Disclaimer: don't own

A/N: yeah, I know it's been a long time. I'm sorry. Please don't yell at me. My teachers are insane and expect a paper a week out of me…

Thanks to all my reviewers, I really can't do any personal ones right now because I have a four-page history paper to finish (due next week!!) and a 5-paragraph persuasion paper to write by Friday! And exams are coming so I have to study for those. This chapter may be a little short, sorry. I'll try to update over Christmas break! I promise!

Oh, I know nothing about the hotel in here. I found the name and the marble thing, but I have no clue what the inside looks like! Sorry!

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Recap:

On the Plane

They had another eight hours to go before they arrived in the U.K. Ashley amused herself by reading fashion magazines with Amy while Zac listened to music.

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Chapter Five

It was nearly 5 a.m. when the plane finally arrived in London, England. Ashley, Amy, and Zac had all fallen asleep, and were awoken with a start when a loud, obnoxious voice came pouring over the intercom. 'We have arrived at our destination,' said a nasally female voice. 'Please collect your on-board luggage in an orderly fashion and proceed to exit the plane. Enjoy your stay, and please fly with John F. Kennedy airport again.'

'Oh, shut up,' Ashley snapped groggily.

Zac, however, was in better humor. 'Aw, c'mon, Ash, what'd the poor intercom ever do to you?' he joked good-naturedly, getting his sports bag down from the overhead compartment

'It existed,' Ashley retorted.

Zac laughed. 'Yeah, you're right,' he said.

Amy flipped her light brown hair out of her hazel eyes and smiled. 'C'mon, Ash, get your stuff, you're holding everyone up.'

Sure enough, when Ashley looked toward the back of the plane, there was a line of grumpy, groggy-looking people gazing at her expectantly. Ashley turned red. 'Uh…sorry…' she muttered, embarrassed.

Zac helped her get her bag down and they exited the plane. 'OH MY GOSH!' Ashley nearly shrieked as they stepped out into the cold, English air. 'It's freezing!' She skipped the last step on the staircase and jumped down with Amy.

'Here,' Zac said, taking of his light windbreaker. He draped it over Ashley's shoulders. 'It's not much, but it's warmer than what you're wearing.'

Ashley blushed as Amy nudged her. Luckily, it was dark, so Zac didn't see. 'Thanks,' she said, moving a little closer to him. He slipped his hand into hers and gave her a small smile.

'So where do we go now?' Amy asked, looking around.

Almost at once, her question was answered. 'All exchange students over here, please!' a male voice called out. He had an American accent and must have been on the other plane, because Ashley hadn't seen him before.

About fifty people ranging in ages 14-17 huddled around the man. 'My name is Mr. Joyner,' he said. He had graying hair, was moderately tall, and had a very kind face. 'From here, we will wait for our charter busses to come. It will take us to Strand Place Hotel, where we still stay for the remainder of our time here.' He smiled at the students. 'I've been doing this for 10 years, and I can tell you now—you're going to have a blast here. So, if you'll follow me, we will wait for our busses to arrive.'

There were several shout-outs, like, 'What about my luggage, man!?'

Mr. Joyner smiled. 'Yes, I knew that would come up. You're luggage will be taken care of. Separate busses will bring it to the hotel. Not to worry—the busses will arrive no later than we do.'

The great mass of students shuffled along, following Mr. Joyner. After about ten minutes, three triple-decker busses pulled up. They filed into them, looking around in awe. The busses slowly moved through the thick city traffic, and after what seemed like forever, arrived at a grand hotel. The building was made almost entirely of marble, and shone in the light of the street lamps.

'Please, follow me and I will give you your rooming arrangements!' Mr. Joyner called out into the crowed. Everyone filed inside the hotel, into the spacious lobby.

'Wow,' Ashley mouthed as she looked about at the leisurely room. It was carpeted in red and gold, ceiling was elaborately painted. Several bus men were toting luggage in.

'Oh my gosh,' Amy was saying quietly.

'Pretty sweet, huh?' Zac said.

'Yeah.'

'All right! Listen up, please,' said Mr. Joyner. 'When I call your name with your room number and partner, you will find your luggage, get your key from me, and proceed up to your room. In Room 233, Elizabeth Good and Mandy Hagerson…Room 234, Zachary Richardson and Derrik Thompson…'

Amy let out a squeak. She whipped around and demanded of Ashely, 'Did you know he was coming? I didn't know he was coming. Oh my gosh. Do I look okay?'

Ashley held back a laugh. 'Yeah, you look great,' she smiled.

Zac bit his lip. 'I'd better go find Derrik,' he told Ashley. 'Come to my room later and let me know where you are.'

Ashley nodded. 'Okay,' she said and reluctantly let go of Zac's hand.

'…Room 239, Miranda White and Grace Hopkins…Room 240, Chayla Hartson and Jalissia Madden…Room 242, Amy Rannells and Ashley Carter..'

'Yes!' the girls exclaimed, and went to get their luggage. 'Carter…Carter…Carter…' Ashley muttered as she rummaged through the suitcases. 'Gotcha!'

'Got mine,' Ashley said to Amy. 'How 'bout you?'

Amy bit her lip. 'Uh…not yet. Can you help me look?'

'Sure,' Ashley responded, and within seconds found her friends bag.

'How'd you do that?' Amy asked with a puzzled expression. 'There're, like, sixty bags…'

Ashley shrugged. 'Dunno' she said. 'Luck, I guess.' but inwardly, she began to feel a little uneasy. She'd always had an uncanny knack for finding things. 'Let's get the keys and head up.'

They tugged their suitcases up to Mr. Joyner and each got a key. 'You're on the second floor,' he told them. 'Rest up. Big day tomorrow.'

Ashley smiled, and tugged Amy's arm. 'Let's go,' she said. 'I'm exhausted.'

'Yeah,' Amy said, 'Me too.'

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A/N: okay that's all for now, I've spent an hour on this! I gotta get my hw done! :/