My Italian Nightmare

Chapter 25: LA Part 1

3rd of November, 2021

When Tom and I got out of the plane, which landed in Los Angeles at 1pm, I couldn't help but sigh loudly of relief. I have never had such a long journey, not even with a bus or a train. Twelve hours ago we had began our trip from Berlin, unfortunately with a two-hour stop in Frankfurt (a West-German city that didn't seem appealing enough for us to leave the airport). It kind of messed with my head that on my watch it was now only three hours later than when we started from Frankfurt because of the different time zones.
As soon as I could turn off the airplane mode on my phone, I checked my messages to see if Hanna had texted me. As she started off from Austria, she was supposed to be here a bit later than Tom and I. Her last message said that she would text me as soon as she had landed.

It was warm and sunny in LA and I soon began to sweat because in Berlin we have had typical November weather with three degrees and rain.
I was actually really thankful to not have gone on this trip alone, because flying anywhere was in general making me quite nervous, but the prospect of entering a plane that would fly over the ocean to another continent caused me two sleepless nights in a row. Along with the general anxiety about the event and the guilt about what happened with Stephan on Halloween. It was no surprise that I fell into a light slumber almost immediately after we had stepped into the cab. I had not been able to sleep on the plane properly, so Tom and I had talked for some time and then watched a Marvel movie together.
Tom turned out to be a pretty cool guy. He had needed some time to open up, but he was quite witty, had a good taste in movies and music and was easy to talk to. He was also always ready to help out and could easily deal with problems where I would quickly lose my patience. I should not have underestimated him or thought less of him because of his initial shy and awkward appearance.

A slight nudge on my shoulder made me blink and I stifled a yawn. "Are we there already?", I asked and looked out of the window through half-closed eyes.
"Yes", Tom said and chuckled slightly.
We got out of the cab and our driver helped us to get our bags out of the trunk.
"Woah", Tom made when he looked up and saw the hotel in front of which our car had parked. I followed his glance and my mouth fell open. We stood in front of the Hollywood Roosevelt, one of Los Angeles' five star hotels.
"Where on earth did they get the money to let us stay in this hotel", I whispered and laughed out of disbelief and excitement.
"No idea", Tom replied and ran a hand through his hair.
"Gentlemen", the cab driver called and we turned around – it felt both weird and affirming to be included in that address.
"Here's a note by Ms Wagener with all your information for tonight. And a phone number for your associate here. I will pick you up on the afternoon of the 5th."
"Thanks Gary", I said and put the note into my pocket, Tom nodded and thanked him as well.

The moment we stepped into the hotel, during the time we spent at the reception, until we were lead into our room, I couldn't close my mouth. I kept staring at all this luxury, a kind of decadence I had never witnessed in my life. I was downright flabbergasted.
"This is crazy", I kept muttering under my breath and Tom grinned at my dumbfounded face as he closed the door behind us. I sat down on the edge of my queen-sized bed and took a deep breath. I had never felt like I belonged less anywhere else. How did rich people feel like this was normal?
"Can I see the note by Ms Wagener?", Tom asked and I handed it to him. He scanned it and mumbled quietly to himself.
"So we need to be in the lobby at 6pm, meeting with the person who will give us our attire for the night...then our university partner will meet us and bring us to our seats on the boulevard."
I let my upper body fall on the bed, which was very soft and comfortable and let out another sigh. "Oh come on, Ari", Tom said mockingly stern, "we're gonna have the best time of our lives! Don't you think so?" I weakly threw my arms above my head and let them fall down onto the mattress again.
"I am...I am very excited." It was the truth. But I was also very nervous and anxious and overwhelmed.
"Come on", Tom said again, went over to my bed and pulled me up onto my feet. "You're gonna have a nice nap until 6, then we will go down together and see what Gucci has in store for our wardrobe. Okay?" I nodded weakly and looked at him. "Okay."