Almost Eden

Chapter 5 The Trip

The last day of school was finally here and the countdown had come to its final minutes. I sat in eighth period Geometry awaiting the bell anxiously. 'Why is it during times like these, the moments seem to go backwards or slower than usual rather than rushing ahead?' I wondered to myself. This was definitely one of those times, but at last my moment of freedom rang.

"Brrrrrrrinnnggg!" It called out noisily. Being that I had already been on the edge of my seat waiting for this instance, my body flung forward nearly tilting the desk over with me as well. Fortunately, I was able to catch myself in time. Soon after, I raced to through the doors and entered freedom. It tasted wonderfully.

For a split second, I was lost and a little confused at where I should be and what I should be doing right then and there. It was as if the sight of all this open splendor had me taken off guard and my mind was left vacant or in some kind of never ending whimsical dream. Upon regaining semi-consciousness, I spied my associates on the right hand side of the school underneath an oak tree. In this little group lied Adam, Duncan and Willow. They appeared to be waiting for my presence to arrive so they could begin their stroll home. I soon sauntered over cheerfully.

"Hello everyone!" I gaily skipped toward them. "Today we step into two and a half months of endless bliss and continue the next school year as juniors!"

"How can it be an endless bliss when it only last a mere two and a half months?" cried Willow.

"You know what I mean." I responded with a glare.

"If I did, I wouldn't have questioned you." She retorted in a smart-alec way.

"Oh well, I guess you'll have to figure it out." I said it back with a chuckle.

We walked on for quite a while and continued to discuss our plans for the summer. Discussions such as this left me out, for I didn't have much of a summer ahead of me. Our leisurely walk sustained until we came across Duncan's humble abode.

"Bye Sam." He stated as he graced my cheek with a light kiss. "I'll probably call you sometime tonight."

"Sounds cool. Catch you later." I said in response as I returned one upon him.

As we started to travel once more, snickers commenced from the peanut gallery.

"What? What is it?" I questioned, although I partly knew the reason for the laughs.

"What's up with you two anyway?" Adam asked referring to the quite obvious display of affection presented by Duncan and I.

"Nothing. We're just friends." I answered back. Both stared back at me in complete disbelief. "Okay, okay. We're just friends who hope to be more than that some day."

"That's a little closer to the truth, so it will have to suffice for now." Remarked Willow. We expressed our amusement with bright laughter, but the mirth shortly ceased when we approached Willow's dwelling and departed while wishing her a great summer despite the fact that we would most likely be part of most of it. Adam and I continued a long hike descending the hill in which Willow's house lay and three blocks past that. We were home.

The two of us sat silently for awhile, until Adam finally broke the tension that lay between us.

"So... applying to any AP classes next year or just honors?"

"Oh, perhaps both, I'm not quite sure yet." I replied indifferently.

I then let out a sigh and within a matter of seconds, my mother called me in. I was a bit relieved at the time because I really had nothing to speak about at that moment.

"I'll probably see you tomorrow, but as for right now..."

"You have to go." He interrupted. "No need to explain, I heard the 'beast's beckon'."

I giggled at his mention and ambled through the entry making sure to secure the door behind me. I made my way to the kitchen to fix myself a snack. As soon as I had finished preparation, I took my creation into the living room for consumption where a great surprise was sprung upon me.

There sat both my parents in the same room, on the same couch assembled together. It was quite a shock to see the couple, Keith and Debra Evans, sitting together and on what seemed to be speaking terms after haven't being for quite some time.

"Dad?" I stood awestruck. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh your father just came by for a little chat with me dear." My mother spoke kindly. Her smile appeared to be rather phony and almost sickening.

"I also came to speak with you honey. Why don't you place yourself right here?" I gazed at one and then the other. I could feel that my stare was harsh and hurtful due to the confusion, but I continued to look on. Slowly, the plate and cup that I had enclosed in my hands were lowered onto the coffee table and I moseyed over to the sofa where I sat amidst the two adults who appeared to be in high spirits. I awaited to heed their discourse.

"Honey, the reason why I am actually here is because of you." I stared at him queerly, but motioned for him to carry on. "You see, we have realized that as divorced parents, we have gotten so wrapped up with ourselves that we have forgotten the most important thing and that's our children." I continued to glare at them awkwardly.

What were they getting to?

He went on. "We noticed that this has affected you the most and in order to make up for our negligence, we've arranged a trip. Both your mother and I pooled our money together and obtained tickets for you and a few of your friends to tour Europe this summer." My eyes widened and I nearly squealed with delight. "Think of it as an early birthday present."

I entangled myself amongst the two of them in a great embrace and thanked them several times before retiring to my room. The enthusiasm that I felt grew as I entered seclusion. Although a bit peeved that rather than repay me with affection and understanding they were trying to buy my love, I didn't care.

Hell! I was going to Europe.