SURPRISE!

carried off without a hitch,
i am not good at keeping these things quiet
so it's been a miracle really,
and a VERY long month

this morning i arrived
tampa, florida
matthew's birthday
the surprise to end all surprises

the call went something like this,
"happy birthday baby!
work sure is boring, wish i were there with you"
and him,
"yeah, me too, i really wish you could be here also..."
thirty seconds later
cut to
me storming in through the front door
as he sat mouth agape
roommate poised and ready with the digital camera
shock
excitement
uncertainty
joy

is it real?
it is.
is it you?
it's me.

i'll be here for a week
don't think for a second that i was gonna spend valentine's day alone!
and i'm not the one finishing my last semester of school,
so i can allow myself the flexibility to travel

it'll be an amazing seven days
god willing
it's hard when something like this is a surprise
hard to believe
hard to plan
hard to prepare for
i've been leaving subtle hints
coaxing him to save a little spending cash and keep the schedule relatively clear, without giving too much away

BUT
on his plate:
a full class load, mcat prep course and four shifts in the next three days alone
on my plate:
a whole hell of a lot of free time
and a dog
who has traveled down south in a carry-on to keep yours truly company, and maybe pick up a suntan of her own in the meantime

so, Thank You Lindsey!
for all your help in planning this
i truly would not have been able to do it without you
and Happy Birthday Baby!
you deserve all the happiness in the world

on your special day
22 years old
you say that you feel older,
i know the way that goes
but don't you worry yourself
we'll keep things spontaneous, light, exciting and fun

a surprise
a little planning
and a lot of love are all you need

to stay forever young.