Across the Maps

Chapter 28

"Are you ready?" Mom asks, leaning on the door frame, staring at me with her large eyes.

This is it. I'm about to go travel the world. I mean have always wanted to travel, but now that I'm actually going to, I feel more nervous than ever. My stomach churns,my heart rate accelerates, and for some reason, I can't stop tapping my foot.

"Yeah," my voice is strained. "I'm ready."

I shove the last of my clothes in the cramped suitcase and zip it shut. I've packed five suitcases full of clothes, shoes, and other accessories. I know it's over the top, but Mom says their wok be plenty of room on our private plane.

"Okay," she pauses, gazing around my room. "Let's go."

I try to speak, but nothing comes out of my mouth. It feels like someone's jammed something in my throat. All I can do is slowly nod my head.

She strides out of the room, and I trail behind her, lugging my suitcase out of the room. I meet Cole by the door. Two suitcases stand upward beside him and he holds a medium sized duffle bag in his hands.

His hair is disheveled as usual and he wears black jeans and an oversized gray shirt with a v-neck.

"Why are you wearing jeans?" I ask, pulling my suitcase down the last stair. "It's summer."

"Maybe I don't want to wear shorts," he retorts and I roll my eyes.

"Please? When you die of heat stroke I'm going to be the one laughing."

It's his turn to roll his eyes. "Yeah. Whatever."

"Are you two lovebirds ready?" Mom asks, and my face turns red. "I'm kidding," she teases. "But seriously, let's get going."

I quickly say goodbye to my family, hugging each of them, even Hallie, who rolls her eyes as I embrace her.

Mom, Cole, and I pile into the Escalade, shoving all of our suitcases and bags into the back of the vehicle. The drive to the airport isn't bad, but the plane ride seems to last forever.

Even though the chairs are white leather and expensive, I can't seem to get comfortable. I shift in my chair, trying to find a more comfortable position, but nothing works. After moving several times, I find Cole watching me, an amused look covering his face. I

"What?" I scowl, glaring at him with the harshest face I can find.

"Nothing," he smiles, amused.

"If you have something to say, then go ahead and say it," I snap, my voice lightening with every word I say.

"It's just," Cole pauses for a second, pursing his lips. "It's just when I pictured you on a plane, I pictured you with a warm towel over your face, your feet propped up on a table, and you eating crumpets or something. I didn't picture you being this nervous and fidgety."

"You think I'm that rich and snobby?" I ask, arching my eyebrows at him. "Anyways, crumpets? I don't even like crumpets."

I let out a laugh and Cole does the same. "But anyway, why are you so nervous? Haven't you been on a plane before?" he questions.

"Yeah, it's just..." I trail off.

"You're scared of heights," Cole infers, gazing at me.

"Yeah," I admit quietly. "I mean everyone's scared of something. Right? What are you scared of?" I turn slightly to look him in the eyes. He flinches a little at the mention of his fear, but quickly tries to cover it up.

"Storms, lighting, thunder," he quietly speaks, shaking his leg uncontrollably and biting the inside of his lip.

"Oh," my voice is small and quiet. For a minute, there's just awkward silence, but then I speak. "Are you excited?"

"Um...yeah," he says, his face lighting up a little. "I have always wanted to travel. What about you? Are you excited?"

"Yes very," I smile.

"Where are we going first?" I ask Mom, who sips some cool water in a small glass cup.

"Los Angeles," Mom replies.

I take my own glass full of water and hold it in the air. "To Los Angeles!"

Mom and Cole plunge their drinks into the air and smile. "To Los Angeles!"

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