FROM THE DESK OF LUCY GRACE LYLLES
"You sure you want to do this? I mean, you are REALLY sure?"
From across the lunch table, Nancy nodded shyly in agreement. This must have been serious to them if they actually agreed. Bella and Nancy really didn't like each other. The only relationship they shared was me; they were mutual friends, and made it obvious every other time they weren't fans of each other. The only time they tolerated each other was when they simultaneously disapproved of something I did. And now, they seemed to be closer than ever.
Bella reread the paper and looked up at me with curious eyes. "It's…it's expensive. You know that, right?"
I shushed her angrily and brought my voice down. "Yes, I know it's expensive Bella. Don't you think I've thought about that?" Nancy shrunk in her chair and pursed her lips as she listened to the heated argument. Bella sighed and repented.
"Now," I continued with a voice at normal level. "I've figured out all the financial problems before I face my mum. I know it's expensive, and I'm sure once Mum sees the paper, she's going to flip. But what I've figured that part out. The school is willing to pay half the fees for me to go because my above-average GPA."
Bella snorted. "Above-average? Lu, you have a 4.7."
I winked. "Exactly. The school wants to send at least one person who can 'show what Withington Girls' School has to offer', or, whatever."
"So, a smart girl, like you?"
"Precisely."
"But, Lucy," Bella and I looked over to Nancy, whose small and meek voice barely covered a whisper. "It's America. I've been there, and it's a lot like Manchester. A lot like England. I just…" She cleared her throat and sat a little taller. "I just feel like you're wasting your money, is all." Bella nodded along.
I sighed. "I know it seems that way, mates. And I'm sure for you guys, it would be. But, honestly, I don't know when the next opportunity like this will come for me. It costs money, but if I take this exchange trip, it will be a lot cheaper if I want to travel for my graduation or something. I've always wanted to go to America, and this is the only way I can for a long time."
The lunch bell rang and ended our period. I waved good-bye to Nancy, and almost surprisingly, so did Bella. Bella walked next to me as we headed to math.
"Well, Lucy," Bella perked. "I wish you the best of luck, yeah? Looks like you've got this whole trip figured out. There's just only one thing standing in your way."
"And that is?"
"Your mum." She gave me a supportive pat on the back while having a scared look in her eye. "I just hope your mum feels the same way. And Godspeed with that."
"Oh, I reckon she will."
"Are you mad, Lucy?! Have you completely fallen off your rocker?!"
So maybe it didn't go quite as I had planned.
Yes, Mum and I had a bit of a back-and-forth. It mainly acquired of her yelling at me, claiming I had no concern of the 'small' financial issues our family was under. Every time I tried to explain the aid the school was giving me, it went a little something like this:
"I can't believe you would even ask for such a thing, Lucy! Look at this paper! Do you even realize how much this is going to cost?!" Mum threw the paper back at me and continued furiously washing the dishes.
"But the school~!" I interjected.
"~More of my point!" I let my hand drop as I was, once again, ignored. "I spend who knows how much of my salary to make sure you go to a prestigious school and get a phenomenal education. Do you think we have enough money to just throw around now?!"
That lasted for about 45 minutes…
Eventually, Mum was able to calm down and we were able to have an adult-like conversation. I explained everything I knew about the trip as completely as I could. By the end, Mum knew every last detail about the three months I would be gone. The £6000 would be split into £3000 pounds from my school's financial aid. I would pay £1200 from my savings. That left £1800 for Mum to pay. My fingers crossed so hard I heard two small 'cracks', Mum took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes.
"Fine, Lucy." She finally gave in.
And that was it! The next week, I was in the best (and busiest!) mood I could possibly be in. Between packing three months-worth of clothes and filling out foreign exchange applications back to back, I barely had time to do anything else or check anything over.
The next thing I knew, Mum was dropping me off at the aeroport, asking around security if someone could escort me because I was a minor. But one aeroport security took a look at my passport, which stated I was seventeen, the security raised an eyebrow at my mum, and let me go by myself.
Now, I'm on the plane to the States, and I've never been so excited for anything. I took out my papers to see my new life for the next three months. I was staying with the Lucia family, while their daughter, Elizabeth, was going to Manchester and staying with my mum. They lived in an affluent town called Carmichael in California. There, I would go to the school Elizabeth goes to. Del Campo High School. A large, public 'high' school; the parallel to a public senior school.
Which was exactly was Mum asked me NOT to have. There was a reason Mum paid so much money for a private education. But like I said, I didn't have any time to check things over. It was just a bit of an accident.
Or was it? She didn't have to know (or find out!).
But, come on. I was going to America! How much fun would ANOTHER all girl private school be? For once, this trip would be my own adventure, and how I wanted it to be. I was going to have a little bit of fun, even if it killed me!