The summer break was here and Andy was mighty excited. He had been enjoying the penthouse like his own and swam in the pool almost every day after school, and getting used to the high-end environment which was a world away from the working-class surroundings that he and his mother used to live in.
He was playing Lego with his mother in his room when Leon suddenly appeared at the door and announced to them, "Guys, we'll be heading off to Europe and Japan."
"Okay, have a good trip," said Ariel.
"I mean, as in, you two will be joining us for the trip," Leon clarified.
They both paused their playing.
"Europe and Japan!" Ariel and Andy gasped together. They then screamed and jumped in excitement.
She had never been to Europe and Japan before, or to any other country except once to Hong Kong with her parents when she was only five, but memories of that experience were vague. As for Andy, he never travelled out of the country once.
"Yup. We're heading to London, Paris, Stockholm, Milan, Madrid, Lisbon and Amsterdam, then Osaka and Tokyo. You won't be doing any cooking, but don't take this as a holiday either. You're going to study their cuisines and bring those ideas back to my kitchen."
"Yes, sir!" she replied with a playful salute, excited and nervous about travelling overseas. "When do we leave?"
"In two days' time."
"Such short notice! But Andy and me don't have passports!"
"No worries, Vinny has already sorted it out for you guys. Here you go," Leon passed the new passports to them. They were speechless. Ariel caressed her new passport like it was the first time, still confused if this was real. Even Andy was awed by the small book in his hand, flipping through the pages and smelling the small book in curiosity.
"Whatcha waiting for? Go pack up!" Leon hurried them.
-------------
Martin: Really? U traveling with Leon?
Ariel read the message from Martin after telling him she was unable to meet him when he tried to invite her out again.
Ariel: Yep!
Martin: Means I can't see u when he ain't ard...shame 😕
Ariel: U seem quite set in wanting to see me
Martin: Of cos! I don't exchange numbers for no good reason. U know how many ppl in the world want my number, yet I willingly gave it to u and u still don't make use of it to meet me!
Ariel chuckled.
Martin: Besides, I won't be here for long once u return
Ariel: I'll try when I return ok? This time I'll rmbr to fix a date with u
Martin: That's a deal
-------------
The luxury private jet felt like a 5-star hotel in the sky with comfortable and spacious seats that allowed for stretching one's body and legs out at ease, a business lounge, a bathroom, a living room, a kitchen with a minibar, a spacious dining area with tables and seats. It also had a bedroom with a full king-size bed, which was where Leon slept in. The interior of the plane was classy with glossy woodwork, strips of golden hues and fine leather. There were also flat-screen TVs here and there.
Riding in the private jet happened to be Andy's very first plane ride. The occasional turbulence and the ear-popping experience at high altitudes made him fearful that he kept grabbing tightly onto his mother's hand. Despite it all, he remained fascinated by the Alps and clusters of cities that were visible from up high. Zooming through the clouds felt like a magical experience.
YOU ARE READING
365 Days with the Celebrity
RomanceAriel Lee has been stuck for years in a dead-end job as an assistant chef. Struggling to meet ends meet in a life of poverty while raising her young son whose father left them for another woman, their lives would soon change when she narrowly won a...
