Chapter 1

It was the day of graduation. Finally. My blue robe stuck to me like a koala to a tree. I sat in the fourth row of chairs, and considering my surname started with an S, I was seated between Joey Schubert and Mike Tesla. I was pretty sure Tesla had a case of rancid B.O., but our chairs were seated so closely, that I was forced to take in the scent. There was no escaping all of this. Just sitting and waiting. For two hours. I know it's a formality for the valedictorian to give a speech at graduation, but this year, we had eight of them. Eight. Time dragged as all eight read their three-page papers in retrospect of their high school years. Then of course my principal droned on forever.

Then finally, we were standing to make our way towards the stage to receive our diplomas. I could feel the sweat trickling down the back of my neck. Despite the air conditioners and the forty fans blowing, our gymnasium was blazing hot. I shifted uncomfortably in line as I waited anxiously to be officially graduated.

"Lucille Ophelia Streicher." I carefully stepped up onto the stage, taking my diploma and shaking the clammy hand of my principal and several other old men. On my way off stage, I tumbled down the stairs. Everyone laughed, and I brushed myself off, blushing crimson red.

After about four more speeches, my principal finally cleared his throat and announced, "Everyone, I present to you...Ardsdale Class of 2012." The entire audience erupted with applause, and my senior class revealed their air horns and various hues of silly string. One boy, Sheldon, had even brought a giant bowl of macaroni and cheese, catapulting the cheesy noodles at his fellow classmates. I managed to escape the chaos and make my way over to my family.

"Oh sweetie! I'm so proud of you!" My mom pulled me into a tight hug, sobbing into my shoulder.

I patted her back. "It's okay mom."

She pulled back and looked at me, brushing a jet black curl out of my face. "I know. It's just...you're all grown up now! I can't believe it."

"Lulu!" I turned to see my dad, wrapping my arms around his middle. "I'm so very proud of you, Lu. You looked beautiful up there."

I pulled back, looking skeptically at him. "Dad, I tripped and fell in front of everyone."

"But you handled it well."

I smiled, spotting my brother behind my dad.

My brother's name was Drew. He was eleven, and the doctors diagnosed him with lung cancer at age three. He was only supposed to live for six months. He was our little miracle child. Sadly, though, he had to drag around a tank of oxygen with him, cannulas constantly in his nose. Some people saw him as weak, but to me, he was the strongest person alive.

"Drew!" I gently wrapped him in my arms.

"Lucy! Some of my friends are here!"

I giggled letting him go and mussing his shaggy wig. "You know you love me."

"So, you leave for England tonight?"

"Mhm. That's right."

"Does this mean I get full access to your room?"

I laughed at this. "Oh, you're cute, Drew."

He huffed, crossing his arms.

"How's about we celebrate and go for ice cream?" my dad suggested.

We all agreed and headed to the closest ice cream parlor.

I sat in my dimly lit room, packing the last few things for my voyage to London. Essentials? Check. Ticket? Check. Chocolate? Check. Money for a year's rent? Check. Laptop? Double check. Camera? Gazillion check. I tinkered with a watch, trying to set it to English time whilst watching yet another AmazingPhil video.

"I just made the AOL posh lady call me Poodeep."

I fell into a fit of laughter. Little Phil was so hilarious! Who am I kidding? Older Phil was so hilarious! His videos never failed to make me smile. And in less than a day, I'd be in the same town as him. What if I ran into him in the market or something? I'd probably not be able to speak at all.

"Honey, are you almost ready to leave?" I heard my mom shout from downstairs.

"Yeah!" I yelled back. "Be there in a minute!" I gathered my suitcase, jacket and lion pillow pet and headed to my brother's room.

When I stepped in, I found him lying in bed, snoring softly, and wheezing slightly. I didn't have the heart to wake him up, so instead, I kissed his forehead gently.

I made my way down the stairs to find my dad sitting on the sofa. He turned and looked at me, pausing his recorded ball game. "I'm gonna miss you sweetie."

I stepped towards him, hugging him tightly. "I'm gonna miss you, too," I mumbled into his shoulder. He kissed my cheek and I was out of the door and to the car.

In the car, I found my mom sipping a cup of tea. I slipped into my seat, buckling my seatbelt.

"Tea? At nine at night?"

"Yolo."

"Oh my gosh, mom."

"What?"

"Please...just never again..."

She giggled. "I bet you'll be drinking a lot of this stuff in London."

"Mom, that's so stereotypical!"

"No, it's true! Doesn't that Magnificent Phil boy like tea?"

"AmazingPhil. And yeah. So?"

"See I told you! Lots of tea." She took another sip, nodding her head.

I just shook my head. "You are such a dork."

"Oh, you like it!"

The rest of the ride to the airport was spent blaring Bohemian Rhapsody and belting out every lyric and instrument sound.

As we pulled up to the airport, fear suddenly crept up my throat, ceasing my singing.

Mom turned the music down. "You alright, hon?"

"Yeah. Just a little nervous."

"That's understandable. But your flight leaves in half an hour, so you should probably get going." She hugged me and kissed my forehead. "I love you, sweetie."

"I love you, too."

"Make sure to call when you get there."

"I will."

I gathered my things, clutching my lion for dear life.

Goodbye New York City. Hello London.

A/N: Another Phil story! Yay! Tell me whatcha think! Just type out a review in that conveniently placed box below. (: