WINTER SECRETS.

Chapter 2: Toronto Trouble Chronicles

The next day, just as planned, Carrie found herself seated on the plane. Looking out the window, she began having second thoughts about her decision, but it was already too late to change her mind.

“I can’t go back. It's for the best anyway,” she said, encouraging herself as she rested back in her chair and closed her eyes.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We’re just about ready for takeoff. The weather looks clear, and we’re expecting smooth skies ahead. Please make sure your seatbelt is fastened, your seat is in the upright position, and all electronic devices are either turned off or in airplane mode. We’ll update you on our progress as we go. Thank you for choosing to fly with us today, and we wish you a pleasant flight,” the voice came through the speaker.

Two hours later, Carrie was standing on the soil of Toronto. It all seemed like a dream, the place had changed more than she anticipated. She took what seemed like five deep breaths to savor the moment.

“Even the air seems peaceful,” she said, a smile wavering on her face, before she reached into her pocket and turned on her phone. Her smile soon dropped. “Impossible!” she exclaimed. “Jeez, that demon chewed on my charger again!” Carrie said, almost screaming. “Now how do I get to Leo?” she muttered, stomping her feet furiously. “And I can’t see any taxis… I’m dead,” she said, burying her face in her palms.

Another hour passed, and Carrie was still standing outside the airport. No one seemed to be paying her any attention. She finally made up her mind and grabbed her luggage.

“Let’s start walking. Maybe I can find a mall or something,” she muttered.

It was harder than she thought. Lifting her heavy luggage felt like the exercises bodybuilders do to get in shape. After wandering for almost an hour, just when she thought things couldn’t get worse, a bird flew across her head and released a load of poop on her jacket.

“Hell no!” Carrie screamed. “What did I do so wrong for the gods to curse me like this? What’s next, rain?” she said, almost bursting into tears.

Her emotional moment was interrupted when she spotted a sleek black Ferrari Portofino.

“I’m sorry I doubted you, God. This might just be my ride,” Carrie said excitedly as she signaled the car to stop, but the car seemed to ignore her.

“Oh no! You’re not going anywhere!” Carrie said, running toward the front of the car.

The brakes held tightly, the car stopping only a few inches from knocking her down.

“People still escape the asylum?” Jae-wook said with a brief sigh.

Carrie approached the driver’s window.

“How may I help you, ma’am?” Mr. Jin asked.

“Please, my phone just ran out, and I can’t get a taxi. By any chance, are you heading to TerraNova University?” Carrie asked desperately.

“그녀는 마치 정신병원에서 막 도망친 사람 같거나 소매치기처럼 보이는데, 우리는 위험을 감수할 수 없어.(She looks like she just ran out of an asylum or like a pickpocket. We can’t risk it,)” Jae-wook said without raising his head.

“네, 선생님(Yes, sir)” Mr. Jin replied respectfully.

“Look, I have no idea what you guys are saying, but you don’t have to give me a lift. Can I just use your phone to call my best friend, please?” Carrie asked.

“Oh! Lucky you, there’s a taxi right there,” Jae-wook said with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Oh my God! Thank you!” Carrie said, turning around. The moment she did, her so-called ride zoomed off. “Did they just trick me?” Carrie questioned rhetorically, her shock evident. “This is probably another nightmare. Okay, let’s wake up,” she said, hitting herself.

“Ms. Are you okay?” a voice came from behind her.

Carrie turned slowly, her eyes wide open and fury filling them completely. “Okay? Bro, I spent almost three hours doing nothing but wandering around, carrying that insanely heavy box, a bird took a dump on my brand-new jacket, and you’re bloody asking me if I’M OKAY!” Carrie exploded.

“The birds wanted to welcome you back,” Leo teased.

“That was a good joke,” Ava said with a slight chuckle.

Carrie’s gaze turned deadly. “It’s the latest Louis Vuitton model.”

“Oh, that’s expensive,” Ava said, biting her lip.

“Either way, I’m glad you’re here now. I thought I would die here, but you guys came right before I did. I need to submit my files immediately,” Carrie said.

“I have an extra jacket in the backseat,” Leo said, staring at Carrie for a couple of seconds.

"why are you staring at me like that?" Carrie questioned

“I’ve really missed my favorite Elf,” he said, pulling her into a hug.

“Me too,” Ava said, joining the cuddle.

Carrie chuckled softly. “You guys will get bird poop smeared on you. Let go,” she said.

The moment went from boiling hot to cool. Carrie soon forgot she was ever mad. Her smile was so genuine that she turned cherry red. She soon went in and finished all the necessities for her academic journey at TerraNova University.

The three friends sat at a restaurant having lunch. Carrie was so hungry that she hardly raised her eyes from her meal. It was then she realized hunger wasn’t just a craving; it was suicide.

“You must have been really hungry,” Ava said, pointing out the obvious.

“Ava, I bet you wouldn’t survive it,” Carrie said briefly before returning to her meal.

“baby Elf, I want you to meet someone. He’s an exclusive friend of mine. One can’t lose too,” Leo said.

“You don't get to call me that anymore, I'm tall now. plus I’m excited to meet him too,” Carrie said, pushing her plate to the side.

“I’m sure Carrie would love him. It would be amazing, then we’d be like a racial squad: a Black, a Mexican, an American, and an Asian,” Ava said with excitement in her tone.

“Wow! That’s really fascinating. Excuse me, I need to take my dad’s call,” Carrie said, walking away.

“She’s changed a lot,” Leo said.

“She’s taller and hotter too. Who’s going to be getting the TerraNova dudes? It’s my bestie,” Ava squealed again.

“I meant she’s more reserved, but that is also an observation,” Leo said.

“That was fast,” Ava said watching Carrie return to her seat.

“It was just the butler. He’s still at the meeting,” Carrie said, coming closer to the table.

“He’s here,” Leo pointed out, everyone attention turning towards the door.