Chapter 5

The ticket collector couldn't stand it either. He chimed in kindly, "Don't sweat it, kid. I'll call my son to come over and ride with you. Heck, you can go around twice."

He actually pulled out his phone.

I smiled and waved my hand. "It's fine, thank you. I actually prefer being alone."

When I got off the Ferris wheel, the three of them were gone again.

This time, I didn't panic or look for them.

I calmly pulled out my phone and ordered an Uber home.

My dad was home on his day off. He was surprised to see me back so early.

"Back already? Have you eaten? Where's Julian?"

I didn't answer.

I sat down next to him and rested my head on his shoulder.

"Dad, I want to go on an exchange program abroad next semester. What do you think?"

"Of course. Go see the world while you're young. It's a great opportunity."

"With Julian with you, I'll feel safe."

I shook my head.

"Julian isn't going."

"We're adults now, Dad. We have our own paths. I can't drag him into something he doesn't want to do."

My dad hesitated.

"But you've never traveled far by yourself. Going abroad all of a sudden..."

I quickly explained, "I won't be alone. There are other students from my college going too. I've already made a friend to travel with."

Only then did he reluctantly agree.

Julian didn't get home until evening.

"Chloe, we just went to grab water. Why did you leave on your own?"

I was filling out my study abroad documents and didn't even bother to look up.

"It was too hot. I didn't want to wait."

Once I submitted everything, I noticed our group chat was at 99+ notifications.

They were excitedly discussing what to pack, what sunscreen to buy, car rentals, and local food spots.

I stared at the screen for a moment, then messaged: "Where are you guys going?"

Down the hall, I heard Julian curse.

He rushed into my room.

"We bought tickets for a trip this afternoon... Since you weren't there, we forgot to buy yours."

"Let me see if I can get you a standby ticket right now."

Sasha's voice note played right then.

"Don't bother. Those were the last three tickets available. It's all your fault, you two were arguing in my ear, making me forget the most important thing."

Seeing that they were about to bicker again, I texted:

"No need to look for tickets. It's too hot anyway. I'd rather stay home."

Julian, sitting next to me, let out a quiet sigh of relief and closed the ticketing app.

"Yeah, this summer is brutal. It's fine, I'll take photos for you. If I see any cool souvenirs, I'll bring them back."

The day they left for their trip was the same day I boarded my flight to go abroad.

Before leaving, Julian nagged me.

"Don't eat too much cold stuff. Since Dad's busy, don't buy whole watermelons you can't finish. Oh, and keep the door locked."

Ethan walked down the stairs, smirking.

"Keep playing mother hen. I'm going to meet up with Sasha."

Julian gritted his teeth and followed him out.

I watched their car disappear down the street.

Only then did I roll my suitcase out of my room and head downstairs.

Finally...

I didn't have to be the awkward third wheel in their three-person world anymore.