One Way Trip to a Dead End

Chapter 1

Its every Americans dream to visit Europe, not to mention London. Well, that's the case at school. My friends have never or rarely been to Europe. I am one of the many who haven't. So of course, hearing my parents announce during dinner that we were going to London was absolutely thrilling. I became very excited, and although we were to leave for England in two weeks, I already have started preparing for the trip. My parents want to go there to take a professional course on International Law since they're lawyers, owning a law firm here in Chicago.

Anyhow, does it matter? I am going to London! That is all that matters. The main advantage to our trip, to my opinion is that we don't need to book any hotel, which is always troublesome as they're literally packed during the summer. I have an Aunt that lives in Westminster, an area in London, which is much to our satisfacation. Aunt Julie, that is what I call her.

Just a week ago, school ended for the year. We cried, exchanged hugs and said goodbye like we'd never see each other again, which is not true of course. But that's our thing. From then on I was expecting a fairly casual break from school, just staying home listening to music, watching TV, eating (a lot) and hanging out with friends that have chosen to spend their vacation in a place they are most familiar with: home. That changed today for me.

Its not like I have never been on vacation. I have been to many places; in America. I have never gone beyond the premises of the States but I have been to the other side of it, which is quite a journey. I remember that we flew over to L.A. It was about a four hour flight. We visited a pier with all its fun attractions and relaxed on the beach. It was a sweet vacation.

In my bedroom, I quit daydreaming and grab my phone to text my class' What'sApp group that I am going to London. I wait about thirty seconds but nobody replies. Well, they're also having vacation.

I take a shower, brush my teeth and prepare to go to sleep. However, first I wanted to inform my diary about this.

"Dear Diary,

Today my parents announced that we are going to London in just two weeks! OMG I am so excited!

April xoxo"

I never tend to write in my diary unless something big happens, like in this case. I also don't write a lot, like in this case once again. The only advantage of this habit that I can think of is that it saves paper and ink (I write in pen).

I snuggle into my bed, under the warm covers. First I'm on my side but soon I lay on my back facing the ceiling. The blank white ceiling. I'm smiling at the blank white ceiling. A rush of adreniline creeps through my skin and I move my feet about crazily and softly squeal of excitement. I am going to London! I am going to London! It really is a big thing because its something that you don't do everyday or very often in your lifetime. I can say "Yes, I have been to London," without lying. If our history teacher talks about British polotics, history or anything at one point during my academic life and refers to Buckingham Palace, the home of the monarchy of England, I can be proud to have gone there before. Also, the atmosphere will be different, most probably, giving me a new feeling. I will be in a different city, country, even continent! I even felt different when I was in LA, the smell of the nearby beach, the sight of beautiful palm trees swaying in the wind, the sounds of live music and joyful screams and the whole idea of being in a different state. Now its time for London to excite me. London here I come, I whisper to myself. Here I come.

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(Mom's POV)

"Well that news got April excited," I say as I clean the kitchen and put away the clean dishes April did.

"Sure it did, as long as she contains her excitement at your sister's appartment. We wouldn't want to give her a heart attack," Jack, my husband says entering the kitchen from the living room with a smile on his face.

I chuckle. He leans on the kitchen counter and watches me. There's a silence for a while. Then I hear April switching on the shower upstairs. That good girl. I don't need to remind her she needs to get ready for bed, she does it herself. I am so proud of my baby. I am so determined every day to keep her safe, I never want to lose her. Never. But I know I might come close to it. "I do feel gutted about the whole idea of what we're going to leave her with in London," I admit.

"Well it'll prevent her from getting involved in this whole case," Jack suggests and puts an arm around my shoulders. "If they choose to harm our family, they'd have to come at us before April. And your sister Julie will take good care of her, I know she will. Anyway, we're always going to return for her. Remember?" Then he kisses me on the forehead. His words are composed to sound confident and certain but his voice was shakey and doubtful which reminds me he is just as worried as I am. He doesn't take it lightly. No parent in this position should. However I remain silent and wait for him to remove his arm so I can continue to do the dishes. I am about to tell him that I am reconsidering it, that I should break the ice and tell April what the trip is really for, but once again I remain silent.

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Exciting!

I can't wait to hear what you guys think! Please comment!

Once school starts, which is in about a week for me, I will probably be quite busy and won't find time to write so I find it a pity that I didn't start the story earlier. Sorry guys! Chapter 2 will definitly be written before school starts but from then on this story may stall a little. So sorry but I will make sure to try my best!

Shanidw x