Exchange - Jesse Griffin (books to read for teens .TXT) 📗

One

I don’t want to leave. Well, no that’s a lie. I want to leave, but not like this. I don’t want to leave Chase. This isn’t fair to him. His mother is sick with a thirty percent chance of living and here I am going off to another country. Some girlfriend I am.
He says he doesn’t mind bit I don’t truly believe him. I know he doesn’t like it at all. I do not like hurting him. Lilly says she’ll make sure he’s okay while I’m gone but you know what they say about long distance relationships. With any luck we’ll make it through.
These are the thoughts buzzing through my head as I finish packing my last bag. My room looks almost bare. The only things left are my bed, spare sheets, dresser, and vanity. I can’t bring these things on the place with me so I’m leaving them here for mom. She’s making my room into a guest bedroom/party room. My younger sister, Amanda, insist on having a slumber party every weekend but Mom hate’s having them in the living room. My room is the perfect solution.
“Dawnielle! Sweetheart are you ready? If we don’t hurry you’ll miss your plane,” Mom calls from the bottom of the stairs. She and Chase are driving me to the airport. Amanda is at soccer practice or she would have gone too. Dad has to be at the game.
“Yeah, I’m on my way down now,” I reply quickly attaching my four suitcases together and grabbing my laptop and purse.
“Need some help?” I look up to see Chase in the doorway. I nod and he comes over and takes the two rolling suitcases with the other two on top of them. I smile my thanks and reach up to give him a quick kiss. Without warning, he wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me closer, prolonging the kiss.
“Would you two hurry up?” Mom asks. We pull away, our breathing slightly labored. We smile at each other and make our way out of the room.

Two

I jolt up as one of the flight attendants gently shakes me awake. We’ve arrived at the Haneda Airport. I smile my thanks and turn my iPod off. I stand and stretch before retrieving my carry-on. The airport is loud and full of energy. I see more men in suits than I do in comfort clothes. This surprises me not. Tokyo can’t be more than an hour away.
I go to find my luggage before making my way toward one of the terminal exits. I needed to be at Terminal two but I was just guessing at one this being one of them. My Japanese is horrible but then again I haven’t had much time to learn. I stop a passing security guard and try my best to ask which way to my destination. “Dono yō ni shite, tāminaru 2 nodesu ka?”

At least I hope I said ‘How do I get to Terminal two?’
He points out the directions, struggling with his English, and gives me a map. I smile and thank him before finding my way there. I was told the family I will be staying with would pick me up here. I scan the area before my eyes rest on three people. One is an aging Asian woman whose hair is shot through with silver. I’ve seen plenty of people like that but it just looked a little odd on her. The other person is a guy about my age dressed head to toe in black. His silver studded belt hangs low on one side of his waist. His natural black hair hides his eyes. The last is another girl. She too seems to be around my age but her attire seems to be much brighter than the guys.
Miss Bright walked over and took one look at me before scrunching up her nose. My outfit isn’t that bad. I’m wearing a bright green tube top, neon yellow tutu, hot pink fishnets, and rainbow Osiris high tops. She sighs and asks, “You’re Dawnielle Parkyr, right?” Her voice is quiet and sounded more American than I thought it would.
“Um, yeah. And how do know that?” I ask.
“We were warned. Your mom said we’d be able to recognize you.”
“Oh,” Well gee than mom. What else did you tell them? Am I now a super athletic germ-a-phobe? If so then I must remember to shoot her when I get home.
“Whatever, just come on. Dad’s at home finishing up your room and I have studying to do.” I just nod and begin to follow them.
The woman stopped me and told the guy to take my bags. I try to object but she starts to give me the evil eye I just go with it. He doesn’t look happy about it either. I don’t know any of their names but I’m just guessing that formal introductions will wait until I meet Dad. I sigh. Either way I’m not sure this has gotten off to a very good start…

Text: All rights of this book belong to the author. This book may not be distributed without the author's permission. The illustrations belongs to the artists.
Publication Date: 05-04-2011

All Rights Reserved

Dedication:
To you, the wonderful person who who deemed my work good enough to at least try and read.