| Hi Sarah Thanks for that, I know that when you first get a new plant you are very eager to see the blooms as soon as possible, however this is not always the best thing. I have had a good look at the photo and added a few bits to that will give you something to think about. You will see that I have marked the ‘’Broken Stem’ on the photograph, this looks as though it has broken off, you really need to cut this straight, this will help the ‘cut’ to heal quicker and also assist in preventing disease entering the stem. I have also marked places on the stem as 1, 2 and 3, I where I suggest (and it’s only a suggestion) that you actually trim (stop) these stems back to the places indicated. 
I can hear your screams from here!!! What you have to remember though Sarah is that the more stems you have the more flowers you will have in the long run, although this will be about ten to twelve weeks after you ‘stop’ the stems. You could always root the tips that don't have flower buds showing - yet more things to learn.... With regards to leaving your plant for a week or so you can always stand the plant on some wet capillary matting placed on a tray or alternately run some form of wick (thick string or a burner wick) from the soil in the plant to a cup or small bottle, this will keep the plant slightly watered for about a week. The plant needs to be in a cool airy place while you are away and definitely not put in direct sunshine. If your parents are looking after the plant for you, make sure that you don’t leave it in the saucer that it is stood in now – they will almost certainly over water it if you do. I am never sure if the advice given causes more trouble than the original question, but I do hope it helps you. Tight.... | 
