Genre Gala: Inspirational: A Day Like Never Before

I rode down Huckleberry lane, on my way to my friend's house. The morning air was sharp in my nostrils, but nice and cool nevertheless. Barely able to contain my excitement, I jogged up the cobbled path leading to Andrew's front door and was about to knock on the door when it flew open. 

It was my birthday and I was in for the most magical day of my life. I'd actually thought about what to wear, which is unlike me. I was in my favourite tee, paired with a light jacket and the new cargo shorts I'd got last week. My hair had been pulled into a ponytail less messily then usual, which was no doubt windswept by now.

Andrew stood in the doorframe, his dark hair falling over his eyes. His face lit up when he saw me, though.

"Happy birthday, Gale." He gave me a light hug and hand squeeze before shouldering his drooping pack and stepping over the threshold. 

"Shall we?"

I grinned and walked down the path and to my bike which had been left running in my eagerness. I got on before motioning to Andrew. He quite gracefully got on behind me.

"Hold on tight!" I warned fleetingly before gunning the Harley full throttle. I faintly heard Andrew chuckle. I assumed he was holding onto the seat back or something.

The ride was short but scenic nonetheless. Tall trees of yew and birch, bird calls, and the sound of a rushing stream filled me with pleasure.

We parked by a small building.

Andrew got off looking a little confused. "This is where it is?"

"Wait and see, Ands. Wait and see."

He followed me inside. A woman at the reception desk asked me for identification, which I immediately provided. She smiled and nodded towards a nearby door.

"It can't be in here, surely, Gale? Are you sure that you've got-whoa."

Instead of answering, I had pushed open the door to reveal a enormous open field dotted with numerous helicopters and pads.

"Whoa, Gale. This is legit."

"Duh, dummy. Come on." I walked onto the field which felt like a second home.

The two of us walked through lines of 'copters, Andrew issuing frequent cries of admiration.

"Okay, chill, dude. I've got one last big surprise for you. Close your eyes."

Andrew did. I took his arm and pulled him ahead till we approached my personal 'copter.

"Open your eyes."

"O. M. G. Gale, it is so cool. Poor Phoebe, look what she's missing out on." He stared.

My plane had been painted like a very abstract canvas, with swathes of white and blue and orange. Only the side read one word: Thunder.

"I remember you saying when you were five that you were fly in the thunder. You did."

"Yep. But what are you waiting for? Get in."

Andrew boarded the Thunder's front passenger seat and strapped himself in. On one of the seats behind was a tall girl in a pilot's uniform.

Seeing Andrew's expression, she said, "I'm there because Gale asked me to be. Ignore me for now."

"Look, I apologise for what I'm about to do, but I simply have to, okay?" I said as I buckled myself into the pilot's seat.

"Uhh-" I interrupted Andrew by pressing a button. A voice crackled over the intercom. A silkily shrill italian voice rang out. 

"Please ensure you have secured your seat belt and put on your headphones. Pilot Gale Dameson, you have recieved flight clearance. Passenger, please follow any instructions given by the pilot. Thank you."

"What the heck, Captain?" 

"It's that european girl. How she got that job, I have no idea. Disastrous accent. But we'd probably have been shot down or something if I hadn't done it. Also, don't call me captain." I said.

"All right, pilot Gale."

I shook my head, a smile playing at my lips . I revved up the engine before pulling up the 'copter off the ground. I guided the plane over the edge of the plateau; we were soaring over the valley.

"That is a capital A awesome view, Gale." I looked at Andrew. His face was close to the glass, through which lush forest and small farms could be seen.

"And now for the best part," I said, setting the 'copter on autopilot and grinning at Andrew. "The last surprise."

Andrew sat up as the girl behind handed him two harnesses.

"Are we- Gale, are we going skydiving?" Andrew couldn't hide his excitement.

I smiled and nodded. "It's been my wish for ages. Well, they normally do it out of planes, but since I'm a helicopter pilot-"

I had to stop, Andrew had thrown his arms around me. 

"This is the best birthday party I've every been to."

The girl behind took the pilot's seat, and Andrew and I strapped up. When she gave the signal, I opened the door and with just s moment's hesitation, dropped out of the Thunder. I heard Andrew jump behind me, and the door closing.

The selfie stick belted to my arm took a selfie of us both, and I felt that this was going to be a very, very lucky day for my photo wall.