one semester // s.m

01

Carolina Baise

     "Do you have everything packed honey?" Mom asked as she knocked on my opened bedroom door.

     "Yes mom," I rolled my eyes jokingly.

     I've heard that question for days now.

     "What are you ever going to do without me in Canada?" Mom dramatically leaned against the door.

     "Well, I'm going to study photography, eat amazing food, be the most obvious tourist you could ever find in Canada, and did I forget to mention photography?" We laughed.

     As I was folding some of the last pieces of clothing in my suitcase, mom gave me big hug from behind me.

     "If Canada treats you badly, you call me and I'll get you home." Mom said and walked out of my bedroom.

     I finished up the last of my packing and zipped up my suitcase. Did I forget to mention this suitcase is one of three suitcases I'm bringing?

     I plopped down on my bed and closed my eyes. Until I heard my phone ring. I picked up the phone and read the caller ID.

     Emma Dunn

     Also know as, my best friend.

     "I'm coming over now," I told Emma, before she could get a word out. I promised her I would come visit her before I left.

     "I don't want my best friend to leave France for four months and not say goodbye to me. You better be coming." She 'scolded'.

     I hung up the phone and grabbed my purse. Downstairs, you would always find my mom on the phone with business calls. I mouthed 'I'll be back later' while she was somewhat arguing with the caller. She gave me a thumbs up and a smile.

     I walked out of our house and headed for Emma's. Which was only five doors down.

     "Carolina!" Emma yelled as she hugged me.

     "Come in, come in." She slightly yells with her strong accent and gestures her hands for me to come inside. Emma was born in France. Unlike me, born in New York.

     "Why do you have to go to Canada?" Emma slumped in her chair.

     "Because it's the start of my career," I made my statement obvious. She groaned.

     "I'll miss my Lina." She stood up to give me a hug.

     "I'll miss my Lina too." She slapped my shoulder. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I'll miss you so much."

     We walked around our little town and had lunch together. We made some of our last in-person-memories since I wouldn't be seeing her for four months.

     "Bring me a souvenir." Emma said as we walked up my porch steps.

     "I will." I said as we hugged for what felt like hours.

     "You stay out of trouble for me." I pointed my finger at her.

     "Always do. Don't go too Canadian on me." She pointed back.

     "No promises." We laughed as we hugged for the last time.

     "Call me when you get to your host house or whatever you call it." She smiled.

     "I'll see you soon Emma."

     "I'll see you soon Lina."

     I walked inside my house and found mom making dinner. "Carolina! I'm making you're favorite, spaghetti with Parmesan," she yelled from the kitchen. I walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table.

     Mom set two bowls down on the table as we began to eat. "So what are you planning to do in Canada? Besides taking your lovely photos." Mom asked as she took a bite of spaghetti.

     "Explore. Maybe visit some tourist areas." I shrugged.

     "I called your host parents and they said they would be more than happy to show you around." She smiled.

     We chatted for a while and exchanged our 'Ill miss you' statements hundreds of times.

     "Goodnight Carolina, I'll see you early tomorrow morning." She kissed my forehead and walked into her room.

     I slumped down on my bed and looked around my room. "I'll see you in four months." I said as I fell asleep.