Lost in Europe

CHAPTER ONE- AVERY

“As you know, we picked eleven girls and eleven boys to participate in this opportunity. We have narrowed it down to six children of each gender to go, based on grades in academics, classroom conduct, and overall achievement of the student. I would like to congratulate the boys and girls who are with me today.” This stranger known as the mayor held out his hand to motion towards the rows of kids sitting next to me. “ A few weeks ago, this school district got a call from a major learning company in the United Kingdom, inviting our school to participate in this program. The rules were clear and simple; pick eleven kids of each sex and draw 12 names. The kids that are chosen will be given an all paid trip to travel and explore Europe. This chance will only come once in a lifetime for most.” He smiled, showing his yellowed teeth. His tux jacket rode up, clearly being too small for him, so he pulled it down trying to make it seem like he wasn't aware of it. I pulled myself back to his speech. “ I will now call up each student and give them their folders containing all of the information for the next six weeks.” A tall blond lady in black stilettos wobbled up to him, shoving twelve black folders at him.

He whispered something in her ear, making her laugh, then she strode away.

“ Timothy Aarons. Becca Adams.” He called about seven more names in random order.

“ Collin Harper.” I looked up to see my best guy friend walk across the board room. His broad shoulders moved with his white dress shirt. He was the best friend I could have asked for. After dealing with all of the drama shit with my ex-best friends, I decided I liked guy friends more than dumb, bitchy girls. It's less drama, which means more fun and party time.

“ Xanthee Patton.” I got up, knowing I would be next, due to the fact that I was the only person without a folder at this point.

Collin smiled at me, shoved his folder between his stomach and arm, and put his thumbs up as I readied myself to walk up to the stage.

“ Avery Yearling.” I gave him my award winning smile and strutted up the steps to shake hands with Mr. Dubber, the mayor. He squeezed my hand uncomfortably and congratulated me. I took the black folder from him and hurried off the stage. Once I took my seat again, he started his long, boring speech again.

“ You lucky students will be boarding the plane on Sunday morning. We will be meeting here, in the corridor at five a.m. Sharp. If you're late, you miss the bus which means you probably won't be going at all, so timing is everything. Don't be late.” He checked his paper, seeing if he forgot anything. Turning back to us, all he said was “ Thank you all for coming. I'll see you all Sunday morning.” then he walked off. I stood up, trying to find Collin through the crowd of people.

“ Collin!” His head poked up from the crowd, acknowledging that he heard me. “ Hey, Collin!” This time he really saw me. I walked over to him as we both did our happy dance. We jumped up and down until people started looking at us weird.

“ We're going to Europe together! Just think about it. Both of us, in another country! We are going to get in so much trouble... First thing's first, we need to look up every club and bar in Europe just to make sure we have a hotel by one.” I gave him a funny look. “ What? We can't just go to another country and not get wasted! I mean for crying out loud-”

“ Mr. Harper, if all you plan to do in Europe is get-” Mr. Dubber cleared his throat. “ Wasted... then maybe you should just stay here in America.”

“ No sir, you see wasted actually has another meaning. You see, I wasn't talking about getting drunk. I don't even drink! Wasted can also mean... Knowledgeable. I was just telling Avery here about all of the historical landmarks and beautiful land sites around Europe. I just can't wait until Sunday!” I gave him a smirk and looked towards Mr. Dubber to see if he actually bought the load of crap Collin just fed him.

“Oh, very sorry. Well I hope you get wasted then. Very wasted. Have a nice time, son.” We could barely contain our laughter as he turned to walk away. I pressed my lips together, trying to keep my giggles in, but failed miserably. Thank god he didn't hear though, because once I busted, so did Collin. Tears filled my eyes as I clutched my teal shirt covering my stomach. Oh, how I love the feeling of laughing to hard.

“ So, Avery. Need a ride?”

“ Nah, I'll just hop in my invisible boat mobile and head home.” He smiled and waved his hand, gesturing to head to his Jeep. I loved his Jeep, because not only was it blue- my favorite color- but it was a four-wheel drive. He always took me with him when he went off-roading. It was like our monthly adventure now. The Jeep roared to life, giving me chills. His headlights lit up half of the road, dimmed, but not dead.

“ So where are we landing in Europe?” I asked, as the pavement flew by under us.

“We're starting in Portugal, then heading to England. After England, we are gonna find out from the tour guide.”

“ Well, look at you all prepared and planned. Wanna come over and help me pack?”

“ You mean me pack while you watch Full House and bake cookies?” He smiled, slowing the car to a Hollywood stop and then rolling on to my street.

“ Of course! C'mon Collin, you gotta help me! I helped you pack for Vegas last summer, and what did you say to me? Hmm?”

“I owe you one...” He almost whispered.

“ What was that?” I asked with a smile on my face.

“ Okay whatever, I'll be over at noon tomorrow.”

“ Thanks!” I hugged him and jumped out in to my driveway, where he had stopped the Jeep only seconds before.

“ Yeah, yeah. I'll see you tomorrow. You better have cookies!” He pointed a finger at me and arched his eyebrow.

“ Whatever.” I shut the door as he rolled down my window.

“ Hey Avery...”

“ Yeah, what is it?” He looked really nervous.

“ I- uh... Night.”

“ Night, Collin.” I smiled sweetly and left him in the dark night.