My Year in Chicago - Carl Gallagher

Welcome (back) to Paris

The excitement in the air was contagious. Everyone was buzzing, dragging their suitcases through the airport, comparing carry-ons, and checking their boarding passes. I could feel my own energy mixing with nerves. Paris was just a flight away. Home. But it wasn't just any trip home. This time, it came with all the school drama I'd been trying to escape for weeks.

Tori and I were already planning which movies to watch on the plane as we shuffled through security. She was practically bouncing as we moved along the line, talking non-stop about all the things she wanted to do once we got to Paris. I appreciated her enthusiasm. It was helping keep my mind off the real issue.

Carl.

He was a few lines over, joking with his friends, but every time I saw him, a wave of irritation hit me. Ever since our last fight, we hadn't spoken a word to each other. And that was fine by me. He could have his drama with Lexi and all that player nonsense. I was going to focus on Paris, on Tori, and on having a good time. I had made a promise to myself: I wasn't going to let Carl ruin this trip for me.

"Anabelle, you're not listening!" Tori nudged me out of my thoughts.

"Sorry, what were you saying?" I asked, flashing her an apologetic smile.

"I was asking if you think we'll be able to sneak out and see the Eiffel Tower at night!" she grinned. "You said it's way better all lit up, right?"

"Oh, totally," I replied, nodding. "It's so much prettier after sunset. We'll figure something out once we get there."

The flight felt like it took forever. After hours of Tori and I binge-watching cheesy movies, eating airplane snacks, and talking about our Paris plans, I was ready to get off the plane. Finally, the announcement came that we were beginning our descent into Charles de Gaulle Airport. I couldn't help but smile as I saw the familiar landscape below. It was strange being back after so long.

Once we landed and cleared customs, the real chaos began. Herding a bunch of high school students through the airport in a foreign country? Total madness. Teachers were trying to keep everyone together, but people were running off to get snacks, hit the restroom, or just stretch their legs after the long flight.

Ms. Kline gathered us all near the baggage claim and started calling out instructions, her voice barely loud enough over the chatter. "Alright, everyone, listen up! Grab your luggage, then meet by the buses. We'll be heading straight to the hotel. And remember—no wandering off!"

I grabbed my suitcase and stuck close to Tori, who was already talking about how she was starving and needed to find something to eat. Once we found the buses, it was a relief to finally sit down and relax for a bit. I stared out the window, taking in the sights of Paris as we drove through the city. It was strange to be back, but also comforting in a way.

Tori was next to me, going through the photos she'd already taken at the airport, chattering about how she couldn't believe we were actually here. I smiled, letting her excitement wash over me. Everything was going great—until we reached the hotel.

Ms. Kline stood at the front of the lobby, holding a clipboard with a stack of papers. She clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "Okay, now for the room assignments!" she said. "Remember, we did our best to match everyone with their preferred roommate, but some things had to be adjusted due to space."

Tori and I exchanged excited looks, already expecting the best. I was sure we'd be rooming together. We had both written each other down, after all.

Ms. Kline started reading off names, and one by one, people were pairing off and grabbing room keys. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until I noticed Ms. Kline pause, glancing at the last few papers with a concerned look on her face.

"Okay," she said slowly, "there's been a slight change for one pair. Due to a last-minute issue with room availability, two people will have to room together... a boy and a girl."

My stomach dropped. I could already feel the bad vibes radiating from that sentence. She continued reading names, but my brain was racing. Please don't be me. Please don't be me.

"And, finally, Carl Gallagher and Anabelle Kim will be sharing a room."

The world stopped. I blinked, staring at Ms. Kline as if she had just announced the end of the world. Around me, people started murmuring and giggling. Carl and me? In the same room? This had to be a joke.

I whipped my head around to find Carl standing near his friends. His jaw clenched as he exchanged looks with them, clearly just as annoyed. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as a few people shot me sympathetic glances.

Tori, wide-eyed, leaned in and whispered, "Oh my god, Anabelle, this is bad. Like really bad."

"No kidding," I muttered, running a hand through my hair in frustration. How did this happen? Of all people, Carl? I couldn't even look in his direction right now.

Ms. Kline, oblivious to the tension she'd just caused, handed out the remaining room keys. I could feel my heart sinking as she handed me and Carl our key. I snatched it quickly and stormed off toward the elevators, not waiting for him to follow.

This trip had just taken a turn for the worse. Sharing a room with Carl wasn't just awkward—it was a disaster waiting to happen. And knowing us, it probably wouldn't take long for that disaster to unfold.