Impulse

Chapter 1

With the money set down, I could finally leave. I unlocked my phone and ordered an Uber to take me to LAX, a supposed 45-minute drive. I stared at the time glowing blindingly on my screen. 3:33 am.

"Angel numbers," I muttered to myself, "I hear ya universe."

A head of hair rises slowly, grumbling.

"You going?"

"I'm skedaddling. Thank you so much BS/F for letting me stay here. Really." I whisper to her quickly, quietly gathering my suitcase and purse.

"Of course, I'm sorry it didn't work out for you."

"Ah she'll be okay, I explained in the letter everything I needed to say. I've always been better at writing my thoughts compared to simply saying them, ya know?"

BS/F hums a sound of agreement and waves goodbye to me as I climb through the window as to not alert her grandparents that I'm even here. I stumble a bit and land harshly in the bushes behind the trailer home, covering myself in thorns and dirt before dusting myself off and walking across the street to the 24/7 liquor store. I bought some water bottles and protein bars, even though my current anxiety called for something... stronger.

"Damn American drinking age," I say quietly, wrapping my flannel around myself more to keep warm on the cold March night. Not long after that, I see the car described as my Uber approaching the liquor store and rolling the window down.

"You Y/N," a dark-skinned woman asked, albeit loud considering the passing by train no more than 50 feet away. I nod rapidly and crawl into the backseat of the sedan, buckling up before she drives off to the destination.

She turns her head the slightest bit, pointing her ear in my direction as if to hear me, "Where are you flying to so late at night?! It's farrr too dangerous for you to be sitting outside by yourself!"

I chuckle at her concern and try to explain in vague detail.

"Just needed to leave. Pick a flight and go anywhere but here. That young, delusional, impulsive decision every adult has to make," I humor her, to which she responds with a light "ahh" before turning completely back to the road.

'Better than my original plan, frankly.'

We sit in silence the rest of the drive there, even with the traffic slowing us to an hour and 20-minute drive. She pulls up to the front and I leave the car.

"Thank you so much! So sorry you had to be driving at this hour!"

"Of course hon! You be safe out here now," the driver replies, pulling out of the lane as quickly as she entered it.

I take a deep breath and march inside the airport. I've never flown in my entire life and had no clue what I was doing. I had my luggage, money, an online ticket, and fictional scenarios guiding me through this. I manage to successfully make it through customs, TSA, and all that fun stuff.

I pull out my phone and quickly unlock it. I pull up an old phone I haven't called in 2 years and stare at it as I wait for my flight to be called. I start to wonder if it's still in service?

'It's been so long, maybe they hate me.'

I exhale deeply and press the "call" button and let it ring. I stare at the contact and pray that he picks it up.

A click.

I gasp quickly before I hear a very startled voice on the other end.

"Hello," the voice says in question.

"Been a while huh? Already forget my charming voice," I tease, giggling before being met with silence.

I sit on the phone in silence for some time, just zoning out while I await a response. Suddenly I hear a soft thud and get startled.

"What the fuck? You good?"

"Just got comfy, have a lot of questions to ask-" the man starts, before I cut him off, "I get that, but I have one pressing question to ask real quick."

"Let's hear it then"

"Where are you?"

"Uh-wha-"

I start to talk faster, "in the world. Where are you currently living at right now in this world we live in."

"Brighton, why?"

"I'm landing in London in about 16 hours."

"You WHAT-"

"Listen, I'm going to Heathrow airport in London. How far is that from you?"

"Uh, about a 1-hour drive, but Y/N I nee-"

"I know, I know. Stupidly last minute and really inconsiderate. Look, if it's a problem, I have the money to just stay in a hotel or something. I just figured I'd at least try to contact you before getting there."

There's the silence again. I only hear his breathing cutting in and out. I sigh deeply and start to talk gentler.

"Look, if it's a pro-"

"I'll be there," he finally interrupts. His voice changed and he sounds more sure of everything.

It was my turn for silence, "wha-what?"

"I said I'll be there. At the airport. In 16 hours. To pick you up and do God knows what."

I let out a breath quickly, chuckling aloud, "thank you. And look. About these last few ye-"
"Don't even start right now. You're coming to visit, you can explain your life's story then. Until then, rest up. It'll be an 8 hours difference for you, okay?"

"Always the worrier, this one," I state warmly.

"See you soon Y/N," I can practically hear his smile.

"See you soon, George," I smile back.

Another click. Declaring the call finished. I let out another breathe and close my eyes.

'Oh, the tales to tell, George.'