Kyle

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

New Flat

"Okay, so France, Norway or The United States?" Alexander asked me on our hike to school the next morning. The air was chilly and the road ahead was fog ridden, your typical gloomy day in England. There was warmth though, mainly in the excitement emanating from Alex and his out of character smile. "I'm sure you've been racking your brain about it."

"I was at first." I admitted. "But I think I've settled."

"Wow! Already? Which country then?"

"France."

"Really?" Alex pouted, gripping the straps of his backpack. We took our time climbing over the partition that divided the road from the muddy bank we'd been walking through and continued when it was vacant. "I thought for sure you would've chosen America."

"Me? In America?" I scoffed. Alexander shrugged.

"I could see you there more than I could see you in France."

"Why are you so sure of that?"

"Because I can't see you learning or speaking French. You couldn't be bothered to learn another language!"

"Do you really think I'd have to learn French?" I frowned. "I figured I would be able to get by on English alone. Surely, they speak at least a little bit, right?"

"Pleeeease don't be that person!" Alexander laughed. "You can't go to their country and expect them to speak your language, Kyle. I'd rethink a little more." He had a point. The last thing I'd want happening to me is getting lost somewhere whilst needing to find a washroom or something and not being able to stop someone to ask for help to find the nearest one in an emergency. I know that was oddly specific, but it was a real fear to have!

America though? The most I knew of America was through the television. Massive food portions, high crime rate, obesity issues. In part, I also heard word of the country through Sigmund's eyes, especially after his first major tour. During his first tour, he'd told me about the tall buildings, crowded streets and bustling roads he'd seen in New York. Then there was the warm air, palm trees and luxurious living of Los Angeles. I was pretty sure I wouldn't have luxury accommodations wherever I was being placed for my study abroad opportunity, but hearing about the vast differences from city to city alone was enough to intrigue me. Almost anything sounded more lively than the dwellings of the realm or the countryside where my extended family resided.

Finally making the trip to our school, we stopped at our lockers to change shoes and started down the hall in the direction of our classrooms. The more I thought about me in a big city, the more I liked the idea. I was originally thinking of something more classic, like the French countryside or the serenity of a smaller Norwegian town, but a big city was so different from anything I'd ever experienced before. And I knew for sure that it was far enough away from here to keep a safe distance incase any meddling, ex-parental figures decided to pop up one day. As Alexander faced me to part ways, I gave him a nod.

"America." I spoke, catching him off guard. His eyes widened and the smile from earlier instantly reappeared.

"Yeah?!"

"Yeah. America."

"Ha! I knew you'd agree! How exciting! I'll see you at lunch!"

I waved back at Alexander as he dashed down the hall and turned into my own classroom, filing in with my other peers. My teacher, Mrs. Stokes, stopped me before I could make my way to the back of the room, gently grabbing my forearm.