Around the World..... With My Worst Enemy

2. Elpis - Goddess of Hope and Expectation

This is the second chapter, and in case you haven't noticed, I've changed the gaps between each paragraph. I'm really sorry if it bothers you, but it makes things easier for me when I write dialogue. Hope it isn't too noticeable.

----------------------------------

Elpis - Spirit or goddess of hope and expectation. She was trapped in Pandora's box by Zeus and was the only spirit to remain with mankind after Pandora let the others out. Elpis is normally pictured as a young woman carrying flowers.

I timidly close the door after saying goodbye to Principal Fisher and then storm out, letting myself bathe in the mind-blowing news. There is a meeting straight after this, where I would finally meet everybody who was going. Apparently, I'm the last person who got told.

Once I reach the great outdoors, I let out a whoop of joy into the fresh air. The sunlight glows gently as birds sing from the trees. The whole world's celebrating with me.

I'm being offered to go to Europe! For free! Granted, Carter is going as well, and I'm probably going to go from school to school but still! I get to travel, and I've ever even left the country before! My home isn't a rich one, and we could barely afford our house, let alone go to other countries.

This trip is going to be full of firsts. I muse as I walk in the welcoming sunlight. First time going overseas, first time on a plane..... this might even turn out to be the first time I outshine Carter! That thought fills me up in a way that words can not express.

To finally witness the look of defeat on his face...... for him to admit that I was no longer Second, the girl who used to be eternally no. 2....... for everyone to see the humiliating show-down..... To say that I have waited a long time for it would be an understatement - it has been my goal since the very first day I met him.

As I daydream more about that fateful day, Amber abruptly flings her whole body onto me, making me stagger under her weight. She wraps her arms tightly around my neck and squeals, "This is so exciting Emma! We are going to Europe! Together this time, not just by myself with my boring family!" 

I laugh and gently pry her vice-like grip off, making sure she wasn't going to squeeze the life out of me again. "Be a bit more lighter on the hugging, won't you? And besides, I haven't even said I was going yet."

She pouts in a way that would bring weaken even the most strong-willed person. Not doubt she had used that trick on her doting life insurance boss of a father many times to get her way. "Don't say that. The school is paying for it, how could you refuse?"

"Well, for starters I have to take care of my three baby brothers when my mum's not around. You know, cooking, bathing, feeding, not to mention changing nappies. There's also the fact that I tutor numerous students during the week. As well as my volunteering job at the library. And that's if my mum agrees."

My best friend looks at me sympathetically. "Oh honey, are you short on money? Do you need some extra cash? Don't worry, your big sis Amber will help you out!"

"No, no! It's not like that!" I quickly deny. "We aren't rich, but we're not going to turn into hobos anywhere in the near future. It's just that we aren't like all the people who live around here. And besides, I like working. But I just need to make sure my parents give their permission."

She sighs. "Why do you have to be such a good girl?"

I grin as I link my arms with hers and continue walking. "That's why you love me." 

-----------------------------------

"Is it supposed to look like this?" I hiss under my breath to Amber. We're standing in one of my favourite places at school - the library. It's supposed to be the designated spot for our meeting; only we're here standing like fools, desperately keeping our eyes peeled for anybody that's one of the six. Instead, all that greets us is several students studying for their upcoming exams and a librarian who guards this place like a hawk.