The Boy, Italy and Me

Chapter 4

Hello everyone!! I hope y'all like the book so far. Sorry if the chapters are a little short. I want to know what y'all think so far? Let me know. Enjoy:)

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The abroad program is held in Florence this summer. I have always dreamed of going there and I can't believe that it is finally happening. The schedule for the next 3 months consist of class Monday-Thursday, from 9 am to 11 am. After we finish each day we are free to explore on our own and on the weekends we are allowed to travel to other cities and nearby countries. Overall, the trip allows you to truly immerse yourself in all Italy has to offer.

Once I get off the plane, I head to baggage claim. I look around for a sign with my name on it. The abroad program offers pick up service to and from the airport for it's students. I spot my name through the crowd. The sign is being held by a short, older Italian man. I walk towards him and point at the sign and then to myself. "Are you Jane Wilson?," he asks in a very strong Italian accent. I tell him yes and he ushers me to follow him. He puts my luggage in his car and then opens the door for me to get in. He starts to drive and the anticipation is killing me. I look out the window the rest of the way in awe of the beautiful city.

"Have you been to Italy before?," he ask looking at me through the rear view mirror. I smile and tell him, "Nope this is my first time." He smiles back and replies, "Well, welcome to our beautiful city. I hope you enjoy yourself and maybe find what you are looking for." I look up at him puzzled. Why would he say that and what does he mean?

He drops me off at the hotel I will be staying at throughout my trip. It is an old hotel called Le Due Fontane. It's a pretty big size building, most of it a dark orange color. It even has stained glass windows in the front. You can tell it has been around for a long time. Each student has to share a room with one other classmate. We don't know who that person is until we get our room assignments. When I walk in, I see a table set up in the lobby with a sign that reads, "Summer Abroad Program Check-In". I walk to the table and tell them my name. The girl hands me my room key and says, "It seems like your roommate has already checked-in so you will meet her in the room. You will be on the third floor, room 321. Let me know if you have any questions, and tonight we are all meeting downstairs at 7 to walk to dinner." I take the key and politely thank her.

One of the biggest concerns I had was my roommate. What if I don't like her or she doesn't like me? Or what if we fight and don't get along? This had been giving me a lot of anxiety leading up to the trip, but I told myself to just be the best version of me and I'm sure she will like you. I get to my door and say quick prayer before I open it. I walk in and see my roommate unpacking your clothes. She looks up at me and smiles really big. "OMG hello I'm Amanda your roommate, but you can call me Mandy. I'm so excited for this summer. You must be Jane," she says excitedly. She walks over and gives me a big hug.

My first impression of her is very good. She is about 5'5, has red wavy hair, and pretty blue eyes. I can already tell that she is super quirky and fashionable, which I love. She also seems super sweet which is a relief. "Hey, yes I'm Jane. I am so excited too," I replied back. We spend the next couple hours unpacking a chatting. She tells me that she is from Austin, Texas and attends TCU. She loves dancing, painting, baking, and anything pink. She just got out of a bad relationship and is excited to see what this trip holds for her. She is also majoring in fashion merchandising and minoring in Italian, which will give us a lot to bond over. I tell her about my family and Liam. I also tell her about Emily, which makes me realize that the two of them are so similar. I definitely lucked out.

It's now around 6:15 and I decide to get ready for dinner. Neither of us were sure what kind place we were going to, so we decided a casual yet cute outfit would be appropriate. After finishing my hair and makeup, I look at myself in the mirror admiring my handy work. I actually felt beautiful.  I have always been a pretty confident person, but there was just something about tonight that gave me an extra boost. I added loose waves to my already long wavy brown hair. I went for a glowy bronzed makeup look and added my favorite pink lip gloss. I decided to wear a simple white sundress that tied at my waist. And I paired the outfit with gold hoop earrings, my favorite gold star necklace, and gold gladiator sandals. One thing I know for sure is that anything gold is my favorite accessory.

Mandy decided on a stylish pair of pants and a cropped tee with sneakers. I loved her quirky style and how she owned it. We headed down to the lobby to meet the rest of my classmates. There were at least 30 of us. Everyone was nicely dressed and seemed very excited and eager for what the night had in store for us. One of the professors in charge told us it was time to go and we followed him out the doors and down the street.