Lunch Table Crew

Lunch Table Crew

007: Firenze Field Trip Part 1

“Say Chris?”

“Yes, Noel?”

“Is there any particular reason why you sponsored a school field trip to Firenze?”

“Oh, what do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb, you shameless, eccentric, insanely rich narcissist! There’s no other person who could think of such an act!”

Here’s the gist of what happened beforehand: there was a heavy argument regarding the venue of the school field trip. But, an ‘anonymous’ and trusted donor gave funds for a worthwhile trip to Firenze, Italia, otherwise known as Florence, Italy. Of course, it was the sly, cunning, insanely handsome and insanely rich godfather Chris who planned all this. He took care of everything, from passports to pocket money. Where he got them? Well, sometimes he’d forget to give his tithes anyway, so might as well make kids happy.

“You know I always wanted to test that new hotel I put up in Firenze, Noel. Besides, I have everything under control, mostly.”

“See what I mean? Wouldn’t it be better if you just made us all go to a beach in Miami or something?”

“Come now; it’s too boring. Besides, Snow will be able to climb walls and stuff. It’ll be fun. It’s just for one week, anyhow. And how often can you ride a plane like this? And with all your friends, no less?”

The two then overheard a discussion regarding the trip. “Dude, I can’t wait to see a statue of Ezio there!”

“You nimrod! He’s a fictional character! The best you get to see there is probably an old workshop of Leonardo da Vinci.”

“Did you know there was this brutish sport when nobles wrestled and brawled for a ball?”

Noel was happy everyone was so enthusiastic, but they didn’t seem to be bothered by how suspicious the convenience of the trip was. “Why don’t they seem bothered at all?”

“Simple; they’re Americans.”

“You racist. I’m American, too.”

“You know, we can’t say for sure. Your accents of other languages are so close to accurate, it’s hard to believe. Also, you have skills and the diligence of a half-Asian, and then you also tend to be American sometimes, but you have the fighting skills of a Russian, the complexion and kindness of a semi-Filipino, and the strictness of a German at times. You’re like an orgy of the world.”

“…I think I need to vomit.”

“What? Drank too much sperm?”

“I swear, I wanna hit you in the jaw.”

Landing and settling into the hotel wasn’t much of a spectacle, but everyone was so giddy and excited, they kept roaming about and exploring. Chris had them wear special bracelets and accessories, which had hidden GPS tracking devices on them for easy locating. Also, he had some men stationed around to loiter about and keep an eye on them. Noel was excluded, of course.

Their field trip was arranged differently, where the students can travel freely and they would be followed by specialists to help keep track of their location. Everybody was excited to wander about in groups, to freely explore the wonderful city of Firenze.

“Noel!” Jenna cheered. “Come on, let’s go watch Bodie parkour!”

“I hope he doesn’t plan to do a leap of faith from the top of a tower; otherwise I’ll freak.”

“Even I think he’s not that stupid. C’mon, it’s gonna be fun.”

Noel followed her to a street where there was a fair number of people gathered, watching Snow move from ledge with grace and skill. His muscles rippling under the stress and the glistening sun was a thing of beauty; Noel couldn’t help but capture it on camera to draw later under a tree shade. “Bodie, be careful!”

“Sure thing!” he replied, climbing to the roof ledge with ease. He pulled himself up and sat on the ledge, smiling at Noel and Jenna. “Noel, come over here!”

“You really want me to get up there in my get-up?”

“Why not?”

“I’m wearing loafers!”

“Aw, come on! That never stopped you before.”

Noel sighed and rolled up his sleeves. “If the soles of these break, you’re paying!”

“It’s not like they’re Prada. Come on, time’s a-wastin’!” Noel stepped back before making his way up on the wall, impressing and shocking their street audience. Noel was more agile than what even Jenna anticipated. “See? No problem!”

“This is a little refreshing. You plan on walking through the roofs?”

“Eh, where’s the harm?”

“You know this’ll be an issue. They’ll think we’re thieves.”

“You plan on joining me then?” he asked smugly.

“Who else will be there to save your arse? So, where to?”

Meanwhile, Chris was managing data flow in his hotel room. So far, the students were staying within range; not like they could escape easily, though. Strangely, he noticed Noel and Snow’s signals moving through buildings. “Are they parkouring through the town? I haven’t done that in ages! I guess I could go do that tonight; I’ll have someone watch over the monitor.”

Chris waited for a few minutes before finally giving up.

“Ah, fuck it.” He tore off his shirt and stripped off his jeans to put on some jogging pants. “Amanda, watch the monitor for me! I’ll be going out for a little jog!”

Amanda rushed in the room and flustered at the sight of a shirtless Chris Valentine. “Good word!”

“Yeah, I’m hot. So, can you watch the monitor for me? If anything happens, radio me. I got my headpiece.”

“S-Sure.”

“Geronimo!” Snow yanked Noel with him as he plunged into a cart full of hay near a horse stable. “Whoo! That was hella awesome!”

“You idiot, I almost lost my glasses!”

“You still can see without them, right?” Jenna asked, walking over to them with a horse she rented to catch up with them. “Riding a horse is fun. It’s rare seeing them nowadays.”

“The attraction’s temporary, and I can hardly see a thing without my glasses. The colors have shapes, but that’s just it.”

“Really? And to think you’re such an incredible fighter.”

“That aside, we can stray a bit further if you want. I’m practically your guide, so if there’s anywhere you wanna go, I can show ya. I’ve been to Firenze a few times before.”

“Firenze?” Jenna asked.

“It’s Italian for Florence.”

“I played Assassin’s Creed II, so I would know!” Snow stated, popping out of the haystack with Noel. “So Noel, how about you show us around?”

“We’re currently at the Mercato Vecchio area, so how about we visit the Basilica di San Lorenzo?”

“What’s that?” Jenna asked, having no clue as to what the names meant.

“It’s one of the largest churches in Italia. It’s a beauty to behold, inside and out.”

“What about the workshops?” asked Snow.

“I think there are some workshops in the Oltrarno District.”

“The Oltrarno District, eh? After the basilica, can we go walk around there.”

“Sure. I was hoping to pass by some glass blowers. There are only a handful here, while there are tons in Venezia.”

“Why glass blowers?” he asked with a sheepish grin.

“I’m a fan of art. Don’t be a jerk.”

At this, he snickered. “I wasn’t implying anything by it, Noel.”

“Dude, I know you from the inside-out, so I’m sure as hell know what you’re thinkin’.”

[TO BE CONTINUED...]