Booked to Disappear Chapter 01

Booked to Disappear Chapter 01

Spring Break is just around the corner, and the freshmen in my major are organizing a Spring Break trip. I volunteer to have my family’s travel agency plan the itinerary.

Ten days and nine nights across five European countries for just $6,999.

My classmates eagerly sign up, but then Sarah Brooks, the sorority queen and campus it-girl, suddenly speaks up.

“$6,999? That’s way too expensive.”

“We’re all classmates. Isn’t it a little wrong to rip everyone off like this?”

“I found a travel agency online that’s offering a European tour for only $3,999. There are forty of us going on this trip. Just imagine how much commission you’re making.”

Sarah’s words are like a bucket of cold water dumped over everyone’s excitement.

The whole room turns to look at her, their faces filled with confusion and disbelief.

“Travel agencies are all competing on price these days. I even found a twelve-day tour through seven countries online for just $3,999.”

To prove she’s telling the truth, she pulls out her phone.

A promotional poster from the travel agency fills the screen. In the upper left corner, bold red letters read: Only $3,999.

I stay silent, simply watching everyone.

I’ve been helping out at my parents’ travel agency since I was a kid. I know better than anyone how this business really works.

Besides, nothing this good ever falls from the sky. If something does, it’s usually a trap.

One of my close friends in the crowd finally speaks up.

“Isn’t $3,999 way too cheap? I checked online, and the cheapest round-trip flights alone cost more than five thousand dollars.”

Sarah puts away her phone, a confident smile spreading across her face.

“I asked the livestream host the same thing. Their agency receives government subsidies, which is why it’s so cheap. And they won’t force anyone to shop during the trip.”

Her explanation seems to convince quite a few people.

After all, there’s a $3,000 difference in price. Anyone would think twice.

“Hannah, I’m only looking out for everyone. You’re not upset with me, are you?”

“Look at Alana and Kyle. Their families aren’t exactly well-off. Paying $6,999 is a huge burden for them. I just want everyone to have the chance to visit Europe.”

The classmates she mentions really do come from struggling families. They all work part-time to cover their expenses.

I nod.

“Of course not. I’m only offering an option. No one’s being forced to join our tour.”

Then I add, “That said, $3,999 really is unusually cheap. I think everyone should be a little more cautious.”

Sarah’s smile stiffens.

Being contradicted in front of everyone clearly doesn’t sit well with her.

“Oh, come on, Hannah. Maybe you can fool everyone else, but you’re not fooling me.”

“Everyone knows your family’s travel agency loves forcing tourists into shopping stops. It even made the news.”

I glance at Gavin.

Our families have been close friends for years. His parents are major shareholders in an airline, and our families have done business together for a long time.

Everyone at school knows how close we are, so hearing those words from him naturally makes them sound more believable.

The way my classmates look at me immediately changes. Their excitement turns into suspicion.

“Hannah, I think your tour is too expensive too. I’m going with Sarah’s.”

“Can you refund my money? My mom told me to book the cheaper tour instead.”

The classmates who are smiling and eager to sign up just moments ago all change their minds, urging me to refund them as quickly as possible.

I pull out my phone and process every refund one by one.

The $6,999 package is already being offered at a loss by my family’s agency.

If they don’t want to come, that’s just money saved for us.