Everyone was exhausted. We collectively dragged our feet out of the plane which we had spent almost a full day on. Although we left Paris at around 9am, it was around the same time in Australia. The moment I stepped off the plane, my body immediately felt the change of temperature, including the fresh air. The environment was totally different, and I still hadn't fully entered the airport. Though everyone was tired, there was still a gleam of excitement in everyone's eyes.
"Alright, no wondering off now! We are doing a roll call so stick together," Ms Bustier said, calling out over top of the loud planes that soared across the sky outside. I took a moment to look around, waiting for my name to be called. Even the airport was unique. Trees were evenly spaced out indoors, and although they were tall it was no where near reaching the monstrous ceiling. There was a wall, close to a McDonalds, where green vines and plants hung from. There were also countless of different takeaway shops and clothing stores I've never heard of- not that there was a lot of takeaway in Paris.
"What kind of takeaway joint is called Red Rooster?" Adrien says from beside me, nudging me playfully. I was a little surprised he was close by. Being so caught up in everything happening around me I didn't notice.
"I know, I've seen some crazy names too. The McDonalds back there was just called 'Maccas.' Australians truly are something else," I responded back. My name was finally called out and marked on the roll as we continued walking towards the bus, that would soon take us to our hotel after a few stops.
"Marinette! Oh there you are. Look, look!" Alya said almost tackling me. Where did she get the sudden energy from when everyone else is drained? I looked in the direction she was pointing. There was a huge store labelled 'City Beach' where swimsuits were displayed, clearly on sale. Rose suddenly appeared by my side, whining a little.
"Awh, are you serious? We should've bought our swimmers here- they even have a discount!" Rose pulled Juleka towards the store, the teachers stopping them and pushing them back into the line.
"There are so many stores in this airport. It's kinda weird. Everyone has a crazy accent too, have you heard them speak yet?" Alya said, jumping around. At this point I had zoned out and stopped listening, wishing I could just fall into a soft, comfy bed.
"At least it isn't hot. I thought I was going to melt, this isn't too bad!" Alya said again, looking at the others for their response.
"That's because we aren't outside yet. You realise the airport is fully airconditioned right?" I told her, probably crushing her hopes of staying cool this trip. We continue walking, everyone simply admiring the new, fresh environment.
"We are almost at the bus kids, make sure you have all your belonging as we won't be able to come back if you lose anything," Ms Bustier orders. I briskly check my pockets and ensure I have both bags. After everyone is ready we begin to head outside, the large automatic doors began sliding apart. And suddenly, as though everyone had the same reaction, we were taken back by the gush of hot air.
"Oh my god. This is ridiculous- utterly ridiculous! You expect us to live in this heat?" Chloé said, removing her stylish jacket. "This is going to mess up my hair, you know? How do people stand this?" The girl cursed, slowly making her way up into the bus. I simply rolled my eyes. She was overreacting a little, but it's clear we were all thinking something similar. It was like there was no moving air, even if there was, it was hot. Looking around, most citizens and travellers don't seem overly bothered by the heat. Just our class and other foreigners.
"So this is an Australian Summer?" Alya said a little overwhelmed, reaching for the water bottle in her bag.
"Actually, it's only spring here," I told her, patting her back. She slumped in her seat in absolute misery. To that gesture, I simply laughed.
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After just arriving at the hotel, the whole class sat in the lobby impatiently waiting for our room cards.
Instead of going from the airport to the hotel, we involved ourselves in educational activities that were planned before hand. Unfortunately there was no choice but to do all three of them today, as we had to make room for the class beach day. Before we all knew it, the sun had set and we had made our way to the hotel, ready to call it a day.
"You better not stay up all night talking to me, I wont be listening," I say rolling my eyes at Alya. I was completely exhausted. Drained. Depleted. Done. My brain no longer functioned properly. That plane-flight with Lila was probably one of the most energy consuming moments of my life. One by one in pairs, classmates leave with the friend they're sharing a room with, the lobby becoming less and less crowded.
"Nino, Adrien. You're next. Take your card and head up to your room," Ms Bustier says before wishing them a good night. Alya and I waited for our names to be called. I felt myself slowly drifting off as I sank into the cushy lounge. After about 20 minutes, I was just about to call it a night and sleep in the lobby.
"Alya and Marinette, your room card is here," I heard the teacher call. Alya helped me up, almost dragging me towards the teacher.
"Oh, poor Marinette. It has been quite a big day hasn't it? Oh my, I don't think she's awake," I barely hear Ms Bustier say.
"Don't worry, I've got her. Thank you for a good day, have a good sleep," Alya responds politely, heading into the direction of the elevator.
"Marinette? C'mon, you really expect me to carry you to our room? You're lucky our bags are already in there," She sighs entering the elevator with me half sliding off her back.
"Mmnnghh," I let out, letting her know I was somewhat conscious.
"Girl, you're hopeless. Then again, you had to sit next to Lila for a day. Perhaps you're a hero," she laughs as she leans against the elevator wall, watching the levels go up. "There we go, level 8. Let's get you to bed."
"'Kay," I mumble into her shirt. We eventually reach the door, my eyes barely open at this point. She takes out the key card and unlocks the room.
"Alya? What are you doin' here?," Nino says behind us, opening the door facing ours from across the cramped hallway.
"Me? What are you doing here? The boys were supposed to be on level 7," I hear her say, or something close to it.
"Nu-uh. The boys were on level 8, girls were on 7," He retorts. Alya argues back. At this point I'm barely keeping up as I'm trying to doze off on her back. Suddenly, the ping of the elevator captures their attention, I feel Alya turn that direction. Both Juleka and Rose walk out, a room card in their hand. They glance around before disappearing around the other corner.
"See! This. Is. The. Girls'. Level," I hear Alya triumph in victory, a smirk most likely on her face to rub it in.
"Hey, Adrien bro- I think there was a mistake, or we got the wrong card," Nino turns around and calls back into the room behind him. Not long after, Adrien pokes is head out, clearly just after having a shower.
"What do you mean?" He inquires.
"We are on the level with all the girls, dude. They made a mistake," Nino says.
"Well, does it really matter? We can ask the teachers tomorrow. I'm too tired, I got no sleep on the plane," I hear him yawn. It suddenly goes quiet, but I don't take much notice.
"Uh, is she okay?" Adrien says. Are they talking about me? I'm too tired to move. Am I even awake?
"Uh yeah, she's okay. She didn't get any sleep."
"Dude, she almost looks like... wasted," Nino said laughing a little before heading back into the room opposite from ours. I heard Alya scoff a little before opening our door.
"Woah, It's beautiful in here. Is that chocolate?" After that sentence I didn't hear much, but felt the comfort and cushiness of a freshly made bed. I felt all tension release as I finally drift off peacefully into a long awaited slumber.
"Night night, Mari."
⥈
A/N: You know #1 in Miraculous Ladybug is a little extreme- how did that happen?
(changed the cover by the way, sorry if its ugly)