Chapter 13

Desi's preparation for St. Edward's Academy was a comedy of errors, a series of misadventures that seemed to defy all logic and reason. Armed with a checklist longer than his arm and a determination to make a good impression, Desi dove headfirst into the chaotic world of school preparation.

First on the list: shopping for school supplies. Armed with a cart and a vague idea of what he needed, Desi charged into the nearest department store like a man on a mission. Unfortunately, his mission quickly turned into a scavenger hunt from hell as he found himself lost in a labyrinth of aisles, each one seemingly more bewildering than the last. Pens? Check. Notebooks? Check. A glittery unicorn pencil case that he absolutely did not need but couldn't resist? Double check.

Next up: wardrobe overhaul. Desi had always prided himself on his fashion sense, but navigating the treacherous waters of high school couture proved to be his undoing. As he stood in front of his closet, staring at a sea of questionable fashion choices, Desi couldn't help but feel a sense of impending doom. After hours of agonizing deliberation, he emerged victorious (or so he thought) with an eclectic assortment of outfits that ranged from "stylishly chic" to "questionably avant-garde."

With supplies in hand and wardrobe crisis averted (or so he hoped), Desi turned his attention to the next item on his list: packing. Armed with a suitcase and a determination to fit his entire life into it, Desi embarked on what can only be described as a Herculean feat of spatial reasoning. Socks? Check. Toothbrush? Check. That random stuffed animal he'd had since he was five that he absolutely couldn't leave behindcause it was a gift from his late father? Check, check, and triple check.

As the day of departure drew near, Desi found himself teetering on the brink of a nervous breakdown. Would he fit in at St. Edward's Academy? Would he make friends? Would he survive the rigorous academic curriculum without spontaneously combusting? The questions swirled in his mind like a whirlwind of uncertainty, threatening to engulf him in a tidal wave of panic.

But amidst the chaos and confusion, there was one thing Desi knew for certain: no matter what challenges awaited him at St. Edward's Academy, he would face them with a smile on his face and a spring in his step.

 

On the day of departure, Desi stood outside the airport terminal, clutching his suitcase and feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursing through his veins. Beside him, Sam offered a reassuring smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Remember, Desi, you're in for a surprise when you get there," Sam said cryptically, his grin widening.

Desi raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What kind of surprise?"

Sam simply shrugged, his lips curled into a mischievous smirk. "You'll see."

With a final hug and well-wishes exchanged, Desi boarded the plane, his heart pounding with the thrill of adventure. As the aircraft taxied down the runway and lifted into the sky, Desi couldn't help but feel a surge of exhilaration at the thought of the unknown awaiting him in Spain.

The flight itself was a whirlwind of new experiences for Desi. From the taste of airline food that left much to be desired to the thrill of watching the world shrink beneath him as the plane soared through the clouds, every moment felt like a surreal dream.

When the plane finally touched down in Spain, Desi eagerly disembarked, his eyes scanning the bustling airport for any signs of his mysterious surprise. And then he saw it—a figure holding a sign with his name scrawled on it, waiting patiently amidst the throngs of people.

Approaching the man, Desi introduced himself, his curiosity piqued. "Are you here to pick me up?"

The man nodded, a friendly smile on his face. "Yes, I'm your driver. Sam sent me to take you to the hotel."

Desi's eyes widened in surprise as he followed the man outside, where his jaw promptly dropped at the sight of the car waiting for him—a sleek Toyota Mk4 Supra.

"Is this...?" Desi stammered, unable to believe his luck.

The driver nodded, tossing him the keys with a casual flick of his wrist. "It's yours, a courtesy of Sam."

Grinning from ear to ear, Desi climbed into the driver's seat, his excitement palpable as he revved the engine and sped off towards the hotel.

Upon arriving at the hotel, Desi thanked the driver and parked the car in the parking lot before making his way to his room, where he found that Sam had already made a reservation for him. With a sense of gratitude swelling in his chest, Desi settled in and called Sam to express his thanks.

"Hey, Sam, I just wanted to say thanks for everything," Desi said warmly.

Sam's voice crackled through the phone with a hint of mischief. "No problem, buddy. Just remember, if you need anything, don't hesitate to call. And don't forget—we're millionaires now."

After hanging up, Desi spent some time chatting with the system, his mind buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead. And as he sat down to enjoy a meal and prepare for his first day at St. Edward's Academy, little did he know that across town, another familiar face was embarking on his own journey in Spain.