Chapter 28: Welcome to Rome

The plane smells like vomit. We have almost landed. Luckily, it wasn't Collin's vomit or mine. I didn't eat the plane food. I brought squeezy apple sauce for myself. I'm like a preschool kid at snack time.

The plane lifts its wheels. I feel the bump of the plane hit the runway. Welcome to Rome!

I don't know Italian. My Aunt Tara has a basic Italian language book. It has simple phrases for shopping and eating inside.

"We made it," Collin exclaims.

"Yes, we did. I'm so excited," I say.

Maybe I can become a new person overseas. The old tainted me can die, and I can become anyone I want. I can be anything I choose to be. Italy doesn't know Natalie Ashman. Let's keep it that way. I can just be Natalie, girlfriend of Collin.

"We made it, darling," Aunt Tara says.

I'm excited to be here with my aunt. No therapy. No homework. No chores. No parents. Just summer vibes, no obligations, and relaxation.

"Natalie, I'm glad you're here. You too, Collin," Selah says.

"Thanks," Collin says.

We get off