The Trip Part-1

I reached school. it looked empty, other classes must have already left. Our bus was arriving around ten, so it was two hours early. I had to submit the no objection form signed by my parents. We had to use our accounts outside school, so we needed permission from both authorities. I saw Rose with her father outside the office with her dad, guess she already finished up. entering the office, I spotted a few more students there, all waiting for the office staff.

"Alright." the man behind the computer finished setting up the things, "form a line and keep your IDs out. put your forms here and I'll whitelist your accounts." people were starting to gather in the office.

I looked behind me, Tom was there and looked sleepy as if he just woke up. Sarah was far back in the line, probably our entire class was here. I got my account cleared up, and went to class. our escorts were still not revealed, and it was about time for the bus to arrive. We all got our bags and went out where the bus was supposed to be stopping.

"Gather around kids." our escorts arrived, and they weren't totally welcome. One being welcome only in a small group, was Robert. The second one was Isabella, she's welcome as long as she won't lecture us. These two somehow always arrive as a pair.

"get on the bus." Robert ordered, "your stuff will be loaded while we explain the schedule." and the bus started filling up.

"The main objective for this trip is for you to explore the outside world, and learn a few spells from the academy." Isabella started talking as soon as she got in.

"Slow down, Bell- Isabella." Robert got up and closed the door behind him. "They don't need to go there today. your schedule will be in these booklets. today is for relaxing, and having fun. our hotel is in the market area, so have fun today. you can buy stuff or go on dates today." he winked at us and started giving away the booklets.

"Alright. just don't cause any trouble when we get there and return to the hotel before nine at night." Isabella added before taking her seat.

I had the window seat. I never liked being in large public transports, they gave me creeps for some reason. Looking outside calmed me down, especially at night. I was sitting with Tom, who was stuffing his mouth with all the snacks he brought. I dozed off a few times, ate snacks and talked with others for the entire three hours. To be honest, it didn't feel like the ride was three hours long, as the sun was scorching us when we reached the hotel.

"Don't wander around too much." Robert said as he picked up his bags. "take some rest and be back before nine. your dinner will be delivered to your rooms, so pick your preferred food before you leave for market." he rushed to his room and shut himself up. We had to manage our bags and rooms on our own. {At least do your job as an escort man.}

I took a nap before leaving for the market. There were gift shops and souvenir shops selling things for couples. some essential shops selling stuff at ridiculously high prices. I checked for a shop for mobile phones, as they were supposed to be in this city. I asked around and found that almost all of the electronic shops were on the other side of the academy.

The city was planned around the academy and was divided into four major quarters. The market area was a place for tourists and was in one quarter. Another was the manufacturing side, diagonal from the market. a general residential area and residence for academy staff was adjacent to the market.

To get to the manufacturing area, I had to either go through academy or cross over other two areas. I had no means to access any of these, so I walked around the market. I saw a few closed shops, maybe they were taking a break. I spotted a few classmates, and most of them looked like they were on date. {Good job brain, now feel awkward walking alone.} I went back to the hotel and changed my clothes.

When I stepped inside the common hall, most of our class was gathered around Robert. he waved his hand, telling me to join them. They were all waiting for someone.

"What happened?" I asked tom.

"Someone from our class caused commotion in the market."

"Who did?"

"I don't know."

"Alright." Robert silenced the murmurs, "Isabella will be here soon to answer all the questions you have, until then, stay quiet." The normally talkative and easygoing Robert was serious and silent. We all sat there silently, the atmosphere getting colder as time went by. No one even tried to break the silence, we just waited for Isabella to get here.

" I am done Robert." Isabella walked in, making us feel a little lighter. "It was nothing. empty threat to students who didn't buy anything."

"A couple from our class went to a shop. when they refused to buy something, they were verbally attacked." Isabella explained, "and they got framed for assaulting the shopkeeper when they fought back. that was all."

I heard a chuckle, it was Robert. he was shaking from trying to resist laughing out loud. After him, some more kids started giggling.

"Who was the couple?" Tom asked loudly.

"I won't tell you that." Isabella said, "It is best for the privacy of the students currently."

"Whatever, they should have just left." he said in a sarcastic tone, "arguing back was just a stupid thing to do." Some laughed and some nodded in response.

"He was too persistent." a guy suddenly got up. "could you have run away from him?" {Idiot found.}

"Are you stupid?" I asked him. "no, don't answer. falling for something like this already gave me an idea of how smart you actually are." This made all those who were giggling, burst into laughter.

The boy got red, probably from a mix of anger and embarrassment. He tried to get to me, but was stopped by a girl, who I presumed was his girlfriend. We were forced into our rooms by Isabella and Robert, who were still shaking.

I picked up my food and went inside my room. The room was small, with a single bed, one cupboard and one chair as furniture. The window opened towards the academy, and gave a great view. The bathroom had a small shower and a cramped toilet. It was enough for me to stay for four days.

***

In the morning, I woke up at my usual time, but it was still dark outside. I matched with the hotel clock, which showed three in the morning. This city was in a different time zone, so I woke up two hours early. I changed into my tracksuit and went to the terrace. it was open for people who visit. I had about four hours to spend as we were leaving for the academy at seven.

I did some light exercises before sunrise, which I promptly watched happening. Then I went back to take a shower and changed into my uniform. My classmates were awake, but most of them were still in their casuals. After having breakfast, I went outside to feel less awkward.

Most of the market was closed, so I just walked around. there was one open shop, it was closed last night, so I got inside.

"What do you sell here good sir?" I asked the man at the register. the place has no show pieces, I had no idea what they sold.

"Anything you'd like." Then the man welcomed me, "we do delivery work, but we can also fetch something if you want." He handed me a small paper, it was like a form some people were filling by the door.

"Alright." the shopkeeper said as he read my form "this can be delivered today as well."

"Tomorrow evening is okay."

"Got it. Is this a present?"

"Yes. make sure to add the note along with the package."

"Will do."

"Thank you." I went back to the hotel.