Chapter 5: The Paris trip.

**PAST**

" At last we're here !! " Melanie squealed as she got off the van.

Not being able to contain her excitement.

" Calm down and get your voice down, Mel." Alexandra hissed, pulling her 'overexcited' cousin into the resort, avoiding the weird stares directed towards her.

"Sure." Mel nodded, skipping her way to the auditorium where they were to be assembled .

Alex sighed and shook her head in annoyance and helplessness,

' She would never change, would she?'

...

Auditorium:

"Welcome students, to our well-known resort. You guys are very lucky and talented, of course, to be here with us today. I see that the number of students have been reduced this year, I wonder why, too much competition," the host greeted and continued with a smile," It just means that you would have more than enough resources for the games and the charity banquet. You guys just remind me of us- resourceful."

' Aren't they being a little, overly-narcissistic??' Melanie scoffed inwardly.' Well , I guess it happens with all the rich elites.' she reasoned to herself.

The trip to Paris was usually arranged for 60 students, the students had to compete in their respective school clubs and undergo a selection process to get a chance- a free trip, to Paris for a week along with a booked resort, food, travel, and other expenses for the week.

Each student had to submit a project related to their choice, according to the clubs they belonged to. The best 3-5 students would be lucky winners of the offer for the trip.

Their school had a total of 11 clubs: Math, Science, Arts and history, Linguistics and geography, Literature, Computers, Business, Finance, and Entertainment.

Mel was selected under the Literature club for her own story, ' The Traumatizing Bliss' as she named it. It was a story of a person who suffered from PTSD and how a small girl revives him from his trauma. The teachers were greatly impressed by her story and decided to let her in for the trip.

Alexandra was selected from the finance club for her plans on proper investment for an investment firm.

On the last day of the trip, a Charity banquet would be held, in which a group of 5 - 7 students put on their own store, of anything which they decide on. They could plan for the item which they would want to sell. The money they earn would be given to charity.

The students would be provided with some initial budget by the school to set up the store, this activity was performed to teach the children the value of money and budget management.

This group formation was on the 2nd day of the trip.

" So, guys you will follow this schedule," he said, pulling out a sheet of paper from the file which teacher Wen held.

" On the first day you guys get to visit the Louvre Museum. Remember to wear your formals, tomorrow." he reminded casually and continued," We will leave right after breakfast."

"Now, let me assign the rooms for your stay." he pulled out another page from the file,

" The math, science, and history club students stay along with the teachers on the 1st floor, linguistics and arts in 2nd, literature and computers in the 3rd, and entertainment club students can occupy 2nd and 3rd floors."

" I hope you guys like the environment and get comfortable. This trip is all about teamwork so, get ready to have fun." the host cheered and let the teachers escort the students to their rooms.

" 3rd floor? seriously? " Melanie groaned looking at her suitcase, frowning.

" I'll help you with that. Go get the card. " Alex sighed, knowing what Mel's reaction meant.

Mel's face lit up with a bright smile and she ran up the stairs, to take a room card from teacher Wen.

" I'll go find a good room for us."

she muttered along way.

Alex sighed and pulled both hers and Mel's cases up the stairs.

' She's so useless! As expected from the family's treasured princess! '