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A Journey Like No Other  by
Amiee Koos |
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Chapter 1 - Get Ya There Travel |
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Chapter 7 Time To Explore “Are you sure you’ve had enough? You’ve traveled all day, you need to be sure you take care of yourself.” Asked Jacqueline. “Yes, thank you, the meal was wonderful. I did save room for dessert though!” he replied. Together Brian and Jacqueline sat on her couch. The last time Brian had seen her was about two years ago. Through the power of email and various Instant Messenger programs they managed to keep in touch and remain close friends. The two continued their conversation from dinner now. “So you are sure you have thought about this, and this is what you want to do?” Brian had attended law school with Jacqueline. They spent a semester together in Paris studying International law. Jacqueline had a great interest in French law and had received an offer to extend her stay in France. Eventually one thing led to another and before she knew it, she was living in the city of lights. “Yes. I have finally made up my mind and I need to do this if I want to be happy.” As they sat in Jacqueline’s apartment they recalled fond memories of recent years gone by. Before they knew it, it was one o’clock in the morning. “We really should get to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. I have a city tour to conduct!” They exchanged “goodnights” and “pleasant dreams” and went to bed. With a loud BUZZ, Olivia’s travel alarm clock went off. It was 7am already. The queen-sized bed Olivia was in was so comfortable; she could have easily slept there all day! She finally got herself up and made a cup of tea using the complimentary Earl Grey tea provided by the Park Hyatt. She then hopped into the shower and was getting ready for her day in Paris. Olivia got out of the shower and got dressed. She sat at the edge of the bed and watched the news. There was a sudden knock at her door followed by a voice, “room service”. Olivia walked to the door. She peered through the peephole and saw a man in a tuxedo with a trolley cart. She opened the door and let the gentleman in. He set a tray of food on her table. She took her purse out and offered the man a gratuity but he refused and let himself out. Olivia opened the tray and there before her was a breakfast fit for a Queen! On the dish was a carefully browned waffle with fresh fruit on top. French toast, scrambled eggs, and a bowl of fresh yogurt also filled the tray. Olivia enjoyed her breakfast. She ate most of it. With a full-day tour ahead of her, she figured she’d better fill up so she would have a good amount of energy. As it approached 10am, Olivia made her way down to the hotel lobby. She sat on the leather couch, patiently waiting for her guide. Now 10:15am, right on time Olivia’s guide arrived. “Bonjour, and good morning to you. I am Jacqueline O’Grady, Bienvenue a Paris!” It was a very warm introduction and Olivia was happy to meet her guide. “It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Olivia Green, I am looking forward to spending the day with you in your beautiful city.” With their greetings now complete, the two women stepped out onto the street and their tour began. Jacqueline showed Olivia nearly every tourist spot within Paris. They visited the Opera house, the Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame and Sacré-Coeur . Of course the Louvre and Eiffel Tower were also among the sites seen. Olivia took notes and snapped pictures all along the way. She asked Jacqueline questions when they arose, and listened carefully to her responses. The two had covered much ground in a small amount of time. It was now nearing 3:30pm and the women strolled down the Champs Elysées. Olivia adored walking down this street and looking in all the shop windows, admiring the designer’s work. As they walked, they decided since it was so late and they hadn’t had lunch yet, to stop in a small café and have a crepe and coffee. Taking their treats on the road-the tour continued. As they went further down the Champs Elysées, they pass Cartier and Olivia asked if they could take a look inside. Jacqueline advised that they wait a few moments. They walked down Rue de La Paix and arrived at the entrance to a more exclusive Cartier boutique. They entered the shop and were greeted by one of the representatives. Olivia and Jacqueline peered through the cases of the gorgeous display. Olivia was then shown a tray of rings. The two had fun pretending to be wealthy, trying on some of the rings! Slipping one of the bands on her finger, Olivia noticed the perfect fit. She moved her hand down to glance at it from a distance. Jacqueline took a look and admired the artistry on her finger. The ring was a Platinum four-prong tiffany setting. Filigree designs decorated the band. There was not a diamond in the ring setting just yet as these were bands that were used for custom ordered rings. Olivia found herself thinking of Brian as she stared at the ring. Jacqueline interrupted her thought, “are you involved with someone? Looking at rings such as these always makes me think of the man I let get away.” Not really knowing this woman, Olivia was unsure how she should answer. She began to talk, and before she knew it, she was revealing details of her personal life that she would normally keep to herself. The two women returned the rings and thanked the Cartier staff for their time and assistance. Jacqueline and Olivia walked down the street discussing their relationships. “So, you see, we were supposed to be away right now for our anniversary and at this point I feel when I get back home, he’ll be breaking up with me. If this trip hadn’t been so important to my boss, I would have never gone. But, he really needed me to go, so, here I am.” Olivia felt a bit better after spilling her life out to Jacqueline. She found her to be a great listener and was at ease with her. “I’m sure you’re just being paranoid and getting upset for no reason. Five years is a very long time to be with someone, and he wouldn’t throw that all away for no reason. Just try and enjoy the rest of your time in Europe and things will be just fine.” Jacqueline replied. The tour came to an end and Jacqueline walked Olivia back to her hotel. Olivia thanked her for the spectacular tour and for being such a good listener. After releasing all of her thoughts, concerns, and fears even, with Jacqueline she felt so much better. The two women stood in the lobby saying their farewells when the hotel concierge approached them. “Excuse moi, and beg your pardon, I have a message from the manager of our restaurant to invite you both to a complimentary dinner. Please arrive at the restaurant at 8pm for your reservation.” The two women were delighted with this arrangement. It was already 7:30pm so not much time to kill. They went to Olivia’s room and got ready for dinner. When the time arrived, they made their way to Le Grill/Le Park. This was the hotel’s exclusive restaurant. The Maitre ‘d showed the women to their table. It was prepared and ready for their arrival. After three extraordinary courses it was time for dessert. “I ate so much I don’t know if I can fit dessert in!” Olivia said to Jacqueline. “Oh, but you must, French desserts are a requirement at any meal in France!” Jacqueline said jokingly. Just then, Crème Brulée was delivered to the table. Jacqueline and Olivia finished dessert and concluded their meal. Once more, they said their goodbyes. Jacqueline took to the night air, and Olivia found herself back in her room, once more attempting to get through to Brian. Once more, there was no answer. |
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What do you think will happen next? |
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