AN: Sorry it's been such a long time! I've been studying for finals (which I really should go do…). Anyways, I changed some character relationships/events in this chapter, and I'm sorry if that annoys anyone.
Another blizzard hit town just as everything was supposed to reopen. The town had never experienced a winter this harsh. Though they were used to snow, the town had simply never seen this much of it. The International School decided to start Winter Break early and reopen a bit earlier in January. None of the adults were particularly happy about this, but the children were ecstatic. Grandpa Rome allowed other children to visit his house again for play-dates, and between his two grandchildren, there always seemed to be someone over to play. Romano's friends from first grade, particularly Spain, visited a lot and enjoyed preparing simple snacks with Grandpa Rome's house. Japan and Taiwan were fascinated with the different shaped pasta Chibitalia made, and enjoyed bring it home to show their big brother China. Chibitalia played at other children's houses as well, and enjoyed visiting America and Canada. One of their daddies was a very good cook and made everyone macaroons. The other one set the smoke alarm off, which neither twin seemed to think was a big deal. Grandpa Rome was very amused when Chibitalia told him the story that evening. The only child Chibitalia didn't see over winter break was Holy Rome.
Holy Rome was actually living in Austria's house as a foster child, and was getting ready to move. Mr. Austria had given him a letter on the first day of Winter Break and explained that he was getting adopted out. Holy Rome was very upset, not because he particularly liked Mr. Austria's house, but because he had to leave the International Preschool. More specifically, he had to leave Chibitalia. He also didn't want to leave Miss Hungary, who had been a terribly nice teacher and foster mother. Miss Hungary had convinced Mr. Austria to let Holy Rome visit his preschool class one last time before he left. Holy Rome didn't know how to feel. He did know that his last morning at the International Preschool would be his best, though.
Everyone walked into school after Winter Break with smiles. Though playing in the snow all day was fun, it got tiresome after so many days without school. Even Romano was happy, and he didn't really like getting chased around all day by Spain. Chibitalia was happy to be back in school because he missed the art corner that had pastels and paints. He also couldn't wait to play with Holy Rome again.
The NP1 class was shocked to find a "Good Luck, Holy Rome!" banner across the whiteboard when the walked into class. After a quick circle time, Miss Hungary explained that Holy Rome was moving away. Holy Rome stared at his shoes, not daring to look at Chibitalia. Chibitalia, on the other hand, was staring at Holy Rome with tear-filled eyes.
What? Why does Holy Rome have to move? If I had agreed to run away with him to the playhouse at the sea then this never would have happened. We could have been grown ups together and everything would be all right!
Thankfully, preschool teachers are magical and Miss Hungary was no exception. She was determined that all her students would smile at some point during the day. Since Holy Rome really liked art, she had all the children decorate the rather boring black-and-white "good luck" banner.
All the children got their markers out from their cubbies and began drawing. Chibitalia drew a beautiful border on the bottom of the banner with all the children from class holding hands. Miss Hungary stood in the middle between Holy Rome and Chibitalia. The American twins stood to the left of Holy Rome and the Asian siblings stood on the right of Chibitalia. The detail of all the children's ethnic clothing surprised Miss Hungary, but she was the only one to notice this. Her students were working with a surprising amount of focus for their first day back from such a long holiday. Taiwan and Japan drew brightly colored flowers together, wrapping the stems around the letters of the banner. Canada drew a polar bear as Kumajiro made paw prints. Since America wanted to outshine his twin, he drew a large alien in a space ship. Overall, Miss Hungary was very happy with the drawings her class had produced.
Miss Hungary decided it was time to move on from drawing on the banner and led the class in a review of the alphabet, hiragana, and character strokes. Holy Rome was dreading lunch time, because after recess he had to leave school and get ready to go. His new parents were picking him up in the evening, and he had to be presentable. Suddenly, the lunch bell rang and flash card time was over. Everything was happening far too fast for Holy Rome. His time with Chibitalia was running out, very fast.
AN: Hope you liked it! Reviews are love :)