like the Christmas spirit answer or the realistic one? Tom smiled his cheeky grin.

Why, what’s the difference?

Well, the Christmas one would be that you do have a chance, as long as you believe in yourself.

Lily thought that answer should be the real one, since this was the loving, supportive response she’d expected from her mother, but mainly from him.

Okay then, hit me! What’s the realistic answer?

That your chance of getting in is one in thirty five.

So, do I?

I just told you, out of thirty five people auditioning only one gets in. Tom explained patiently.

I don’t care about the statistics, Tom. She was getting frustrated. My mother explained all that to me in no uncertain terms last night. But you’ve seen me in all the school performances, and I want to know if you think I’m good enough to get in.

Would you like the Christmas answer or the real one?

Ha ha, very funny! Lily said sarcastically and pushed Tom into a nearby bush, laughing.

Oh, you are gonna get it! Tom hollered back. Clambering out from the bush, he set off after the fleeing Lily. She didn’t stand a chance. Tom was a track and field all-star and quickly caught up with her. He yanked her down onto the grass and started tickling her mercilessly. Lily screeched and tried to get out of Tom’s strong grasp. He had her trapped underneath him, and both her hands were pinned. Grinning, they remained like that for a moment; both panting and out of breath. He stopped smiling for just a second and put on his most serious face.

I think you’re talented enough, I just don’t think you’d be able to make a living out of it.

Lily completely melted from the unexpected compliment. The rest of what he’d said hadn’t even registered. Tom thought she was talented! Her heart overflowed with joy. Simultaneously panic gripped her. Tom’s sudden closeness caused anxiety to well up inside of her. She closed her eyes and didn’t move. She felt Tom let up his hold and he rolled off of her. This took Lily by surprise and she couldn’t decide whether she was disappointed or relieved.

Tom also looked a bit flustered and wouldn’t look at Lily. He’d imagined it so many times; how he would finally kiss her, but every time an opportunity arose he lost his nerve. He’d been longing to kiss her from the moment he’d seen her from across the street. He’d always been attracted to blonde haired girls but Lily’s distinctive amber-coloured eyes made her overall look so unique and irresistible to Tom. She was tall too, like him, and had lovely curves for someone so slim. He loved to make Lily laugh and adored her sweet, shy smile. He liked how she would hang on his every word and it seemed like she was just as enthusiastic towards cars as he was. The truth was, he’d never enjoyed being with another girl as much as he liked being with Lily. He’d heard that a few of the guys at school were interested in her too, so he knew if he didn’t make his move soon, somebody else would. He just couldn’t let that happen.

He cleared his dry throat, Sorry if I dampened your enthusiasm a little.

No problem. My mother practically said the same thing.

They avoided each other’s gazes. Lily racked her brain trying to think of something to say to ease the tension, but Tom beat her to it.

Hey Lily, you know umm, they’re playing a good film this week in the cinema. What’s its name? I have it on the tip of my tongue. You know who’s starring in it, that actor you love… Oh, what’s his name? I can’t remember… Anyway, it’d be good to see it but the guys can’t make it, because… he cleared his throat that dried out way too quikly… well ’cos… they have somewhere to be so would you like to come?

Lily’s heart soared. Could it be? Tom was finally asking her out on a date? She felt her face flush and she knew she was blushing. He probably wasn’t really asking her out. It’s only because his mates couldn’t make it, surely. She was trying to compose herself and was about to accept, but then she remembered this weekend they were leaving for the countryside to visit some relatives. Her mother had been planning it for months. Oh no! Now what should I say?

With a heavy heart, she replied sadly, I’m sorry Tom, but I can’t make it this weekend. He suddenly got to his feet, trying hard but failing to hide his disappointment. Lily followed him but his back was towards her. Are they still playing the film next Saturday?

You bet! Tom turned around and his dazzling million-dollar smile was intoxicating.

So they went to movies together the following weekend and as Tom slowly linked his hand in Lily’s during the film, she was in seventh heaven. This really was a date after all, she realised. Holding hands was pretty hard to misinterpret. It was a definite sign of their unity. She was over the moon.

From that moment on nothing much had really changed and yet everything had changed. They still walked to school together, but now they walked holding hands. On weekends they often went to the movies or hired a few movies from the local blockbusters. Tom’s father gave him a decent allowance so he was able to afford these rare indulgences. He knew he could impress Lily with that because he knew how much she adored the films and before she was with Tom, she hardly got to go to the movies once every three months.

The video shop was a real treasure pit for Lily. In the beginning Tom let her choose all the films, but soon she came to realise their tastes were very different. Lily loved the costume dramas and romantic comedies whereas Tom preferred the action movies and especially loved the James Bond series where 007 was racing after the bad guy with all the greatest auto models. So Lily let Tom choose most of the time. The most important thing was to keep Tom interested in her and she thought this was the only way. Even if she wasn’t enjoying those films that much, it didn’t matter, as long as Tom was holding her