*Avis' POV*

I was exhausted from the long flight so I passed out after a few minutes of being in the car. Jacklyn and Josh had a bit of a clash of personalities, which was actually quite amusing. I could tell already I'd get along with both of them fine.

I wish I could have kept my eyes open longer, taken in the sights of London at night, but my body decided otherwise. Next thing I knew, Jacklyn was slowly shaking my shoulders. I didn't respond since it takes a million freaking years for even my parents to get me up. I tend to ignore people for as long as possible. Suddenly, she punched me in the shoulder! I bolted up immediately and glared at her.

"What was that for!" I yelled. But I noticed both Josh and Jacklyn staring out the window in awe, as my childhood hero approached the door. John freaking Flanagan opened the my door and held out his hand to help me out of the car. I gingerly took his hand and stood, grinning like a lunatic as I tried to comprehend the reality of the situation. He turned and helped Jacklyn out as well. Josh exited the other side and smiled widely at John. I hope we're allowed to call him John...

"Welcome to Redman!" John said happily. He had a thick Australian accent, which differed from Eddie's English one.

"Hi..." I stuttered out. I was always a socially awkward person when it came to talking to people in person, or over the phone. Calling people on the phone is one of my worst fears. It once took me twenty minutes to muster up enough courage to call my Grandmother. Once I'm comfortable around the person however, they want to get rid of me, because I apparently 'talk to much'. Pfft, whatever that means!

"So my name is John, the head archaeologist over this dig." John said introducing himself. Jacklyn and I are to busy staring at him to really take the opportunity to introduce ourselves. Josh rolled his eyes and holds out his hand to John.

"I'm Josh. This is Jacklyn and Avis." He said, taking the liberty of introducing us so we didn't make a fool of ourselves...like we already had.

"It's very nice to meet you. I read all of your applications, and you three were definitely some of the most knowledgeable about the dig. It's a pleasure to have you join us for a few weeks." John said smiling. I think I need to check into my hotel room now, I need to fangirl for a few minutes before I can speak again.

"Well we are glad to be here." Josh speaks for us. I think he can tell I'm mentally unable to speak at the moment.

"Let's get you three situated in your rooms. You must all be exhausted." John said. He led us into the hotel. The foyer was rather fancy, especially for a hotel pretty far from any major city. The fact that the dig sight was so far from any major structures allowed it t be preserved. That's how John was able to get such an accurate description of Castle Redmont for the Rangers Apprentice books.

John checked us in at the front desk, where a stiff looking women sat at the computer, secretly playing poker online. She quickly switched it off when she noticed me glancing at her. She glared at me and gave John a warm smile.

"Will that be all, Mister Flanagan?" She asked.

"Yes, Maple." He said kindly. She gave me another sneer before handing the three of us each our own key. John then led us to the elevator. They all piled in, while I lingered behind.

"I think I'll take the stairs, actually." I said, chuckling nervously.

"What? Afraid of elevators?" Josh teased. Jacklyn elbowed him in the ribs, none to gently either.

"Third floor, Avis. We'll meet you up there." John said. I smiled gratefully and made my way towards the stairs. I hated elevators, they creeped me out. Probably more then Jacklyn and her height issue. I took the stairs as often as I could. But it wasn't a total loss, I made a game out of it. I usually raced the people in he elevator. Dad would usual join me and we'd run up the stairs as fast as we could. Luckily for me, Eddie had taken my luggage, so it was still a possibility. As soon as I heard the ding signalling the elevator closing, I sprinted up the stairs, taking it two at a time. I made it to the top just as the door to the elevator opened. I casually leant against the wall, examining my nails as if I had been waiting for ages. Josh gave me the famous Halt eyebrow, while Jacklyn gave me a thumbs up, pointing at Josh and rolling her eyes.

"Took you long enough." I scoffed. Josh glared at me, while Jacklyn snickered a bit. John looked slightly amused, but I could tell he wasn't going to pick sides.

"This way." He said, gesturing to the left. We followed him down and each opened our rooms. I found my luggage neatly set on my bed, and I quickly pulled it off, throwing off the covers and the sheets, examining the mattress for bedbugs. Mom was always a stickler about it, and had us check for bedbugs and fleas before we even sat on the bed. I had gotten in the habit, and it wasn't the worst habit to have. Kept me from bringing bedbugs home. Jacklyn walked into my room as I examined the crevices of the mattress.

"I'm sure you have a reasonable explanation..." She said warily. When I was satisfied there was no bedbugs, I plopped down on the mattress with a sigh.

"Just checking for bedbugs." I said casually. Her eyes widened and she ran out of the room. Several minutes later she returned, looking relieved.

"All good." I smiled and she sat down next to me.

"So this is our home for the next few weeks." She said, glancing around my room.

"Not bad. Don't have to share with two sisters, two dogs and a cat." I said groaning. She laughed and nodded.

"No little brother to bug me." She said.

"This'll be a good vacation. Maybe we'll go on an adventure!" I said in a British accent, phrasing it like Bilbo Baggins from the Hobbit. Another fantastic legend, but it took place in New Zealand.

"Adventure sounds nice. After sleep." She said.

"You slept the whole way here!" I exclaimed. She yawned.

"You can never get to much sleep!" She said in a noble voice. I rolled my eyes and throw a pillow at her. She sticks her tongue out at me and laughs. "Goodnight!" She said before running to her room. I replaced the sheets on my bed and shut the door, locking it before collapsing, dreaming about what could occur the next day that would never happen.

***

Thought I'd crank this chapter out before I left for a backpacking trip! I'll be gone till Saturday, but that's alright since the next chapter is Jacklyn's. By the way, Jacklyn, if this is your personality, sorry...

Please comment and vote! See you in a week!

~Avis