The Route To China

Ch.3: Travel Buddy

"Can I continue now?" Nicole sipped her milk.

I nodded.

***Flashback Resumed***

After our shift Lai and I went home and talked about who we thought would get to study abroad. We spent all night giving our reasons and placing bets on people. We both agreed that at least 12 people in our class had to go.

"Dina open your eyes" Lai said.

"Good or bad news" I say still covering them with my hands.

"You determine that for yourself"

I opened my eyes and couldn't believe what I saw. Only two people passed the test. "So Britney and Trent, huh?" I say holding on to my black backpack.

"Yeah, looks like it"

Lai and I stood in silence. We felt bad for ourselves and for everyone who tried so hard. This test isn't fair.

"Will you two please join me in my office now?" Our teacher popped up behind us.

A bit surprised, we followed her into her very cultured room.

"As you two probably figured, the test was very difficult this year"

"Yes" We both said.

"Although I'm very proud of the two students who made it, we can all agree that more people deserved to go, right?"

"Right..." Lai and I agreed a bit puzzled on why she was telling us this.

"This was the best group of students I've had in years. And you two were exemplary."

"Thank you Miss" I say.

She leaned back on her chair, fiddling with her pencil. "What I'm trying to say is I've selected a few other students to join Britney and Trent on the train -school funded"

"Uhm, excuse me Miss but how?" Lai asked.

"Don't worry about the details, just pack your bags you leave tomorrow. I know its soon but it can't be helped. And unfortunately, you can only spend a month there instead of the full three months. Is that alright?"

"Yes!" We both say eagerly. A month abroad is better than no months abroad.

"Good, you may leave"

***Flashback Paused***

"Okay Jin, take this" Nicole handed him an empty plate. While she was talking we were all eating our breakfast. "Sorry Dina, I have to buy groceries now. I'll wash up and go" She instantly got up and went to where I assumed was the bathroom. Around Nicole, I felt a certain comfort, but somehow the moment she left, I began to feel awkward.

"The egg sandwich you made...it was good" I say staring at my empty plate.

"Thank you -you taught me how to make it" He took my plate. I couldn't even look up at him. Its so weird between us. Is Nicole really going to leave me with someone I don't know?

"So Dina" He was looking at me. I still couldn't face. "Do you want to do something later?"

"Nicole! You're done washing up" I ran to her, grabbing her arm. "Do you need help with the groceries? I'll go with you"

"huh? But its a pretty long walk"

"No, I don't mind. Didn't you say I had to finish it soon. You can tell me on the way"

She smiled at me, leading me to the door. "Let's go"

The neighborhood we were in seemed really expensive like a foreign luxurious palace for celebrities -though it was seriously crowded. There were kids riding bikes, couples passing by, old ladies carrying groceries. Wait... "So Nicole"  I faced her. "I think you left off on the part where we were told that we could go to China. Where is Lai by the end"

"You ask a lot of questions. All of which will be answered by the end, now listen carefully.  When you and your friend got to China you two immediately explored the country."

***Flashback continued***

Both Lai and I were fascinated at the sight of all the mountains in China. We barely got to see a hill where we came from. Of course me being adventurous I convinced Lai to hike with me. Half way through we found an abandoned temple looking place. Obviously I had to take selfies for Instagram. Even though we were too tired to reach the top, it was quite a peaceful hike, I really did enjoy it. 

"Have we made it to civilization yet?" Lai panted as she dreaded down the mountain.

 "Not yet but we're almost there. Hey I've got an idea. Wouldn't it be cool if we took cool selfies wearing clothes from like actual stores here"

"Good idea, I think I saw one on our way here, follow me" She suddenly regain her energy and ran full speed to the store. It was little but very cute.

"Uh Dina, do you know Chinese currency?"

"Oooh, That's probably gonna be an issue. I know Ms. Chang taught it, why didn't you pay attention"

"What about you? You didn't pay attention either"

"Are we even ready to be here hahaha. Hey, let's get ice cream and head back to the dorm. Its getting dark and we have class tomorrow"

Lai stiffened up. "about that...I'm not coming with you back to the dorm"

"What do you mean?" I began to feel anxious. China is only fun with a friend. Who am I going to point out the cultural differences? Whose gonna correct my language? How am I suppose to handle the stares all alone. I can't do this alone.

"Ms. Chang called me separately and there's not enough room at your school. So, I'm attending Beijing University. I wanted to spend all day together because this is the last you'll see me in China, goodbye" She hugged me and left me in the store. I don't  want ice cream anymore.