Monday... later.
We'd made it through the Eurotunnel into Paris, France. It was tiring and very hot as we travelled, high speed, under the water by a huge tunnel.
The coach driver had taken us to a service station for a toilet break so I got off to get a bottle of water. The tunnel had made me feel nauseous.
I returned to the coach, passing Ana and Siva who were arguing over whether to share a pizza or not. Ana wanted her own, but Siva wasn't hungry. I laughed and stepped onto the coach, finding it empty.
I sat at the back in my original seat, hoping Ana would sit next to me when she returned. I couldn't face another however many hours beside Tom and his strange attitude.
“Yes. Yes, I know. Of course. I'm not stupid. Whatever. Don't miss me too much, bye.” I heard a voice walking up the back of the coach.
Tom looked glum.
“Are you okay?” I asked. He grunted a reply and sat back on the back row again, putting in his earphones and putting a black beanie hat on. Wow. Rude.
Monday, even later.
We'd finally arrived at the hotel in central Paris. It was brightly coloured and small, but comfortable. I was sharing with Ana. Nikki and Val were sharing, as were Sally and Jasmine. And of course, the boys. I'd met Siva and Tom's friends, Max and Jay and also Nathan, the boy I was introduced to earlier today.
“I'm tired.” I groaned.
“You have to come and eat!” Ana said, sternly, a clear Mother figure, even on day one.
“I'm honestly not hungry. I'd fall asleep on my plate.” I said, tying my hair into a messy bun and sitting onto my bed. Ana sighed.
“Fine. We'll be back later. Stay out of trouble.” She said.
I must have fallen into a deep, deep sleep because I was suddenly awoken by a vibrating under my pillow.
My phone.
“Hello?” I said, straining my eyes to wake up.
“Wow, you sound sleepy... sorry.... I was wondering if you want anything to eat. You must be hungry.” It was Ana.
“No.. no, I'm okay.” I said.
“McDonalds it is then. French fries are French.. right?” She said. I knew she wouldn't take no for an answer.
“I'll have chicken nuggets and chips. And a milkshake.” I said.
“Tom asked if you'd like a McFlurry. Wait... he ordered one anyway. See you in like, five minutes.” She hung up and I sat up in the darkness.
Tom was ordering my food. I hoped he wouldn't spit in it or something along those sinister lines.
Ana came inside a while later and handed me the bag of food, shutting the door behind her.
“You feeling better?” She asked. I nodded, already 2 nuggets down. She laughed and headed to the bathroom.
“So... Tom...” I began but stopped. “Yeah?” She asked, turning the tap on. I said nothing else and I saw her smirk in the mirror.
“He's been my friend since we were kids. He's my best friend. I know everything about him, he knows the same about me. We're close but he's... messed up. I can say that because he knows it himself. You don't... like him, do you?” She asked, turning around.
I dipped my French fry into my ketchup, looking at intently.
“Sophie?” She asked, coming back into the room.
I sighed and shook my head. “No, he just confuses me. One minute he's a really nice guy, the next minute it's as though you're chewing gum on the street, a piece of dirt, something he's trodden in....”
I began to feel guilty, Ana just told me he's her best friend.
“Sorry... I-” She put a hand up to stop me and I prepared myself for a long rant about how rude I am.
“You're right. He has his moments. He often loses it with me, but he's a good guy deep, deep, deep down.” She laughed at herself. “He just takes time to trust people.” She smiled, trying to comfort me. “He only met you today, new kid. Give him some time.” She said, stealing one of my nuggets and heading back to the bathroom. She returned in her pyjamas and got into bed, picking up a book from the bedside table.
“And anyway, he must think you're cool.” She said.
I looked at her, expecting a elaboration.
“Well, he's never brought me an ice cream, let alone an entire meal.” She said, opening her book.
“He... paid for this?” I asked.
Ana nodded.
“Goodnight, Sophie.” She said, the smirk coming back, something I guessed she'd picked up from spending most of her life around Tom.
I blinked and lay down.
“Goodnight.” I replied.
