(A/N: Thank you for all who read and replied to my first chapter. This is my first time putting my writing up on the web for others to read. Please enjoy.)
"I think this is it!" Sakura exclaimed excitedly, leaning over Nick to look out of the van window. Nick turned a light shade of pink and his usually downcast eyes were wide. He leaned back into his chair as though afraid to touch her. He seemed extremely aware that she was using his leg as leverage to lean out of the window. Ritchie noticed the nervous boy attempt to sink into his seat, and rolled his eyes.
"Wow, it's so beautiful!" Lorelli stared in shock.
"It looks like it was worth the wait." Ritchie smiled.
During the ride, Ritchie had been sitting beside Sakura in the back. He had his arm around her casually, because she had drifted into a light sleep. Ritchie would occasionally brush Nick's shoulder "accidentally", who was sitting on the other side of Sakura. Nick would shoot ocular fire at Ritchie before staring moodily out of the window again. Ritchie would smirk, and Lorelli, who was sitting in front of Nick, would catch it out of the corner of her eye. She frowned disapprovingly, but didn't say anything about it. Tyson had fallen asleep in the seat beside her, and his head was leaning on her shoulder, his glasses askew. He was slightly snoring. She smiled down at him. He was so cute. She kissed the top of his hair, and removed his glasses. Ritchie giggled loudly.
"Get a room." He told her. She looked back and chucked her travel brochure at him. He caught it and laughed again, before continuing his game of piss-off-the-Nick.
The hotel seemed to glow, with the droplets of leftover rain still clinging to it, and the newly discovered sun illuminating them. It was a white mansion with golden details. In front of the courtyard, there was a sparkling fountain. Being secluded from the town, gave the hotel a fantasy look, surrounded by forest and garden.
When the chauffeur unloaded their bags, a man in a business suit stepped out of the huge oak doors to meet them.
"Good afternoon, honored guests, I am the manager." He greeted them with a large practiced smile. "I hope that your flight was enjoyable?"
"I wish…" Tyson muttered tiredly.
Lorelli elbowed him in the ribs.
"Oww…" he cried, "it's true…" He grumbled rubbing his side.
"Alright Ritchie," Sakura turned to him, "if you lose, you take the bags."
"You're on!" he replied. They stuck out their hands, and proceeded to play the classic game, while Nick moved towards the luggage to grab his share.
"Damn, I lost again!!" Sakura cried frustrated, while Ritchie laughed loudly.
"Oh, you can leave the bags there." The manager smiled amused. "The bell boy will pick them up, and drop them off in front of your rooms. Please follow me." He pulled back the door, and called a boy in a red uniform to grab the bags before disappearing inside. Lorelli noticed something strange. When the bell boy walked out, Ritchie looked him up and down before walking inside, as though he was looking for a certain person.
"Strange…" She thought to herself before also entering the building.
Once inside, all the five could do is stare in awe. The dark honey colored walls added just the right touch to the elegant setting. There was delicate furniture and carefully placed decorations throughout the hotel. The manager stopped at the foot of the grand staircase in the middle of the room.
"Miss Sakura, I would like to congratulate you on winning first prize in the national art competition." He paused for a minute to dig five plastic cards out of his pocket. "You can stay here for the two months of summer, but if you decide to leave before then, you may." He handed each of them a card. "As this trip is one that is paid for, each of those cards contains five thousand dollars for you to spend during your stay. You are free to roam around the hotel, but we caution you from leaving the courtyard by yourself. The forest can be dangerous. We are also sorry that we can only supply you with two rooms." He smiled at them. "Just one other issue before I show you to your rooms." He said starting to lead them up the staircase. Through the doors on the left, you will find the swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. To your right, you will find the dining room behind the first door, and the dance hall behind the second. Up the stairs and to the left you will find your rooms. Your rooms include balconies that look out into the courtyard with a beautiful view of our fountain." He finished just as they reached the last step.
"Do you have any questions?"
"No…" Lorelli answered with a yawn, "Now can we see our rooms?"
"Right this way." The manager led them down the hall.
Around the corner they could see their bags placed in front of two of the doors. After promising to check in on them in about a week, the manager left them to unpack.
After a quick look in both rooms, the five friends gathered in the hall.
"Okay," Sakura started, "one of the rooms is larger, so Nick, you, Tyson and Ritchie will stay in the larger room, and Lorelli and I will stay in the smaller one."
"AWW" Tyson protested, "why can't Lorelli and I share a room, and you sleep with these two." He pointed at the two boys. Nick was standing silently, observing the scene, while Ritchie was trying his hardest not to fall to the ground laughing.
"Because," Lorelli answered for Sakura. "Unlike you and me, Sakura is dating neither Nick nor Ritchie. It is only fair that the boys stay in one room and the girls stay in another."
Tyson just crossed his arms and looked away. Ritchie burst out laughing, and Nick stated quietly, "Lorelli has a point…"
"Alright," Tyson sighed in defeat. "You win. I will stay with those two." He started to drag his luggage into the larger room.
Lorelli giggled at her boyfriend. He could be so impossible sometimes. She turned to Sakura and said, "Ready to unpack?"
"ARGH! Just open the door already!" Sakura said impatiently.
Lorelli laughed and put the key in the lock. The door clicked open, and they stepped into their temporary residence.
(A/N: Please continue reading. It gets more interesting after this.)