Unconditional

Chapter 2: New Beginnings

'Honey, do you have everything? Documents? Tech?' Adrian asked Iona.

'Yes dad.' She said as she got in the car.

'Your medication? Inhaler? Pain meds?' He started the engine.

'Dad,' Iona held her dad's hand, 'You're worrying about all these. I will be fine. It's you that I worry about.' She giggled.

'I'll be fine too, love. Are you ready?' He asked her. Iona nodded and they drove off to the airport.

AT THE AIRPORT...

'This is it, dad.' Iona smiled.

'Promise to call me when you have the time?' He smiled back.

'Of course, dad. I'll call you everyday.' She hugged him and then they both get out of the car. Adrian handed her luggage and backpack. They hugged one last time and then she walked into the airport, not looking back.

'This is it Iona, you can do this. This is your dream, you're finally able to live it.' She sighed then smiled. She head to the check in counter and then through security.

It was a short two and a half hours of fly time. It was already three in the afternoon when she got to baggage claim. While she was waiting for her luggage, someone tapped her shoulder.

'Miss Yuel?' The man asked.

'That's me.' She smiled.

The man took his glasses and hat off and smiled, 'Hey Iona!'

'Nikko!' She smiled and hugged him. 'What are you doing here?' She asked.

'Dad told me you're gonna be moving here and told me to get everything ready for you.' He smiled.

'You knew all along and you didn't tell me? We have been texting non stop.' She hit him on the shoulder playfully.

'I wanted to surprise you.'

'You're forgiven.' She spotted her luggages and grabbed it off the belt.

'Here, let me carry that.' He carried the luggages to the cart he had and they both went out to the parking garage. 'You're staying with me until you find the right apartment. Or just stay with me as long as you want.'

'I can't do that to you. Once I get situated with work, I'll start looking for an apartment.' She smiled.

Nikko unlocked his wrangler and loaded up Ioana's luggages and backpack in the trunk and they got in and drove out of the parking garage.

'Are you hungry?' He asked.

'Starving.' She smiled.

'I know this one place you'll love.'

'They better have shaved ice.' She chuckled.

'You and shaved ice. But yes they do. I know you don't like crowds but this place is a little popular because a lot of actors and actresses go there a lot.' He held her hand and squeezed it.

'I'll be fine. Because my big bro is going to be there with me.' She smiled and squeezed his hand back.

They got to the restaurant and parked out back. Once they turned the corner, they saw a lot of people standing outside. Nikko held Iona's hand and went straight to the door.

'Welcome! For two?' The receptionist asked.

'Yes please. And can we get a corner table or booth?' Nikko answered.