- 5 weeks ago
My story animated is a digital platform that provides teenagers and adults the most interesting and life changing stories with the world.
Category
😹
FunTranscript
00:00Paris, enchanting, romantic, a place like no other, the city of my dreams, until now.
00:12My name is Ella, and I started my summer vacation in Paris, hauling a backpack and suitcase
00:18up five flights of stairs because the elevator at the hostel was broken.
00:22I had a reservation for the first floor, but my cheating ex-boyfriend got here first and
00:27used it with his new girlfriend, Harpy.
00:30Um, I mean, Harper.
00:33But it's fine.
00:34I'm only two days behind them, but I can catch up.
00:37They're probably using the itinerary I put together.
00:39Because Ryan, the human equivalent of a decorative houseplant, is too lazy to do his own research.
00:46But wait, I'm getting ahead of myself.
00:49Let's start at the beginning.
00:50I met Ryan in the third grade when we were eight years old.
00:53It was love at first sight.
00:55We passed notes in class, we ate lunch together, we did homework together.
01:00Well, technically, I did all our schoolwork, year after year, while Ryan blissfully coasted
01:06through life doing whatever the heck he wanted.
01:09Like perfecting his dumb video game skills.
01:12Number four.
01:13The Boston Tea Party was a protest against...
01:16Ryan, are you even listening?
01:18I'm trying to walk you through the homework so you can actually answer a question if the
01:21professor asks tomorrow.
01:23I'll be fine.
01:24The professor likes me anyway.
01:26I don't think so.
01:27Just today, she said that you have the memory of a frog.
01:30And that you should get your head out of...
01:32Okay, okay.
01:33I get your point.
01:34But who cares what a dumb professor thinks about me?
01:37Studies are for losers anyway.
01:39Did you just call me a loser?
01:40No, no.
01:41Not you, of course.
01:43You're amazing.
01:44You're the best, Ella.
01:45Now, let's just finish this so I can finally treat you to your favorite ice cream.
01:50I'm done with my game anyway.
01:52Really?
01:52Give me two minutes.
01:54Yeah.
01:55I kind of missed the point there.
01:56And things didn't change much even as I grew older.
01:59By the time we got to high school, everyone was calling us Ryanella.
02:03Much like Cinderella.
02:05Because, just like her, I was out here slogging my butt off for Ryan while he lived his best
02:11carefree zero-effort life.
02:13The entire school saw it.
02:15Except me.
02:17People would literally call me his unpaid assistant.
02:20A doormat.
02:21A carpet under Ryan's feet.
02:23But I ignored them because Ryan would occasionally give me a big hug, flash that lazy smile, and
02:29say,
02:29Ella, you're the best.
02:32Soon it was time for senior year, and I threw myself into planning our big post-graduation
02:37trip to Paris.
02:39The perfect way to kick off our next chapter before heading to college together.
02:43Well, my new chapter, because Ryan had decided to take a gap year.
02:48I always thought we'd go to college together.
02:51That was the plan, right?
02:52Well, plans change, Ella.
02:54Besides, I really need to, like, find myself first.
02:58There's so much untapped potential inside me.
03:01Like, who am I, really?
03:02What do I want?
03:04I need to feel my vibes.
03:06You know what I mean?
03:07I guess.
03:08But we're still on for Paris, right?
03:10Because I'd hate for your graduation gift to go to waste.
03:14And I pulled out a receipt for a first-class ticket to Paris.
03:17Ryan's eyes instantly lit up, and he threw his arms around me.
03:21Oh my god, this is the best gift ever!
03:25But I didn't get you anything.
03:26You're in my life, and that's all I want.
03:29You're the best, Ella.
03:31I was practically floating when I got back home.
03:35Ryan and I were gonna spend our entire summer in Paris, and it was gonna be epic.
03:41I was just making plans in my head for the most romantic getaway ever, when Mom walked into my room.
03:47Ella?
03:47Why am I getting a message from the bank saying you spent over $1,000 on a first-class plane ticket?
03:53For Ryan?
03:54I was gonna tell you, Mom.
03:56What?
03:57That you spent your inheritance money on a stupid ticket?
04:00Ella?
04:01That money was for your future?
04:03Ryan is my future, Mom.
04:05I've loved him since the third grade.
04:07Besides, I'll be going to college soon, and I wanted to end our graduation on a happy note.
04:12Will you please stop judging me now?
04:14I'm not judging you, Elle.
04:16But sometimes you act like an idiot around Ryan.
04:19He might be a nice boy.
04:21But what if there's someone else out there who's better for you?
04:24Better than Ryan?
04:26That's impossible, Mom.
04:28He's the only one in the world for me.
04:31Mom didn't argue with me after that.
04:33A week later, we had our senior prom.
04:36And as expected, Ryan and I were crowned the prom king and queen.
04:41It was the best night of my life.
04:43Until Harpy, I mean Harper, showed up.
04:46And Ryan ignored me like I was a potted plant in a corner.
04:50Harper!
04:51What are you doing here?
04:52You're Harper?
04:53How nice to finally meet my cousin.
04:55Wally needed a date for the prom.
04:57I flew in last night.
04:58Ryan, aren't you gonna introduce me?
05:01Wow, that's great!
05:02How long are you staying?
05:04Hi, Harper.
05:04I'm Ella.
05:05My family is moving here this summer.
05:07Permanently.
05:08So you're going to our...
05:10Cool.
05:11Then we'll be seeing a lot of each other.
05:13For the rest of the night, Harper hovered around me and Ryan like a honeybee.
05:18She was on the dance floor, by the punch bowl, laughing at the stupidest things Ryan said.
05:24It wasn't like I was enjoying third wheeling in my own relationship.
05:27But they were old friends.
05:29Ryan had always told me stories about how they were close as kids.
05:32So maybe he was just excited to see her again.
05:35And maybe I was just overthinking.
05:38But then we went to the ladies' room.
05:40And Harper turned to me with a smirk.
05:42I love that crown.
05:44Do you mind if I try it on?
05:45Before I could answer, she snatched it off my head and crowned herself.
05:50For a moment, I fantasized about wrestling her to the ground and taking back what was mine.
05:56But all I did was smile like an idiot and tell her how pretty she looked.
06:01I thought I would just tell Ryan about it on her way back home.
06:04But he insisted on dropping off Harper and her cousin.
06:08Shotgun!
06:08She slipped into the front seat, while I was stuck in the back with Wally snoring on my shoulder.
06:15Suddenly, the car stopped.
06:16Ella, you're home.
06:18Wait, you're dropping me off first?
06:20You're on the way to their house.
06:22Can I at least have my crown back?
06:24Oh, but it looks so much better on me.
06:26Please let me borrow it for tonight.
06:28I'll make sure to send it with Ryan tomorrow.
06:30But-
06:31Relax, Ella.
06:32It's just a dumb crown.
06:33I'll see you tomorrow, okay?
06:35And he just left.
06:36It's safe to say, I never got my crown back.
06:40Or my man.
06:41Because two days later, Harpy-
06:43Oops, Harper, joined our school and Ryan broke up with me.
06:48He started ignoring me at school.
06:50Didn't even return any of my calls or messages.
06:53Ryan here, leave me a message.
06:55And if this is Ella, stop texting me.
06:58I spent thousands on your first class ticket to Paris.
07:01And I was gonna fly, coach.
07:03Gosh, that's how much I love you.
07:05And now you're ghosting me?
07:07I was devastated.
07:09And I planned on hiding under the covers forever.
07:11But on the day of my graduation, Mom flung open my door.
07:16Ella, enough is enough.
07:18You're graduating today.
07:20I'm not going.
07:21You worked hard for this.
07:23Don't let that boy take it away from you.
07:26Everyone knows he dumped me for Harpy.
07:29It's embarrassing, Mom.
07:30Well, if you ask me, it's a blessing.
07:34Now you won't be stuck with a lazy loser who doesn't know what to do with his life.
07:38And you can finally travel to Paris all by yourself, doing things that you like.
07:44No, I can't do it.
07:46I'll go to the graduation.
07:47But to go to the most romantic city in the world without my one true love?
07:52I'd rather eat sawdust.
07:54Besides, Ryan and I planned that trip together.
07:57No, Ella.
07:59You planned that trip.
08:00Ryan just showed up.
08:02Now get up.
08:03Put on a cute dress and go to your graduation with your chin up.
08:07I did what Mom said.
08:09And honestly, it felt like a good idea.
08:11My friends tried to cheer me up.
08:13And for a moment, I was happy.
08:15But then I walked on stage to get my diploma.
08:18And spotted Harper sitting in the front row, wearing my crown.
08:22And I knew it was going to be a long, horrible summer.
08:27I drowned myself in pity for the rest of the summer.
08:31Ate junk food.
08:32Watched sad movies.
08:33Doom-scrolled social media till I passed out crying over my stupid single life.
08:38While everyone else posted pics of their perfect summer.
08:42Volleyball games on the beach under the California sun.
08:45Trips to the Redwood Forest.
08:47The Grand Canyon.
08:48Disneyland.
08:49Ryan and Harper.
08:49The Eiffel Tower behind them.
08:51Wait, what?
08:52Ryan went to Paris with Harpy?
08:55I immediately clicked his social media profile.
08:58And there he was.
09:00Enjoying that two-faced witch on my vacation.
09:04Ryan and Harper taking a selfie at an outdoor Parisian cafe.
09:08Ryan jumping for joy.
09:09The Arc de Triomphe behind him.
09:11Harpy.
09:11I mean, Harper.
09:13Holding a yellow umbrella in front of a hotel that we were supposed to stay in.
09:18I had it.
09:19There was one thing to break up with me.
09:21And a totally different thing to take Harpy.
09:24Sorry, Harper.
09:25On a vacation that I planned.
09:28My blood boiled.
09:30And I screamed for Mom.
09:32Mom!
09:33I'm going to Paris!
09:34The Paris streets were bustling with life.
09:38People walking their dogs.
09:39Couples chatting in outdoor cafes.
09:42Everyone dressed in immaculate clothes.
09:44This was the Paris of my dreams.
09:47But I couldn't enjoy it because I was on a mission to find my cheating ex-boyfriend.
09:52And the best place to start my quest was at the hotel.
09:55I was sitting in an outdoor cafe across from the hotel, sipping my third cafe au lait.
10:00When suddenly, the hotel doors opened.
10:03And Harpy, I mean Harper, and Ryan walked out, hand in hand.
10:08I threw some money on the table and started stocking them until they stopped to look in
10:12a shop window.
10:14Ryan looked behind, and I immediately ducked into a souvenir shop.
10:17I bought a baseball cap and an oversized hoodie as a disguise and continued tailing them when
10:22I saw Ryan hail a taxi.
10:24I felt angry, miserable, and humiliated all at the same time.
10:29And I wanted to bawl my eyes out.
10:31But just then, my phone pinged.
10:33It was a social media notification from Ryan.
10:36A selfie of the happy couple in the taxi.
10:39Next stop, the Louvre.
10:41I immediately decided to take a taxi, but they flew past me like I was made of cellophane.
10:46Am I invisible?
10:48I pulled up a map on my phone.
10:50The Louvre was only a mile and a half away.
10:52If I walked fast, I could make it in 30 minutes.
10:55I made my way through the streets, crowded with slow-walking tourists, trying not to
11:00step on anyone.
11:02Pardon moi.
11:03Pardon moi.
11:04And when I saw the iconic glass pyramid up ahead, I started to run.
11:09I finally entered the museum, and my eyes went straight to this gorgeous painting.
11:15The Mona Lisa.
11:17The masterpiece was smaller than I had imagined, but it was a thrill to see her.
11:22I was admiring the artwork when I felt a hand pull the cell phone out of my back pocket.
11:27I smiled to myself, then turned around to see a handsome pickpocket slipping it into
11:31his jacket.
11:32It's a fake.
11:33I assure you, the Mona Lisa is quite real.
11:37No.
11:37I mean the cell phone you just stole.
11:40It's fake.
11:41The City of Love is quite famous for pickpockets at tourist attractions.
11:44So I carry a fake cell phone for thieves to steal, then continue on their way.
11:49Then I'll continue on my way.
11:51I grabbed his arm and held on.
11:53Not so fast.
11:55Why are you faking a French accent?
11:57I was born here, but then my mother took me to Hollywood.
11:59She wanted to act in films.
12:01Clearly she must have failed, because here you are, robbing tourists.
12:05Can you let me go now?
12:06Uh, no.
12:08Look, you have two choices.
12:10I can go tell the security guard you stole my phone.
12:13Or you can help me find these two losers.
12:16I showed him the pick of Ryan and Harpy by the Eiffel Tower.
12:19Did they steal your fake wallet?
12:21No.
12:21That's still in my bag.
12:23She stole the love of my life, and I'm going to get him back.
12:27With your help.
12:28Because you speak French, and four eyes are better than two.
12:32I'd rather get arrested.
12:33Please.
12:34I can pay you.
12:35Why are you running after the despicable monster who dumped you?
12:38Because I've loved him since the third grade.
12:41And maybe it's time to grow up.
12:43You don't understand.
12:44I've spent all these years planning a future with him.
12:47Now my future is a big blank, because this girl stole him from me.
12:51And now they're out having fun on my vacation, and here I am trying to talk a pickpocket into helping me tail them.
12:57Oh god, I'm such a loser.
13:00I feel like slapping myself across the face.
13:03And then, I don't know what happened, but I started to cry.
13:06Like a real hard, ugly cry.
13:10Could you please stop crying?
13:11Everyone's staring at me like I stole your kidney.
13:14Will you help me?
13:16Okay, okay, I'll help you.
13:18But your ex isn't here.
13:19How could you possibly know?
13:21Gabriel pulled out a wallet and flipped it open.
13:24Ryan's ID was inside.
13:26They were on their way out of the museum when I, um, bumped into him.
13:31I must be an evil person, because this news put me in a better mood.
13:35Maybe he deserves it.
13:38But when we find them, you'll give it back, okay?
13:41Of course.
13:42There's one problem.
13:43How do we know where they're going?
13:45I think they're following my itinerary.
13:47If I'm right, their next stop is the Jardin de Toulerie.
13:50The fountain was even prettier in person, and it took me back to the time I was planning the trip.
13:58Back then, I imagined myself strolling the sweeping promenades of the garden with my Ryan.
14:05Instead, I was walking around the iconic central pool with a French pickpocket.
14:10Since I'm helping you stalk your ex, shouldn't we know each other's names?
14:13I'm Ella.
14:14Like, short for Cinderella?
14:16Isabella?
14:17Mozzarella?
14:17Just Ella.
14:19Now, can we focus on finding Ryan?
14:21I'm Gabriel, in case you're interested.
14:23But I wasn't.
14:24I was too focused on finding Ryan.
14:26Just then, I took a sip from my harmonica bottle, then casually played a tune on the harmonica built into the cap.
14:33Did you just make music with your water bottle?
14:36Yep.
14:37Coolest thing ever.
14:39Hydration and entertainment in one.
14:41Whoever invented this is a genius.
14:43Okay, that's actually impressive.
14:45I kind of want one.
14:46Oh.
14:47Are you planning to steal it?
14:49Some things are actually worth paying for.
14:51Can I try it?
14:52Uh-huh.
14:53Fine.
14:54Here, try it.
14:55Just blow into the cap.
14:56Like a civilized person.
15:00This is cool.
15:01I love it.
15:02Where do I get one?
15:03Amazon.
15:04Link's in the description.
15:05Now, can you walk a little faster?
15:07What's the American saying?
15:08Stop to smell the roses?
15:10I'm not here to see the sights.
15:11I'm here to get my man back.
15:14And what will you do when we find him?
15:16Punch him in the nose?
15:17Drop to your knees and beg him to come back?
15:19Kiss me passionately to get him jealous?
15:21All of the above?
15:22None of the above.
15:24I'll simply tell him we were meant to be together.
15:26Oh, sure.
15:27That should work.
15:28He'll come to his senses.
15:30I'm hungry.
15:31Aren't you?
15:32And suddenly, my tummy started making noises.
15:35And I realized that I hadn't eaten the whole day.
15:38Gabriel suggested we sit outside a small cafe at the edge of the garden and keep watch from there.
15:44I was inhaling my pasta when I noticed Gabriel staring at me.
15:48What?
15:49Just never seen a pretty girl eat pasta like an uncivilized freak.
15:53Let me show you the right way to do it.
15:54And then he picked up his fork, spun the spaghetti against the spoon in one fluid, effortless motion,
16:00lifting the perfect swirl of pasta to his lips.
16:04Slow.
16:05Deliberate.
16:06Ridiculously attractive.
16:09I was so lost in watching him swirl that pasta
16:12that I barely noticed when the waiter brought a bottle of wine to our table and poured two glasses.
16:18But I'm not 21 yet.
16:20In Paris, the legal age is 18.
16:22Santé.
16:23Santé.
16:24As we ate, I learned more about Gabriel.
16:27His mother brought him back to Paris when he was 14 so she could help his grandparents run the family cafe.
16:32He claimed tables after school until he was old enough to be a waiter.
16:36But then his grandparents passed away in a car crash.
16:40Mom wanted to keep the cafe and the family, but she wasn't good at business.
16:43She took out several loans and struggled to keep up with the payments.
16:47And she got sick and left.
16:49Since I was not earning enough to pay the loans, the bank foreclosed on us and I lost the cafe.
16:54What about your dad?
16:55He's not around anymore, but I don't need him either.
16:58One day, I will make enough money to buy my cafe back.
17:02This pickpocketing thing?
17:03It's just temporary.
17:03The waiter handed Gabriel the bill, and he pulled out Ryan's wallet.
17:08I think Ryan should buy you dinner, no?
17:10Once Gabriel and I left the cafe, I told him that the next stop on the itinerary was a sunset walk along the Seine River.
17:19The setting sun sparkled across the river.
17:22Couples strolled hand in hand.
17:23It was truly romantic.
17:25Then I caught sight of a familiar head in the crowd.
17:28That's Ryan!
17:29I started to make my way through the crowd with Gabriel right behind me.
17:33Shouldn't we discuss strategy?
17:35Just follow my lead.
17:36But I had no lead for him to follow.
17:38All I had was a stupid plan in my head.
17:41That I would stand next to Ryan and pretend to trip into him in the middle of the crowd.
17:46But just as I leaned, Ryan moved away.
17:48And instead of dramatically crashing into him, my face planted straight into the pavement.
17:54Ella?
17:55Is that you?
17:56I got up and flipped my hair back, ignoring the fact that I probably looked like an injured street pigeon.
18:02Oh, Ryan!
18:04What a surprise!
18:05I didn't think you'd be in Paris.
18:07You know, on that ticket I paid for.
18:11You really have no self-respect, do you?
18:14Oh, wow!
18:15Harper, is that you?
18:16I could barely recognize you.
18:18I guess the Paris sun has really roasted you alive.
18:23Oh, no wait.
18:24Maybe it's not the sun.
18:26Maybe that's just how you glow when you're half-human, half-pure evil.
18:30Ella, you shouldn't have come here.
18:32Why?
18:32I planned this entire trip, didn't I?
18:35I made the itinerary, the reservations, the whole experience.
18:39Why shouldn't I be here?
18:41And don't worry.
18:42I'm not here to stalk you.
18:43No, sir.
18:44I actually came here with my boyfriend.
18:47I turned around to see Gabriel staring at me in shock.
18:51I grabbed his arm and pulled him toward me.
18:53This is Gabriel, my mi amor.
18:56The guy who stole my heart away.
18:58Right, sweetie potato?
19:00Uh, yeah.
19:02Nice to meet you.
19:03Wait, you have a boyfriend?
19:05You were crying over me just last week.
19:08Wait, shmeak.
19:09I'm over you, darling.
19:10And why are you so surprised?
19:13You moved on in less than a day.
19:15I forgot about all our great love like it was yesterday's trash.
19:19What great love?
19:21Ryan and I had been dating for a year before the prom happened.
19:24A year?
19:26I thought you loved me, Ryan.
19:28Whoa, I never said I loved you, Ella.
19:31I said you were the best.
19:33And you are.
19:34You always made things easy for me.
19:36But now it's over.
19:38It hit me like a nuclear bomb.
19:41He was right.
19:42He never said he loved me.
19:44All those years, every birthday card was signed,
19:47You're the best.
19:48After every date, I'd only get a quick peck on the cheek.
19:51My blood boiled with anger.
19:54And before I could think, I just whirled around,
19:57grabbed Gabriel by the collar, and kissed him.
20:00I thought he'd push me away.
20:01But to my surprise, his hands wrapped around my waist,
20:05and he kissed me back.
20:06When I finally pulled away,
20:08Ryan just stood there, frozen.
20:11Ahem.
20:12Well, that settles it.
20:14You and I are officially over.
20:16Have fun on my trip.
20:18And I think this belongs to you.
20:20Found it on the ground.
20:21Much like your ego.
20:23And I ran before Ryan could see my tears,
20:26with Gabriel close behind me.
20:29You okay?
20:30I'm fine.
20:31I mean, the guy I've loved all my life was cheating on me behind my back,
20:35and my first kiss was with a French criminal.
20:37But yeah, I'm totally fine.
20:40I'm not a criminal, okay?
20:42And what do you mean by first kiss?
20:43You and Ryan have never kissed before?
20:46Pfft.
20:47Of course we have.
20:48Okay, fine.
20:49We never kissed.
20:50Unless you count an occasional peck on the cheek,
20:52like some bird pecking at seeds.
20:55I guess that makes me a giant loser
20:57who's been in denial about everything.
20:59I don't think you're a loser.
21:02Maybe just someone who loved a loser.
21:04Oh yeah, that makes me feel so much better.
21:07What do you want me to say?
21:08You're a perfectly beautiful girl
21:10who probably has the prettiest eyes I've ever seen.
21:12You're smart, brave, and definitely have a personality.
21:16So I don't know why you're crying over some guy
21:18who barely cares about you
21:20when you could have literally anyone else in the world.
21:22You sound like my mom.
21:24And moms are almost always right.
21:26You really think I have pretty eyes?
21:29The prettiest I've seen.
21:31And I'm not a loser?
21:33Maybe a little, but Ryan's a bigger one for sure.
21:36Now please, stop crying and let's get you an ice pack.
21:39You did fall on your face, remember?
21:41Gabriel and I spent the rest of the night
21:43wandering through Paris.
21:44Even though it was late, the city still felt alive.
21:48Streetlights glowed on old buildings,
21:50and quiet music drifted out of tiny cafes.
21:53I was finally having fun when Gabriel asked if he could drop me home.
21:58I don't know if I want to go back to the hotel and run into Ryan.
22:02I'm not sure I can resist the urge to break his nose if I see him again.
22:06Well, that might give you short-term satisfaction,
22:08but maybe not the best idea.
22:10All right then, if you're sure, you can crash at my place.
22:14By the time we reached Gabriel's place, I was bone-tired.
22:19I just wanted to crash.
22:20But as soon as we flicked on a light,
22:22I saw a tall man standing in the middle of the room
22:25with a funny-looking cat and a bunch of guys in black.
22:29I looked over to Gabriel to ask what was happening,
22:31but he just stood frozen.
22:33Gabriel, Monfils, I've been waiting.
22:37What are you doing here?
22:38That's no way to meet your father.
22:40What? He's your...
22:42No, he's not.
22:43How did you find me?
22:44I have ways, Gabriel.
22:46And you're my heir.
22:48You belong with me.
22:49I assumed once your mother disappeared,
22:51you'd come back to me.
22:53But no, you decided to run.
22:55Disappeared?
22:56But I thought your mom was dead.
22:59He told you that?
23:01Oh, Gabriel.
23:02You lied to your girlfriend.
23:05Bad, bad manners.
23:06Anyway,
23:07now that I have found you,
23:09I'll take you with me
23:10and teach you how to treat a lady right.
23:13I told you before,
23:14I want nothing to do with you.
23:16Now, get lost
23:17before I call the police.
23:19The police?
23:20I'm sure they'd love to question you
23:22about your
23:23extracurricular activities.
23:25You've been sloppy, Monfils.
23:28Gabriel's dad signaled his men to grab him.
23:30You really don't know when to quit, do you?
23:33And he grabbed my hand and ran.
23:36We sprinted through the streets,
23:38through late night cafe tables,
23:39knocking over chairs, tables,
23:41and whatever came in our way.
23:42I was trying to keep up,
23:44but Gabriel was so fast,
23:45and I had the legs of an old chicken.
23:47I wanted to stop and rest,
23:49but then I looked behind
23:50and saw a black car skidding around the corner,
23:53right behind us.
23:55They're in a car.
23:56Gabriel,
23:57we are not winning this race.
23:59Nope,
23:59which is why we're upgrading our ride.
24:01Before I could ask what he meant,
24:03he swerved toward a row of rental bikes
24:05lined up outside a shop,
24:06yanked one free,
24:07and hopped on.
24:08Then I jumped onto the back,
24:09and together we cut through the crowd.
24:11For a second,
24:12I thought we'd lost them,
24:13when suddenly,
24:14this car screeched in front of us,
24:16and Gabriel slammed the brakes.
24:18Get in!
24:19Mom?
24:20What?
24:21Just get in!
24:22Gabriel and I exchanged one look.
24:24Then we jumped in.
24:26The car sped through the city,
24:28until the bright lights of Paris
24:29disappeared behind us.
24:31I had no idea where we were going,
24:34but I was too busy
24:35trying to process everything.
24:36We finally stopped at this abandoned building,
24:39and Gabriel's mom told us everything.
24:41I met Gabriel's dad when I was just 18.
24:44Fell in love,
24:44got married,
24:45and thought I'd have a happy life,
24:47until everything fell apart.
24:48Mom didn't know dad was in the mafia.
24:50We only found out when I was 12.
24:52I wanted to leave right away,
24:53but his father made it impossible.
24:55He threatened to take Gabby away,
24:57and I was too scared to fight back.
24:58But when he turned 14,
25:00I saw how deeply the mafia life was pulling him in.
25:03That's when I decided to take him
25:04and leave for my parents' house.
25:06Dad's been chasing us ever since.
25:08After my grandparents passed,
25:09Mom and I decided to go separate ways to trick him,
25:12but that didn't work.
25:13Then why did you lie to me,
25:14saying that your mom was dead?
25:16No, I said she fell sick and left.
25:18There's a difference.
25:20Besides,
25:20I just figured you'd cry at my tragic backstory,
25:23and I really couldn't handle that anymore.
25:25Are you kidding me?
25:26Okay, okay, I'm sorry.
25:28Should have been more clear,
25:29but we have more pressing issues at hand.
25:31Mom,
25:31Dad's not going to stop, is he?
25:33No,
25:34No, he never does.
25:35So, what now?
25:37You guys keep running forever?
25:39No,
25:40we fly to Hawaii.
25:41We spent the night at the safe house,
25:43and the next morning,
25:44we left for the airport.
25:46While Gabriel's mom did the paperwork,
25:48he walked up to me with a smirk.
25:50So, I guess this is it?
25:51I guess.
25:52Thanks for everything.
25:54It really helped me with the whole Ryan situation.
25:56There was no situation.
25:58You were just chasing the wrong person.
26:00Just promise you won't fall for another idiot.
26:02If I do,
26:03do you promise to knock sense into me again?
26:06How about we try to stay off bad guys altogether,
26:08and give a chance to genuinely nice people?
26:10Like me.
26:11Before I could get a word out,
26:13our flights were announced,
26:14and Gabriel winked at me,
26:15and laughed.
26:16I didn't know what he meant,
26:18or what was waiting for me on the other side of this flight.
26:21But for the first time in a long time,
26:24I wasn't afraid of the unknown.
26:26And that's a happy ending for a stalking story.
26:29Don't you agree?
Be the first to comment