Passage to Australia [Passage to Australia Trilogy Book One]

Chapter I (Un)favorable First Impressions

Well, here it is, my first finished project over five chapters long.  Lol  This is a story I had a long time ago and decided to actually put to paper.  I hope you enjoy it, and please, cunstructive critism (and of course, literary praise. Jk) is welcome.

Chapter I 

(Un)favorable First Impressions

"I still can't believe we're actually doing this!" Janine squealed with delight. "And that your parents are letting you." This last part was directed towards the brunette beside her as they settled into the taxi cab seats. "I mean, they've always kept you so..." she broke off as if realizing she had touched a sensitive spot.

"Close?" The brunette answered with a reassuring smile. "It's alright, Janine, you're absolutely correct. But, you know, even the strictest parents in the world have to let go sometime."

"Yeah, but they usually do it a few increments at a time. You must have really worked your charms for them to let you go on this trip." Janine turned her head at that moment and seemed to be taking a last look at the skyscrapers on the outskirts of Denver, thus missing her companion's mischievous smile.

"Well, Cousin," the brunette replied aloud, "we all know I have considerable charm."

The taxi reached the Denver International Airport in less than twenty minutes, but it seemed longer to the young passengers, anxious as they were to begin their journey.

From the first moment the brunette stepped out of the cab and looked at the massive airport, heard the jets roaring overhead, and pulled her brand-new baggage set from the trunk, she knew this was going to be an unforgettable six weeks.

"Janine! Paris!" A petite, dark-haired girl hurried across the crowded lobby to greet them as soon as they entered the door. She hugged them both before taking their hands and leading them through the maze of people. "It's so good to see you two; how long has it been?"

"Eleven months, one week and four days, but who's counting?" Paris smiled.

"Have you met the boys yet, Brandon?" Janine shortened her stride to accommodate her cousin's slower gate.

"Not yet, but they're probably here by now. I kind of didn't want to meet them until you guys got here. You know, safety in numbers." Brandon grinned sheepishly.

"Nonsense!" Janine proclaimed loudly, drawing the attention of a few passers by. "There's no need to be afraid of men as long as you know how to handle them."

"Take her word for it, Brandon, she's had her share." Paris tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and glanced out the large glass windows to see a jet taking off the runway. It won't be long now. she thought. Nothing can keep me from spreading my wings - not even my parents.

"What is this floor made of?" Janine gripped Brandon's hand more firmly after a near collision with the floor. "That's the second time I've almost slipped on it."

"It's just a polished floor, cousin dear." Brandon gently loosened her hold.

"Why do you wear those sky-high heels, anyway?" Paris eyed the 5-inch stilettos. "Looking hot is one thing, but daring gravity is another."

"This from someone who never wears anything higher than three inches." Janine raised her eyebrows.

"And who's never had a serious foot related injury because of it."

"Janine? Paris?" A middle-aged woman with short blonde curls called from the waiting area. "Is that really you?"

"Aunt Fiona, how are you?" Janine quickly hugged her aunt, then watched as Fiona Birch claimed her other niece with an affectionate embrace. Brandon moved quietly into a chair, took off her left sandal and began massaging her foot.