Short Stories in English for Beginners

Crazy Paella
Chapter 1 – Getting Ready
‘Daniel, I’m here!’ Julia calls. She is at the front door of the house.
‘What is it, Julia?’ I reply.
‘We’re going to Spain today! You remembered, right?’
‘Of course I did. I’m packing!’ I call.
My name is Daniel. I’m 24 years old. Julia is my sister. She is 23. We’re
both at university. We share a house in London. Our parents are Arthur and
Sarah Bell.
Julia and I are getting ready for a trip. We’re going to Barcelona, Spain.
We’re both earning degrees in Spanish. We already know a lot of the
language, but we want to learn more. We’re going to be 
exchange students
this term.
I’m tall, about six feet. I have longish brown hair. My eyes are green and
I have a wide mouth. I have a strong build. My legs are strong due to hours
on the tennis courts. I’m a very good basketball player as well.
My sister Julia also has brown hair. Her hair is longer than mine. She
doesn’t have green eyes. She has brown eyes like my dad. I have the same
colour eyes as my mum.
My parents both work. My dad is an 
electrician
. He works for a major
electric company. My mum is a writer. She also owns a company. It sells
science fiction
 books.
My parents are really great. They always help us to reach our goals. They
both speak Spanish well. They often speak to us in Spanish. It helps Julia
and I practise. They really encouraged us to become exchange students. We
are leaving for Spain today.

---

My dad comes in my room. He looks at me in surprise. Why? Because
I’m not dressed. ‘Daniel! Why aren’t you dressed?’ Dad asks.
‘Dressed? I just got up. I had a 
shower
five minutes ago. I’m not even
dry yet!’
‘Come on! We don’t have much time. I want to take you to the 
airport
.
But I have to go to work, too.’
‘Don’t worry, Dad. I’m getting dressed now.’
‘Where’s your sister?’
‘She’s in her room.’
My dad goes into my sister’s room. He wants to talk to her. He enters and
Julia looks at him. ‘Oh, hi, Dad. Do you need something?’ asks Julia.
‘Yes. Your brother’s getting dressed. Here.’ My dad gives Julia a