"839, 838, 837, 836!" Lizzie smiled and opened her room. "A room all to myself! And a double! I am so glad that Miranda couldn't come."
"Lizzie!" Her father scolded.
"Sorry," she apologized, smiling. She surveyed her room, looking at the lush furnishings and the freshly painted walls that made the whole place seem like home. Lizzie fingered the town guidebook. "Wow," she gushed. And she looked at her family and smiled. But she had a reason to smile.
"Um, guys?"
"Yes, Lizzie?" Her mother asked.
"You lost Matt again."
"Oh great." Sam ran out again.
"It's his job to be watching him," Jo told Lizzie. "Honey, it's going to be like you are living like yourself. You are getting your own dormitory almost."
"Mom. It's a hotel. You guys are living just a door down. Come on."
"Yes, but this isn't our house, Lizzie." Her mother walked over to her and pushed some of her long hair out of her daughter's face. "Now, I want you to remember to always lock your door and to close the curtains while you are undressing-"
"Mom, don't worry. I'll be perfectly fine. I am 14. I am going to be in high school next year. I think it is time that you maybe let go of me a little, you know? Give me some independence." Her mother grinned and massaged Lizzie's shoulder.
"Nice try honey. Just, you know, don't do anything that I wouldn't do."
"Okay," Lizzie smiled. "Um, hey, do you have the itinerary for the trip?"
"Where is yours?"
"I kind of lost it. . ."
"Lizzie!"
"Well," Lizzie complained. "It was a long trip. Things get lost on planes. I don't know."
"Alright, take mine. I'll ask the principal for another one," Mrs. McGuire gave in. She dug into her large purse and pulled out the itinerary. "Sorry it is so wrinkled Honey." Lizzie scanned the words.
"We are leaving to see a museum in 2 hours. And then we are going to be touring a park. . . . and then going to a fancy restaurant. Cool! That sounds like the best part.