Chapter Text
“Everyone’s ready?” Maxi’s voice resonated as he tried to make an effect just with his vocal cords while Andres recorded him.
“Maxi, there’s no one here. We have to wait for the rest.” Cami spoke, and Maxi looked at his friend as if he was going to strangle her.
“Hey! Am I late? My aunt couldn’t bring me; I had to come alone.” Fran sat next to Cami and hugged her pretending to sleep on her shoulder.
“Not as late as Vilu. Does anybody know if she’s coming?” Cami spoke, and Jackie that was nearby was the one to answer.
“Violetta and Federico are arriving a bit late, but they are coming.” She walked to the teachers and could hear Gregorio saying something that made her roll her eyes.
“But these kids are so little! They can’t even give a show. How are they gonna go on a tour?” He was moving energetically from one side to another as usual. Beto was the one to answer.
“With our help, Gregorio! They might be young, but they are really talented. With our help, they can reach the sky!” Beto pulled up his hands to make the pantomime but then had a minor panic attack thinking of ufos.
“Beto is right! The kids have a lot of future, youmix believes in their potential; that’s why we’re giving them this opportunity.” Marotti’s voice came to their ears, and everyone but Gregorio nodded.
“And we know they are more than ready for this.” Pablo’s voice filled the emptiness of the morning silence that claimed that airport that was just disrupted by the students and now the teachers. “Angie hasn’t arrived yet?” He looked around, and everybody shook their heads. Jackie spoke.
“I doubt she’s coming.” Pablo looked at her with a severe gaze, and she simply shunned it with her attitude.
“Pablo!” Ludmila’s voice came behind him, and he turned around. “This is unacceptable! I can’t share a room; I demand one for myself!” Naty came behind her, looking worried to sleep anywhere else that wasn’t next to her best friend.
“Ludmila, we’ve had this talk before. You’re sharing a room. That’s final.” And with that, he went to check on everybody else, but Ludmila followed him through the hallways.
“We’re here, people!” Federico announced as he looked at the guys that were arranged in the waiting room. Leon was already there as far away from Diego as he could.
“Dad! You have to stay outside! You’re not coming with us!” And that was Violetta saying goodbye to her father, Olga, and Ramallo at the door.
“Hello, hello! Good morning!” And last but not least, Angie came out of a corridor with her huge usual smile.
“Well, I think we’re finally ready to go.” Pablo spoke, looking pissed at Angie, who just brushed it off standing next to him. “Okay. Guys! You can have a seat that we will assign as soon as we’re on board, so please follow us.” The students nodded.
“Wait!” Marotti stopped them all, and they looked at him, confused. “No, no. Don’t look at me like that. I just want to introduce you to someone else.” He made some signals for a brunette woman to come closer. “This is Brenda! She’s a producer of the company. She’s gonna be helping us with everything.” They all smiled at Brenda, who smiled back at them with tremendous energy, but as everyone was so excited, she couldn’t introduce herself just yet to the students. “Okay, now we can continue.” Marotti walked in front of them, and Pablo sighed.
“Gregorio, Beto, to the front; Jackie, can you be with Brenda in the middle of the line? Thank you.” Jackie didn’t have time to answer, but it didn't really bother her as she was going to say yes anyway. “You and I are going at the end.” He looked at Angie, who simply shrugged. That was going to be a long trip.
Fran and Vilu had a seat together almost at the front, to their right Camila sat alone, enjoying having two seats all for herself; Naty and Ludmila sat behind her as Ludmila was complaining about having to share and not having a first-class seat; to her left Maxi was chilling with Broduey who was already sleeping; behind them, Andres and Leon discussed some nonsense; and to Leon’s disgrace, Diego sat at the other side of the hallway next to Fede who was just putting a sleep mask on his eyes to sleep; Jackie and Brenda sat just at the front, Camila was behind them; Pablo and Angie where at the other side of the corridor and Vilu and Fran were behind them; on the other hand, Beto and Gregorio sat at the back. Honestly, the only person who had a first-class spot was Marotti, who was nowhere to be found, but every time he came to check on them, he had a new drink in his hand.
“Aren’t you excited?!” That was Fran’s voice, the one that resonated in her ears and made her smile.
“Of course! I’m delighted we got these seats; you know because we can’t change them.” Vilu smiled, feeling pleased that her best friend was the one beside her.
“Well, someone forgot to tell that to the queen of the anthill.” Fran said as she saw Naty get up from her seat and take it next to Cami. It hadn’t even been half an hour since they were flying, and Ludmila had just done her thing.
“Hey! It’s okay, Naty. I’m glad you could sit next to me.” Cami tried not to make the girl feel unwanted as she took her stuff from the seat. “This was way too much space for me. I missed the company. Do you wanna see a movie? We can watch whatever you want.” Naty’s eyes shined, and Cami felt an unknown tug on her stomach.
“I can’t believe Ludmila already kicked Naty…” Leon spoke, but nobody answered. He tried to wake Andres, but there was no use.
“I’m surprised she didn’t do it sooner. You have no idea what she’s capable of.” The voice came from his side, and Leon turned annoyed to Diego.
“I don’t remember asking.” He looked at the boy for a second with an irritated expression.
“Well, both our seat partners are in Morfeo’s arms, so I figured you would appreciate the company.” Diego’s accent thickened as he spoke somehow a bit quietly, but Leon tried not to put so much attention to it.
“You couldn't be more mistaken.” Diego laughed about it and it only made Leon grow fraught.
“Whatever. If you change your mind, I’m here.” Diego smirked and winked at Leon jokingly, but they boy blushed lightly. Thankfully nobody saw it.
“So… Jackie, right? The dancing teacher.” The recently named looked at her and said nothing; she just scattered the other up and down. “I’ve heard a bit of you, and see you, since youmix was streaming some classes. You have lovely technique.”
“Thank you.” The blonde shrugged and returned her gaze to her book. Brenda smiled, putting on her headphones. She thought she was lovely.
“You think it is funny? I was looking for you.” Pablo’s voice raised, and Angie had to make him hush. “Well, well, sorry, but Angie, for real.”
“For real?! You were the one who messed up with my phone!” She looked at him quite indignant, and he chuckled. “No, no. Pablo, that wasn’t funny. If one of my high school friends hadn’t lent me a sweater, I would have frozen.” She crossed her arms over her chest as she looked at him from the corner of her eye. “I arrived two hours early. I slept on a chair!” Pablo let out another giggle, and Angie slapped his arm.
“Okay, sorry! But it ain’t my fault. You’re always late; you never listen to me, you can’t blame me for doubting.” He smiled at her faintly, trying not to laugh, and she squinted, looking spiteful toward him.
“The one day I chose to pay attention to you, you decide to mess with me. I can’t believe it.” She ended up chuckling and rested her head on Pablo’s shoulder as he covered them with the blanket. “What are we watching now?”
Flight was long, but all of them ended up sleeping in the end. Not everyone slept at the same time, but at least the kids didn’t seem to be bored. When Pablo woke up and got up to check on everyone he saw; Maxi on his computer with some mashups he was preparing; Cami and Naty playing cards; Ludmila with some… Cream on her face; and other curious things that made him laugh lightly. Getting back to his seat, he sighed at the sight his eyes were met. Angie looked adorable when she slept.
“Pablo…” The voice behind him made him turn. “Hi, I didn’t mean to scare you.” It was Violetta peeking from the gap between his seat and Angie’s.
“I told her not to say anything, but she’s insufferable in planes. Sorry.” And that was Fran. They were both mumbling.
“Yeah, aha. I was just… You still like Angie, don’t you?” Pablo looked at Vilu with his eyebrows arched. “I know it is none of my business...”
“And I told you so.” Fran spoke, but Vilu bumped her on the side.
“But I had this conversation with her that makes me believe I should tell you not to give up with her. You both deserve happiness. It was just that.” And with that, Fran started to quietly yell at Vilu for hitting her.
Pablo laughed, trying to brush the conversation off, but as he looked at Angie, he just couldn't. Deep down, he knew he would think of what Vilu said for the rest of the trip.
“Guys! Arrange with me, please!” He yelled at the kids once they were finally standing in Madrid. “We’re giving you your room keys. Take care of them. They are expensive, and if you lose the one you own, you’ll have to pay it to the hotel.” Everyone nodded, and Jackie took the list of the rooms. Angie stood beside her to check.
“Okay, guys! Cami, Fran, you’re sharing, and here you have your key.” Angie gave them the card, and Cami took it from Fran’s hand.
“Thanks, Angie.” The girl smiled and took off running towards Vilu as if she was a kid. Fran followed her and Angie laughed.
“Naty, Ludmila, you’re sharing a room, and that’s final.” Beto looked closely at Ludmila, who took off shaking her hair.
“Maxi, Fede, you’re in.” Brenda said, giving them the key, trying to help, and they nodded, thanking her.
“Andrés! Broduey! We don’t have all day. Come for your card.” Andres tried to take the key from Gregorio’s hand, but he didn’t let go and handed it to Broduey. “Don’t lose it.”
“Leon, Diego, here’s yours.” Pablo spoke, and Leon looked at Diego with his eyes wide open.
“Pablo, no! This has to be a mistake. I can’t…” The professor shook his head, and Leon went quiet.
“We’re not negotiating it, Leon.” Pablo handed it to them, and they both tried to take it. “Try, and you might get along.” And with that, he went away. Diego had to let go of the card so it didn’t break.
“Well, we, Uh…” Angie looked at the list and was kind of ashamed for the situation she would put Violetta into. “Vilu! I know this might not be what you expected, but we’re actually sharing a room. I’m so sorry; you can’t sleep alone and there can only be two students by room.” Violetta shook her head and gave Angie a smile.
“That’s amazing, Angie! Thank you!” Angie smiled back at her niece and then turned to face the other teachers.
“Well, We’ve been known, Gregorio, Beto and Pablo, you’re sharing.” She gave them two cards, and Gregorio tried to say something, but then went quiet. “And I hope you don’t mind, but you two are also sharing.” She looked at Jackie and Brenda, who didn’t seem to be upset about it. Brenda smiled, and Jackie just shrugged. “The only one who is sleeping all alone is…” And then his voice came out of nowhere.
“Marotti, Marotti, Marotti! Yes! My key. Thank you.” He took the key from Angie’s hand, and she just shook her head, sighing.
“Guys, go get installed in your rooms. Tomorrow you can explore the city if you’d like.” That was Pablo’s voice once again taking control over the situation.
“Curfew is at eight. We don’t want any inconveniences.” And that was Jackie’s authority setting in.
“And this will always be the way we arrange rooms, so don’t forget your partners. You’ll be closer to them once the journey is over.” Beto was half joking, and most of them laughed and were happy about it, others not so much.
“If you’re not at the restaurant at eight o clock, consider yourselves out of the show.” And threats were, as always, Gregorio’s favorite part.
“Maybe not so. Everyone wants to see you all over the scenario, but just to be sure, obey your teachers.” Brenda smiled, and Jackie’s heart clasped at how nervous she looked.
“Just keep your phones with you, set some alarms, don’t let anyone mess with your times.” Angie looked to Pablo, and he squeezed her hand surreptitiously. “And you should be fine. Now let’s go!” And with that, they all did go to their rooms, but Angie stopped Violetta for a bit. “Vilu, look, I’m really sorry, I know this must…” Vilu cut her off taking her aunt’s hands between hers.
“No, Angie, don’t worry, I’m okay with the rooms. It’s lucky I got to be in the same room as you.” And Angie chuckled about that.
“Yeah, you could have slept in the same room as Jackie or Brenda, but I figured they wouldn't make you, my offer.” Vilu looked at her confused, and Angie smiled. “Look, I know you said you’re okay with room’s distribution and all. But if you really want to, you can take your thing’s to Cami’s and Fran’s room, just if you feel comfortable with that and don’t tell anyone I let you.” Vilu’s eyes lighted up, and Angie chuckled. “Their beds are the biggest for a mistake with the hotel, so there should be enough space. I know sleeping in the same room with a teacher ain’t the best that can happen on a trip, so there’s that option.”
“Really?” Angie’s common sense tried to come in, but Vilu’s smile made it stay out of it.
“Just if you want.” Angie shrugged, and Vilu held her really close in response. “Anyway, our rooms are really close. If anything, you can just come back. All right?” Violetta kissed her cheek in answer as she knocked into the girls' room.
“I love you.” She said as Angie walked towards her dorm. When she got in, she saw the two empty beds and sighed at the thought of being there alone. That brought her memories.
(...)
“Look, just because we have to share a room, that doesn’t mean we have to interact. Okay?” Leon raised his voice as Diego strolled around the room, curious about everything that was there.
“I think that’s exactly what that means, Leon.” He answered in a teasing tone as he came out of the bathroom and leaned on the door frame. “I know you don’t like me, but it’s for the wrong motives, I can assure you, maybe…” But Leon didn’t allow him to finish.
“Look, I don’t care. I have no idea who told you I wanted to get to know you, but they got it all wrong. I want nothing to do with you.” He took his clothes out of his bag and put them on the bed. “So, unless you want the key, don’t talk to me, don’t look at me, don’t think of me.”
“Impossible not to think about you.” Leon looked at him confused, and then the bathroom door was closed. Next thing he could hear was the water running in the shower.
“Diego!” Apparently, he wasn’t taking a bath that night.
(...)
“Did Angie really say that?!” Fran’s mouth was wide open as she held Vilu in her arms.
“Of course, she did, Fran. Angie loves Vilu a lot, and she’s amazing.” That was Cami, who was looking through her case. “But she’s sleeping in your bed. I would end up throwing her down in dreams and poor Vilu.” Violetta looked at her friend and chuckled.
“No, it was just an offer. If I really can’t stay with you, it’s okay girls, Angie just said so because she thinks I wouldn’t enjoy being with her on this trip, but honestly, anyone would. If we don’t get enough space, I can always go back to our room.” Fran bit her cheek and finally spoke.
“Don’t’ be silly, we would love you to stay with us, don’t worry about that. You can always sleep in my bed. I’ll try not to push you.” And she did bump Vilu with her hip to make it comical.
“Thank you, Fran!” And once again, they were hugging.
“Okay! Do you have any idea of what we can do until dinner?” Cami looked at them with a strange expression because they didn’t answer. She always saw them be close, but something was starting to be off in her eyes.
(...)
“I don’t want the middle bed!” Gregorio screamed for the fifth time, and Pablo sighed, feeling every single gram of patience leaving his body.
“But it was the one that you chose, Gregorio!” Once again, he looked annoyed at Pablo and jumped in his place.
“For the last time, No! I didn’t.” His ball hit the floor, and he caught it again. “I chose the bed you’re at!” He pointed to the bed, and Pablo got up, leaving it like that.
“Well, take it!” He put out his hand to emphasize the free bed.
“No, now I don’t want it.” Pablo made an exasperated noise and took a seat on a sofa nearby.
“Gregorio, if you don’t want Pablo’s bed, take mine. I don’t’ see what’s the problem.” Beto was playing with the soaps he took from the bathroom, he was using them as construction blocks, but Gregorio broke whatever he was doing.
“It’s not so simple, Roberto!” Beto jumped, and Pablo just shook his head. “You’ll never understand.” And with that, Gregorio was out of the room. It was going to be a lovely journey if he had that mood all the trip.
(...)
“Did you see Violetta and that aunt she has are sharing a room? I wouldn’t want to be in her place right now, that’s embarrassing.” Ludmila was resting in her bed as Naty unpacked her bag.
“Well, at least Violetta con feel someone wants her company.” Natalia said with tiny tears forming in her eyes.
“What…? Oh! Nata. Are you still mad at me for that little thing? I just wanted more room on the plane. You’re being really unfair with me. There was such limited space. Do you realize I had a leg cramp for the little space?! Did you realize, Nat?!” Natalia looked up at her and then turned her gaze back to the bag. “Oh, okay. Sorry, Nat.” Ludmila got up and hugged Naty. “I know it was bad. I’m really so sorry, Nat.” Ludmi put her arms on Naty’s shoulders, and Natalia turned around to face her and was met with a kiss on her cheek.
“What was that for?” She asked with a surprised expression, and Ludmila let her go, walking around the room.
“I don’t know, Natalia, but I bet it felt better than sitting next to that loser.” And with that, Ludmila got into the bathroom to take a shower. Naty stood there just wondering. Was Ludmila Jealous?
(...)
“Don’t listen to Gregorio. He can be a bit harsh, but he just likes to intimidate.” Brenda looked up and met Jackie’s gaze for a split second before watching her eyes drift to her case.
“Thank you, that’s really nice to know.” She smiled and went back to unpacking her computer. Brenda tried to keep it to herself, but then she just couldn't. “I’m happy we get to share a room, I noticed you don’t talk much, but I think you’re pretty interesting. I just wanted to say so.” Brenda shrugged and took a seat on the empty desk, trying to get to work.
“I’m sorry.” Jackie’s words caught her eye, and her attention drifted to her once again. “I didn’t want to come, but I’m doing it as a favor to my uncle. I didn’t mean to be mean on the plane. I think you’re interesting too.” Brenda gave her a smile and Jackie sighed. “If it weren’t for you, I would have shared the room with Angie.”
“She seems better than Gregorio.” Jackie pursed her lips and thought of it for a second. She didn’t want to say bad things about Angie, she wasn’t a bad person and she knew it.
“She’s my ex, and my exes ex.” She decided to speak with the truth and Brenda’s eyes widened.
“Well… That’s complicated.” Brenda’s answer made her laugh a bit.
“You have no idea.” Jackie said as she turned the page of her book trying to find something.
“No, but I would like to if you let me.” And then she put her headphones on and looked at the screen, centering her attention on it. Jackie blinked twice to see if the situation was real or Brenda would just vanish as soon as she closed her eyes, which she didn’t. She was as precious as she could be, working on her things… Jackie needed to do the same.
(...)
“I thought you would be here.” Pablo’s voice came behind her, and she smiled.
“You always know where I am.” Angie tried to laugh it off, but it was true. He always knew where to find her. Sometimes it scared her to think she was so predictable.
“I knocked on your room, and there was no one. I figured. It’s not that difficult.” He tried to take off the relevance to the situation, but Angie wasn’t about to let it go so easily.
“Yeah, but you always figure it out, and way too quickly to my liking. I’m starting to think you put me a chip in the nape.” Pablo chuckled as he stood beside her, bumping on her side as they looked at the city from above. “And I think you also figured the other thing. What do you have to say about it?” She noted, waiting to be scolded, but Pablo simply shook his head.
“It’s fine by me; just tell her not to let Ludmila see her, or we’re gonna have some problems.” Angie looked at him, surprised. “You really think I didn’t know you would do that? Why do you think I put her in your room?” Angie nodded, curling the end of her lips down to form a thinker expression.
“So, you knew I would break your beautiful rules, and you gave it to me anyway.” She rationalized and looked at him inquisitive.
“What wouldn’t I allow you to do?” She looked at him a little surprised and he looked away. “I know you would never hurt any of the students with one of your choices in purpose. I trust you, Angie.” He tried to be mature and somehow take it back, but Angie was still looking at him like that, like he was everything. Maybe he was and she hadn’t noticed.
“Thank you for that.” There was more behind her eyes, in them he could see her soul and it wanted to tell him something else, but he wasn’t ready just yet to hear what it was, neither was her to express it.
“You have nothing to thank me for.” Angie smiled and looked away as she blushed at the light of the hiding sun.
“I have a feeling this is going to change everything.” Her words were not rooted to an idea she was fully expressing, but it didn’t matter, he knew what she was talking about, honestly, he felt the same.
“As long as we are together, I have nothing to fear.” He didn’t think of what he said, when he tried to hold the words, they were already out and he had those gray eyes above him again. “I…” Angie pouted as she looked her arms that were over the railing.
“You’re right.” She left the words hang in the silence and slowly drift with the wind, but their meaning was still fresh on their minds.
Students started to arrive and they delimitated the tables they could have. The first day wasn’t so bad, maybe life on tour could bring them some good lessons about life. Time would be the one to tell about that.