Chapter 64: THE TRIP

I stood in the middle of my room, staring at the shopping bags scattered across my bed and to the floor. Why did I get new clothes?

Dragging my small black travel suitcase out from my closet, I unzipped it and flipped the lid open, the scent of fresh leather hitting my nose. The last time I used this was… I couldn’t even remember. Probably some family trip that I’d rather forget.

I started with the clothes, few of the new ones and my favorites from my closet. I neatly folded each piece before placing them inside. Dresses, coats, a couple of casual fits, and a few backup outfits—because who knew what we’d actually be doing on this trip? We may decide to stay one day extra again.

There was little space left after the clothes so I moved to the snacks.

I sat cross-legged on the floor, ripping open the shopping bags, sorting through the stash. I raised a bunch of clothes and put the bottled cold brew in between, better safe than sorry. The chocolates, the nuts, the protein protein bars, sweets, gums were next. I packed them carefully into a separate section, making sure nothing would get squished. Nothing worse than melted chocolate ruining my clothes.

Then came the shoes and bags. I pulled out another slightly bigger suitcase and set it next to the first one. Heels, boots, a pair of comfortable sneakers (not that I planned on walking too much), and a few designer bags that matched my outfits.

By the time I was done, my bed was clear, and my suitcases were perfectly packed. I leaned back on my hands, staring at them. I've never been this excited to go on a two days trip before.

Now, all that was left was getting to Eden.

I stretched my arms above my head, letting out a sigh as I took in the now neatly packed suitcases sitting by the door.

Feeling the exhaustion settle in, I grabbed my phone off the nightstand and checked the time—7:47 PM. If I went to bed now, I could literally have a full night with extra hours of sleep before the trip. Then I wouldn't be mad if Xinmei wake me up early to get ready.

I made my way to the bathroom, flipping on the light. My reflection in the mirror looked as tired as I felt. My hair was slightly messy from moving around all evening, and running my hands through it, and my eyes had that half-lidded, I– need– sleep–now look.

I pulled off my clothes and turned on the shower, stepping under the warm spray. Instant relief. The heat loosened the tension in my shoulders, washing away the dust walking down aisle after aisle, that is if there was any dust at all. I ran my hands through my hair, letting the water soak in before reaching for my Lavender and vanilla body wash.

Once I was done, I wrapped myself in a towel and padded over to my closet. I planned to just go to bed straight a d force my self to sleep, no movies like I do almost everything night so I grabbed a cute, oversized satin nightshirt. It was light pink, super soft, and comfortable

I made sure to dry my hair just enough so it wouldn’t soak my pillow, or start to smell tomorrow and ruin my trip.

I shivered from the dreadful thought then turned off the bathroom light and slid into bed. The moment my head hit the pillow, my body relaxed.

I pulled the covers up, staring at the ceiling for a second. Tomorrow, we’d be leaving for the trip. Tomorrow I'd find out what kept drawing me into that place, why I feel so attached to it.

With that thought, I shut my eyes, hoping to get enough sleep to actually enjoy it.

My phone ringing yanked me out of sleep. My hand blindly reached for it on the nightstand, fingers clumsily swiping the screen as I brought it to my ear.

"On my way to the bathroom," I mumbled, barely awake, already knowing who it was. I pushed myself up from the bed, letting out a yawn as I ran a hand through my hair.

"The bus leaves in an hour and thirty minutes. I'll meet you at school. Byeee," Xinmei’s voice came through the speaker before the call ended.

I groaned. One hour and thirty minutes. That was not enough time to be moving this slow.

Forcing myself to get up, I stumbled to the bathroom, flicking on the light. Way too bright. I squinted at my reflection—puffy eyes, messy hair, half-dead expression. Heh Cute.

I brushed my teeth quickly, splashing cold water on my face to shake off the last bit of sleep before stepping into the shower. The warm water woke me up properly this time, washing away the grogginess.

Fifteen minutes later, I was out, towel-drying my hair as I went back into my room. Clothes. I grabbed a pair of black high-waisted jeans and a fitted white long-sleeve top, I Know how much I bought these, I paired it with my comfortable black two inches heeled platform boots.

Makeup was quick—concealer, a little mascara, lip gloss. Hair? I let it fall naturally, straightening it with my finger until I decided to just find my damn hair stretcher comb and do my hair some good.

Brushed through it once before deciding I didn't care anymore.

I checked the time. 8:40 AM. Good.

I grabbed both travel boxes, rolling them toward the door. With one last glance around my room, I locked the door behind me and made my way downstairs.

The sound of Marilyn’s voice reached me before I even got to the bottom.

She was standing in the middle of the living room, going through a list, reading it out in front of Frankie and Blanche, who both looked equally over it.

“Toothbrush?”

“Yes,” Blanche mumbled.

“Chargers?”

“Yeah.”

"Passport?"

Frankie huffed. "Mom, we're not leaving the country."