Chapter Twelve: Journey

Emily arrives in Paris... LONGER CHAPTER, FINALLY!

My hands were clammy and I stared at the sight in front of me. I, Emily Ricketts, was about to step in a  plane and go flying all the way to Europe. With my dad and Nancy. We were flying in a private jet, provided by Ford Models. I couldn't believe it, my first flight and I was flying in a private jet!

I sank down in one of the comfortable armchairs after looking everywhere and putting my case away. Dad sat down next to me and glanced around him appreciatively.

''Very nice,'' he commented. ''I'm starting to like the idea of you becoming a famous model, if this is what we're going to keep getting.''

He grinned, and it eased away my nervousness a bit.

''Good morning! This is your captain speaking. My name is John Vole and I'll be flying you to France ! Remember electronic devices are best left off during the flight, but if on, please put into flight mode. Please fasten your seat belts, which you'll find on the right of your chair, and enjoy the flight!'' the cheerful voice of the captain sounded over the intercom.

The confidence of the captain had me calming down a little more. He sounded like he knew what he was doing.

''Well, Emily. How are you enjoying your modelling life up till now?'' Nancy asked, appearing out of nowhere and sitting down opposite me.

''It's incredible,'' I replied honestly. ''Even though a certain photographer works me too hard-''

I shrieked out in mirth as Nancy shot forward and started tickling me. I was almost in hysterics by the time she finally let go, tears of mirth streaming down my face. Dad had watched us in amusement, but he just picked up a magazine with a small smile playing around his lips.

''No, seriously, Emily. Do I really work you too hard?''

''No. Well, it is tiring, but then again I had expected that. And even with working hard, I enjoy every minute of it.''

Nancy nodded, satisfied with the answer. After that, I fell asleep. I was bone tired, exhausted by the excitement and the prospect of going to Paris. It had everything! A beautiful tower, excellent people, great fashion, awesome language, nice weather and it was in Europe. I couldn’t believe I was going there. I couldn’t help the large grin spreading over my face. I was so happy I got scouted, otherwise I might never have had the opportunity to actually go to Europe.

The flight was long, but it wasn’t boring. There always was something to talk about, something to see, some music to hear, movies to watch, emails or texts to write, ready for when we landed. My friends must be kept updated. Ashley had made me swear I would send her a selfie as soon as my feet touched European ground. Whenever I thought of friends Dakota and Tennessee popped up in my mind first, and I was cruelly reminded that they were no longer my friends. I had given up feeling betrayed, and now I was only angry at them. Where guys really that important to them that they’d say such horrible things? Or was I just really that controlling? No. If anyone was controlling it would be Dakota. She was the one telling me what to do, and up till now, I’d always listened.

Sighing, I settled back down into my chair to enjoy the rest of the movie. I had settled on Mean Girls, since it was a classic and I’d always really liked it. Dad was still sleeping, and Nancy had dropped off to sleep as well.

A hand on my shoulder woke me up, and I realized I’d fallen asleep towards the end of the movie. Dad was smiling at me, and Nancy was bustling about, helping the stewardess clean up the jet a little.

‘’Look outside, darling,’’ he smiled, nudging my shoulder. I turned my head and gasped. The sky was blue as blue could be, the sun was shining, and we were rolling off the runway to park at the back of the France Airport. We were here. In Europe. In France. My hands shook as I undid my seatbelt and faced my dad and Nancy with a large smile on my face.

‘’We’re here!’’ I exclaimed, wanting to jump up and down from excitement. ‘’When can we go out?’’

‘’Now,’’ Nancy grinned, as the stewardess pushed open the door. I rushed past my dad and Nancy, and stormed down the steps. Just before I stepped on the ground, I paused. ‘This is a historical moment,’ I thought, grinning to myself. Then I stepped down and took of running. There was a soft breeze, but other than that, the heat was stifling. I didn’t mind it- it was beautiful, life was beautiful.

I ran back to the plane, exhilarated and bursting with energy. Dad was watching me with an amused expression on my face. Although I wouldn’t have minded coming on my own, it was great that he was here right now.

The next half hour went by very quickly, in a great rush. We were ushered into the airport, where someone had already collected our luggage, and then we were led through a backdoor to the large black limousine that was waiting for us. I couldn’t believe my eyes. We were having a full VIP treatment, and all I’d ever done was one photoshoot.

The chauffeur opened the backdoor of the limousine and I thanked him before getting in. I stopped short, hitting my head on the roof of the car, when my eyes encountered sparkling grey ones. I gasped.

‘’What are you doing here?’’

I hadn’t realized how rude that question sounded, until it slipped out of my mouth. I blushed, cursing my ever reddening cheeks silently. Tanner smirked, knowing fully how embarrassed I was right now.

‘’What? You aren’t happy to see me? That really hurt, Emily, right here.’’

Dramatically, he placed his hand on his heart, pretending to cry. I laughed and sat down opposite him. His grey eyes bore into mine, almost like he could read what I was thinking. Uncomfortable and awkward, I quickly sought for something to say.

‘’But, really, what are you doing here?’’ I broke the silence, truly curious.

Tanner shrugged. ‘’I’m doing a photoshoot with you, angel.’’

I blushed again and furiously forced myself to calm down. ‘’Angel?’’ the word came out before I knew what I was saying. Today was not a good day for conversation with hot male specimen. Especially co-models.

Tanner laughed and shrugged again. ‘’Why not? I personally think it’s a rather fitting name for you.’’

My laugh sounded a little strained. I didn’t know what to think. Weren’t nicknames like that used for couples? We weren’t a couple, therefore him calling me angel might be something like him trying to tell me he liked me. I almost laughed out loud. Tanner would never ever like me that way. I didn’t like him that way. Or did I? I mean, he was good looking and everything, but I barely knew him!

Resolving to stop being so silly and looking into everything, I pulled my thoughts away from the matter. I raised my eyebrow at Tanner and shook my head. ‘’I guess it’s no use trying to stop you calling me that, am I right?’’

Tanner shook his head, smiling widely. ‘’Nope.’’

I hadn’t noticed we’d started driving until we stopped at a traffic light. Then I realized dad and Nancy weren’t here.

Confused, I turned to Tanner. ‘’Where is Nancy? And my dad?’’

‘’They went in the other limousine, with Nancy’s husband. He’s a photographer as well, and he’s helping with our photoshoot.’’

I nodded, then suddenly realized that I was in a car with Tanner. Alone. Again, I forced such irrational thoughts out of my head and turned to the window, enjoying the view. I concentrated on the beautiful city outside, trying to block out everything else. I wondered how to open the window- I didn’t dare touch any of the gleaming buttons in case I’d make the car explode, or something. Knowing me, that’d be the typical thing to happen to me.

‘’Want to open the window?’’ Tanner’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. It was almost like he had read my mind and I grimaced at the thought of him knowing what had been going through my mind before.

‘’Yeah,’’ I answered. ‘’Could we?’’

‘’Of course! Wait a second, let me ask Jim to open the top window.’’

I barely had the time to register what he’d said before he pressed a button and asked his question. The roof above us slid away, and it was only then I noticed it wasn’t a roof, it was a dark window. Surprised, I stared at the patch of heavenly blue sky above us. I turned to the grey-eyed boy opposite me with an excited look. ‘’Can I?’’

He didn’t need to ask what I meant, he just nodded, smiling. I got up quickly and stood on the seat, leaning my elbows on the roof of the car, looking all around me. The wind blew at my face, making my hair fly backwards. It was probably messing it all up, but I didn’t care. I was in Paris, viewing the city from the roof of a limousine. Life was good.

‘’Great, isn’t it?’’

Tanner had come to stand next to me, closing his eyes to enjoy the cool breeze. He put his hands up in the air, grinning at me.

‘’Beautiful,’’ I sighed, looking at the quaint little houses and the cobbled pavements of the city. It was so busy. It reminded me of New York, but everything was so much more old-fashioned and interesting. New York was too busy and tall. Paris embraced you, and I was here to receive the hug.

Author's Note

Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Constructive criticism would be very much appreciated! Please be harsh!