Lifechanging Vacation

BEEP BEEP BEEP!!!

I awaken to the familiar sound of my alarm clock that seems to have one mission in mind: awaken the dead and anything else that can hear.

I slump out of my bed like freshly made slime and slide my feet across the frigid floor searching for my slippers that have housed my feet for countless years.

Today should be one of those days that I should be looking forward to every second of. I mean who wouldn't want to go to a world-renowned destination on an all expenses paid trip.

When I entered the contest, I didn't expect to win but when my name was announced as if an artist was being welcomed into a sold out concert, I certainly didn't complain.

Although the person selling the raffle tickets didn't exactly specify where I would be going, the cheaply made brochure had a picture of a beach on it. What could possibly go wrong? It was a great deal and just like a raccoon to shiny objects, I couldn't pass it up.

I grumble out the window when I see the sun has decided not to make its' grand appearance. The only VIP guest that showed up today is the fog and chilly air.

I make myself as presentable as a single, 26 year old, and jobless person possibly could. My hair decides that it wants to have it's own party and after about 10 minutes of ripping out brain cells, I would let the follicles party on.

My taxi is supposed to be here around 12 and it just now turned 11:45. I double check all the appliances in the house before departing to make sure I would at least have something to come back to if I don't get kidnapped in "WonderLand".

A odd mustard colored car screeches to a halt inches in front of me. I truly thought the man above was about to receive a new soul today.

"Um excuse me, sir, person, very much alive, standing here. Not sure if you saw me or anything. Couldn't tell by the way you almost took my face off." I blurt out when the driver walks around to gather my suitcases.

"Yeah, sure whatever." He groans out.

What's his problem? At least he knows where life takes him, I am literally about to get on a plane and go somewhere that I don't even know.

After riding in what felt like an untested roller coaster that was not suitable for use, I pay the driver and head towards the terminal. I start to get this strange feeling in my stomach, almost as if that driver really is trying to take my life. I swear if the way I go out is by some taxi driver's attempt at murder, I am officially done.

" Flight CA2581 now boarding" the speakers blare out, busting my eardrums or what little I have left after the taxi driver's solo act of heavy metal.

I hurry towards the area that seems to correspond to the flight number on my ticket.

Finally seated on the flight to the unknown, I lay my head back and let the sleep take me away.

Flinging forward, I slam my head on the seat in front of me as the plane takes a dip in the sky. Well now I officially have a concussion. Will I even make it to the destination of greatness with all my limbs and life?

"Passengers, this is your captain speaking. I just want everyone to know, we will be arriving at your destination in just 15 minutes."

The feeling of excitement overcomes the increasing throbbing in my brain which doesn't seem like will be going away anytime soon.

When we land, I can't seem to get off the plane fast enough. Every person seems to be in my way. I think I may have accidentally knocked someone out with my flying elbow as I tried to weave my way through the jungle of bodies.

Stepping off the plane almost feels surreal and the sun hitting me in the face tells me this is going to be a great vacation. I open my eyes and the sight I am greeted with is almost as wonderful as I could have imagined.

Lucius palm trees, glistening beaches and expensive cars is all I see for miles. This is definitely the definition of WonderLand. I can not wait to get booked into my hotel and go exploring later.

"Taxi, taxi" I holler out at the zooming blurs of yellow. Hopefully these drivers know a little more about driving and a little less about being the next "America's Most Wanted".

A younger gentlemen pulls up beside me with such grace that I wonder if he is driving a car at all or is it some future invention not yet released to the public.

I climb in and tell him the hotel I will be staying at. He assures me he will get me there in a timely fashion and before I can object, we are speeding away.

He drops me off at the front entrance to what appears to be a scene out of a fairy tale. The hotel is as high as I can see without going temporarily blind. Colors of white and red blend so nicely together like a 5-star dessert at a restaurant.

I walk in and finally get to live one of my dreams as a celebrity getting offered to meet the president. Velvet couches and sofas line every wall and soon I realize I have been staring for almost 7 minutes and quickly come back to reality.

"Can I help you mam?" offers the desk worker.

"Yes, I am Reylin Wecreson. I won a raffle contest."

"Ah, yes. We have been preparing for you and the other contestant."

"Wait, you said other contestant. I got the impression that I was going to be alone." I ask confused as a deer in headlights.

"No, it says here, Reylin and Alren, Room 819."

I knew this trip was to good to be true. Why can't something good happen to me for once? I'm like a danger magnet, attracting all sorts of life threatening situations. Now I have to stay in a hotel room with Mr.Arlen. Whoever named him sure did a fine job.

"Okay, well do you know when he is supposed to arrive or is he already here?" I ask hoping for a specific answer I don't think I am going to receive.

"He checked in a couple minutes ago and headed up just before you came in."

"Okay, thank you. I guess I will take my key now."

She hands me a key that feels like it should be in a museum and not my hand and I start towards the room of doom.

Room 817, Room 818, and Room 819. Here we go. I slide my key into the door and hear a rustling coming from the other side. I really hope he isn't claiming everything already. I wanted to at least get a shower in before his manly smell takes over everything.

I open the door and the face that welcomes me on the other side is not one I was expecting.

"Oh, hi you must be Reylin. I'm Arlen. Nice to meet you." He extends his hand in a gesture of welcoming but I feel like I am about to make a deal with the devil.

"Hi, nnn-nice to meet you" I try to choke out without stuttering.

His face is one of pure perfection. I didn't realize God had the time to craft such a beaut.

This vacation is about to get a whole lot better than what I bargained for.

Before I can stop myself, my brain takes over my mouth and I blurt out" You wouldn't happen to have any plans later?"

I cannot believe I just did that. How big of a doofus can I be? I am preparing myself for the biggest rejection known to man.

"Um actually I am not. Why did you have something in mind?" He says in such a voice that melts my heart like butter on fresh toast.

I am either about to turn this once in a lifetime chance into one of the greatest things that could happen to me or into the worst night of my life. I will never know unless I try.