The Solo Trip

Mike went to the trip organizing agency and checked out their solo traveling packages and also group packages. He realized since he does not have many friends in New York, it makes sense for him to opt for a group package so that he can make new friends. Hence he opted for the group package.

In a group package, a group of 16 people will be traveling together to a common destination. They all would be living in a common apartment which is being organized by the trip agency and the itinerary is designed by them however they can customize it. When he looked at the itinerary he was pretty satisfied by their tourist attraction selection. he had opted for a trip to Lyon in France since he was not in a mood to see all the lovey-dovey couple in Paris.

The next day, he applied for a week of leave at the office. He mailed Alandra for leave and waited for 2 hours, 3 hours. Still no response. he thought of meeting her in person and talk about the leaves. After the working hours, he went to Alandra's cabin and knocked.

"Hi, Alandra. May I come in?"

"will you not come in if I say no?"

Mike froze for a moment.

"Just get your butts inside the room and tell me what you want." Alandra said looking at her laptop screen.

"Actually, I mailed you regarding a week's leave."

Alandra now shifted her gaze from her laptop to Mike.

I guess you are still new and you already need 1 week's leave? What's the emergency? Are you getting married or divorce for such a long leave?"

"Actually Alandra. I needed a break from the office routine for my mental health restoration."

"Mental Health? Are you going to some Rehab?"

"No...I am just exhausted and need a break from the office. So I need a vacation. I am going on a trip."

" What? You could have gone to a bar and had some booze and some chicks. Why vacation?"

"Alandra I have already planned this trip and I am pretty excited about this."

Alandra sighed.

"will David will be there?"

"Yes"

"Ok then. I will approve leave this time but next time plan leaves if there is some genuine reason and not just for a stupid trip."

I now got why David named her as a witch. As she is one of them. Mike thought

Alandra stands up from her chair and open the drawer and take out some lights.

Mike was standing there. Alandra noticed his presence and asked, " You want lights also?"

"No Alandra. I should get going. Please approve my leave."

Alandra looked at him and said, "It's been approved and will reflect in the system in some time."

"Ok Thanks"

He exited Alandra's room.

After 3 days,

Mike went to the airport where the entire troop was waiting. They had a direct flight for Lyon. They were 16 people leaving from New York. Upon reaching all travellers were going to be divided into a group of 4.

Mike's POV

Lyon

After 16-17 hours of journey, we reached Lyon. Thankfully we reached Lyon at night 9 pm which gave us ample time to rest and get rid of jetlag. Accommodation for us was arranged by the travel agency. It was a 4-storeyed building with apartments on different floors. All 4 people in the group were accommodated in a single apartment which consists of 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living area. It was a cozy and decent place to stay.

I was accommodated with a guy who has tattoos and piercing at most of his bare body parts. The other 2 companions in my group were 2 females in their early 20s. I guess they might be of the same age as me. One girl seemed to be from India and the other one seemed to be an American native.

As we reached the accommodation we all landed on the couches in the living room. All of us were damn tired. I broke the silence.

"Man What a flight....The good thing is we landed at night which is giving us ample time to rest. " I said resting my head on the couch headrest.

"True. I am not sure how would I have managed to travel without proper sleep." Radha replied yawning.

"Chill guys, This is the adventure we all need...Walking on the empty street even when you are tired, sleeping anytime anywhere and eating the local food." Mary said excitedly.

I glanced at Mary who was dressed in ripped jeans, white tanks, and a denim jacket with sports shoes. she looks like a road trip kind of girl.

" Man I agree but sleeping anywhere? Isn't it too much." Josh the tattoo guy said looking at Mary.

"O come on. Don't tell me you need the princess bed and all luxury when you travel." Mary chuckled.

"Well I don't mind having the luxury." Josh reverted to her stretching his arms.

I turned to Mary and asked

" I believe you have traveled a lot. Are you a travel blogger?"

"Lolz. I wish I would be a blogger but I am not. I am a doctor. My name is Mary. What about you guys?" Mary told looking at us.

"Wow we have a doctor on call... I am Radha. Originally I am from India but my parents are settled in the US for the last 20 years so I am Indian-American."

"That's cool Radha. I love Indian food... Hope I will get to eat some Indian cuisine since we have a kitchen in this apartment... So what brings you to the trip?" Josh asked excitedly

"Well next month I am getting married. It's an arranged marriage.so I thought let's have some last blast before getting hitched."

"Wow. That is awesome." Mary said thinking about something

" Now definitely I am looking for some Indian cuisine," Josh said licking his upper lips with his tongue

"Guys I am here to enjoy my last blast from my single days and you are expecting cooking?"

"How about Josh cooking for all of us?" I chuckled. Josh gave me a nasty look.

"By the way Josh. what do you do?" Mary asked

" I am a tattoo artist."

" Wow.. so I wish we all could get some tattoo." Mary said pointing at her wrist

"Gosh guys...I have come on a break from work."

"EXACTLY"

I really liked Mary's fierce response.

We all called for the night soon to get ample rest.