💕Beautiful Day (Kristian Kostov)💕

4. Name Tag

"Hey u wanna meet up in town later? If ur busy thats fine, just need to know soon, hope u can make it xx"

I read the message from Eva and quickly typed a reply:

"Yeah I'm free today what time suits u best?"

As quick as lightning she sent another chat:

"Maybe 11:30? Know its early but I'll hav to leave at 2 for the airport so I thought we cud spend the mornin in town before I go"

"Great, meet u at the square?"

"Sure, c u soon! Xx"

"Lookin forward to it xx."

I put my phone in my bag and went upstairs to get ready. I put on some makeup and some sunscreen since it was a hot day. It was July now, so the weather was starting to improve.

I thought it would be interesting to go into the city today because the Galway Arts Festival started yesterday. I knew the streets would be busy with performers and tourists and it was always a fun event. I knew they would be something interesting to see or hear. There always is anyways, there's always a buzz about Galway.

I ran downstairs to tell Mum that I was going. I found her sitting in the kitchen with Tramp on her lap. I wanted to eat something before I left so I walked in.

"Morning Suzie. It's such a lovely day isn't it?", she asked.

I grabbed the nearly empty bread packet and took out two slices. "Yeah, it's great. I was thinking of meeting up with Eva today in the city, if that's OK with you?" I tried to sound polite.

"Mmm... alright, just be careful with all those crowds and don't come back too late." I noticed uncertainty in her voice which made me look up from buttering the bread. However, she was frowning at Tramp, not me. She seemed to be focused on his name tag on his collar. I pretended not to notice, but she caught me looking and turned to me.

"We've had that name tag a good few years now. It's starting to fade a little. I mean, if you didn't know his name was Tramp, you'd probably mistake it for 'Trump', since the 'a' is nearly gone."

I nearly dropped my bread knife and snorted. "Mum, no one's going to think that. Who would call a dog Trump of all names?"

"Look at it", she said, so I did. I realised she did have a point as I looked closer. "Alright, I see what you mean", I said.

"Would you mind dropping into the pet shop to get a new one whilst you're in the city? I'll give you the money for it."

I stuck my ham and cheese sandwich in the grill. "Yeah sure, I don't mind. Can I bring Tramp with me? There's some other things I'd like to get for him in the pet shop, just little treats."

"You're going to bring him so he can pick out what he likes in the pet shop, is that it?", she asked jokingly. "That's ok, just look after him and make sure you keep him on the lead at all times."

"Don't worry I will. Thanks Mum." I gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I ate my toasted sandwich quickly. I was just grabbing my stuff before I headed out the door when I stopped.

"Did Dad leave early this morning? I thought I heard him in the middle of the night, around half four." I went back into the kitchen.

"Oh yes, that was him. He had to leave early today. Some special customer who had to be picked up from the airport and brought into Salthill. You know what some people are like." Mum rolled her eyes as she spoke.

"Special customer?", I asked curiously. "Hmm, I wonder..." I looked at my watch. "I'd better go. Bye Mum!" I gave her another hug and ran out the door.

~

"So we're staying at the camp in Normandy for one week, then we're going down to Paris for the second week, and on the last day we're going to Disneyland." Eva jumped up and down excitedly. "I can't wait!"

As I was listening to her I couldn't help but feel a bit jealous. I'd never left the country before and Eva was always going somewhere nice every year. Still, I was happy for her.

"You're so lucky, that sounds sooo fun. I wish we could go somewhere abroad for once", I said, sighing.

Eva looked at me sympathetically. "I'm sure you will someday", she said. Then she smiled. "I wonder if I'll meet any cute French boys when I'm away?"

"Bring back one for me", I said, and we both burst out laughing. "I'll try", she said, giggling.

We walked through the busy streets, taking in the sights and sounds all around us. There were buskers, jugglers, human statues and street artists in every corner, and the crowds were massive. Everywhere you looked there was something happening. There were lots of tourists from foreign countries, taking pictures and watching the performances with wide eyes.

We approached a small crowd outside a record shop where there was a young guy singing. He only looked about eighteen. He had a guitar and he was singing 'Stay With Me' by Sam Smith. He sounded brilliant. When he was finished he got a huge applause and cheers. We clapped for him too and gave him a few coins. He grinned at us and thanked us gratefully.

When we walked away, I couldn't help but think about who he reminded me of. I hadn't thought about Kristian in a while, but after that performance he came into my head again.

Eva noticed that I was distracted. "You're thinking about someone. Is it that busker?", she asked, "Or cute French boys? Or both?"

I shook my head. "Hmm... is it... is it Kristian? The boy from Eurovision?" I nodded.

"Knew it", she said, "It's a pity he lives so far away. He would of been a great boyfriend for you."

I snorted. "Yeah, imagine little old me with a famous Eurovision boyfriend. That's the stuff of dreams."

Eva shrugged. "You never know", she said, "Weirder things have happened. Like Trump becoming the President of the USA."

"Oh gosh, that reminds me, I need to go into that pet shop for a new tag for Tramp." I looked down at the Yorkie sitting patiently at my feet.

"We'll go there after we've done our shopping. You need to take your mind off Kristian", she said. I let out a sigh.

"Come on", she said, linking arms with me. "Let's have fun." She pulled a face.

I laughed and we set off, running through the streets, laughing as if it was going to be the best day of our lives.
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