April 3, 2009: "Hiya, I'm Gracie, and this is my new friend, Sophie. Guess what?! Sophie and I are going to switch places! Sophie's going back to Utah to visit my sisters, and I'm going back with Sophie's teacher to meet all of her classmates. How much fun will that be?"
"Meeting Clara was one of the first things I did upon arriving at Laura's house. She's the resident Italian student and looks almost just like me! I guess we were destined to be friends then because I stayed close to her during my first few weeks in Virginia. She told me about the other students and warned me about Lindsey, the girl who was a bit hesitant about welcoming newcomers."
It took Lindsey a while to notice my presence, but when she did, this was her reaction: "I know that shirt and that skirt, but I'm positive I haven't seen you anywhere. Who the heck are you?"
"Hi, I'm Gracie," Gracie stood up and extended her hand, "it's nice to meet you."
"On June 28th, Lindsey and I took a trip down to Byrd Park..."
"...to see a puppet show about the tales of Hans Christian Anderson..."
"...and, of course, get an obligatory photo with the Richmond Carillon, built in the 1920s."
"The students of PLC were enrolled in a performing arts camp this summer, so I spent a LOT of time dancing in a camp variety show!"
"Everyone told me I had a natural talent for dancing...maybe I should sign up for lessons once I get home?"
"The variety show turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself.
July 31, 2009: "Today marks our special camping trip! Clara, as the oldest girl, has agreed to take charge. Doesn't she just look the part?"
"Ciao, le mie amiche, let's get started! Let's get you sorted into your two teams, and then we'll go from there. Now, when I call your name, go and sit with your group."
We all nodded in agreement--this should be quite the experience!
Our first activity was a three-legged race! "Are you ready, ladies? When you hear the sound of my whistle, you can begin the race. The first to reach me--or at least get the farthest without falling--are the winners! On your mark, get set--!"
Heather and Rose were the only ones who could stay standing long enough to cross the finish line!
Next was wheelbarrow-racing...and only Rose and Lindsey could do it right.
Then it was scavenger hunt time, in which we all broke off into twos.
Clara told us that everything we had to find was somewhere out there!
Anya and Isabel went off as a pair.
Nathalie and I went off.
Megan and Lindsey went off together.
The rest of the evening was spent eating the leftovers we'd brought and listening to Megan tell stories of her past time-traveling adventures.
She is such a storyteller (that we couldn't really tell if she was telling the truth or simply elaborating a lot)!
As Anya told ghost stories from inside the tent...
...everyone started getting ready for bed.
It had been a nice camping trip (or had it been?).
So...the next morning, we took our group picture and headed back up to school. I must say that that camping trip was "quite" the experience! -Gracie
August 4, 2009: "Well, Lindsey, we're off!" I shook my friend gently as Clara stood by my side. Lindsey opened her eyes a crack, "Where are you off to?" she asked sleepily. "Umm...just somewhere," I answered, not wanting to give too much away or make Lindsey angry because she couldn't go with us. Clara tapped me on the shoulder, "Um, Gracie? We do have to go. Adios, Lindsey."
Clara and I agreed to take a quick picture of our coordinating traveling outfits before...
...we had to head to the train station to catch our train at 6:00 am...
...NEW YORK CITY!
Clara and I stayed at the Hilton Times Square as we shopped till we dropped, took in a Broadway show ("Mamma Mia"), and ate some delicious food.
"I couldn't wait to pose by those infamous red awnings!"
"I met a nice girl named Chrissa in the personal shoppers' sitting area. Some people say that Chrissa and I are twins, but I think Chiara and I look more like twins."
"Rebecca looks a little like me, too...but I'd have to time-travel back to 1914 if I wanted to be related to her!"
"I then met Chrissa's friend Sonali as well as the adorable Starburst..."
"...and Gwen seemed to enjoy my company as well."
"Coffee in hand, I headed back to personal shopping just in time to help Laura pick out her new girl: Rebecca! We loved both of these, but knew that the girl on the left would be perfect for the character we had in mind..."
"We knew that by adding some glasses..."
"...she'd be the perfect mini-me for Laura!"
"Okay...I'm pooped! I think we're just about finished!"
"Let's just get this obligatory bathroom shot over with, 'kay?"
Upon returning back to Parkview Ladies' College, we headed straight to Lindsey and Anya's room. "Ciao Lindsey, we're back!" Clara called, all dressed up in her new outfit and earrings. Lindsey just grunted.
She opened her eyes slightly, squinting as we turned on the overhead light, "Can't you let a girl sleep?"
"Well, okay then, I suppose you don't want to see the presents we brought back to you...," I trailed off, smilingly.
"PRESENTS?! Did somebody say *presents*?" At this statement, Lindsey jerked herself awake.
I ignored her on purpose and turned to Clara, "Clara, what the heck are you wearing? You look as if..."
"I look as if...what? I'm simply dressed in...," Clara started to reply...
...but was interrupted by Lindsey. "Now where are those presents?"
Lindsey then made a grab for the bag I held out to her...
...as she sat down to inspect its contents.
"The Adventurer outfit!!" Lindsey cried happily, "I've wanted it ever since it came out--trust Laura to get it at the last moment. It's no matter, though, as long as I get it."
"Thank you, girls," she turned to us. "It's no problem," I nodded, "I wanted to make sure we brought you back something, especially considering that whole camping trip disaster and the fact that you were ridiculed in front of the whole lot of us. Oh and," I gestured to the box in front of me, "there's this as well."
Lindsey took the box and pulled out the pair of hiking boots that went with the outfit.
"Ohhh, these will be the perfect for the next time I run away!" Lindsey laughed.
She turned to us, "Yes, I'm just joking about that running-away thing. I'd never run away for good because how else would I get presents?"
"Good, I'm glad to here it," Clara rolled her eyes, "and, speaking of presents, here's one more."
"There's more?" Lindsey accepted the bag and began to peer inside...
...pulling out a pink headband and a purple fleece glasses case. Bewildered, she turned to us, "But Megan didn't really break my glasses, girls. They're up on the bureau unbroken, so why would you two buy me a new pair?"
I explained, "We just thought you'd like them. They're different from your other ones, so we thought maybe you'd like two different kinds for...I don't know...variety. Just look at them and see."
Lindsey pulled out the glasses--only to discover that these were the blue glasses. "Ooh, these *are* pretty cute, but how will they look on me, I wonder?" Lindsey questioned.
"Try them on then," Clara urged.
"Et voilà! So...how do I look? It'll be weird trying to get used to another pair of glasses, but I do like the color."
"You look très chic, but let's see the outfit on you now, too."
A few minutes later... "So...how do I look? My ankle may still be hurting from that fall, but otherwise, I'm feeling GREAT. There's nothing like good friends bringing you presents to up your spirits." Clara and I exchanged glances and smiled, "Friends? Looks like Lindsey may be beginning to fit in after all..."
In September, I started school with Clara and the girls, but I was really missing home. After all, I'd been here since April, and now that Lindsey was getting along better, I felt as if it was time for me to go. When I told Clara this, she suggested otherwise and begged me to stay longer--I think she really enjoys having a "twin" around! I just hope she's not too sad when I go...
...but, after school that same day, Clara held an informal going-away party in my honor. If she was sad, she tried her best not to show it as she presented me with a bundle of presents.
I will really miss Nathalie, Lindsey...
...and Clara, my "pretend twin." :) *** If you read all the way through this album, thank you! ;) I was having too much fun to quit while I was ahead...
