The alarm clock shocked me awake, and I could feel the sun shining brilliantly in through the windows. I had a hangover. I didn't expect to drink that much, but I couldn't help myself. I couldn't have survived the party with those vultures stalking me. My head feels like hell, and my entire body aches. I have no choice but to get out of bed, take a shower, and begin my journey to the airport; I have a ten-hour flight to catch. My flight was scheduled to depart at 1 p.m.; it was 11:30 a.m. I slept for a long time. Alcohol works like a charm to help me sleep.I dragged myself out of bed, went to the bathroom, had a bath, and dressed up.Took a moment to savour the memories have I have made in my room, I'm going to miss my room terribly. I went downstairs after double checking to see if I had forgotten anything.
Everyone was waiting for me when I got downstairs. Jay and Kay appear to be in a state of disarray; they clearly had their fill of booze the night before.
"Ak, I'm going to miss you." Belle grinned as she wrapped her arms around me.
"Me too. "Make sure you take care of yourself." Amy stated that she was reaching for a hug.
" Have a lovely time in Romania, Snow. Remember, we're all here for you wheneve. Always, and forever." Jayden said as he gripped my hands.
" Always and forever". I wishpered crying . We all cried in a group embrace, especially Amy , Belle And i , while the boys patted our shoulders.
" We would have loved to drive you to the airport, sis, but we're in such a mess. I'm extremely hungover. Zen would be kind enough to do us the honor. Snow, please take care of yourself", Kay Said "I love you."
"Love you both, and I think you should cut back on the drinking and quit throwing parties.
"Let's go, sissy," Zen remarked as he carried my bags to the car. I took a second glance around as they smiled as they waved their goodbyes.
We arrived at the airport around 12:30 p.m. I was unquestionably late for check-in. I dashed up to the counter to check in, but I couldn't because I was late. I had to reschedule for the next available flight by 4 p.m.
While I waited for the next flight, we found a place to sit. Zen was kind enough to wait with me.
"I could stay with you till 2.30 p.m.; I have classes by 4 p.m.," Zen smiled.
" Thank you, Bumble."
"You were really drunk, sis," he laughed. I knew you were not so good at dancing; but i never thought it was this bad . what were those moves you were doing? Were you working in a garden? It was terrible.
" it's your fault; I drank too much since you handed me those cocktails."
" I definitely told you to slow down."
" No, you did not."
" Oh, I did. Oh, oh, how could you hear me yesterday when your attention was focused entirely on Damien? In jest, he said. Damien! , Damien! He laughed so loudly as he spoke.
" Stop it". I said punching him really hard.
" It was such a fascinating sight to witness, oh my. You've never dated or been in a relationship with a man. That's terrible, sis. You need to find someone. Try to go on dates when you arrive in Romania, okay? Otherwise, you'll undoubtedly find yourself all alone. He teased me by uttering, "I can't do grandma shit with you, you know."
" You're really having fun, huh? I said, pulling his ear. As he let out a loud cry, Ouch, that hurts" . Then stop teasing me, and I will stop hurting you. Bumble, you're one to talk; you never brought a girl over".
" it doesn't necessarily imply I don't date just because I've never invited a female over, sis." He gave me a mocking glance.
" Oh, really? Huh? You never told me".
" That's my personal space" . Sissy
" Uh , Really I thought we told each other everything ".
" Not like this sissy; I'd want to be a little enigmatic," he muttered. You almost know everything, so it's a little embarrassing".
" Bumble has certainly grown up, huh? What a man you're now! We both started giggling loudly.
Zen kept me company, keeping me from getting depressed. As I waited for my next flight, we spoke for quite a bit of time. He expressed to me his fondness of campus life and its potential difficulties. Zen was pursuing his medical degree. He has always been exceptionally intelligent, and his high school grades were outstanding. His academic performance is perfect; I had no need to be concerned. I have always been proud of him. HeHe kept on talking about other things and his past relationships. I couldn't help but smile within, Mr. Mysterious. No matter what he says, he remains a baby to me.
Zen left earlier he was suppose to because he had an urgent matter to take care of. We hugged each other goodbye. I ended up sitting by myself, watching people walk around the airport while my thoughts were blank. I then recognized a voice and looked up to see Damien. standing right in front of me. What was he doing here ? I must admit that i was shocked to see him.
" Hey, Ak Damien called and grinned.
" Hey" I froze.
He laughed, "You're not one to hide your expression; that's one thing I like about you. You're certainly stunned to see me.
Did he just say that I'm probably hearing things? I didn't expect to see you here. I said. The airport is where you are Ak . What do people do at airports, I thought to myself? Stop assuming too much. Oh, I guess you're taking a trip too? I inquired.
" I'm not, though. He kept grinning broadly. He was grinning at me, but why? I was unable to stop thinking. You come to see someone off, right?
"Yeah." He said.
" Oh, okay".
"How did you find out where I was? I enquired out of curiosity.
" Zen told me when I called".
" Ah, I see what you called Zen? . I was taken aback. I had no idea you two were so close."
" I got his number last night".
"Ah, okay".
"I wanted to see you before you left, and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to, then Zen called to say that your flight had been rescheduled, so I hurried over.
" Oh". Why would he hurry over to see me? Let's not become self_absorb. He's probably being kind considering we were classmates in high school. He simply stopped by and he was there to see someone off."
" Thank you, has your friend who you came to see off already? I said. A little chuckle escaped his lips.
" Oh Ak, what am I to do with you? I was perplexed as I gazed at him.
" I had to see you again before you left" .
I couldn't figure out why he was giving me such an odd gaze. I was startled out of my thoughts by the flight announcement.
" I said, "I have to leave. It's time to board."
He handed me his complimentary card with his number on it and added, "Sure, make sure you text me when you arrive." Please send me a text, Ak."
I will. Bye. I turned as I moved away to board and saw him watching me. He waved and I returned the gesture. When I got on the plane, I was still baffled as to why Damien had traveled so far to say goodbye to me.
******************************
I've arrived in Romania at last, but I'm jet lagged. A young, attractive woman with dark brown hair was bouncing and waving a board with my name written on it as I headed for the arrival gate. I waved back and moved in her direction. She had a side-to-side grin on her face.
" Miss Akki, Welcome to Brașov, My name is Ioana,Your boss Mr Adrian asked me to pick up " She said as she hug me.
She truly has a lively attitude, which made me happy.
" It's nice to have you here". I replied. She continued to speak while walking towards her car with a smile that complemented her attractive face.
" I understand this is your first trip abroad, right?
" yes " I answered.
" Wow, don't you worry, your stay with me would be fantastic, Ioana said with a smile. It would be fun to take you about town and take you to the nicest bars for drinks."
" That's fine, that sounds lovely."
After a peaceful stretch of driving, we arrived to an attractive but old-looking cottage. with a beautiful side garden. The decor was wonderful and included a brown old chair. I remarked, "Your house is lovely".
"It belongs to my grandma, thank you. Sadly", Ioana grinned. "Freshen up; dinner will be served in fifteen minutes. Your room is upstairs and mine is right next to yours."
" Thanks for having me."
" You're welcome ".
I sat on the bed and sighed loudly as the door closed behind her. I was drained. I grabbed my phone and quickly texted my brothers to let them know I was okay, then I found my way to the bathroom to freshen up, changed, and went downstairs.
Ioana's dish had an enticing aroma.
" Please take a seat". Ioana stated.
"Thank you; this looks delicious." I said
" This is a Sarmale cabbage roll, and the ingredients are rice, onions, minced beef, and a few spices. She said, "I hope you eat pork."
Yes, I do; I don't have a picky palate. Thank you" I said as my stomach began to churn, "I haven't had anything since the tiny flight meal."
The food was far more wonderful than I had anticipated. We ate in quiet comfort, and then Ioana started talking. ,
"I've heard you'll be here for six months. "
" Yea".
" We may become great friends if you don't mind staying longer; you're welcome to do so."
I grinned as I remarked, "That would be nice." The rest of the meal was enjoyed in silence.
" Thank you for dinner, I really enjoyed it".
"My pleasure; I believe you're worn out. Why don't you go rest? Then I'll show you around town tomorrow."
"Sure, good night."
I returned to my room and stretched out on the bed. I don't know why, but I felt at peace here for some reason. It's a little odd; I have no idea why. I was ready to close my eyes and drift off to sleep when I got a call. I wasn't familiar with the number.
" Hey, Ak. It's Damien."
I swiftly got to my feet. I was taken aback because I didn't anticipate him to call."Hi," I muttered.
"Hey there, I know it's late, but I just wanted to make sure you've arrived safe."
" Yes, I did that an hour ago. I didn't want to bother you, so I was going to text you by morning."
" You're never a bother Ak". his voice and words gave me goosebumps.
" Always a pleasure, Ak". I felt goosebumps listening to him speak.
" Iapologize for not calling earlier."
" It's alright; I hope you like your accommodations and if you require assistance, I could send you to my guest house." If that's okay".?.
" I'm fine; Ioana has been wonderful. Thanks a lot.
Ioana? He enquired, perplexed.
"The lady I'm staying with is Ioana. She's been fantastic, and I believe my time spent with her would be fantastic."
" I'll leave you rest now, but just know that I'm always here. "
"Good night," He said softly.
" Good night".
I stumbled onto my bed as my happy internal danced. The trip was an incredible idea. I sense fantastic things are headed my way. I waited for sleep to take me away while I gazed at the ceiling.