Trip of a Lifetime

Chapter 1

Cinder P.O.V:

I finally finished the last bolt on the truck when I said," There you go. One delivery truck ready to go".

"Thanks Cinder. I'm sorry that I have to call you up here. I know you have graduation in the next four hours and I basically dragged you out of bed.", Scarlet apologized as she was leaning on the door.

"It's okay. You know I would do anything to help. Probably because I'm the only mechanic in town that doesn't charge you.", I said while I was putting the tools away.

"Well, since I have finished all of my deliveries, how about treat you for some coffee inside.", she said as we walked from the alley to the diner.

"Good because I'm starving and you're paying", I said and we laughed. We head inside and the diner was in it's usual Saturday morning breakfast rush. We got on the counter and ordered two cups of coffee.

"Is it weird that I have a huge obsession for coffee.", I said while pouring some sugar packet in my coffee.

"I think you might have been coffee in another life.", someone behind me said. I turn around and saw Cress while she was walking back to the register. Scarlet nodded and I begun drinking.

"So today's the day. Just two more days before you two head off to Paris. A week away in the city of lights.", Cress said while wiping off the table a few feet away.

In less than 48 hour, Scarlet and I would be heading off to Paris. My first trip out of the small rural town of Luna. Something I have dreamed for nearly five years. I have spent those five years working and saving enough money for a week away to Paris. I had rough life since I have been in and out of the foster system. I have been teased for the way I looked and the fact that I wasn't a girly girl and preferred working on cars and making things. I hate wearing dresses and I only had four friends who were girls. This trip was the most girliest thing I ever dream and was proud of it.

"Just two more day", I said.

"I wish you can come.", Scarlet told Cress."You have been working non-stop and you just finished college. You might as well use vacation."

"I know but don't worry about me. You go have fun while I stay here.", she said and walked off to help another table.

Cress had lived in Luna all her life and never left. Ever since her mom left her and her dad, it had hit her hard. Her father, Dr. Erland, had been able to support them for years but Cress had thrown herself in work. I feel bad her and she does deserve this trip more than anyone.

After two more cups, Scarlet came to pick up check and while I got up and was ready to go, I saw someone entering the diner, sat down beside me, and I immediately knew who it was.

"Hey Cinder.", Wolf said while he was looking at the menu even though he basically memorized it.

I look around and saw Scarlet head off to bathroom. When she was gone, I looked and spoke.

"So when are you going to tell her.", I whispered.

"I don't know. Everytime I try, I end up backing down and changed the subject completely.", he said.

"Come on", I said."You two have been together nearly four years. For someone who's never had a single boyfriend in her life, that's impressive."

"I know, but..."

"No buts. Tell her that you want to spent the rest of your life with her or there will be hell to pay",I said.

"Okay then. I just need to find the right moment.", he said.

I was about to speak when Scarlet came back and we changed the subject immediately.

"So...um, you ready for Paris.", he said.

"Just two more day, Wolf. Two more days", I said.

*****Time Skip(After Graduation)*****

After graduation, Scarlet's grandmother, Michelle, had invited me and Cress and made a dinner to celebrate my high school graduation and our trip to Paris. Michelle had made her famous lemon cake, which I love and spent it with the people I care about.

"Thanks Michelle. This is nice.", I said.

"Cinder, your like family here. I did took care of you two years.", she said while she grabbed a knife from the kitchen.

When I was in the foster system, I had lived with the Benoits for two years when I was seven. When I first met them, I was scared but they said I could the fresh air and hard-work. Michelle treated me like a daughter and she had a granddaughter nearly four years older than me. Out of every foster home I had, they were the best home I had until I had to go and be sent back. When I had gotten a new foster home when I turned 14, I moved back to Luna and gotten back in touch with them.

When I told them about my dream trip to Paris, they were excited. Michelle told us that she went there when she was younger and thought it might be great for Scarlet and I. We decided that Paris was a great after-graduation trip.

"Cress, since I heard that you are free for the summer, I talked to your father. You just got out of college and with work and all, we have a surprise.", Michelle said while Cress dropped her fork as she was shocked.

"What are you talking about?", she said and then looked at Scarlet."Do you know what she's talking about?"

"No", she said.

Michelle smile and said,"Cress is going to Paris too".

But instead of cheer and a smile from Cress, she just stood there but was shocked like the rest of us.

*****Time Skip(Hour Later at Darnel Residence)*****

Cress P.O.V

"You would have said no", her father spoke as he was packing up to go the hospital for his night shift.

"Say no to what? No to the fact that I have work and use half of my savings", I said while I helped him.

"I'm basically paying for the plane ticket and the trip. The only thing you're paying are just your meals and souvenirs.", he said.

"Still. As much as I love you and are willing to pay for my entire trip, I can't do this."

"Yes, you can. I know I have been tough on you through high school and college. It will be fun and about time you get a break."

"Why are you doing this to me?", as I sat down on the sofa of the living room.

"Because I love you and I don't know how to make this any better.", he said as the room went silent.

It was hardly ever that they talked about her mother. The woman that had left them when she was fifteen. She had remembered that day when she and her dad came back after a long day and her belongings gone. She just left with a letter saying she can't do this and just walked out with only her ring left on the coffee table.

After a few moments, he sat down beside me.

"Look, you're twenty-one years old and you hardly leave the house beside work, school, and I don't want to take that away from you. As your father, I can't believe I'm saying this, but you should go out and fun like other girls your age. Just living your life."

"I know but I haven't been able to. But it's not like I can just leave, I have you to worry about."

"Crescent, I'm fine. Come on, your mother's been gone six years now. It's time."

"So...I should I just go."

"Yes!", he said."Go. Have fun and don't do anything I wouldn't do. But also don't do anything I would do."

"So basically anything in that small gray area."

"Yes"

"Fine. I'll call tomorrow and give my notice"

"Good. I have to get going", he said as he kissed on the forehead goodbye. I hear the door shut on the way out and I went to my room to start packing.

Scarlet P.O.V

After dinner, Cinder and Cress went home and grand-mare went to wash the dishes. Leaving me to take out the trash. It was almost dark when I heard a noise. I turn around and see Wolf. He was leaning against the fence of the steps as he was waiting there.

"Hi, I haven't seen you all day.", I said as I walked up to him.

"You saw me earlier"

"Yeah, but we never get moment alone. You want to head inside? There are a bunch of leftovers, your favorite.", I grinned.

"Yeah, but... I need to talk to you and I have to do it now"

My smile faltered.

"What's wrong"

"Nothing, but... I don't think you should go"

I reached out and I touched his unkempt hair which I love.

"Come on, I'm only going to be gone for week. I think you'll survive."

"I think you should stay here..."

"Yeah, but..."

"And marry me"

Just like that, I feel like everything had just stop and it felt like the longest second of my life. I didn't know what to say.

I have met him four years ago and we have immediately hit it off. When we first met, he was shy and was unlike anyone I met. Grand-mere was unsure about him at first but now, she loved whenever he came over. He would always help around the farm and she would always pay him in food. He had gained her stamp of approval and we have been together since.

But now, it was terrifying. A part of me wants to say yes and just kiss him right there. However, the rest of me is screaming and I have no idea what to say. I love him, but am I ready?

"I'm sorry. I just... I'm so new and I was thinking about this for a long time. I love you and with you leaving and all,… I just have to say it."

"Wow. Um... this is great. Um... wow.", I said.

I didn't know what to say. I am freaking out and I can't say anything but gibberish. Finally, I speak.

"Ze'ev, I love you, but... I'm about to leave for Paris and... I don't know. I have so many things I have to deal with and I don't know what to say. I can't give you a straight answer right now. I need time to think this over. I promise I will give you an answer when I come back. Please."

After a moment, he just nodded and left. He just left.

And just like that, my stomach dropped and felt like his, shattering.

Cinder P.O.V

I got out my car and head straight to the door and grabbed my keys. I got in and saw the entire apartment cover in fabric. In the corner, I see my older sister, Iko was focusing on the sewing machine at work.

"Iko.", I said while trying not to step the fabric. However, Iko was not paying attention.

"Iko!", I shouted and she still doesn't notice. Finally, I tapped her on the shoulder and she stopped immediately.

"Hey, how are you doing? How was dinner?"

"Great. Just two more days"

"You keep saying that"

"Well, it's true"

"Come on, Cinder"

"Iko, I have been saving for this. This is what has gotten through me for the last four years of high school: imagining myself walking along the Seine and standing on top of the Eiffel Tower. Somehow, making me different."

"As much it kills me, it's really not that magical. It's not going to change you to a whole other person. I like the one I have now", she said as she hugged me.

"I know but I need this. We have been in and out of the system and finally, you have gotten the right to have me as my guardian. You are finally pursuing your dream of fashion and designing. Please let me have mine."

She lets go and begins to pick up the fabric of the floor.

"Nobody wants you to find your life than I do. I'm not stopping you"

We laughed as we pick up the fabric. Finally, I head off to bed, wanting Monday to come faster. Never thought I say that.

Author's Note:

Thank you so much. I know I have been slacking off Let Light Guide You Home. I have been busy with the holidays and have reached writer's block. I thought I could use the time to write another story to make up for the lost of time. It's a new story full drama and a bit a romance. I was inspired by my first PG movie, Monte Carlo, and decided it was a great story to fit in with these characters. I am writing the next chapter writing now as we speak. See you later with a new chapter.

XOXO

-Bookatopia1227