An Ariella Story

Too Close For Comfort

"We're actually in Paris! The romance capital of the world!" Stazi exclaimed.

I laughed along with her as our bus pulled up beside a French hotel. All of my classmates were bouncing in their seats from excitement. Cameras were clicking and squeels of delight echoed throughout the small space.

We all followed Ms. Parks into the lobby of the hotel. She stopped infront of the elevator and turned to face us. Her hands fumbled through maps and papers until she came to the one she wanted.

"We have a buddy system! No one goes anywhere without their buddy! You've randomly been paired up with one of your classmates, thanks to this nifty app I just got installed on my phone. So there's no complaining!"

Stazi grabbed my arm and we crossed our fingers, hoping to be paired together. Names were called out and I squeezed my fingers together, praying I got my best friend.

"Nastasia Jones and Jessi Baker!" Ms. Parks called out.

I frowned and I heard Stazi curse under her breath. She left me and went to stand by my foster sister. I stood there with my arms crossed and waited for my turn.

"Gabe Mitchell and Ariella Scott!"

My jaw hit the floor.

"But-" I started to protest.

"No complaining, Ms. Scott!" Ms. Parks interrupted me.

Gabe came up beside me. "Hello... buddy." he grinned devilishly.

Maybe coming to Paris hadn't been the best idea...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Although I was stuck with Gabe for a 'buddy', I was still allowed to room with my best friend. Thank goodness.

"I still can't believe we're in France. Can you, Ella?" Stazi asked.

"I'm starting to regret this."

She came and sat next to me on my bed. Filled suitcases surrounded me. I hadn't gotten around to unpacking yet. I was still pouting.

"You stole money, snuck out and climbed on an airplane, and left the country without parental permission. I'd say you're in some deep shit when you get back so enjoy it while it lasts."

With a pat to my back, she stood up and went into the bathroom to check out the bathtub. I sulked for an extra few seconds before deciding she was right. I'd probably be grounded for the rest of my life when I made it back to America. There was no point in ruining my freedom while I had it.

Noticing Stazi wouldn't be coming out for awhile, I climbed to my feet, grabbed my bag with my camera, and left our small suite. Excited chatter tumbled through the doorways of the suites next to mine. I could hear some girls giggling about French boys while some guys made bets about who'd get the hotter French chick. Freaking typical.

I headed to the elevator. My finger found the lobby button and I eagerly pressed it. The metal doors were almost completely closed when a hand slipped through, reopening them.

"You're not supposed to go anywhere without me." he tsked.

I rolled my eyes as Gabe pressed the button I'd touched earlier. This time, the doors closed without interruption and I felt us moving.

"That doesn't mean I won't." I replied.

"But that'd be breaking the rules!" he said, overdramatically.

I had to stifle my laugh. "Since when are you someone who follows the rules?"

"Since we became buddies."