“Absolutely!” I reply firmly, ignoring the nervous flutters in my stomach.
I get out of the taxi and stretch my legs. Passengers are milling about with trolleys, and a plane is taking off with a thunderous roar, almost right above me.
God, we’re really doing it. In a few hours we’ll be in London. After all these months traveling.
“By the way,” says Luke. “There was a message from your mother on my mobile this afternoon. She wanted to know if we were still in Sri Lanka, or had we gone to Malaysia yet?”
He lifts his eyebrows comically at me, and I feel a giggle rise. They are all going to get such a shock! They’re all going to be so thrilled to see us!
And suddenly I’m full of excitement. We’re on our way home!
Four
OH MY GOD. We’ve done it. We’re back! We’re actually back on English soil.
Or, at least, English tarmac. We spent last night in Luke’s flat, and now we’re driving along the Surrey roads in a hired car, all ready to surprise Mum and Dad. In about two minutes we’ll arrive at their house! It’s just after eleven, so they’ll be having coffee in the garden as usual, with no idea!
I can barely keep still for excitement. In fact, I keep banging my knee on the South American tribal mask. I can just see the looks on Mum and Dad’s faces when they see us! Mum’s face will light up, and Dad will look astounded, then his face will break into a smile… and we’ll be running to each other through the clouds of smoke…
Actually, maybe there won’t be any clouds of smoke. I’m thinking of The Railway Children. But anyway, it’ll be fantastic. The most fantastic reunion ever!
To be honest, Mum and Dad have probably found it quite hard-going without me. I’m their only daughter, and this is the longest they’ve ever had to go without seeing me. Ten whole months.
I will so make their day, coming back home.
We swing into Mayfield Avenue and for the first time I feel just the tiniest twinge of nerves.
“Luke, should we have called?” I say.
“Too late now,” Luke replies calmly, and signals left.
We’re nearly at our street. Oh God. I really am starting to feel jittery.
“What if they’re so shocked to see us that they have heart attacks?” I say in sudden panic.
“I’m sure they’ll be fine!” Luke laughs. “Don’t worry!”
And now we’re in Elton Road, my parents’ road. We’re coming up to their house. We’re here.
Luke pulls into the drive and turns off the engine. For a moment neither of us moves.
“Ready?” says Luke.
Feeling suddenly self-conscious, I get out of the car and slam the door. It’s a bright, sunny day and the street is quiet, apart from a few birds twittering and the distant sound of a lawn mower.
I walk up to the front door, hesitate, and then, with a sudden surge of excitement, lift my hand and firmly press the bell.
Nothing happens.
“Mum!” I shriek. “Dad!” I open my arms wide. “We’re back!”
Mum and Dad look up, and both freeze to the spot. Suddenly I notice they’ve got someone else with them. Some woman. Or girl. I can’t see properly in this bright sunlight.
“Mum!” I cry again. “Dad!”
The strange thing is, they aren’t moving. They must be too shell-shocked by my appearance or something. Maybe they think I’m a ghost.
“I’m back!” I yell. “It’s me, Becky! Surprise!”