Vivi Vidi Amavi

one

  The clouds passed by slowly as the sky changed from the dark blue of the nigh to a light pink. Am I really doing this? I thought to myself as I looked over my schedule again. I just graduated high school two weeks ago and here I am, on a flight to Greece. Impulsive? Maybe. Do I regret it? Not one bit.

  I always wanted to go to Europe, but I never expected it to be straight out of high school. Or by myself. I pictured Justyce and I going, or my college roommate who would turn to be my lifelong best friend. Unfortunately, I didn't have either one. The last thing I wanted to think about on this trip would be my brother or college. I knew I would have to face both issues sooner or later, but I'd rather it be later when I would actually know how to handle them.

   Looking over my schedule for the millionth time, I made sure that everything was set and placed. My runaway to Europe might have been impulsive and rushed, but I made sure I had flights and hotels booked, and if they failed I had back up. My first stop would be the Skopelos Islands in Greece. Dancing Queen played in my head as I pictured myself dancing along the dock as they had in Momma Mia. But this isn't a musical and I am no dancing queen. I'm an 18 year old girl with no vision on her life past the summer.

   "Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to land in our destination of Pelion, Greece. Those going to the islands, there we be a ferry leaving at 9 o'clock. " The flight attendant said over the intercome as the plane turned down slightly. I looked out the window and saw that it was still dark out. It was only about 8, so I had an hour to explore Pelion before going to the island.

   Once we landed, most people headed towards the ferry station. It was 8:30 now and I should have gone straight to the ferry station, but I wanted to make a stop at the Taksarichon Church. It was one of the main things I was interested in during the lesson of Greece in Art History.

   When I finally arrived, I was more than extactic to see the church in person. Only to realize that it was closed until 10. Sighing, I still was able to take my pictures of the outside and hoped that when I returned to Pelion to leave for Italy it would be opened.I looked down at my phone. 8:55. Shit. I threw my camera back into my bag and ran to the ferry station.

   "No, no, no." I said to myself as the ferry sailed away from the port. Tears welded in my eyes. I slapped my forehead and groaned. You've gotta be kidding me. I walked over to the ticket booth and looked at the schedule on the window. The next ferry wasn't until 12 and I needed to check into my room at 11. The man in the window looked at me sincerely and shrugged. There was nothing he could do to help me.

   "Excuse me, Miss," A voice said from behind me. I turned to see a tall man in fishing gear, from the water boots to the bucket hat. He was older, maybe in his 50s, and he spoke in the thickest Greek accent. "My son and I saw you missed your ferry, was it heading out to Skopelos?"

   "Yes it was, I lost track of time and just missed it." I sighed, but laughed a bit at the end. Only my luck I would miss it.

    "We're heading back out there, we can give you a ride if you'd like. I'm sure you wouldn't want to sit here and wait for the next one." He took his hat off and gray speckled shone through his hair.

    "Really? Thank you so much!" My heart swelled with happiness as he lifted one of my suitcases for me.

     Maybe this trip was starting to turn around for me.