International (Buzzfeed Ladylike/Mike Rose/Ryan Bergara)

02. Tour

I woke up early, despite how late I went to sleep. I looked around as I sat up. The blanket that covered me had mostly fallen off the couch.

I got up and folded the blankets. I made the couch look better and started making breakfast with what I could find. I was halfway done when Mike walked into the room.

He leaned against the counter. "What are you making?"

"A breakfast bowl," I replied. "I always eat this at home."

"It smells good," Mike complimented. "Do you need help?"

I shook my head. "No. It's almost done anyway."

Mike nodded. "I'll be in the bathroom. I'll be back in a second."

I nodded and continued cooking. I was finished when Mike came back. I handed a bowl and we sat down at his table. We talked as best as we could, using Google Translate when needed.

After breakfast, I got ready. Mike was going to take me around LA and show me around. I had never been to America before and I had always dreamed of coming here.

I combed out my hair in the bathroom without my shirt on. I didn't like hair being on the back of my shirt so I didn't wear a shirt.

I was humming to myself when the door opened. Mike opened it and his eyes widened when he saw me. He closed the door most of the way, leaving it open slightly.

"Hey, we're going to leave soon," Mike said. "Are you almost ready?"

"Yeah." I set the brush down and put my hair into a ponytail. "I will be out in a second."

He didn't close the good behind him but I slipped on my shirt before he could see me shirtless. I left the bathroom and grabbed my backpack.

"Ready?" Mike asked as he slipped on his last shoe.

I nodded, getting mine on too. "Yeah. I have never been to an America city before."

Mike raised an eyebrow. "Well, you're in for a surprise."

"Is it that bad?" I asked.

Mike shrugged. "It's not what you'd expect sometimes. I don't want to ruin it though. I'll give you a good time."

I snickered and Mike rolled his eyes. I laughed and gently pushed his shoulder.

"I didn't mean it like that," Mike said.

I laughed. "I know. I am just joking."

Mike chuckled. "Whatever. Let's go."

We left and got into his car. We drove through the city and arrived at Hollywood Boulevard. Mike showed me the stars and we walked around the street.

We walked around for a bit before Mike took me somewhere to eat. It was a lovely Chinese place. Mike paid and we ate together. He was such a nice guy and made me laugh. Some of the language barriers were really funny.

"Where did you grow up?" Mike asked. "If you don't mind me asking, of course."

"I don't mind," I replied. "I grew up in Mexico City with a Mexican father and a half-Japanese, half-Chinese mother. You can imagine the troubles I went through as a child. I spoke three languages and I'm learning English. Kids thought that was weird and different but it's special."

Mile stirred his food. "It is. Knowing more than one language actually helps the brain. What languages do you know?"

"Japenese, Chinese, Spanish, and I'm learning English," I replied. "It's difficult because sometimes I'll forget a word in one language and remember it in a different one. I like it though. It allows me to talk to more people."

Mike nodded. "Yes indeed. I've always wanted to learn Spanish because I thought it would be useful here with the large Hispanic population."

"I could teach you," I replied. "It isn't that hard."

"Says the native speaker."

I laughed. "It isn't!"

Mike laughed. "I believe you. I might take you up on your offer."

I took the last bite of food. "I'm always willing. Sofía could help too. She's good."

"Maybe," Mike said, "though if I'm being honest, I'd rather have you teach me."

I tilted my head to the side. "Why is that?"

Mike waved his hand. "It's nothing. I'll pay for the food. What else do you want to see?"

I shrugged. There was more to what he was said. "I would like to see the Santa Monica pier if that's okay. I hope it isn't too far from here. Am I being too much for you?"

Mike shook his head. "No, not at all. I don't mind showing you around. I want you to see LA."

"Bueno," I said. "I do not want to be a pain to you."

"You aren't," Mike said. "Let's go. I want you to see the pier before it's too late."

I nodded and we left the restaurant. We got into Mike's car and headed for Santa Monica. I stared out the window, watching the city go by. It was very pretty and nothing like Mexico City.

We arrived at the pier and I grinned like a child. I looked at Mike and he smiled back, nodding to me. I dashed off and went to the games. Mike followed, a large smile on his face.

I played around with some of the carnival games. It was so much fun. Soon we went to the roller coaster to ride it. I couldn't wipe the stupid grin off my face.

"You're happy," Mike commented.

I giggled. "Gracias. I like -" I stopped, trying to think of the English word. "What's that called?"

"A roller coaster."

"Yes, that's it," I said. "I like roller coasters. I didn't get to go on many when I was a kid but I still loved them. Do you like them?"

"I've only been on a few but it's still fun," Mike replied. "I'll go on it for you though. It should be fun."

I bounced on my toes. "I know. I'm so excited! I love the excitement and the feeling of falling."

Mike laughed. "Okay. Are you ready?"

I nodded quickly. "Yes!"

We climbed on and I could barely hold my entertainment. We took off and I screamed the entire way. Mike was too but his was more of a terrified one.

When we got off, the sun was setting. I gazed out across the sea, breathing in the salty air.

"Beautiful, right?" Mike asked.

I nodded. "I've never gotten to see the ocean growing up. It's so beautiful."

"Do you wanna head home?" Mike asked. "It's getting late."

I yawned. "Yeah. I'm tired."

We left the pier and I stayed close to Mike as we walked through the crowds. The sun was mostly set by the time we got to the car. I rested my head against the window, sighing. It was a fun day.