The Way It Ends

02

The flight went without any turbulence and before I knew it we were touching down. Alex and I exchanged numbers to carry out our promise to meet up. As we finally stopped, she started clapping and I whipped my head in her direction, lifting a brow. Nia, in fact just mind your business. I sighed and went to get my luggage from the overhead compartment. We shared a brief hug before making our way to the suitcase collection area. I looked at my smartwatch and realised I had loads of time but then I went to check my emails.... The meeting is today not tomorrow.

In an hour.

It's fine really because google maps says it's only a twenty-minute drive so there's really no need to worry. Tell that to your legs that are now picking up their pace. I just followed my legs and hurriedly made my way to grab my suitcase. I can't afford to be late to this meeting what sort of precedent does that set? I pick up my phone and press on my cousin's contact.

"Please pick up." I mutter under my breath whilst frantically looking at the conveyor belt.

"HEY!"

"Hello Opum, please tell me you're here because I mixed up the dates and my meeting is actually today not tomorrow and if I'm late Mum will be pissed and-"

"Woah- slow down cuz. Of course I'm here I managed to snap a spot at the front of the parking lot."

"Oh okay thanks, I've gotta go!"

"No prob-" I hang up, spotting my sea foam green IT suitcase and grab it to make my way out of the building as quick as my body can carry me. I spot Opum's BMW and feel my mouth slack in awe but I remember that I don't have time to fawn over her burgundy faux leather interior, new charcoal 3 series. I wish I was artistically gifted like her. She gets checks I can only dream of.

"Hey Op-"

"Now why'd you hang up on me like that? I could easily have just left you. I may not be your mother, but I am a whole 7 years older than you."

I feel my eyes naturally making their way to the back of my head, "Yes I know and I apologise for that but my interview is in 45 minutes O."

"Well why didn't you say so? Put your suitcase in the boot." Before I can register as I get in she's turned the car on and put it into reverse. Alex's stats from earlier seep into my thoughts and I fasten my seatbelt. Tight. I love Opum but she drives like a mad woman from a crime novel on her way to dump her ex-husband's body. I input the address into the inbuilt satnav. As she drives, I take my time to admire Opum. She was raised my aunt from my mum's side without her dad and is fully self-made. She works as a designer for Alexander McQueen after earning a full scholarship to London College of Fashion. 

I'm staying with her in her apartment in North London. Luckily, it's a two-bedroom so I'll stay there till I finish my apprenticeship or if all goes well get my own place. She used to live with her girlfriend but they're very on and off, I'm guessing they're on one of their off periods. I focus my gaze ahead of us and notice the notorious shit-ton of London traffic. Whoever is up there is really testing my patience today. The satnav now says that our ETA is now thirty minutes. Or in other words we will arrive at 9:55am and my meeting is at 10am. What have I actually done to make my life go like this? I sigh as Opum turns up the volume and we just vibe to some RnB accepting we can't do anything about the situation at hand.

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Opum pulls up to the firm with very few minutes to spare. I quickly thank her and hop out of the car. Peering down at my outfit, I smooth the creases thankful I wore something more presentable than the tracksuit I'd originally opted for. My head was lifted high as I walked into the building, bee-lining to the front desk. I let out a miniscule cough to make the receptionist known of my presence. She looked up at me with the rudest expression slapped across her face.