The Exchange Student - DNF

1

The British airways plane landed, provoking George Davidson to jolt awake from his slumber. It took a moment for him to realize where he was. A flight to America, or in other words, his home for the next year. George sighed, waiting for the crammed passengers to flood out of the plane so he could follow suit. He got up from his uncomfortable plane seat and fiddled to retrieve his carryon bags. He stretched, and swiftly made his out of the distasteful plane, wishing he would have just stayed in London.

As he made his way towards baggage claim, he looked out of the ginormous windows which encompassed him. Palm trees littered the perimeter and the sun shone proudly in the sky, not a cloud in sight. "This is florida alright", he thought to himself miserably as a sense of dread gripped onto his body. His parents had sent him to America to get him out of their hands for a while, it was disappointing but honestly not shocking for George. They never wanted a child, and as harsh as that may seem, it was the reality that George had accepted a long time ago. They were never wicked, though George sensed a lack of warmth in their relationship, there was no doubt about it. George could only assume them sending him for an exchange as a "good opportunity" was a cover up so they could go back to living lavishly and happily for a while without him getting in the way.

George spotted his blue suitcase between the crowds and hoards of people surrounding the baggage claim and went to retrieve it. He promptly made his way to the teacher who was hosting the exchange, a young man named Phil, who was surrounded by eager students waiting to meet their host families. George could only feel the opposite. He wanted to be back home in London, in the comfort of his own home. "George, are you paying attention to me?" a thick British accent cut his trance short.

"Huh?" was the only response George could give.

The man sighed defeatedly. "Did you take in I just said before? Are you doing okay?"

"Yeah no I'm alright. I guess I'm just tired from the long plane ride"

"Okay well as I was saying before, your host mother is right over there. Why don't you go say hello and then we can make sure everything is in order,"

George gulped at that. He was terrible at talking to people, let alone people he didn't know. Anxiety and old adrenaline rushed its way into George's mind as he lugged his suit case behind and made his way over to the host mother. There stood a middle aged woman. As George attempted to coat his mind with a false sense of bravado, it was immediately stripped away as he could only mutter a pathetic "hello."

The woman glanced up from her phone and a bright smile plastered onto her face, radiating a feeling of amity George wouldn't know how else to describe. "Oh hello there! You must be George! It's so great to finally meet you! I'm so happy to have you here! Was your flight from England alright? You must be hungry and exhausted after such a long journey," she expressed jovially, shaking hands with George in the process.

George was overwhelmed for that moment. He was struck with a mix of shock and bewilderment. It had to be an act, no sane person in their right mind would ever fancy having him around. Right? George felt a small grin form on his face, even the thought that for once he wouldn't just be pushed to the side and neglected by those around him felt gratifying. "It's a pleasure to be here," George beamed.

Despite a good start, it didn't indicate anything to George. His pessimism still remained in place, though a glimmer of hope snuck its way into his mind. It was potential at best. A good start at least. The host mother smiled. "Oh you're much too polite. Let me go talk to Phil to make sure everything is sorted and I'll get you home for the weekend and get you ready for school. I know my son will be just thrilled to meet you! I think you two are about the same age!" She responded as she immediately made her way over to Phil.

Those last words made George's heart drop slightly. A son his age, huh? It wasn't the worst thing in the world, although George couldn't say he was delighted. He was more uneasy about that fact actually. Probably because the guys at his school back in London would endlessly torment him, though he was still willing to give this"host brother", one could say, the benefit of the doubt for now.

George's thoughts were put to rest when the woman came back. "Well it looks like everything is good to go! Are you ready to go?" she asks, the kindness and sincerity in her voice was unmistakable.

George nods his head in response, and the two get in the car for the drive to his host family's house. The car ride was odd for George, mainly for the reason that the passenger and driver seats were switched around. But also because he felt a sense of warmth. The kind for which he lacked back home. He had hardly known those woman for thirty minutes, and yet he felt more liberated and calm than he would have back in London.

When they arrived at their house George could only feel astounded. It was a beautiful, modern-style house, surrounded by a variety of plant life and palm trees. It was quite beautiful for George. Some new scenery. "Come on in, I'll introduce you to my son. We can get your belongings and what not after," she beams, going towards the front door as George dawdles behind.

"Nick! Come down here and say hello to George!" The host mother calls. "I'll go get your stuff in here. You make yourself at home, hun."

George stood in silence which was quickly interrupted as an unfamiliar face met his vision. The guy had chestnut brown hair and a slightly muscular build, and they were about the same height. George felt his heart race slightly, afraid of the reaction he may have. What if Nick thought he was a loser? Nothing more than a useless guy who will be at their house every day for the next year. George trembled ever so slightly at the thought.

"Hi! I'm Nick! You must be George!" He smiles, "it's great to meet you!"