-Exchange-

Chapter 1

     "Welcome to your new, all American home for the year." My new host mother says as we pull into the driveway. I smile at the thought of living the life I've always wanted. My eyes are instantly pulled to their house. They have a humble amount of plants in their front yard. Their house isn't too big but definitely not small either. It's a big change compared to the flat my parents and I lived in.
     " Hi Alessandra. I'm Levi." I'm snapped out of my thoughts and brought back into reality. My eyes focus onto this boy. He has very prominent features. His scruff of hair is light brown and his eyes are dark green. He's extremely tall compared to me.
"Call me ales, please." I smile. I step out of the car and onto the hard pavement that makes up their driveway. I walk into the house and am greeted by a very excited dog.
I scan around the room I'm in. I'm assuming that this is what Americans call the mud room based on the coat rack and placement of a few pairs of shoes.
"Let me show you your room." My host mom says. She leads me through a hall and into a nice room. The room is quite plain with it consisting of only the color white.
" You can decorate it any way you'd like, but don't get too carried away." She says as she closes the door.
I start unpacking all of my clothing and things. I put my blankets and sheets on my bed. My pictures are put on the shelf above the desk. I set up my Mac with my keyboard and mouse on the desk. I take a look around and sigh. I fall onto my bed and let exhaustion take me over.

-2 hours later-

My eyes flutter open to the sound of knocking on my door. I smooth my outfit and walk to the door to open it. I'm met by Levi.
"My mom wanted me to tell you that dinner was ready." He says somewhat bored. He runs his hand through his hair and leans onto my door frame.
" um okay. Thanks." I say. I walk past him and into the kitchen and sit on the nearest available chair.
" I hope you like Chinese food , Alessandra, because this fam is a fan." Karen says with a slight chuckle.
"Mom! Stop being embarrassing for 5 seconds please." He says as a blush makes its way across his face.
Karen hands me my food and whispers in my ear, "My son is just a hater." I giggle and begin eating my food. To be completely honest, it isn't half bad. It's definitely different than my usual pasta, fish, and salad though.
" So Ales, what's it like in Italy?" Levi asks. I finished chewing my food and pause to think.
"It's very beautiful, but it's hard to make a living. My parents have to work a couple of jobs so that we could have enough money." I say.
"Is that why you moved here?" He asks. I ponder for awhile to come up with my answer.
If I'm being honest, I'm not sure why I wanted to live in America so bad. My life back home was far from bad. I had plenty of friends. My school life was stable. I was even talking to a guy I really liked.
"I just needed a change I guess." I said finally. I finish my food and throw it into the trash bin. I begin walking towards my room.
"I'm going to freshen up and go to bed now. Good night." I say.
" Good night." They say in unison.

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