Free Falling [Discontinued]

Chapter Two || Lyla

A U T H O R ' S N O T E : Hi guys ! :-D I'm so happy to finally post Chapter Two of TBND ! Cassie's first chapter was incredible and perfect, I'm not going to lie, part of me is so nervous about my chapter. Cassie and I have discussed many ideas for this story while I've been working on this chapter and I'm super excited for all of you guys to see what's to come! :-)

Above is a photo of Lyla, whom is being played by Kristina Romanova.

I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and am looking forward to hearing your thoughts ! Enjoy :-D - Christine xx

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Chapter Two|| Lyla

When I first arrived to my tiny studio apartment in Studio City, California I was overwhelmed. After planning for months and ignoring my brother, Sebastian's, protests I took a step in the direction of my dream and packed up my room in cardboard boxes, shoving them into the tight backseat of my 67' Dodge Charger.

My home on the outskirts of Los Angeles was great. However, it lacked the emphasis of 'home' only being a place where I sought shelter. The house I lived in was once home, a place I cherished deeply; but once my father found shelter above the clouds instead of beside my brother and me, the idea of feeling at home evaporated into thin air.

I felt lost in my own home beside my brother. I could tell he wasn't happy either being forced to stick around home and take care of me when he should have been out at University in Florida. Instead of studying medicine beside his high school sweetheart, he ended their relationship and took on my dads' financial responsibilities along with his general store and mechanic shop.

When I sprung the idea upon him to leave town and give myself a fresh start he was against it one hundred percent and being as stubborn as I am, he fought me every morning and night, coming up with reasons why I wouldn't make it on my own (even though it was only for six months-time), let alone in the City of Angels. I knew he was only trying to look out for my bests interests, however, I knew he was bitter towards me. I was able to choose where I wanted to go and even though he had that choice too, he knew he couldn't take it.

After hours and weeks of convincing, with the help of my best friend Addison, who too would be joining me in the City of Angels six months following, my brother lightened up and decided whether or not I left town would be up to myself. I didn't hesitate with my decision of leaving and began apartment searching a few hours after.

In the moment, I didn't care of where I lived as long as I was away from everything I knew. I settled on a tiny closed apartment livable for one and barley big enough for two. I didn't think of rent or what I would do in my spare time; nor did I think of bills and basic utilities and meals.

I collected everything I could grasp and made do with I was capable of. As days passed on my own I began to see what my brother was always claiming of. Sure, I was successful in finding two jobs, one a care taker at the animal shelter downtown and the other as a barista at Starbucks. While I worked in mornings and some afternoons, I also attended evening classes at the local city college. However, stress took over and nights were lonely.

It took a while to adjust to being on my own in a big city, but I made do and enjoyed it as best as I could. Thankfully, school kept my mind racing and both jobs kept me busy and interactive. I befriended coworkers and hung out with them doing break hours, along with costumers who came in weekly.

Connor Franta, was my first official friend I made while living in Studio City. He lived on the other side of town closer to Los Angeles, however, he always visited Starbucks in Studio City before business inquiries. I took notice upon him instantly, how he would enter with a bright smile upon his face and gleaming eyes. We would converse while I'd make his order of the regular Vanilla Bean Frappuccino and then bid each other good day as he walked out the door, tapping the bell signaling great service.