Leanne

I didn't know Mr. Matheson was here too. I guess there are as many boys as there are girls on this trip. I wonder if they're expecting trouble if some of us hook up. There's Ms. Hollingsworth. Mr. Grant is on our side. Oh, and there's Mrs. Eckleberry. She's the art teacher. Someone said she's retiring after this year. Four chaperones for thirty two kids.

Leanne stood a bit apart from the rest of the girls. The rococo décor was beautiful, but a bit over the top for her taste. The girls deliberately increased their distance from her. And Mrs. Eckleberry made her way across from the registration desk to stand beside her.

"Divide up in groups of four. Except for you Leanne, you'll be staying with me and Ms. Hollingsworth."

"See, told you she was in trouble already. Sitting with Wilson and in first class. I'll bet they weren't supposed to be there." Maddy's accusations soared over the buzz of conversation surrounding them.

"The airline upgraded them. If any of you had bothered to behave like adults, there might have been more. As it is, Jo-Jo almost made it impossible for us to fly back with Air France. I had to promise my personal supervision for her to return with us." Their grey haired teacher shook her head, and the chandelier's soft glow highlighted the purple hues of her severe chignon. "And just for good measure, the airline has forbidden any liquor service on the way back. The same crew will be with us when we return. Nice work Jo-Jo, Maddy, Stacy, Sam, and I won't name the other miscreants who caught their attention."

Ha! Look at everyone stare at them. Jo-Jo and her cohorts are going to pay for that one. And Sam, well everyone knows he's a jerk.

Mr. Grant continued. "Same deal for the boys. Four to a room. Divide up however you like. There is only one key per room, so you're going to be stuck together like glue wherever you go. No splitting up. I suggest everyone get settled and grab a nap. We've been up all night traveling and we'll meet for lunch at the restaurant over there." He pointed to the doors opposite to the registration desk. "Hit the elevators. We're all on the sixth floor. We're down the hall to the left."

"Leanne, you and Wilson stay here," Mr. Grant said. "I need to talk to you."

I guess this about whatever he and Wilson were talking about at the baggage carousel.

Wilson came over to her side. Her duffel bag looked pathetic next to his spiffy leather suitcase. His hand snaked out to grab hers. He squeezed three times and she straightened her shoulders, standing taller.

"I see you were left with Sam for a roommate. Same deal. You can stay with me and Mr. Matheson if you want to. The chaperones have decided the bullying has to stop, but we can't be everywhere. Keep an eye out for trouble," Mr. Grant warned.

"I didn't get to tell you everything earlier. We were through baggage claim and customs so fast. My mother lives in Paris. I want to go stay with her, and I think she would take Leanne as well. I don't think it's safe for us to be anywhere in this hotel with the others. Especially Leanne." Wilson never let go of her hand as he spoke.

"You know, Johnathon, we should take advantage of this possibility. I'll give you my number, Leanne," Mrs. Eckleberry said. "Have Wilson's mother call me. If it doesn't work out, come back, but let me know when you are here, and I'll make sure you get into the room."

Leanne looked up at Mr. Grant.

Are you going to agree?

"I think you have a great idea, Wilson. You have the itinerary for the places we're visiting, and the arrival times for each of them. Meet us there and join the group for those events. You're registered as guests here, so the free meals still apply. Leanne, you two can come back for those if you want too. Go, if you have the energy and talk to your mother, Wilson. I think it's a safer solution for the two of you."

"I have to call her first. Haven't had a chance yet." He thumbed into his phone. "Hi, Mom."

"Oh my God! Wilson! Where are you? Are you okay? Tell me you're not in trouble. Tell me you haven't killed your father." Wilson killed the speaker phone.

"Mom, I have to come talk to you. I have a friend with me. We need your help, and no I didn't kill Dad. I wanted to, but I didn't."

Leanne couldn't hear the muffled response.

"No, we're here in Paris."

Another pause and Wilson gave them a thumbs up.

"We're at the Hôtel de Soubise. I don't think it's that far from where you live according to Google Maps. We'll get an Uber from here."

Mr. Grant nodded his head, and Mrs. Eckleberry squeezed her shoulder. It was going to be all right.

"Yes, I have enough on my VISA card, and we'll see you soon." Wilson ended his call and turned to hug Leanne. "We'll take our bags with us. We'll be back for dinner later. I think we might actually be within walking distance to Mom's place. Like less than a mile. Mom's apartment is in the same building as her office is."

"We'll leave you to it then. Let's exchange phone numbers so that we can keep in touch. I would suggest a group chat on What's App. It's secure and reliable no matter where you are."

Leanne waited patiently, as she tapped into her phone. She was surprised when it was their art teacher who set it up and made sure they were properly in the same private chat. "How did you get so tech savvy?"

"My grandchildren. I have seven, and this is pretty much the only way I get to talk to them. Wilson, you can set up that Uber ride now." Mrs. Eckleberry smiled. "Jo-Jo has some explaining to do when she gets home. It's her father who has arranged this trip for years. His family manages several hotels. You probably don't know but Jo-Jo has three much older brothers. Her mother was an unfortunate scandal just before she was born after his first wife passed away."

Wilson looked up from his phone. "Our ride will be here in two minutes. Let's go, Leanne." He scooped up her duffel bag and put it up on top of his suitcase. He turned to drag them toward the door and grabbed Leanne's hand to pull her with him.

She waved over her shoulder as they left.

Oh my God! I never knew about Jo-Jo's family. Her father must be rich. And he's been out of her life right from the start by my guess. And now I'm on my way to meet my dream guy's mother. What will she think? Am I good enough for her? I'm damaged goods after all.

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