𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 - Book 1

~Chapter 22~

                                                                                          Leonor

     I was utterly exhausted when I awoke. It was the morning of our flight to Switzerland, and we had everything worked out. Chloe and Gio were flying from the United States, so it would take them longer. Hannah and Elena were meeting me and Gavi at the airport to wait for our flight.

     Gavi was supposed to be here at 5 AM; it was currently 3:30. I had gone to bed extremely early to ensure that I got enough sleep.

     I practically rolled out of my bed, landing on the floor in a heap. I laid there for a while, curled in a ball and trying to keep warm. I knew I needed to get up and finish getting packed soon, otherwise I would be late.

     I groaned as I finally stood up, making my way to my closet. My suitcase awaited me. It was a pretty pale pink, a springtime color.

     I grabbed a matching pair of sweats and grumbled into the bathroom to get ready. It was still pitch black outside.

     I threw my hair up and put on the lightest layer of makeup so that I didn't look dead. I brushed my teeth, sprayed my perfume and finalized packing up my toiletries bag.

     I shoved everything into my suitcase and stood back, admiring it. I had made record time; it was only 4 AM.

     I crept downstairs carefully, lugging my suitcase behind me. When I reached the ground floor, I wheeled the suitcase to the door and left it there, so that I was prepared for when Gavi arrived.

     I made a mental checklist to myself as I poured a bowl of cereal.

     "Phone. Keys. Chargers. Money. Toiletries," I ran over the list in my head as I took big spoonfuls. The cereal tasted bland and stale. I tossed the rest in the garbage.

     It was still dark outside when I made my way to my suitcase, which was still sitting by the door. I dug through it one last time, making sure all of my belongings were accounted for. I zipped it back up and stood there, staring out the window into the city.

     It looked so empty outside. So dark. So eerie.

     By the time I snapped out of my trance, it was nearly 5 AM. I hustled up the stairs and into Sofia's room. I cracked the door slightly and stared at her. She was fast asleep, bundled under the covers. I watched her for a moment longer before I closed her door and left.

     When I made it downstairs, Gavi was just pulling up to the palace. Perfect timing.

     I lugged my suitcase down the stairs and around to the hatch of his car. He emerged from the front seat, and helped me to life the suitcase into the trunk.

     "Hi," I said breathlessly, wiping some sweat off of my forehead.

     "Hey," he replied groggily, pulling me into a half-hug. I smiled reflexively.

     We both took our seats in his car. It was a beautiful car, with a black leather interior and smooth, polished wood. I buckled my seatbelt and sat back for the ride.

     "Straight to the airport?" He asked me quietly.

     "Yeah. Are you excited?" I inquired. I really wanted to know the truth, in private.

     "I am, Leonor," he answered shyly. I felt myself blushing.

     Since the streets were barely crowded, we reached the airport in record time. Gavi pulled his car into the parking ramp, paid for the week, and then guided me to the elevators. We rode them down to the first level, where we would be meeting Hannah and Elena.