Diary Entry – Amy Dumas

28th of August, 2005

The original itinerary would have placed us in Scotland or perhaps en route to the Isle of Mann, but instead we have returned to the McMahon manor in England with no set idea of when we will depart next. A family tragedy has called both Adam and Jason home to Romania for an indefinite period of time; though privately, the two cousins conveyed that they would be away no longer than a fortnight, at the very least. Naturally, their departure leaves us with only four faculty advisors instead of six and also may set us back in terms of a travel schedule or possibly, the academic schedule. In a partial attempt to keep us on track as per the academic calendar, Paul and Scott have assigned us a ten page paper on an author from the Victorian time period. As an added level of difficulty, we were given the further task of doing a comparative paper- either with another author from that time period or from a different time period. There are further levels of difficulty to the assignment in terms of culture, education and similar outside influences as well, but they have not been decided upon yet. To the best of my knowledge, I am the only student who has expressed any such interest into turning the basic paper into a more involved project. My time frame would remain relatively the same, I think. I am uncertain as I have only just submitted my request yesterday after we returned from Wales.

Like Trish, I am greatly concerned for the well being of the two blond cousins but unlike Trish, I believe that the circumstances surrounding their temporary departure run far deeper than a family tragedy. While I may not have any sort of solid proof, just given what I already know about them and the situation I have found myself in… I am truly starting to believe that nothing is ever as it seems. Certainly I can understand that trust needs to be earned and that we really have not known them for a substantial period of time. Still, I would hope that they could at least confide in us to some level. I would not expect for them to tell us absolutely everything, but they could at least give us some details.

Well, regardless, I suppose I should also look for the positives of the upcoming fourteen days…or possibly longer, depending on when Adam and Jason return. But I digress, the return trip to the McMahon manor provided me with a significant amount of time to converse with Ms. Moretti, which I may not have had otherwise. From our conversation, I have discovered that she is also from New York City and not only that, but she is not much older than me. I would not go as far to use the term kindred spirit but at the very least, I feel that I have found a friend. Our interests, beyond our chosen majors, are quite similar as are some aspects of our respective personalities. I found conversation quite easy to come by with her, and in no time at all, we had returned to the manor.

And the actual return to the manor, Mr. McMahon was not present to greet us, but Shane was. I suppose this may have caused some concern, if we were entirely unfamiliar with Mr. McMahon, but even his own nephew did not seem fazed by the absence of his uncle. Well, it isn't as though we absolutely need Mr. McMahon to be present, and according to Shane, his father is only away on business for a few days time. He provided no further information on his father's whereabouts and really, it wasn't any of our business to ask.

Amy saved the document that was serving as her most recent journal entry, intending to finish it later after the evening meal. With the absence of Mr. McMahon, Shane had adopted a slightly more relaxed schedule for all residents of the manor. Naturally, the students were still expected to meet certain requirements as far as studying and devoting time to research; but the previously restricting schedule that Mr. McMahon insisted on was replaced. The slightly relaxed schedule also gave the four faculty advisors time to re-adjust the upcoming overall schedule for the academic year. While two weeks didn't seem like much in the grand scheme of things, for a program that was already depending on a tight schedule academically and travel wise; two weeks made a huge difference. Aside from reevaluating the importance of some previously scheduled activities, the list of cities also needed to be reconsidered. Naturally, the capital cities would remain and more than likely cities that were culturally significant to the course material. Amy also reasoned that, unless determined otherwise, the short side trip to Egypt would also be canceled. Aside from not having a full set of faculty, it was three or four days that could be put to better use from an academic standpoint. Still, until she was informed otherwise, Amy hoped that they would still make that trip.

"I suppose I should head downstairs for the evening meal, even if we aren't dining in the formal dining room and have been informed that formal dress is optional, the meal itself is not."

Amy shut down the laptop, waiting for it to completely power off before she moved from the ornate oak desk. Without Mr. McMahon present she didn't need to worry about changing her clothes, having been reassured that jeans and a t-shirt would be acceptable.

The redhead met up with Trish and Lisa in the hallway, the three female students waiting for the two female advisors before heading downstairs to the informal dining room. On their way downstairs, they encountered the three male students and then assumed that Scott was more than likely downstairs already with Paul and Shane. It was on the way downstairs, and after the three male students were present, that the two female advisors spoke about some of the readjustments to the travel schedule.

"From what we have been told, most of the schedule will remain in tract at least as far as destinations but the duration of time spent there, or between, may change. The planned one week rest period here, after visiting Italy, Germany, Austria and France, has been canceled in interest of condensing travel time on the Continent before the Christmas holiday break." Nora glanced between the students, waiting for that information to digest before she continued; "Many of the cultural experiences such as balls, plays and visits to museums and landmarks, will remain as necessary but you can anticipate that priority will be placed on capital cities and culturally significant cities, only."

"This will remain in place, regardless if Mr. Copeland and Mr. Reso return as anticipated," Mary stated after a moment's pause, "in the event that they do return early, which we do not believe they will, the schedule may be restructured again."

Amy cleared her throat, "when I spoke to Paul yesterday, he told me that it was more likely that they would be detained longer than the fourteen day period they estimated."

Nora nodded in confirmation, "that would be correct. Even though the actual trip may not take long, the amount of time that they remain in Romania will depend on how much family business needs to be attended to. Matters like wills, property and things of that nature."

Trish inclined her head, a curious look in her eyes, "would you be able to give us an approximate estimation or does that depend on the family?"

"Entirely dependent on the family," Mary affirmed, "and especially with large or extended families or families that may have a longstanding history in a certain area."

Amy squeezed her friend's hand, the group of students and faculty advisors finally arriving to the main floor; "Just stay positive… and who knows, maybe they'll be able to update us soon."

Trish mustered a smile, "I know… just that I wish we could do something else, you know? I feel helpless and a little useless just being here. Although, if we had gone with them, that might have been a little awkward and really not the ideal situation to meet the family."

"Hardly ideal," Amy agreed, their conversation coming to a brief halt as they entered the informal dining room.

Paul stood as the female students and faculty advisors entered the room, "if you students have not been informed already, Scott and I are available to discuss the restructured schedule for the academic year… and the previously unknown due date for your paper."

Chris nodded towards the two female faculty advisors, "they did let us know about the schedule, but not about the due date."

Paul nodded shortly, "if at all possible, I will have an updated and detailed copy of the itinerary for you all within two days time. And as far as the due date for the paper, you will have until the Thanksgiving break as both Scott and myself feel that this is a sufficient amount of time." A cursory nod was made towards Amy, "and as per your request for the topic of your paper, you have our full permission to proceed accordingly."

Amy smiled, "I realize that the request may seem unusual, but I'm confident that I can complete the research needed and write the full paper within the time allowed."

Paul exchanged a look with Shane and then continued his brief conversation with Amy; "my cousin has informed me that Stephanie completed a similar paper and though some of the resources used may be outdated, the library here at the manor should at least provide you with a sufficient start." An amused smile lifted at the corners of his mouth, "I must also say that while I do certainly commend your ambition, I can't help but question if this is a wise decision in the long term as there will be numerous papers requiring practically the same depth of research."

An equally amused smile found its way to Amy's face, "I do appreciate your concern, Paul, but I can assure you that I am prepared to complete all required assignments and within the given amount of time, regardless of their difficulty." She nodded across the table towards Trish, "and if you can't take my word for it, Trish can affirm to my habits."

"With the temporary absence of your customary advisors, I have temporarily volunteered my services to the university programs;" Shane addressed all of the students, "but that is pending approval of the respective programs, though I do not anticipate any difficulties as my major does qualify accordingly."

Randy arched an eyebrow at that, "and what was your major? Obviously, we know everyone else's…"

"I majored in History and English at the University of Oxford," Shane replied after finishing a few bites of salad, "and I also completed a graduate degree in Celtic Languages and Literature at Harvard University."

Paul rolled his eyes a little, "Stephanie did all of her collegiate work at the University of Cambridge and I studied at Yale, so I suppose you could call all of us a family of overachievers."

Amy smirked a little at that, "but it would be better to be an overachiever than an underachiever, correct?"

"Absolutely," Paul replied, lifting his glass of wine in a toasting manner, "and may I just say, to all of you students, it's an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to work with you all. Such achievement and academic success it seems are becoming far and few between with each entering class of students."

"Well, I can't really speak for everyone, but I don't have much of a choice," Lisa smiled wryly, "I either keep my grades high or I risk losing my scholarships to the university."

"Or, in some cases we risk academic ineligibility for athletics," Randy supplied with an equally wry smile. "Sometimes just knowing that you'll get kicked off the team, can give someone great incentive to achieve."

Paul nodded in acknowledgement and then set his glass of wine down; "with the early return from Wales, my cousin and I were wondering if you students would be interested in a short trip to Paris next week… not related to anything academic, I'm afraid, but more of a mental break… or a mental health day or two, if you would rather."

Shane spoke when his cousin finished, "my father will not return from his business trip until the end of next week. Normally, he would only be away for a day or two at most, but for this trip he wanted to get more accomplished."

Trish eyed the two conspirators, "and when would we leave, how long would we stay, where would we stay and more importantly, what would we do?"

"My family owns a well maintained property on the Île-de-France that should be more than comfortable as far as accommodations are concerned." Shane paused, setting aside his now finished salad, "the plan is to stay for only two days and as for what to do? We'll be in Paris and I'm certain you'll find plenty to occupy your time."

"I meant are we going to be restricted in terms of what we can do and where we go?" Trish directed an apologetic look towards her friend, "no offense to you, but if this isn't an academically oriented trip, I'd rather go shopping and sightsee."

Scott cleared his throat, glancing across the table to the two female faculty advisors, "Paul and myself were waiting for your presence so we could properly discuss arrangements. Not in the sense of chaperoning, but merely in the sense of regulations as per university requirements." A nod was directed towards the three male students, "because, although I don't want to assume, I am doubtful that the three gentlemen would want to spend the entirety of a day engaged in shopping."

"And they wouldn't be the only ones entirely against that." Amy added with a slight grimace, "Honestly I would rather go to the museums or historical sites. Not that I would entirely protest some shopping, but that isn't something I would want to do for a long period of time. And personally, I'd love to attend a play, if at all possible… or an opera house tour if one is available."

Shane smiled a touch, "I'm more than certain that a tour of that nature can be arranged… and in particular to follow the style of the Phantom of the Opera?" And at Amy's confirming nod, he continued, "I will personally facilitate this opportunity and this offer is extended to all of you students, if you are interested."

For the remainder of the evening meal, the upcoming trip to Paris was discussed amongst the students and faculty advisors. Naturally, there was a schism with planning the ideal itinerary and not only between the female and male students but also with the female students. Since Shane had already volunteered his services, he was ruled out as an academic escort which left Mary, Nora, Paul and Scott to sort out the remaining proposed itineraries. Eventually, Mary and Nora agreed to accompany Trish and Lisa respectively while Paul and Scott would accompany Chris, John and Randy. After the evening meal was over, the students were dismissed to their leisure until the customary manor curfew.

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Notes: The chapter length isn't near what I averaged for this fic but my primary purpose was to just get this story going again. Changes are in progress as I attempt to get this story back on track. I still own nothing but the plot