Chapter 3

Maya's P.O.V

I didn't even need an alarm to wake me up. As soon as I felt the slightest hint of sunlight shine through my curtains, my eyes were already wide open. If it were any other Monday, I would have groaned and rolled back to bed, but today wasn't just any other Monday. Today is our trip to Europe.

Sliding off the bed, I skipped my typical morning routine and headed straight to the bathroom. There wasn't any time to mess around. I half-curled the ends of my hair and changed into some comfy sweatpants and a v-neck shirt.

I was, without a doubt, the most forgetful person in the world, which meant I had to double-check everything before I left the house. Rummaging inside my suitcase and mentally ticking off all the things I needed, after feeling satisfied, I went down to the kitchen for the most important meal of the day.

I poured some coffee from the counter and checked my phone.

Eighteen unread messages from Leah.

Apart from reading the very first message she sent at 4 am saying she couldn't sleep because she was too excited, I ignored the rest and just called her. It was too early for any reading or thinking.

Leah picked up almost immediately.

"Oh my god," she shrieked through the phone, "it's finally happening!"

I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Yes, it is."

"Have you packed everything?"

Leah scoffs. "I already started packing two weeks ago."

"The packing checklist wasn't even given out two weeks ago."

"Who cares? I just used common sense."

She doesn't allow me any time to reply before cutting me off. "Anyways, I'll pick you up in 20 minutes!"

I didn't even realize my mom was standing at the island, her chocolate-brown hair a little messy. She grinned, her eyes brightening as she smiled.

"Good morning, darling."

"Morning, mom."

She turns off the coffee machine after pouring herself a cup. "Since when did you drink coffee?"

I rolled my eyes and sat down next to her on the island. "It's normal for teenagers to drink coffee, mom."

"Are you excited about your trip?"

I nodded excitedly.

For the next ten minutes, I sat and listened to my mom ranting about how I always need to stay with the group and not wander off by myself. She gave me a paper with a list of emergency contacts just in case anything happens. There was her, my dad, my aunt, my uncle, my other uncle, and Ms. Wilson's number on the paper.

Aside from being overprotective, my mom could be very demanding and frightening when she needs to be. I folded the paper just enough to fit my pocket before giving my goodbyes.

I give both my parent a kiss as they remind me to call and update them regularly. I looked down at my phone to check the time, and it was exactly twenty minutes since our phone call.

Almost immediately, I heard a car honk in front and smiled. This is why I love the fact that we're both punctual people. I pushed open the front door and dragged my suitcase behind me.

We were all supposed to meet in front of the school gate at precisely 7 am.

"Do you have everything?" Ms. Wilson asked, simultaneously ticking off our names on the name list.

I nodded.

An hour after seven, everyone was finally here. Ms. Wilson muttered something under her breath as she called everyone over. She was irritated about the students that showed up late.

"I see you don't own a watch?" Ms. Wilson said to Leighton. Not at all bothered, she pushes a wisp of blonde hair from her face. "When fashion calls, you have to answer."

"The next time you don't answer when I call, I'm leaving you behind with the rest of the people who came late."

Leighton's eyes widened at Ms. Wilson's harsh tone.

She pointed at the bus and told everyone to get in. That was my cue to follow. The bus door opened and I stepped onto the stairs. I tried to get on the bus before all the seats got taken so I could sit in the front. The once empty chairs were now filled with students. As Ms. Wilson does the attendance for the last time before we head to the airport, a series of "present" or "here" came up after she called out a name.

Leah pops up over to the seat next to me, a huge grin plastered onto her face. "I can't believe this is happening!"

I mirror the same excitement she gave me. "I can't believe I'm going to Rome for the first time."

"You'll love it," she says, "I've been quite a few times, and I must say, it's favolosa."

That was the difference between us. She was funny, charming, and traveled to many places. Her mom is like one of the most famous dentists and is responsible for the smiles of many famous Hollywood celebrities. To say the least, she was loaded.

She laughs and holds her fingers together, kissing it like what you see the Italians did in the movie.

"What does that mean?"

"It means fabulous!"

We spent the next twenty minutes planning what we were going to do during our free time. Ms. Wilson went first, as always, and told us to get our suitcases and head inside.

My eyes followed the direction that Ethan was walking. Swallowing, I met his bright eyes, and my stomach sunk. I'm at a loss for words. He was wearing dark sweats and a white v-neck shirt. I tried not to stare, but our eyes met for a second time. Dear God, I hope I wasn't turning into a tomato.

"Of course, it makes sense that a literature major would go on a trip to Europe," Ethan said, granting me a dimpled smile

"What does that mean?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Well you know, Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway, Virginia Woolf, Jane Austen, they're all famous European writers."

I didn't know what surprised me more, the fact that he knew all those names or that he made names of 19th and 20th-century writers sound so sensual.

"What?" he spoke again, "are you surprised that I know who those writers are?"

"Maybe a little."

"As you said, don't judge a book by it's cover," he said, sending me a wink.

Ethan was no longer looking at my direction, but I could see Leighton turning to stare at us with a growl. She whispered to her friends, and I could feel them turn to stare at me.

I sank on my seat to avoid unwanted attention.

Our gate finally opened, and we all lined up with our passports ready. I was still busy thinking about how he knew all those names. With a shove from Leah, I move up the boarding line. My passport clenched between my hands as we all waited to board the plane.

The flight attendant grabbed my carryon bag and shoved it up the cabin along with the other bags. We moved forward to clear the aisle. I moved away from the seat to let Leah go first as she slid into the chair beside the window.

I remember she told me she always liked sitting next to the window to look at the clouds because it made her feel like a bird. I didn't quite understand it, but as long as she was happy.

Her fingers intertwined with mine as our plane took off. I look over to see her eyes squeezed shut. I couldn't help but let out a chuckle at her nervousness. Even after being on hundreds of flights, she was still scared of them.

Before I knew it, I was fast asleep on Leah's shoulder as she rested her head on top of mine. After a long eleven hours, we finally landed in Rome, Italy. I didn't even notice how quick it took, mostly because we slept for the whole flight. By the time we woke up, everyone had already eaten and was full and fast asleep. Us, on the other hand, had to put up with our rumbling stomachs.

Leah had a massive grin on her face, and I smiled at her excitement. We both strolled through the aisle, and moments later, we were standing in line outside the immigration. The tour bus was waiting outside for us as the driver put our suitcases inside the trunk. It was a cute bus, bright red with the words "I heart Roma" printed on the side.

Ms. Wilson tore through the group of students and stopped next to the tour guide. "Everyone standstill, I'm going to count you off."

After she confirmed that everyone was here, we all went onto the bus and drove to the hotel. Another thirty minutes later, we arrived in front of a large white hotel that had a Moorish fountain placed in the middle. Around it were arches of roses, hibiscus, jasmine and about twenty other types of flowers. It had Renaissance-style architecture.

As we got off the bus and gathered our suitcases, a beautiful woman opened the door for us and greeted us. She was holding a tray full of drinks.

Before any of us managed to grab it, Ms. Wilson cut us off. "Is there any alcohol?"

"No ma'am, its lemonade."

Our tour guide gave us a quick tour of the hotel. The hallway was a dark red color with some green detailing which complimented well with the creamy white walls.

I was finding it hard to wrap my mind around how beautiful Rome was, and we haven't even gone anywhere yet. The hotel was already enough to amaze me. My head was moving in all sorts of directions as I tried to soak in the beauty of the city. I couldn't wait to find out more about the culture and history.

Our tour ended back in the lobby as Ms. Wilson was sorting out the rooms and giving us our keys. Room 304.

"Get some rest, or explore the hotel. We will meet back here tomorrow at 7 am for our first activity."