Booked to Disappear Chapter 04

Booked to Disappear Chapter 04

Over the next few days, Mia and I stay busy at the travel agency, personally handling every detail, from flights and hotels to attraction tickets across Europe.

Three days later, Tiffany returns with the signed parental consent forms and pays the full $8,999.

The departure date is set for next month.

Coincidentally, it’s the exact same day as Sarah’s tour.

After signing the contract, I head home and collapse into bed.

Before I know it, departure day arrives.

I don’t have anything else to do, so I decide to head to the airport and see them off.

The moment I step outside, I find several unwelcome guests waiting at my front door.

“What are you doing here?”

I eye Gavin and Sarah warily.

Today is supposed to be the day their tour leaves. Why are they standing outside my house with several classmates?

Sarah walks over and warmly grabs my hand.

“Hannah, we’re here to invite you to Europe with us. You’re part of our class. We can’t leave without you.”

I yank my hand away, my disgust impossible to hide.

“Do you not understand plain English? I already said I’m NOT going.”

Sarah’s expression immediately turns hurt as she takes a step back.

“I know you’re upset because I took business away from your family’s agency, but I only did it for everyone’s sake.”

“To make it up to you, we secretly signed you up too!”

I freeze.

A chill runs down my spine, and it takes me several seconds to process what she just said.

“That’s impossible. You need a visa to travel to Europe. How could you sign me up?”

Gavin grins proudly.

“Remember when we traveled abroad together? You gave me your passport, and I took a picture of it.”

“No need to thank me. Thank Sarah. She’s the one who wanted to surprise you.”

My grip tightens around the doorknob as anger surges through my chest.

“Yeah, Hannah,” one of the others chimes in. “Stop being so ungrateful. You’re getting a free trip to Europe.”

“Sarah gave up such a valuable spot for you. Stop making such a fuss.”

The classmates outside my door all begin talking at once, trying to persuade me.

Sarah makes it sound like she’s doing me a favor.

But that doesn’t mean I have to accept it.

“I already said no. Leave now. If you keep standing here, you’re going to miss your flight.”

The smiles on their faces disappear instantly.

Gavin slowly walks toward me.

“We came all the way to your house to pick you up, and you’re still refusing?”

He sneers.

“You don’t get to decide whether you’re going or not.”

With a wave of his hand, several people rush forward and grab me, dragging me toward the door.

My parents have already left for work.

There’s no one else at home.

I struggle with all my strength while my mind races.

“Let me go! Fine, I’ll go! Just let me go!”

The moment I shout, they loosen their grip slightly.

Gavin narrows his eyes, “What are you planning?”

“What could I possibly do with all of you watching me?” I snap. “I just need to go back inside and get my passport.”

After a brief pause, Gavin nods.

He follows me into the house, watching me so closely that I don’t dare make a move.

I quietly pick up my passport and leave with them for the airport.

On the way, I discreetly slip one hand into the pocket where I’m carrying my passport.

It’s Spring Break, and the airport is packed with travelers, many of them college students heading off on vacation.

“Finally! Hannah, we’ve all been waiting for you!”

Some classmates spot us from a distance and immediately gather around.

I force a smile while my eyes sweep the crowded terminal, searching for any chance to escape.

“Let’s stop talking and check in first,” someone says. “We’re running out of time.”

The group heads toward the check-in counter.

When it’s my turn, the airline employee scans my passport, then hands it back to me.

“I’m sorry,” she says. “Your travel document is invalid. I can’t check you in.”