You & I (Harry Styles)

1. Departure

My Checklist:

1. Send an application to go to study abroad- Check!

2. Get accepted to study abroad- Check!

3. Make arrangements- Check!

4. Pack for 3 months- Half check!

5. Go to London, England! PENDING!

My list was rather simple. I continued to look over my second list of everything I needed to pack a bit anxiously as I threw things into my suitcase. Actually doing what was on it was easier said than done. I was worried in case I forgot anything because, no I would not be returning home for 3 months. I was going to my dream place- England.

I couldn't exactly say what had always attracted me to the country. I had always loved it since I was little. I suppose it began when I was younger believing I could be a princess in one of the few countries in the world that still had royalty. As I grew older I became intrigued with all the beautiful landmarks and things that made it so unique. I remember drawing and painting Big Ben, double decker buses, and the London Tower Bridge, as well as eating my favorite English muffins and crumpets.

That's about the time where my love for art really blossomed. I would practice painting and sketching practically everyday. So much that when it was time for college I decided to go to an art university! I was surprised but happy to know that I had gotten accepted to my dream one which wasn't far from where I lived... In California.

Anyways, in my university you had to be at least a sophomore in order to participate in a trip like this but when my 19th birthday rolled around this past summer and the new semester began, the letter announcing it came and I jumped at the opportunity. Normally I'd be heading off to go to school starting next week for the fall, but obviously I wasn't- and I was ecstatic.

"Ria, are you coming down soon?" My mom called. "You know we were supposed to be heading out to dinner!"

"Yes, I know mom!" I called trying to jump on top of the suitcase in order for it to close. "I'm coming let me change first!" After finally zipping it shut I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Goodness that was difficult. You aren't getting opened until we get there." I said to the suitcase annoyed. Then, I quickly changed into jeans, boots, a tee, and a cardigan.

I ran down the stairs hurriedly.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry I know I'm late!" My mom glanced at me from her spot on the couch.

"We'll your father and brother are already in the car. So lets go."

We walked out of the house together and got in my dad's precious Honda.

"Hey, don't slam the doors too harshly!" He told me. "She has feelings you know."

"It's a piece of machinery dad." I rolled my eyes.

"To you. " he said before he reversed. My brother, Lucas, sat in the back next to me. He was a two years older than me and it looked as if we weren't even related. He took after my dad who had straight blond hair and blue eyes while I resembled my mother who had long wavy light brown hair and deep brown eyes. He was studying law and I was an artist. But we didn't fight all the time, at least.

"Man, I think that's the first time you've ever come out last. Mom takes the longest to get ready." He laughed.

"I wasn't just getting ready, idiot. I was packing for my trip next week on Monday. I'm leaving in 3 days you know."

"Yeah well... Good luck then." He smiled a little sadly.

"Are you gonna miss me, Lucas?" I held back a laugh. He was too prideful for that.

"Yeah right!" He shook his head. " I'm turning your room into my lounge while your gone."

"I AM coming back you know." I rolled my eyes again.

"So then I guess you'll return to a smelly room."

"So much for being an actual caring big brother." I shook my head.

Twenty minutes later we arrived at the restaurant. It was more of a farewell outing for me but it was fun.

"Hey don't come back with a boyfriend or anything. Your going for studying ONLY." My dad said to me over dessert. I shook my head.

"Duh, that's not in my plan. I know what I'm going for don't worry." I said.

"Shame, in a way it'd be nice to have a British son-in-law." My mom said to me.

"Doris, don't encourage her!" My dad said indignantly. "She's too young."

"I'm just saying!" My mom smiled.

"Ok seriously," I interrupted. "One, I'm 19, and two, I just said that that's what I'm not going for! Can we drop it?"

Afterwards my dad was in a pretty bad mood.

Monday came by like a blur. I would be departing LAX with my classmates who were going at about 8pm to arrive at the airport in London at about 6-6:30am over there. I couldn't believe if was so close. Honestly, I was a little scared. What if it wasn't everything I thought it would be?

I arrived at the airport two hours before departure time, as was recommended and met up with my classmates filing in slowly at the meetup spot. Famililies everywhere were saying goodbye to their kids, some tearfully. My own mother looked like she wanted to cry. Thank God, she didnt because it probably would have made me cry too.

"Oh... bye, Gloria! I love you." She hugged me. I bid the rest of my family goodbye and slowly turned away.

It was time to go.