To The Sky

CHAPTER 11 - When In Paris

CHAPTER 11 - When In Paris

Since Christmas, everything has been going well for Trip. And for the first time, he felt as if he was genuinely happy.

"I can't believe we're in Paris for New Years!" Amelia said as she checked in to their hotel. "I know, who would've thought that we'd be here for New Years." Trip said as he gets the keys to his room from the front desk.

"Any plans for when you ring in the new year?" She asked. "I don't know, I think I'll just stay in my room and admire the view." He replied. "Not a chance, Trip!" She retorted. He laughed, "Do you have a better idea?" He asked. "I've got lots!" She said perkily.

"Cancel all your plans tonight because Jess' friend is throwing a New Years Eve party here at the Shangri La rooftop tonight! And the good news is, we're all invited!" Martin said excitedly while Jess smiles. "Perfect!" Amelia said. Trip rolls his eyes, "Pass." He said. They all look at Trip, "What?! Why?" Martin asked.

Trip tried to look for reasons not to go and instantly spotted Phoebe, "Phoebe and I are gonna have a movie marathon tonight." He said in a panicked tone. Phoebe approaches, "Pheebs, are you having a movie marathon with Trip for New Years?" Martin asked. "No why?" Phoebe replied then Trip face palmed himself. Phoebe then looks at Trip, "You liar!" Martin accused Trip.

"Look, I just don't feel like I'm in a partying mood." Trip replied. Jess held Trip's hand, "Well if you do feel like ringing in the new year with us feel free to go to the party." She said. "That's so kind of you, Jess. I'll keep that in mind." Trip replied and then he hugs her. Martin, Jess and Phoebe leave as they discuss something leaving Trip and Amelia at the lobby.

"So what're you gonna do today?" She asked. "I don't know, maybe read Life of Pi at a cafe eating delicious pastry and drinking freshly brewed coffee." He said with such passion. "May I join you?" She asked. Trip smiled, "Sure, why not?" He replied.

Then they both go to their rooms to freshen up and put their things then met up at the lobby again. "What book are you planning to read?" Trip asked. "Don't judge me but I'm a Jane Austen kind of girl." Amelia replied. Trip glanced at her hand seeing the book, "Pride and Prejudice, what a lovely read." He replied. "When did you become too proper all of a sudden?" She joked and they both laughed.

They walked a couple of blocks until they reach the cafe and sat out on the street. They ordered some macaroons and other pastries along with two cups of freshly brewed coffee and talked.

"Where did you find this place? The coffee is delicious and the view of the Eiffel Tower is just marvelous." She enthused. "I found this place as I was walking around looking for the bookshop I frequented years ago." He said. "Amazing, I didn't know you had hipster taste, Trip." She joked and made Trip laugh a little.

"I really wanna figure out how you get to find all these cool places. How do you do it?" She asked. "I don't really know. I used to just ask the locals where the nice spots are and not the generic tourist kind of spots, you know what I mean?" He asked and she nodded. "Then I just sorta walk around when I stay in another country." He replied. "That's unbelievably normal." She joked and he laughs.

"Don't you do that too?" He asked. "Yeah, I do but I never get to find these cute places." She replied. "Pssshhhh I beg to differ." He reacted. "What about that quaint little cafe in Ho Chi Minh City we went to last September?" He asked. "That was by chance! Plus my friend actually went backpacking there and told me to go to those places." She said. "See? That's the whole point of traveling, meeting new people, and exploring as much as you can." He replied.

Amelia smiled, "I can't believe you remembered that." She said. "Of course, why wouldn't I?" He said with a smile. Amelia shook her head while smiling, and after talking for a bit, Trip and Amelia began to read their books.