Holidays.

Holidays.

This used to be my favourite time of year.

Both the summer break and of course the winter holidays over Christmas. But for me, it was just so I could stay home and play video games or be treated to a free holiday by my parents.

This year, I didn't want to be away.

With a new group of highly attractive female friends from school, the last thing I wanted was to spend time away with my family. Sitting by the pool in a tropical location on Christmas Day, I felt a sense of frustration.

Partly due to being sexually frustrated but also just very much needing the company of someone my own age to speak to. I left the beautiful hot sun outside and headed back to the hotel room to spend a few minutes getting myself off just to relieve some tension.

By the time I got back to the room, my phone was ringing. I could see that it was an Instagram call from back in the United States.

Incoming call: Tayla

Surprised to hear from her on Christmas Day, I answered.

"Hey Tay, Merry Christmas!"

"Oh Leo, so good to hear your voice, Merry Christmas to you too! How's Fiji??"

"It's great," I replied, despite not wanting to be here, a little spoilt I have to admit.

"How long are you meant to be there for?"

"Two more weeks, pretty much."

"Oh snap."

"Why? Is something wrong?"

"No, it's just Declan's parents have a holiday home in Queensland, Australia, he's inviting all of us to head down there for a week or two, and be there over New Year's Eve, was hoping you might be able to make it but understand if you cant since you're already away."

In my mind, I was quickly working out the distance between Fiji and Australia. It wasn't too far at all, a much easier trip than it would be for everyone else coming from home."

"I'll be there!"

I made the decision just to agree without working out if it was actually possible or not.

"Really?? That's wonderful!"

"When will you be there? Who's going?" I asked, with so many questions I wanted answers to.

"Myself and Declan are leaving tonight, I know it's so sudden but Declan only just got the green light from his parents that this could happen. His parents have even chipped in for flights for the other girls, they're all leaving Florida tomorrow."

Listening in, I couldn't believe just how much money his parents had to be affording everyone's flights.

"A few of Declan's friends are coming too, they'll be there before New Year's Eve. Really hope you can make it, I know flights can be expensive but everything else down there will be sorted by Declan!"

"I'll be there, don't worry."

"Amazing! I'll text you the details. See you soon, enjoy your Christmas!"

It wasn't easy, but I managed to convince my up-tight parents that it would be safe and affordable enough to head to Australia for the rest of the holidays.

I'll save you all the details of the back-and-forth arguing that it took to get my way. Once I reminded my mother a million times that I was 18 and a legal adult, I finally had her blessing. Before I knew it, I was on a plane, about to land in one of the northern states of Australia.