Sh*tty Circumstances

                                    

                                          
LOICK
"Are we ready?" I ask, checking I have my passport and wallet one last time. Both, thankfully, are still in my backpack. Exactly where I left them and ready to be used during my and Lily's trip away. Starting when we arrive at Heathrow Airport, but Lily doesn't need to know about my little plan just yet. 
Our cases are fully packed and after a morning of partially lounging, watching reruns on TV and snacking, we're ready to begin our journey to the French Riviera. 
Looking around, Lily slides her backpack into place and nods yes. 
"Yeah I'm ready," she sighs. She's still not herself but I'd expect no less given her circumstances. But I'm here to help her make the best out of the bad situation. And hopefully make amends for myself which I should've done in the past. If I did, then perhaps this would've been a honeymoon. Who knows. 
I offered yesterday while we were planning over our Domino's to get a driver to take us to Heathrow rather than risk the busyness of the tube. Of course, Lily said no. But I know Lily. Primarily, she'll be thinking about the cost associated with that. Even though it wouldn't affect her bank balance, only mine. As always, looking out for others. 
Our flight leaves at 5:35pm from Terminal 5 and flies directly to Nice. From there, we'll be getting a cab to our hotel in St. Tropez so our holiday can begin. It takes just under an hour to get to Heathrow from Knightsbridge on the tube but thankfully, it's a direct route from here. It just takes a while. 
I didn't want to just go to the airport, check-in, board the plane and go. I rather enjoy the airport - as silly as that sounds. I've always held the belief that your holiday starts at the airport. The moment you set foot in there. That's why we're leaving 40 minutes earlier than originally planned to account for travelling there. And so when we arrive in good time and get through security with time to spare, we can hit the shops. There's nothing better than a duty-free bargain, especially if I can find one for Lily. 
Wheeling both our cases through the front door, I turn and lock the door behind me, making sure my place is extra secure. Winston downstairs knows my rules on visitors. If your name isn't Lily, Theo or Chloe then you're not allowed up here without being buzzed in. He sticks to those rules too, without question. 
After hearing the locks click into place, I lead Lily towards the elevator doors and press the button to request the lift. Soon after, the double doors open for us and we enter inside, ready to descend down to the ground floor and make our way to the airport. 
I would've happily got us a driver, but I have to remember, everything about this holiday is on Lily's terms. Starting from now. 
After weaving our way underneath the city, travelling westbound on the blue Piccadilly line, we finally arrive at Heathrow, Terminal 5 around 1:30pm. This is perfect timing. We have plenty of time to check in, deal with security and shop before boarding. Providing there are no delays, we'll be able to enjoy the airport amenities before setting off. Otherwise, if you're here too long, the novelty wears off and boredom sets in. 
Stepping into Terminal 5 departures, I wheel both my and Lily's case through the large glass doors. We stop briefly, taking in the bustling, open departures area, filled with travellers from all over the world. 
Various queues extend in slaloms from the check-in desks towards us while seats line the areas in between. Offering some the luxury to sit down and relax. 
Lily and I head over to the brightly lit screen, displaying all the departure flight information for today from Terminal 5. Looking, trying to find details about our flight to Nice, I get distracted by the sound of an announcement, echoing through the hall.