Lost in Europe

CHAPTER THREE- AVERY

“ Mom! Where's my suitcase? You know, the one with black and white polka dots?” I yelled from the basement.

“ Should be where you put it after we got back from Mississippi. If you can't find yours, you could always use mine.” I thought of the tiny, ugly thing she uses for pretty much any trip she goes on.

“ Not really. Yours is tiny. I need six weeks worth of clothing, ma. Plus hair care products and shower items. And I only get one carry on, so I'm looking for that giant beach bag that says ' Stay Classy' on it. Have you seen that?”

“ Yeah, it's in my bathroom.” She yelled from the kitchen as I walked up the basement stairs back to the dining room.

“ Thanks. Oh! And Collin is coming over to help pack, so can we make lunch? I was thinking of making everyone egg salad. Whatcha' think?”

“ Sure, hon. It will be nice to have a break from the kitchen.” She pecked me on the forehead and left to

the living room.

I walked back down to the basement, skipping every other step and almost tripping on the last one.

“That stupid bag has to be down here somewhere...” I continued looking for it until I heard the doorbell ring from upstairs.

“ Mom!”

“ I got it.” She called back.

Seconds later, Collin was standing at the top of the stairs.

“ Hey, slacker. Get down here and help me look for my suitcase. It's black with white polka dots.”

“ Got it, chief.” He did the whole 'eye-eye-captain' hand gesture and ran down the stairs.

I looked up and caught him staring at me multiple times. “ What?” I managed through a laugh.

“ Have you ever been told that you are stunning in dust and blackness?” We both laughed and kept looking.

“ Oh! I see it!” I squealed. I made my way over to a stack of cardboard boxes, some filled, and some not. The suitcase was packed all the way behind them, right on the bottom. I stepped over a few boxes, but ended up tripping over a box and falling in to the stack. I screamed loud, and not a second later was Collin by my side.

I couldn't stop laughing at how concerned he was.

“ Collin! It was just boxes. I'm fine, really.” He helped me up and laughed at me. “ Okay, now that we accomplished something-” I pulled the suitcase out from under the pile of rubbish. “ I think it's time for lunch!” He laughed lightheartedly.

“ Okay, but promise me you won't try to kill yourself in there too.”

“ Deal!” I held out my hand for him to shake, but he just stood there.

Before I knew it, his lips were pressed up against mine, finding their own pattern. I always wondered what that would feel like... No. He is my best friend... I pushed away, only to see the pain on his face. Of course the kiss took me by surprise, but I wouldn't just leave him there. He had put himself out there, and so should I. I mean, it's not like it wouldn't be fun trying, right? It's not like he would just stop hanging out with me. We've been friends since fifth grade. And he is the closest person to me. And God knows I've thought about this more than once... Eh, what the hell, why not? I took his hand, grabbed the suitcase and headed upstairs. I flung the suitcase on the couch and heard the whispers of my family, obviously noticing our laced fingers. None of them dared to say anything, but I knew I wouldn't hear the end of it from my mom later.

“ We're gonna go make lunch now...” I announced. Silence. Nothing. All I got in response was three people with huge eyes about to pop from their sockets.

And with that, me and my new boyfri- wait, no. Me and Collin went to the kitchen.