An inconvenient attachment

Part 2: Chapter 5

"AAAAAAHHH" I scream when I read the email I just received. A few seconds later my door flies open. "What's wrong?" Max says, shock on his face. "I got the scholarship!" I yell and jump up and down on the bed. "You almost gave me a heart attack, you idiot" Max says as he walks out of my room. I jump out of the bed and jump Max from behind. "I got the scholarship" I yell in his ear.

"Shut up, you're going to wake.." he doesn't get to finish his sentence before the baby starts to cry. I don't know why I keep calling her baby, she's almost two now. To me she's still my baby. I jump off of his back. "Yep. Thanks" Max says, rolling his eyes.

Max turns around before he enters her room. "Congratulations" Max says, a smile on his face. I bite my lip to keep myself from screaming. I run back to my bed and read the email again.

Dear miss de Vries,

It is with great enthusiasm that I inform you that you have been chosen for the scholarship at the University of Milan. You have been given this opportunity in recognition of your personal and scholastic achievements.

We have enclosed a starter package with this letter so you van familiarize yourself with the benefits the scholarship offers. Feel free to reach out to us at any time, and we would like to make the transition as easy as possible.

We look forward to keeping you at our university this upcoming academic year.

Sincerely,

Mr. Morrisen.

I open the enclosed document. They are paying for my tuition, food and housing. Oh my fucking god. I immediately text Charlotte, we are definitely celebrating tonight. Max pops his head around the corner. "Since you decided to wake us all up so early, you're coming running with me" he says with a grin on his face. "Ughh, nooo" I sigh, but stand up anyway.

I met Charlotte and Kelly for dinner to celebrate. Max said he didn't want to go out tonight, which is kind of a bummer. He is really busy lately, so I get it. "Was everything to you liking?" the waiter asks when he picks up our plates. "Yes, thank you" Kelly says. "Would you ladies be interested in the dessert menu?"

"Yes please" Charlotte says before I can answer. A few minutes later the waiter comes back to take our orders. "Sooo" Charlotte says, looking at me. "Soo?" I ask. "Have you figured out yet where you want to take your internship?" she says, wiggling her eyebrows at me. I laugh. "Relax, that's months away. I have to finish all my assignments first before I get to do my internship."

"So? It's never to early to think about it" she jokes. I might do my internship here in Monaco, close to my friends. But I also love Milan, and my home with Kate has kind off become my safe place. I love it there. "I don't know yet."

"Well, don't take too long" Charlotte says. "How are things between you and Lando?" Kelly asks when our desserts arrive. "We're friends" I say. Kelly an Charlotte look at each other. "What?"

"Sure. Like that is ever going to work" Kelly says, shaking her head. "It will!"

"I was 'just friends' with Charles" Charlotte says. Clearly suggesting where they are now. "Yeah well, we're going to make it work. I think" I say. "Good luck" Kelly says, smiling.

"Do you guys want to drink something at our place?" Kelly asks when we walk out of the restaurant. I look at Charlotte, I'm going there regardless. "Yeah sure" Charlotte says. We walk back to the apartment. It's only a ten minute walk. I don't know why, but the closer we get to the apartment the faster Kelly begins to walk. She must be excited to see Max or something. Before she can open the door, the door flies open.

"SURPRISEEEE!!"

I almost fall back out of shock. All my friends are in the apartment, screaming and cheering at the same time. Charles, Carlos, Pierre, Max of course and some guys and girls I have never seen before. And Lando.

When Kelly pushes me into the apartment I realize I have been standing like a statue with my mouth open. "Wha.. what.. guys... I'm... I don't know what to say" I stammer. "Yeah we gathered that" Max laughs, "turn the music back on!" As soon as the music is on people start dancing. "Is this for me?" I ask surprised, not believing it. "Yess" Carlos says before he hugs me. "Congrats kiddo." I feel tears burning in my eyes. "No, you're not going to cry are you?" Max says, almost begging for me not to cry. "Nooo, of course not" I say as I wipe away a tear. "I have never had this before" I say. "What, a surprise party?" Charles asks. "A party" I clarify. They give each other looks. "Well, that certainly brings the mood down" Max says joking. "Come on, we even got you presents" Kelly says. The table is full with all sorts of school supplies, bags and all sort of things. My mouth falls open when I see a Halloween teenage girl school outfit. "No. Just no" I say laughing, putting the outfit at the back. "Who bought that?" I ask. "That would be me" Lando smirks. "You're an idiot." He laughs and shrugs his shoulders.

"I also got you this" he says when it's just me and him standing at the table. He grabs my wrist and puts on a small silver bracelet. "Lando, you shouldn't have" I say gawking. It's beautiful. I hug him. As I lean in I start doubt if I should. I don't have long to worry before his arms wrap around my waist. "Thank you" I say softly, not even sure if he heard it. "You're very welcome" he says as he lets me go. I look at him and see his eyes are already focused on mine. His face only inches away from mine. Crap.