Chapter One

Maya's POV

Part one-by Kelsey

          It's eleven P.M. on Sunday, April 30, and I am currently hovering over the lush green moors of Ireland. The plane hums quietly around me…or quite possibly it's just shadowed by Taz's incessant snoring. She must have chainsaws in her nasal cavity…these noises are odd, but powerful. Who could have known a snore so obnoxious could come out of a creature so angelic?

            We've been asked to record our experiences abroad in these online journals, to enlighten and influence the other students on the trip, and other people considering taking one. This is my first entry, so it's not very enlightening or influential, but there's really not much to write about right now. Well, looking down at our destination, I see the world through grass-coloured glasses. It seems like the entire countryside is blanketed in a sheet of brilliant green. Even from thousands of feet in the air, the grass gleams crystalline with dew back up at me.

            Taz has shifted position beside me and quieted. I look at her and have to sigh. The purple hair, the sketchbook that never leaves her sight, the scratch on her arm from her latest endeavour involving wood and wheels-skateboarding. Leprechauns and skateboards don't mix…a word to the wise from the not-so-wise.

            But I love her; sometimes for these things, sometimes despite them.

            We're now pulling into the hanger. I have to admit, when we first boarded the plane, I was really nervous. I hate planes, and for some reason this one looked especially menacing-maybe because I knew I'd have to ride on it. But as the ride continued, I grew more comfortable, though now I'm slight uneasy as these wheels grind shrilly on the runway pavement.

            At least it woke up Taz.

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Midnight now, Monday, May first, and I'm in the terminal watching Taz and Charlie waiting…(dare I say) patiently for their luggage. I'm resting my feet on mine to keep Charlie from trying to steal it again. It's not like it would do him any good anyway; what's he going to do with bras, tampons, and spandex?

            I don't really want to consider it.

Taz's POV

Monday, May1, 8:00 P.M.

Part Two-by Willow

            We landed in Ireland only ten hours ago, and already they've woken us up. It's too early!!!! God, don't these people get that? Maya woke up early, and tried to wake me up. I didn't want to get up, so she went out and bought me some Lilt, bless her. Of course, now I'm bouncing off the walls with sugar, but that's okay. Maya is trying to get all of our stuff together for today's touring adventure.

            It's not really that exciting; I've already visited these attractions a thousand times. I've only come on this particular trip for some quality alone time with Maya. So far, the trip has been a brilliant success.

            Our hotel is wicked. It's pretty expensive, but this trip's paid for everything. The only puzzling thing about our room is there are two queen size beds. Not two twin size beds like there should be. Which reminds me, I need to remind Maya to call the tour master, and ask about that.

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Monday, May 1, 12:24 P.M.

            All right, I've been spared once more. The tour group has decided that everyone is too jet-lagged for any touring today, plus we have to wait for two extra tour-mates. Which reminds me, that is the reason for the extra bed. There are two girls coming over from California. They're late because their plane was delayed. They're supposed to be arriving soon.

            Oh, the doorbell of our room just rang, which probably means that our flat-mates are here.

            I suppose I should just sit here, and write about the introductions.

            Ok, I hear talking, but Maya isn't coming into the main room. Grr! Why is she taking so long?

            Ooh, they just came in! All right, descriptions. The shorter girl has red, shoulder-length hair. She looks very nice, and is wearing interesting clothes. Hrmm, this trip could be fun.

            The taller girl has longer, brown hair, and a motherly kind of presence. She's wearing a long skirt and a flowing shirt. Her voice is quiet and shy.

            The biggest thing I notice is how close these two seem. I wonder?

            "Taz," Maya says to me, the look on her face sending me the message to behave.

            "Yes, Maya," I answer, trying hard to obey he wishes.

            "This is Willow Rosenberg," Maya tells me, pointing to the redhead, "and this is Tara Maclay."

            Definitely going to be interesting.