Unplanned Romance

Chapter 1 - Leaving on a Jet plane

Flying is not my favourite thing to do. Yet when I know I'm going to board a plane, I get excited. I know I'm on my way somewhere. It is sitting for hours, having watched almost everything, sleeping uncomfortably and being in transit that I don't like.

So here I am again, boarding a plane, on my way to the USA. I received a grant to go to school there for 1 year.

Flight attendant: 'Boarding Pass and Passport please?'

I hand her the documents.

Flight attendant: 'Your Name?'

'Amanda Jones' I replied.

She typed away and scanned my documents and handed them back to me.
Flight attendant: 'Have a good trip.'

'Thanks' I replied.

I went through the tunnel and boarded the plane. Locating my seat was easy. I chose a window seat, although I wont see much, I enjoy being able to lean against it and sleep.

I placed my hand luggage in the above storage and went to sit down. I packed light as I dont really need much. I don't really wear make up, I have been blessed with my mothers amazing tanned and smooth skin, and her curves. Although I'm fit from swimming and surfing, I still have a great hourglass figure and strong muscular legs.
Or as my mom would say, legs for days.

My long chocolate brown hair was tied in a ponytail. It is usually very curly, but I had a blow out to make it nice and straight.

I got my dad's grey eyes though, and his reserved personality. An introvert. I like doing things on my own. I secretly hoped the seats next to me will be open, so that I can stretch out during the flight.

While I wait I go through some of the documents I need when I arrive in the USA.
I will be staying with the Parker family, I have their letter of confirmation.

We had a few video calls with them the last to weeks to familiarise them with me and my family. Mrs Parker seems nice, she is very chatty and loves being involved in everything her kids does. A lot like my mom, my mom is just more eccentric and unorganised.

Mr Parker is a sophisticated doctor or surgeon at some or hospital. He didn't say much, but also seemed nice.

Their daughter Rebecca is VERY chatty, she giggled so much and was so excited it freaked me out a little, but she seemed very genuine. She is a year older than me and has fiery red hair that curls and green eyes. She is not very athletic and very skinny. She plays the flute in the school band and also runs the school paper.

She has a twin brother, Robert or Rob, whom we have not met as he apparently has a lot of friends and busy social life. According to Rebecca they don't look alike even though they are twins. She also mentioned he plays football, I don't know football, only rugby, and that they both live separate social lives.

Interesting that even in a family you can have different social statuses. I don't really know what that is like, as I had no interest in any form of a social group when I was in my local school. I was living below the radar, and my sister is only 7 years old, we have a completely different relationship.

I don't have time for boys either. I focus on my studies so that I can go to study at a good university. I actually would love to own my own bookstore and coffee shop, but my dad wants me to be an accountant like him.
So maybe once I'm established I can pursue my own dreams.

My mother always wanted me to be a pageant queen, but I never really liked it. I didn't have the personality for it, I liked sports and reading. So she eventually gave up. Sometimes she would bring it up, but I never budge. It's emotionally draining, competing to be the skinniest, most beautiful or whatever they want you to be.

I was in my head so much that I didn't realise that the plane took off and I never waved goodbye. My mom made me promise to wave. I'm going to hear it when she calls. Even though she probably couldn't see me, she would know.

I decided to sleep and not ponder or think about my mothers phone call. Maybe by the time I arrive there she would've forgotten. Who am I kidding... Mary Johnson never forgets.

After several hours of travel and a stop over in San Francisco, I have finally arrived in Seattle. The airport was busy with people moving around everywhere. I saw the Parker family, well Mrs Parker and Rebecca, holding a sign that says 'Welcome Amanda' and made my way to them.

Mrs Parker smiled and look so excited.
'Welcome Amanda' she said, 'It is so nice to finally have you here with us!'

'Thank you Mrs Parker' I said.

'Oh You can call me Aunt May. Well, let's get a move on, we should get you settled at home. You must be tired and jet lagged. Becs grab her bags.' Aunt May grabbed one of my other bags and off we went.

The drive was not too long. It was just really cold, well cold for me coming from a very hot and sunny Australia.

We arrived at their house, or should I rather say mansion. The place was huge. The driveway was longer than my street back home. The house looked like something you would find on MTV Cribs. I tried to be cool and not gawk at this place and accidentally ask them to show me their well stacked fridge and the room where the magic happens.

They casually called someone to help with the bags and a lady named Suzanne came running out to assist. She took me to my room and boy oh boy... the room was HUGE!

Even though it felt like an eternity to get there, because we went through so many passages and up and down stairs that I got a little lost and eventually just followed Suzanne (or Suzie as she liked to be called).

Suddenly I felt really tired and drained.
I decided to take a shower in the en suite (you read that right, my very own bathroom) and just take a nap. After a luxurious and warm shower, I dressed in my comfy tracksuit pants and a tshirt and went to lie on the bed. I don't even recall falling asleep.