Flashback - People don't take trips, trips take people

It was David's first Christmas in Paris, and as he wandered around the living room of his apartment, in his Christmasy outfit he felt a bit lost. He was so close to home in London, but yet it seemed so far away, he wondered what his family would think if they knew he wasn't teaching English in Jakarta but instead was working as a female wedding planner in Paris, everyday dressing in the most feminine of outfits and strutting through the streets in the highest of heels.

He sat down next to the tree, stretching out his nylon clad legs and looking down at the tall platform heels on the end of his feet that he couldn't walk without these days, and thought about calling home. No, it was too late now, Jakara was five hours ahead, it would be 3 am over there now, he would have to wait until morning. At least tomorrow promised to be a nice day, Annisa had offered to cook a Christmas dinner and she had invited some friends over. She wasn't the best of cooks, and neither was he but it didn't matter how the turkey turned out, it was Christmas and David was determined to have fun.

"What are you doing sat there silly, you look so miserable", Annisa said as she walked into the room.

"Just thinking about my family", David said looking up.

Annisa trotted over and sat next to him on the floor, "let's go visit them soon, ok? I'd love to meet them".

"Sure", David replied knowing it wouldn't be possible unless he could somehow tell Annisa the truth about him.

Annisa changed the subject, "Hey, I love your outfit today, you look so cute and Christmassy".

David looked down at his red trench dress, designed to look like a coat, and thought about how much had changed in the last year, he was so comfortable in dresses and skirts nowadays, he forgot he was wearing them most of the time. He looked up and smiled at Annisa, " thanks Annisa, and thanks for everything you've done for me, I love you", he said sincerely.

"It's no problem, Fifi, you're like a sister to me, I love you too, Merry Christmas", Annisa said wrapping her arm around him and giving him a squeeze.

As David melted into her embrace, feeling safe and comfortable, he wondered what the next year would have in store for him, "Merry Christmas".