Perfect Rainstorm [SAMPLE ONLY] PUB ON https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09T74CHBG

Chapter Three

I feel a few bumps as the plane begins its descent into JFK, I rub my eyes sleepily, I can't believe I have slept for most of the flight and the brusque tone of the captain informs us of our imminent arrival. I grip onto the arm rest, nervous, this is my first time ever on a plane and I feel every little bump and jolt with a rush of adrenaline throughout my body. I can see the panorama of New York city in miniature as I peer out of the airplane window. Dusk falls on the city as an array of lights from the buildings and cars lights up the silhouette of the city. I imagine I can see the empire state building, like a beacon of strength imposing on the New York skyline. To take my mind off the landing I reach for the glossy magazine from the pocket of the seat in front of me and flick through the articles, mainly vapid celebrity gossip. My fingers halt as the page falls open on a picture of a man flanked by two skinny and gorgeous models in stars and stripes bikinis pouting at the camera. My fingers pause on the page as I'm struck by how breathtakingly beautiful the man is, his eyes smouldering through the pages, as if he can see deep down into the depths of my soul. I take the time to read the article discovering he is the lead singer of a new and upcoming band 'Trick Hazard' currently breaking big into the music scene in the US, not yet that well known in the UK but according to the article they are ready to conquer the world. This gorgeous specimen before me is Harlon Jacks age twenty five, lead singer, plays guitar and writes the songs for the native New York band. Apparently the band are all friends from high school not some manufactured creation so common in today's music industry. The article touches briefly on a drug scandal that he was involved in recently and Harlon refers to how he is putting his troubled past behind him and concentrating on completing the rest of their highly anticipated first album, hotly followed by a worldwide tour. I mentally take note to search on Spotify to listen to some of their tracks, being a Music student, I like to keep abreast of the new music coming out. His relationship status is noted as single in the article although the journalist refers to the plethora of women seen hanging on his arm. I am struck by how blue his eyes are complemented by his flawless chiselled features and full lips. His stacked body looks like it was sculpted in stone by Michael Angelo himself, honestly it is so unfair how perfect this person in. However, you can tell from his cocky swagger that he knows it and he most certainly uses it to his advantage. I decide to tuck the magazine into my hand luggage, so I can read it fully later and to be honest I want to have a gawp at his luscious face again. I've never been so struck by someone's physical presence. I'm jolted out of my Harlon Jack's appreciation party by the wheels touching down on the runway and after a few more bumps the captain notifies us of our arrival. The nervous anticipation of meeting Professor Michaels and his family begins to build, I really hope they will like me, I'm slightly embarrassed that they must know of the trouble that I was involved in before I arrived here and will surely know about the support group that I have to attend weekly. I'm reassured though that Mrs. Rivers informed me they were lovely unjudgmental people and I'll have to rely on her word if I want to relax and concentrate on settling in. As the automatic door slides open into the hustle and bustle of the arrival area I am greeted by a sea of expectant faces. People are hugging, some crying with joy to greet their loved ones. A small feeling of loneliness creeps over me acutely aware that I've arrived in this big city with no loved ones or family to speak of and I suddenly feel very small and insignificant. I survey the crowd looking for Professor Michaels and finally my eyes land on the small white placard with the words Lucy Windsor written neatly in black marker. I look up to see the man holding the sign, a middle-aged man dressed smartly with a fitted jacket and slacks, brown hair flecked with grey and a neatly trimmed beard. I walk apprehensively towards him noting that he has kind eyes which somewhat eases the knots forming inside. Standing next to him is a young girl about my age with red curly long hair, rosy cheeks and a friendly face, dressed in a flowing summer dress. I pat down my clothes nervously, my style has always been more of a rock chick style and I'm currently wearing my skinny black jeans with old beat-up converse and my beat-up leather jacket, my long dark blonde hair hangs straight down my bag probably in need of a good brush after 7 hours on the flight. As I approach the Professor, he walks over with a warm smile on his face holding his hand out for me to shake. This feels very formal to me, I'm not used to being greeted in such a way after all those years growing up in care. "So, you must be Lucy, we are so pleased to meet you, did you have a pleasant journey?" Before I can say anymore, he takes my suitcases from me, "Now you must meet my daughter Madison, she will be on the same course as you, I'm sure you will be great friends." Madison leans into me and grabs me into a big bear hug and I instinctively know that I am going to love this family. "Hi Lucy, welcome to New York, you're going to have the best time here with us, I've got so much planned for us to do and l have to say it's so nice to have another young person living in the house with us again, gets a bit boring being stuck with this old fogey here!" Professor Michaels chuckles fondly at his daughter and I see the love in his eyes for her, something I have always yearned for. I quickly realize on the car journey back to their house that there aren't going to be any uncomfortable silences with Madison around, she enthusiastically chatters constantly the whole way, emphasizing her words with pats to my shoulder constantly and she adorably twirls her hair around her fingers when she talks, I hardly get a word in edgeways, the few things I do say are celebrated by Madison with a, "Ooh I love your accent!" I disagree telling her accent is way cooler and she just laughs disbelievingly. Professor Michaels clears his throat to get our attention, "Lucy I've got a few dates for you to remember, firstly the university course will start back next Monday," then he pauses for a second looking uncertain, "and uh the support group is just about to begin, it will be taking place at our local church community centre, the first one is tomorrow night, sorry that doesn't give you much time to settle in but the Dean was very specific that you must attend all the meetings," he looks at me cautiously in the rear view mirror and I smile at him to reassure him that he doesn't need to worry about broaching this subject with me. "Thanks Professor, it will be good to get it started, a chance to try and put it all behind me". Madison grabs my hand and squeezes it and I want to hug her for being so sweet. I know in this moment that we will be great friends. Professor fiddles with the radio and the sound of the DJ resonates out with the New York twang, "...and now a new band that are currently storming up the charts with their debut single, Trick Hazard with 'a dirty word called Love.'" I turn to Madison, "Hey where have I heard that name before?" Madison bubbles with enthusiasm, "Oh Trick Hazard, they are the hot new band at the moment and the lead singer Harlon Jacks is quite possibly the most gorgeous man I've ever seen, no word of a lie." "Now I remember, I read about them on the plane today, fate surely wants me to know about this band, it's the second time I've come across them today." "We'll have to go and see them in concert they are doing some gigs in New York before they start their world tour. As they are locals, they want to give back to all their loyal fans here in the city that helped them on their way to superstardom!" "Well, I'm sure Harlon Jacks is enough to get people through the door, even if only to gaze lovingly at him," I chuckle. As the thumping bass of the rock melody blares out, I hum along transfixed by Harlon's sexy raspy voice, like molten chocolate to my senses. While I am lost in thought I suddenly become aware that we have stopped outside a house, "Earth to Lucy", Professors Michaels jokes, "Welcome to our humble abode." Madison is already out of the car taking the suitcases out. I look up to a pretty house, so cozy and welcoming. I feel immediately at home here. Professor Michaels fiddles in his pocket for his keys and with a few well placed shoves opens the antique front door. The house has a distinct academic feel to it with books shelves lining most of the walls, but it is warm and inviting and not like the cold and damp houses I am used to residing in. "Come on Lucy, I'll show you to you room." Madison grabs my hand and leads me up two flights of stairs, I am delighted to discover that my room is an attic room with a large window in the roof and I imagine myself being able to stare at the stars at night. The walls are painted white which gives the illusion of space and there is a small twin bed in one corner and a desk in the other and just the right amount of space for me to practice my guitar. "It's gorgeous Madison, I wasn't expecting anything like this in my wildest dreams!" I choke the words out as I feel my eyes brim with tears. "Oh, honey come here and give me a hug, it's not that special just a pokey ole attic room," Madison teases. "Well compared to the places I've lived before; this feels like a palace to me." Madison pats me on the back reassuringly, but she looks touched at my admission that this place is a palace to me. "Hey, why don't you have a rest now and this afternoon we can pop up to the college and I can give you a bit of a tour and maybe meet some other people from your course?" "That sounds perfect, Madison, I am a bit tired, I could do with a little nap but don't let me sleep too long, I don't want to be wide awake all night with jet lag." Madison returns downstairs and I lay down on my bed, I think of Charlie and Livia back in rainy old London and my stomach clenches with a wave of homesickness. I'm relieved that Madison and Professor Michaels are more than I could have wished for and so hospitable and kind, I'm sure I will be fine here. Regardless I must make a success of it so I can prove to Mrs. Rivers that I can make good on my claim that I won't let them down. Eventually my eyes start to feel heavy so I lay down on the bed. I must have fallen asleep as the next thing I'm aware of is a gentle tugging on my arm, "Lucy, time to wake up, we're gonna head down to college now, you still want to come?" I rub my eyes and peer open half expecting the whole New York experience to be a dream and to be back in my dorm room in London, but no I can see Madison blue eyes twinkling, her curly auburn hair is tickling the side of my arm. I sit up slowly and stretch my body into a big yawn. "Ok Madison, just give me a second and I'll get my stuff together," by my stuff I mean my guitar because to be frank that's about all I really have and it's also my most important possession. I run a brush quickly through my hair and splash my face with water. I don't wear much make up luckily, I was blessed with quite good skin my lips are naturally quite red. Livia always teases me about my luscious red lips, personally I don't think they are anything special and I'm sure Livia is just trying to boost my confidence which I love her for. When I get to the bottom of the stairs Professor Michaels is ready to go out too and Madison explains that he is going to give us a ride up to college as he has a lecture to give. Professor Michaels is a history professor at the college, so he often gives Madison a ride in. As we approach NYU, I am in awe of the beautiful Washington Square Park and the majestic marble arch gateway. I snap a quick picture on my cell to send back home. Professor Michaels pulls into the staff car park of New York University, and I feel privileged to get the opportunity to be a student here albeit short term. Professor Michael says his goodbyes to me and Madison and sets off for his lecture clutching his leather binder full of his teaching materials. "We've got a bit of time before my class, so would you like to come and get a coffee, hopefully you can meet some of my friends there." "Sure, that would be great." After a short walk through the building, we find the cafeteria and sure enough Madison's friends are there waiting for her. "Hey Maddy over here!" A guy with a mostly shaved head and a purple flop of hair on top waves us over. Sitting next to him is an emo looking girl with dyed black hair, a ring through her nose and long painted black fingernails. "Hi guys, there's someone I want you to meet, you know the girl I told you about that my dad is taking in for six months, well this is her; this is Lucy!" Purple hair guy grins jokingly, "Oh you mean the escaped convict from London!" Madison does not look happy and slaps him on his back, but he is laughing, and I know he is joking. "Don't worry Madison, I can take it, you should meet my friends back home." Madison looks relieved, and the smile comes back to her face. Purple hair guy is still grinning at me eyes alive with mischief. "Hi, I'm Tyler, so happy that something interesting is finally happening around here." The emo girl gives me a warm smile and playfully punches Tyler in the arm. "Ignore him, everyone else does, I'm Steph by the way." she turns to Madison excitedly. "So did you hear the awesome news?" "What is Tyler leaving town?" I quip. Tyler throws back his head with laughter and Steph smirks sticking her tongue out at Tyler, "Yep, Lucy you're definitely going to fit in round here...but as I was saying, they have loads of awesome stuff planned for fresher's week and maybe a band is going to be playing, although they haven't said who it is yet, rumors as swirling about who it might be. Plus there are going to be lots of other cool stuff happening." "I can get us some tickets a guy on my course is selling them," Tyler reaches into his pocket and pulls out his cell phone, hits dial and points his finger in the air theatrically, "Dude I hear you got tickets for the fresher's week gig, any tickets going spare, yeah that's great, yeah we need like five, ok cool see you later." He blows on his phone as if he is blowing a smoking gun. "Well don't all worship me at once but I got us all tickets, so no wimping out anyone." "Yay, thank you Tyler," Madison tries to give him a hug as he pretends to brush her off. "I hope that's ok with you Lucy?" Madison eyes me warily. "Yes of course, try and stop me, well I am a music student after all, this is practically research for me." I can't wait for this gig to see what all the fuss is about it will be nice to do something fun as it's just been stress upon stress recently and I need an opportunity to let loose. It's nice to feel that I've been here less than one full day and already I am meeting new friends and making plans with them, and I feel sure that Mrs. Rivers is right, and this is going to be the best thing that has happened to me in a long time.