Markson - The Unexpected Journey

Chapter 1

Mark's point of view.

I walked home from my last day of 9th grade. I'm excited for the long holiday off to chill out for a while. I opened the front door and shout with joy, "I'm home." I slipped my shoes off as mother came up to me with a stern face, "There is something me and your father need to talk to you about." she said while taking my bag off me and hooked it onto the peg next to the door to prevent eye contact. We walked into the living room and sat on the sofa. "Son, we have big news. I don't know how you going to take this though." father stated with a worried look. "Go ahead dad." I answer in concern and confusion.

"Me and your mother decided to send you to England to study further." father said in slight confidence. I couldn't get any words out of my mouth, I was speechless. "You are going to leave in a month." mother pronounced as she handed me the plane ticket. I sat in shock, what else was I meant to do. "We are sorry we didn't tell you sooner, we just didn't want you to lack on all your exams." I didn't say a word and dragged myself feet and up to my room. I tried to not think about all this. "I still have a month in left Los Angeles before I have to go." I said to myself. I tried anything and everything to stop thinking about it but nothing seemed to work.

Within no time, that month had come to an end. I know I cannot get out of this and I managed to convinced myself that this isn't a bad thing. I told my friends from my current school that I'm going to England but they seem to be okay with it. They did look sad but I don't think they wanted me to feel guilty. I came home and started to pack my bags as I know I am leaving in 3 days.

Today is the day, the day I leave for England. I grabbed my clothes, electricals, essentials and put them into my backpack and suitcase ready to leave for the airport. Mother burst into my room which startled me. "Have this. This will give you everything you will need and I will pay for your apartment so don't worry." She handed me a bank card with a piece of paper with the apartment verification code on as gave me a reassuring smile while she ruffled my crimson hair. Mother left to get the phone as it was ringing, I heard heard some of the conversation "My son will be arriving tomorrow, I gave him the verification code so you know it is my son. Thank you, bye."

Mother shouted from downstairs "You aren't coming back here for a few years so take some memories with you and whatever you do, do not lose that code. " I huffed as I couldn't bring myself to realise that it would be a few years before I come back... A few years. "I can't believe my parents are sending me there all by myself to start a new school. There are plenty of schools where we live. I don't know anyone, I don't really know the currency yet." I mumble to myself as I brought everything down the stairs to the car.

I started to pack the car as father gave me a pat on the back with a sad smile as to say "Good luck son, I will miss you." I gave father a smirk as I closed the boot and soon I clambered into the car ready to leave,"Honey, have you got everything?" mother shouts. I reply "Yes I do, don't worry." As I waited in the back seat for mother and father get into the car, I thought to myself "This is it, this is the day." Mother and father got into the car and set off to the airport.

30 minutes later, we arrive. It had been silent the whole time, no words were spoken, just the tense atmosphere surrounding us. I dragged myself out of the car and picked up all my things out the boot. We walked into the airport to the office where I handed in my passport. "You are going to England? I've always wanted to go. The plane leaves in 20 minutes so make sure you get on quickly." The person at the desk giggled, handing my passport back to me. I looked around see where I needed to get on, "There." I pointed.

"Well, I think this is goodbye then son. Have a safe flight." Father pronounced with a sad smile. Mother gave me a strong, sweet hug before I had to go, "Goodbye my boy! Stay safe!" I made my way to the plane and soon got on it. Some tears escaped my eyes when I sat down in the seat as I realised that I may not see them for at least a year. I'm really scared for what is to come. Also, I don't know if I will be rejected or accepted at my new school. I had to distract myself somehow.