Meant To Be

chapter 9

I began to think to myself while walking, not sure where I was going in this big place. "Am I really doing this? What's going to happen to me?!?" Either way I got this far already. I wasn't backing out now. I finally realized that I was lost and decided to ask someone where I could buy my plane ticket. I saw a woman talking to what seemed to be an employee. He had on a white collar shirt and navy blue pants, as well as a pair of shiny black shoes. I saw the woman start to walk away. "Excuse me, sir." I said, nervously. "Yes, sir?" "I'm having trouble finding the area where you buy tickets from." The man turned and pointed to the left (I was standing on the right side of him). "If you go down to the baggage claim and make a right from there, you'll see a sign that says 'Tickets'." "Thank you. What is this area called?" "The terminal." "I appreciate you." The man waved and I nodded in response whole going off to find the ticket desk. I got there and saw that there were only 2 people in line. Hurriedly while rolling my suitcase, I got behind a young woman whose appearance reminded me of Janelle Monae. I pulled out the envelope full of cash that I took from my parent's secret stash I'm not supposed to know that they hide. I had to do something. I'm only 16 and I'm travelling alone. Something was bound to come up concerning cash. Before I knew
it, the woman standing at the desk said "Are you next in line?" And I responded yes while rolling my bag up to the desk. "How may I help you?" "I need a ticket to Chicago. " Do you have any ID?" I pulled my wallet out my pocket and handed the woman my ID. " Our next departure is in 20 minutes. Is that too early for you?" "No. That's great." The sooner I left, the better. "That will be $200 for coach and $450 for first class. "I never went first class. But I need to be smart. I'll take coach." "You're in luck. There's one seat left. " "Great." I handed the woman 2 hundred dollar bills then put my money away, quickly looking around consciously. "Oh. Yes, I forgot. Does it matter what company you fly with? I like delta, but I'm cool with anything at the moment. "Southwest is the cheapest. You'll have a pleasurable experience for sure." "Okie dokie." After I signed the receipt and got my ticket I rushed to find where I needed to be. Luckily, the airport seemed highly sparse today. I breezed through the lines for ticket checking and luggage checking. I made it to my southwest just in time for a voice in the intercom to say "Now boarding: Chicago; Southwest." I handed my ticket to a woman who asked for everyone's stub on the way in. My second time riding on an airplane, but my first time alone. I was a little intimidated by the amount of people. I found a seat in the middle of the first section. My mom always told me to bring a carry on bag and not check my bags in if it wasn't completely necessary. I had a medium suitcase, so it fit in front of my legs in between the seats. I loved the view when I rode my first time by the window. Now I was back in the same daze that I was before. I buckled my belt and leaned back as I tuned the world out. I could hear Jussie's beautiful voice singing "All of the above" even though there was no music playing. After the stewardesses explained all the mandatory information, I pulled out my phone from my hoodie pocket and turned airplane mode on. I felt bad for lying to Lavender's mom. I felt bad for leaving my parents' house. This was my chance to break free. Some part of me pushed me to go and experience something new. I was ready to leave for so long before, and now this was happening. All my worries melted away as I saw a cute guy come sit by me. Was this a joke? Ugh he was fine. He had a caramel complexion as well as hazel eyes, curly brown hair, a sharp jawline, and thick eyebrows that suited him. I tried to act as if I didn't notice he was next to me. "Hi. What's your name?", oh god. He spoke to me. I turned and saw his pretty eyes gazing into mine. "I'm Josh. Nice to meet you." I gave a slight smile trying not to act stupid. "I'm Troy." He said, smiling back. I was so nervous talking to this cute stranger. He seemed really nice, though. I remained quiet until he spoke again. "Do you mind holding onto my hand? I get a little shook up when the plane first takes off. " My hands were softer today. I said "Sure." A little more nervous than before. In little to no time we were taking off, Trevor holding my hand. This was all crazy. My running away, the search I'd be going on soon for a man I barely knew, and the kind stranger who had his hand in mine after 3 minutes of meeting. I knew there was more to come. I guess all of us on the plane were tired, because we dozed off in no time. We were a bunch of resting souls travelling to Chicago.