Part 2: Cassidy's Side:
beep was that my phone? Aurggh, I forced myself to open my eyes. Margaret had called; for what? What time was it anyways? 9:30… WHAT?! Oh, it was Sunday. Weekend Sunday, Summer Sunday, Paris Saturday; which meant I could sleep a few hours longer.
When I awoke again, someone was knocking on my bedroom door. And it was really, really loud.
"I'm awake!" I yelled, "Enter if you dare!"
"Margaret's on the phone!" my mom yelled as a picked up the extension.
"It's me!" Margaret gasped, "I am in a HUGE shopping crisis right now!"
"Darling," I cooed in my failed English accent, "In Paris we shall fill our closets!"
"AHHH!" she screamed, "I still cannot believe we are going! I have so much to do! I'll see you at the airport soon!!" and she hung up in a flash.
I laughed as I put the phone back in its charger and slowly got out of bed. A cool, sweet breeze from the open window rippled my red satin sheets as a stood and stretched. A blue jay soared by the window in song as I located my bunny slippers and hopped into them. I checked myself in the bathroom mirror to make sure my bed head wasn't dreadful. Once I looked decent, I dashed down two flights of stairs; taking the banister.
Out of all the houses on my street, I still believed that mine was the grandest. Yes, I may be a little biased but I don't think anyone else's house is quite as sophisticated as the Reynolds household. The entranceway was my favorite part of the whole house. It even outshone by bedroom; which I kept beautiful and was quite proud of. When you walk inside the door a sweet aroma of lilies greet you by the doorway and Jerry offers to take your coat and shoes. Now that you are barefoot, you step onto the comfy, yet sophisticated, carpet and practically glide into the entrance room. There, you are greeted by Eugene, who insists on giving you a fresh pair of satin slippers to wear around the house. It is after Eugene leaves that you remember where you are, The Reynolds, and decide to look around. To your right, a grand staircase made of the finest redwood trees. A green carpet winds up the staircase, giving the wooden floor and even redder look. Parting your eyes from the stairs, the gold banister stands out along the redwood and ivory is always wrapped around the sides. Family portraits fill the walls and your eyes follow the pictures to the space above you, where you finally notice the grand chandelier. The chandelier is my favorite part of the whole entire house. I stand in the middle of the entranceway staring at the intricate design for hours, just as I am now. If your eyes can ever…
"CASSIDY MILLER REYNOLDS!!" my mom yells from the kitchen, "You DO realize you have a PLANE TO CATCH?!"
My daydream ends, as I remember what awaits, Paris.
I dashed back up my lovely staircase, forgetting the breakfast I went down the stairs for and pull open my closet. Drawers bang, hangers clash and clothes fly across the room as I try to find the perfect outfit for my first day in Paris. I have plenty of shirts that mention Paris or say something cute in French, but those would appear too tourist. I had already packed most of my closet into two different suitcases, but there was one outfit I had overlooked during my packing frenzy, and I knew this was going to be perfect. Opening yet another drawer, I find that pair of sevens jeans I hadn't worn and ages and then relocate the perfect top. Satin and colored baby blue, I had found the oriental v-neck with cut-off sleeves my mother had purchased for me in Venice the year before. I added on a necklace and earrings from Tiffany's, pulled my hair up into a bun, stuffed in two chopsticks just to seal "the look", grabbed my stuff and rushed out the door.
Zachary was the first to greet me as my rental car pulled up in front of the airport.
"Ah madame-mizelle," he cried as he helped me out of the car and kissed my hand, "don't you look elegant this evening!"
Henry came up and bonked Zachary on the head with a suitcase as he helped me with my things. "Zach's trying to practice for a French girl this evening, he's beside himself. He thinks they will all be falling for his "cute looks" and "manly charm." I wished him the best of luck. But I do agree with him, you look dashing."
I laughed, what a funny word, dashing. I turned to give Henry my full attention, but he was already gone; helping Madeline get her suitcases out of the car.
"Maddie!" I cried and we embraced, "Aren't you excited? Paris. All summer! No parents!"
"I cannot believe IM GOING TO PARIS!!" she yelled at the top of her lungs, "Thank you thank you!"
We managed to get all of our stuff to the same place, and after teasing Chris about how it appeared he had the most luggage, we made it through security and found our terminal. Rumor had it the plane was going to come early; which meant Paris was going to be early too! The person at the desk quickly explained to us when/how we had to get on the plane and that we would be sitting in rows of two. I hoped I would get David or Kasey, and not someone I was somewhat awkward around like Chris. Everyone started to compare their tickets, but before I could get mine out of my purse, my bladder burst and I had to run screaming to the bathroom.
When I came back, all but the last few rows had boarded. I checked my ticket one last time so I could find my seat on the plane. 16A, 16A I found my seat next to the one the only: Henry Fritz. And it looked like he was trying to hide his smile too hard.