Chapter 1: The Decision

Note:

giagia (pronounced as Yaya) - Greek for grandma

papou - Greek for grandpa

"In the matters of your life, don't take orders, take decisions." - Amit Kalantri

....

Stavros' POV

Midtown Manhattan, New York, Stavros Headquarters

      Standing in front of my office's glass walls, with hands tucked in my trouser pockets, I was enjoying the beautiful, overlooking view of midtown Manhattan from the top floor, when my cell phone rang.

Pulling it out from my pocket, I connected it without bothering to look at the caller.

"Stavros speaking," with my eyes still trained on the tiny cars below, watching the bustling city under the glaring heat of the sun.

"Stav dear, it's giagia. I was wondering what my dear grandson has been doing? Or when do you plan to visit us? We all miss you terribly, Stavros. Your dad is too busy with his real estate company and, as you know, he does not get along with your papou. By the way, your papou needs to see you soon," giagia spouted unceremoniously.

Ignoring her rants, I spoke sweetly. "How are you and papou doing, giagia?" I asked, brushing off her disappointed tone.

"We are fine, for now." Stressing the last word. "We are getting older and weaker each day, Stavros. Theodore has been in and out of the hospital lately. We really need to go on a good, long vacation without being interrupted by business phone calls," giagia started again.

I knew it was the wrong question to throw out, and I already have an idea of where this topic leads to.

She's been complaining lately about wanting to go on a grand vacation with my grandpa, without him on the phone, while sitting under a palm tree or on the deck of their yacht, cruising the island.

I felt a tad guilty, really.

I know she's been trying to support and understand my grandfather, but grandpa is already at the right age to retire. Hence, why they have been bugging me to run the family business my grandfather and uncle have established, knowing I have built a very successful shipping company on my own.

I guess it's time to finally take responsibility for the family business.

It shouldn't be hard. Papou had been relying mostly upon his Vice Presidents, and his counselors. And so far, the company is thriving well.

"Very well then, giagia," I agreed acquiescently. "I will arrange my flight tonight."

I heard her squeals softly as I continued, my lips broke into a smile.

"I'll fly right after I wrapped up all these pending contracts, and I will see you both soon." I groaned mentally as that promise left my lips, with a force cheery tone I could muster.

I guess this is a good way to loosen a bit.

When was the last time I visited my home country?

Two years?

Three years?

I have no idea.

"Oh please, don't sound like you're being forced!" She chided, her tone a little brittle, however, her sweetness always shines through.

She knew me very well, and I couldn't help but smile. She practically raised me with papou.

"Am I, giagia?" I playfully countered.

Am I being forced? Indeed!

"You're not! Of course, my loving grandson is excited to see his awesome giagia. Admit it!" she sarcastically exclaimed with a tinge of hurt in her voice.

Guilt tugged at my heart, my cold heart rather.

"Yes, giagia. I'm excited to see you." Consoling her, because it's pointless to throw sarcastic comments. I can never win with my grandma. Besides, I love her.

"Great, great!" she exclaimed, ignoring my sarcasm.

I could literally see her eyes twinkling with so much joy, her smile from ear to ear.

"σας δούμε σύντομα, εγγονός. Σ'αγαπώ!" (See you soon, grandson. I love you.) She added gleefully before she hung up.

Staring at the blank screen of my latest phone, I heaved an exhausted sigh before stashing it back in my pocket.

It's five in the afternoon, and I've had only two hours to finish wrapping up the remaining contracts I needed this week, and still never-ending documents, contracts to approve, on top of checking other prospective investments to evaluate their potential.

Occupying back my black leather high back executive chair, I press the extension button, and Andrea's voice, my secretary, rang on the speaker. "Cancel all my schedule this week, let Jude know I'm flying to Greece tonight around seven, email the management team, let them know I'm gone, and no definite date on when I'm coming back," I ordered coldly and hung up, not waiting for a reply.

My employees know me as the cold-hearted boss because I never hang out or talk to them unless it's business-related, including Andrea. I love treating them the way a ruthless businessman should.

I strongly believe they need to fear me for them to strive and work their best.

Andrea has always been cool, sexy, and exceptionally efficient. She also doesn't seem to care about my cruelness. As much as she's reliable, she's damn hot as well and keeps things interesting in the office when she tries to flirt with me every chance she gets.

Yes, it's extremely hard to resist any woman in stilettos or tight-fitting clothing showing off their sexy behinds, but I know better than to get involved with one of my employees.

My main rule: Don't mix business with pleasure.

I willed myself to concentrate on the papers scattered on my desk. It didn't take much time, and all of my senses were consumed reading contracts, while the time just passed by in a blur.

It was half-past six when I'm done.

I quickly took out my black leather suitcase, and hurriedly stuffed all the files that needed my attention while I was away.

Andrea was gone by five-thirty, with only the janitor, patiently waiting for me to lock the office.

I took the coat hanging at the back of my chair and shrugged it on carelessly, then grabbed my suitcase in a brisk, and I strode towards the door, locking it behind me.

"Thank you, Joe," I nod at the older janitor — a short and stout Mexican — as I headed to the elevator.

"You're welcome, Mr. Demakis." He nods his head as he gave me a small tight smile.

There are times that I felt remorseful when I sense fear in them towards me, but at the same time, I felt that it was just right to fear me.

As I walked out of the building, I saw Pancho, my driver, waiting for me beside the black-armored Mercedes car, parked in front of my building, waiting.

He opened the door for me as soon as I got closer, and I thanked him, handing him my suitcase, I slid into the back seat.

Pancho has been working for me since I started my own company.

A big muscle-packed guy. He used to be an FBI agent. He's very professional, and the only person who knows me well enough to never fear my temper, earning my utmost respect.

"JFK Airport, Mr. Demakis?" Pancho inquired with his stoic face.

I crossed my leg over the other, meeting his eyes through the rearview mirror.

"Yes, Pancho," I responded briefly, before closing my eyes, and languidly leaning my back against the back support of the seat.

The flight took ten hours to get to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, in Athens, Greece.

Taylor picked me up and drove me home. I was exhausted from a sleepless trip, so I needed to freshen myself up with cold water before driving to my grandparents' mansion.

They only live twenty minutes away from my place, giving me plenty of time.

....

Theodore Demakis' POV

Athens, Greece, Demakis' Mansion

      "I guess you already have an idea of why I called you into my office, Stavros?"

I noticed that intent look he was giving me.

He looks exhausted.

When was the last time my grandson had a decent sleep?

"Have you been sleeping lately, son?" I asked, eyeing him worriedly.

He shook his head.

"Just these past few days, papou."

He leaned on his back as he lazily watched me, stretching out his long legs.

I couldn't help but observed him, proud of the man he has become.

This is my one and only grandson, the only heir of the empire my brother and I worked so hard for all our lives.

The Demakis Empire run by the Demakis brothers, ages 73 and 55, is the parent company of several businesses owned by our family.

The Demakis Empire includes the financial institution, Demakis Bank, a large amount of real estate, and one of the largest art collections in the country.

The Demakis Bank is known to be the most solvent financial institution in Greece; a testament to the Demakis brothers' business acumen, who in a few years expanded the family business greatly, despite the Global Financial Crisis.

Sadly, my brother passed away at the age of fifty-five from a heart attack, marking the most painful time of my life.

Unfortunately, he did not leave a family behind, as his pregnant wife and unborn child died in a car crash a year after their marriage.

He was so devastated by his loss, that he chose to focus his time and energy on running our businesses as an outlet for his anger and guilt. Suffice to say, I owe our success to my brother, without him, I don't think we would've been able to surpass the crippling effects of the Global Financial Crisis, and we wouldn't be where we are today.

So I am relying on Stavros, my grandson, to continue our legacy.

My son, Callister Demakis, did not have the head for business. However, he agreed to compromise by running the real estate division of the conglomerate. We never got along well, since he constantly defied my wishes, but I will forever be grateful to him for bearing a son who has the same passion as my brother and I had.

I highly regard Stavros' capabilities. I know by heart that he won't fail me. For the past years, he has become very successful, one of the youngest, most successful shipping magnates, at the very tender age of twenty-three. That's enough for me to fully entrust everything to his care.

It's about time for Stavros to take his place. He's at the ripe age of twenty-eight, and he needs to stop playing around with every unfortunate female he fancies.

I know girls are throwing themselves at him shamelessly, but I really can't blame them. He has everything they would want in a man: power, good looks, wealth, and a brilliant mind.

He graduated from Harvard University with honors. A degree in Business Administration, and a master's in Economics. He makes me really proud. He has his own monstrous ways of achieving his goals, which reminds me of my brother.

I was smirking unknowingly when I heard him speak.

"Papou, I know you missed me very much, but I don't think the reason why you called me here is to assess how much I've grown, is it?" His eyes hooded with irritation. "I hope all is well," he muttered flatly.

"Well, son, your grandma wants to go on a three-month cruise. We both know she has been pestering me about going on a vacation without being bothered with the business. So maybe, this time, you can take over the company," I cajoled with high hopes.

"You can always go on a vacation, papou," he replied lazily, drumming his fingers on his thigh.

"Let your management team handle your business. That's what your personal secretary and your managers are there for! What are they doing? They are supposed to be your support group for occasions like these. You're the President after all!" he responded blatantly, to my chagrin.

I let out a deep sigh and then looked him in the eye.

"That is not what I really meant, Stavros. I am old, and I just want to spend the rest of my remaining years with your giagia. I feel guilty about leaving her behind, just to ensure the wellness of our company. It's about time to hand it over to the only heir, don't you think? You're turning twenty-nine in a few months, Stavros. I think it's only fair to turn the high chair over and let your giagia and I enjoy the fruits of our labor."

He fell in silence for a moment, leaning forward with his hands clasped on his lap.

I know he loves his giagia very much, and he won't turn me down this time, I hope.

After unsuccessfully encouraging him to take my place for the past two years, I've given up.

I waited until this moment.

I gave him his chance to prove his worth, and he actually outperformed my expectations. He conquered the world of shipping in barely six years. A Demakis blood, indeed!

"When do you want me to start?" he finally conceded as he leaned back on the brown leather armchair while crossing his hands over his chest, eyes trained on me.

Words I've been waiting for, finally, it came. My lips broke into a broad smile. Happiness swelled in my chest.

"Our company will soon celebrate its 37th Anniversary. Perfect time to announce the turnover," I replied, a broad grin broke out on my lips.

I felt overwhelmingly happy.

He stared at me, seemingly weighing my words, trying to measure the seriousness of this talk.

I gave him my best stony face look, showing him how sincere I am.

"It's all settled then," he finally agreed as he yawned. He then stood up and put his hands in his pockets.

"I'll be staying here for two days since I need to wrap up some things before I fly back to New York," he shrugged his shoulders.

"In the meantime, I need some good sleep, papou," he muttered groggily as another yawn was forming in his mouth.

"Join us for dinner tonight. Rosana prepared your favorite," I cajoled, a smile playing on my lips as I walked closer to him.

"Thank you, son. Finally..." I muttered softly without hiding my excitement.

"I will be accompanying your giagia everywhere she wishes to go without nagging me to turn off the phone."

I gave him a quick hug and a pat on the back.

Oh, how I love Rosana. She's going to be so thrilled to hear the good news.

I met the wonderful, and gorgeous love of my life when I was twenty-eight, and she was just twenty-three while attending a Business Organization ball held in her native city of Madrid, Spain. Since my brother and I had just started our business, we wanted to acquaint ourselves with the business sharks around the world.

"I'm happy to know that I made you smile for once, papou. I'll take care of the family business, and you make the most of it with giagia." He hugged me back snapping me out of my trance briefly, then pulled himself away, leaving me smiling with contentment.

......

Stavros' POV

       As soon as I got into my Audi RS7, I sped out of their driveway and hit the road. The traffic was heavy and it only adds to my growing vexation. Each time I reached the lights, they turned red, to my chagrin.

Not to mention, the constant honking of the impatient drivers behind me.

I rolled my window down, propped my elbow on the doorframe as I stared at the rearview mirror, and gave the guy behind me my middle finger.

I caught him swearing but I ignored it as I smirked.

I leaned my head against the headrest, with my elbow still resting on the doorframe as I waited for the lights to turn green.

I could see some impatient drivers who were wearing the same expression as mine.

As I waited for the light to turn green, I scanned the busy streets. Not far away, was a huge park with a long trail for walkers and bikers.

Athens had changed drastically since I remember.

It had several establishments, malls, and subdivisions rising everywhere. There used to be more empty and abandoned lands, where we used to stand by during after classes.

Where we played football, and soccer, and then smoked weed with my friends at dusk.

A loud honk behind me pulled me out of my short reverie.

I quickly stepped on the gas and drove at maximum speed.

Soon, I saw the blue rectangular street sign a few meters ahead, it said Eiríni drómo (Peace street).

That's where I lived.

I felt a sudden relief as I turned into the block and then pulled into my long and winding driveway.

I was greeted by Taylor — my driver, security, and maintenance — on the way to the door. I tossed my keys at him, and he caught them without a hassle.

"How are you doing, Mr. Demakis?" My butler asked as I was halfway through the spiral staircase, trudging up to my room. "Fine, Jean," I replied curtly, as I resumed walking up.

I halted on my steps, and briskly turned my head and spoke. "And oh, I'm going to take a nap, so I don't want any disturbances unless it is a matter of life and death," I stated then proceeds to my room.

"Yes, sir." I heard him reply as I got inside.

I pulled my phone and wallet out of my pocket. Then turned the ringer off my phone before chucking it on top of the side table.

I crawled onto my comfortable and enormous bed as soon as I was able to change out of my suit.

Within minutes, I drifted off into the darkness.

.....

Alessandra's POV

       "I can't believe school is over."

Lu mused like crazy on the other line. She had been ranting about stuff I'm not interested in, but I can't say anything to upset her. I love her to bits.

Lucy was my best friend/sister.

I prefer to call her Lu.

I met her in grade school, and we greatly enjoyed each other's company. We instantly became best friends and so did our parents.

Lucy likes to explore, too. The reason why we clicked together. We are both adventurous.

And until now, we are inseparable.

We went to the same school until University, although we took different courses.

I took Business Management while she took Accounting.

Just recently we received our diploma, and now we're planning to move to New York, to find a job.

My parents are rich. My father basically inherited the long-time De La Vega family business, The DLV Tobacco Corporation. One of Spain's largest and oldest companies. It manufactures and distributes tobacco, local and international.

I could work in my father's company, but I have a big pride that's always knocking on my head.

I would say I want to explore and prove something on my own. Besides, I have three brothers to help him, and they are another reason why I need to leave.

Nope, they are the main reason.

"Hey!" Lucy snapped irritably, pulling me out of my train of thoughts.

"Are you still with me?" she grumbled sulkily.

"Yes. I'm sorry, what were you saying?" I asked sheepishly, batting my eyelashes and she chuckled.  My eyes drifted on my nails, they're pretty long now. I need to trim them soon.

"Well, as I was saying, my brother has a condo in downtown New York. He offered it to me since he's coming back to help dad with the business," Lucy explained excitedly.

My eyes snapped up and met hers, smiling from ear to ear.

"Great!" I exclaimed.

I can't stop myself from grinning ear to ear, I can't wait to leave this house rather, the De La Vega old mansion.

"Alright, Ms. De La Vega, start packing. I already booked our flight to New York for the next day. We have an early flight, at 7 am," she admonished, causing me to jump out of my seat in utter surprise.

"THAT EARLY?!" I blurted out.

"But I haven't said a word to my parents regarding this thing? This is so sudden. Jeeez ..." I rambled.

"We planned this a long time ago, Ali. How come you didn't tell them yet?" She reiterated, a little disappointed, with a tinge of surprise in her tone. "Well, I thought we were still staying here for the summer," I mumbled back guiltily.

"Well, sorry Ali, it's just that, I was thinking my brother could pick us up, and let us settle first before he leaves us. He can show us around the city, much easier for us. He is coming home in a week," she explained further, and I nodded absentmindedly.

She's right.

"Well, I guess I don't have any choice, do I?" I retorted in a touch of playful sarcasm. I heard her scoff.

"Girl, aren't you excited to finally be free from all the boars in your house?" She exclaimed a bit annoyed, stressing the reason why I joined her plan.

She knows why I agreed with her to leave our country because she knows my brothers, and how annoying they can really be.

"Yes, I am," I replied shortly.

My brothers together with my father, are very protective. That's why, until now, I haven't had a serious relationship. Correction, I never had a boyfriend.

It's not that I don't want to, but every time someone is interested in me, and before they could reach me, they were being chased away by my three brooding brothers.

Yes, and it's very annoying.

"Very well then, Ms. Collantes, if there's nothing else you wanna add, I'll bid goodbye for now, and see you tomorrow, I hope."

Whatever my parents say tonight. I better start packing and talk to them at dinner.

"¡Adios!" We said in unison and broke into giggles as I hung up the phone.

The next morning, the loud incessant ringing of my alarm woke me up. "Oh, God ..." I groaned sleepily as I grabbed the small alarm and shut it off.

I checked the clock, it says three in the morning.

I have an hour to get myself ready to go to the airport.

Lucy is picking me up.

She lives fifteen minutes away from our house.

I deposited the small machine back on my side table, literally dragged my limbs to the bathroom, and took a shower.

The water barely reached a lukewarm to wake my system up.

I brushed my teeth and got changed. I put on some faded skinny jeans, a white tank top, and a black cardigan. Then, I snatched my purse and ran downstairs to have a coffee before Lucy arrived.

I saw my mom talking with Ria, our cook. She's still in her robe. She never gets up this early. She looks like she didn't sleep at all.

"Oh honey, you're so ready." She stood up and abandoned her coffee as she approached me.

Her eyes look puffy. Sadness started to crawl within me.

"I'm so gonna miss you!" she drew me in for a hug, and it was a bone-crushing hug.

I grumbled mentally, but at the same time, I felt happy. My mother loves me so much, and I'm beyond grateful.

I love her to bits, but sometimes, her sweetness can be annoying at times.

I felt like she was like my brothers and dad, not that I'm complaining. Well, there's a point where I needed my freedom sometimes, however, they will never understand that.

Pulling myself away, I stared at her with a reassuring smile.

"Mom, I'll be calling you a lot, and we can talk on Skype. It's like I never left, you can still see me," I cajoled sweetly, tamping down the urge to roll my eyes.

She hated that.

Sometimes, she can be very emotional and persuasive.

"I know, I know ..." she caved in as she sighed heavily, and wiped the corner of her eyes.

I hug her again briefly, then kissed her cheeks.

When I averted my attention to Ria, she handed me a cup of coffee.

Oh, I love her.

She always knows what I needed.

"Gracias, Ria." (Thanks, Ria) I smiled sweetly.

"De nada, señorita." (You're welcome, miss) She responded softly, then turns on her heel and went back to work.

I heard footsteps behind me, heading towards us.

"When is Lucy coming? You know?" Placing the mug on the long island marble counter, I swiveled around to see my dad coming with my brooding brothers in tow.

How long have they been up?

I know they came home last night after I talked to my parents about me leaving without prior notice.

"Soon, dad," I replied as I approached them.

Dad gave me a bear hug.

"Keep in touch sweetheart, and don't hesitate to give us a ring. I know you're grown up, and it's hard to accept that our baby has turned into a lady, but still, I have my eyes on you. I trust you, you'll take care of yourself, and you won't do any hasty decisions." My dad joked but with sternness in his tone, scowling.

I did that many times just to piss them off.

I can take care of myself, dad. You just didn't give me a chance to prove it!

I just smiled at him, nodding my head in agreement as I bit back the words in my head.

Soon, my older brother pulled me into a tight hug. "I know you're tough, and you like to defy us, but I hope you understand why we're doing this. We love you, Ali!" Carlos murmured.

Yes, I know. You think he's sweet, but it's suffocating at some point.

Yes, there's no doubt they love me, but I feel like a little kid all the time. That's how they made me feel. Like a 'little kitten'.

"Carlos is right, Ali." Antonio butted in, agreeing with him. He's next to Carlos, but with a more serious aura than the rest, but he could be sweet. His looks can be deceiving, and people judge him because of his brooding all the time.

They call him the 'devil De La Vega.'

"We love you. I will go visit you sometimes. I'll check on the place you're staying at," he added smugly. I scoffed.

"Oh, you don't have to do that, dear brother! I know you have more important things to do," I gave him a sweet smile, trying to act cool, but looks like he was not buying it.

"Oh, not at all, dear sis!" he smirked pompously. Seriously, he needs to get a girl and start dating.

After his failed relationship with that Greek girl, he never dates anyone, anymore.

Oh, God!

I rolled my eyes. Thank goodness I will be out very soon. If not, I would end up a spinster.

Well, who am I kidding, I could get away?

"Yes, Antonio." I caved in, trying to hold the urge of rolling my eyes.

It's becoming my habit.

As soon as Antonio stepped back, Emme with his playful grin stood in front of me.

"Don't give us that look, sweet little sis." Emmanuel's eyes were filled with mirth.

His eyes smiling, amused at my expense, and pulled me in and gave me a tight hug, too. "Don't you fret," he teased, "we just love to see you, and to make sure you're always safe."

"I'm not! And I can pretty take care of myself," I spat sulkily.

He let out a soft chuckle. "Your reaction says it all!" he pointed out as he pulled himself away, and let one hand rest on my shoulders.

I felt even shorter when he does that.

"Not you too," I grumbled, glaring at him.

I like him better than the other two.

He's the coolest, but at this moment, I think I'm taking it back.

"Just saying our last piece. We will rarely see you after," he snickered.

His last statement made me smile broadly.

"Anyway, take care. We'll come to see you. You think you can get away?" he whispered teasingly, all smiling broadly as he pulled himself away from me.

The smile withered promptly.

He looks serious, and I sighed inwardly in defeat.

"Yes, yes," I replied briefly. No room for argument. I wouldn't wanna ruin this chance to be finally free.

Our family's driver, Carlito, had all my luggage waiting at the front door.

My father didn't protest at all with my moving to New York.

Somehow, he trusted me. Although he looked a bit worried, he didn't say anything at all.

He thought it would be nice for me to learn and experience a different life. I have no idea what prompts him to agree to my plan, but I'm relieved.

My mom was another story. She was the one who opposed at the idea of working abroad.

With a lot of persuasion on my part, she agreed, but only for a year.

I had to compromise, hoping will be forgotten in the long run.

"Señorita Ali, Lucy is waiting for you outside. I got all your luggage in their SUV," Carlito announced smilingly.

"Thank you, Lito," I smiled gratefully.

He is just like a brother to me.

He is almost as tall as me.

Tan skin, with a body that ripped with muscles due to all the lifting, a very hardworking and good-looking fellow, with fake blonde hair. A cute boyish face.

"I wish you good luck, señorita," he smiled, but I could see the sadness in his eyes, the same look Ria gave me when I bid goodbye to her, and the rest of the helpers in the mansion.

"Oh, thank you, Carlito. I'm gonna miss you all," I said, giving the grand foyer another brief glance before walking to the door.

As soon as I got out of the door, all my family was behind me.

I saw Lucy climbing out of the SUV.

"Hurry, Ali!" she squeals, bouncing towards us.

She gave my family hugs and then dragged me to the car.

So much energy, I must say.

I took one last look at my family, who were all standing on the porch all bearing a sad look.

My heart sunk as I waved goodbye. I got in the back seat of the car and settled beside Lucy.

I felt the moisture build-up under my eyelids as reality sets in.

The realization that I won't be seeing them every day, hug them, or being chastised actually saddened me.

I  miss them already.

I took a deep breath, shrugged off the negative feelings, averted my gaze at Lucy, and forced a smile.

As the car drove off our long driveway, I turned my head to give my family one last look.

Tears brimming on my eyes, sadness crawling in my heart once more, and becoming persistent.

Blinking the tears back, I let out a deep breath.

Freedom.

Freedom.

I chanted in my head as I inhaled and exhaled softly, trying to brush off the heaviness growing in my chest.

As the SUV approached the airport, excitement filled me, and at the same time, fear.

I don't know what I was thinking of moving to New York. I have no idea if we can find a job quickly, knowing the competition is high.

I'm just hoping we'll find a job that could help us settle there or we will have to come back home, disappointed.

And I don't know if I could face my family if I failed. 

"Ready?" she asked.

Her high spirits never dwindled, and I'm starting to get infected with her ever contagious energy.

"Ready as I'll ever be!" I answered with a forced cheery tone.

"I'm so excited!" Lucy exclaimed gleefully.

She's so hyped up.

"It's going to be fun. I can't believe you're with me, and we get to stay under one roof together. Boy, I must be dreaming," she giggled softly.

I stared at her as she rambled continuously.

She's beautiful, with long, silky almost raven wavy hair (but under the light, it's darker brown), small pert nose, bright and expressive chocolate brown eyes. And fair skin she inherited from her mother.

Her mom is an Irish, with long, beautiful dark lashes, which she inherited and slender stature. 

She stands 5'7, while I stood 5'8.

I, on the other hand, is opposite of her.

I have lightly tanned skin and light brown hair that looks blonde when it is reflected with the sunlight that I inherited from my mother. She's an Australian. I also got her dark green eyes which I got compliments on a lot.

I also had inherited my mother's thin, leggy bone structure, and her razor-sharp cheekbones, and I hated it.

I felt like I'm anorexic, which Lucy always finding it perfect. Perhaps, she was just being nice, a good friend indeed.

Mom used to be a model until she gave birth to my eldest brother.

"We're here!" she squealed, dragging me back to reality.

I shook my head mindlessly as I fumbled for my seatbelt.

She looks at me with a cocked brow.

"Are you okay, Ali?" she inquired worriedly.

Smile fading from her face.

Nodding my head, "oh, yeah, yeah ... I was just thinking how likely would our lives be like over there," I smiled.

"It will be great!" she assured me with overconfidence.

That's Lucy, very optimistive and enthusiastic.

So Am I, but not today.

I haven't been separated from my family before.

Each one of us grabbed a trolley.

After struggling to deposit our luggage on our trolley, we headed towards the terminal gate. At last, after a long queue, we got our luggages checked in, and we waited for the boarding time.

.......