This excitement I felt was growing bigger and bigger by getting closer to home every passing second. It was already December, school time had ended and it was time to go back where I belonged: to America, among common humans.
Especially with grandma.
Against her doctor's health recommendations, she went to pick me up at the airport, but I didn't mind. I hugged her like I've never done before, trying not to cry from the relief and the happiness I felt. It was like a huge piano was lifted from my shoulders. I missed her so much.
I didn't want to leave ever again.
During the ride back home, grandma and me were silent. Even though I was really excited to be here, long hours of flight also left me physically tired and I was about to pass out.
When we arrived I sighed contently, left my suitcases on the living room and went straight to my room. I dived into my bed and fell asleep almost instantly. I had the best sleep in months, now that I didn't have to be cautious around some undesirable roommates.
Bouncing towards next morning, I was met with a familiar smell of coffee and pancakes. Grandma had made some for me and herself.
"Morning, Grandma" I told her as I sat.
"Good morning, beautiful Bianca".
I took a bite of the pancakes, and moaned happily. Now I was in heaven.
"God! I missed this food!".
It was true. The school could offer a lot of different European meals, but this in front of me was the real deal. Not replaceable.
"Why? What kind of food did they give you?".
"Mmm... about everything, but after a while all tasted bland".
"Oh, like hotel buffets".
"Yeah, basically".
Then, grandma asked me a lot about how was Switzerland, the people there, the classes, the climate... everything. I told her that, honestly, the only things worth to tell her about were the much prettier (and cleaner) environment, no homework... oh, also there were an unlimited supply of soap in all restrooms.
Sounds stupid, but when you've been on a school without cleaning tools only then it's understandable my wonderment.
"Wow, so impressive!" Grandma said, I think sarcastically. She may have expected more talking about Swiss culture and stuff.
"Yeah".
"Let me guess... they also have toilet paper?"
"Uh-hum".
"All of them?" She asked about the restrooms.
"Yeah!"
"Great!" Grandma exclaimed, genuinely impressed now.
I laughed. She also seemed so weirdly happy.
"Did you bring some?"
What?
"Toilet paper?" She clarified.
Why would I? I'm not a weirdo (maybe just look a bit like it: but I'm not, really).
"Bianca Hersey! What have I told you about toilet paper?"
Oh, right. Not to underestimate it.
"If you find some free toilet paper, you take it" She thoughtfully reminded me.
I'm pretty sure it's not for free and came included in school tuition, but whatever.
"I'm sorry grandma, next time I'll bring as much as I can" I compromised and apologized, not wanting to make her angry.
"Apology accepted. Now onto the important matters, we have to celebrate Thanksgiving Day".
Thanksgiving? But that was a week ago. She must have caught my confused look, because she explained she waited for me to come and celebrate it together. Besides, now that Thanksgiving Day has passed, most supermarkets have tons of turkeys and wines displaying on discount.
It was perfect.
I cleaned up the house in the morning, we ate lunch, and then went to buy food for our Thanksgiving celebration that night. Grandma cooked the turkey and taught me how to, while I helped her make the salad and mashed potatoes.
We rearranged the living room so we could have dinner there instead of the kitchen, grandma putting her best (and only) tablecloth for the occasion. I did the prayer, thanking god for reuniting me again with grandma and giving us this delicious meal, and then we ate.
Someday it won't be just grandma and me dining: hopefully my future children will join us, and we'll have an even more animated night.
"You still own me some photos" She reminded me.
"What photos?".
"I asked you to send me some photos a while ago, to show me how your school is".
Oh, right. That was before that... that episode I had. When I asked her about mom and Mr. Hamington's 'love affair'.
The problem was, I didn't know if I was going back to that school again. I just don't have the will to. Now I was in my own heaven, and I didn't want to let go of it.