Touch My Neck ✓

Chapter Four | Why can't pigs play hockey?

Angel Novak Huxley

I stood at the baggage claim area, my heart pounding in frustration as I watched the small suitcase spin around on the conveyor belt. "No, no, no," I muttered to myself, my eyes scanning the area for my other three suitcases. They were nowhere to be found.

I mean you really can't miss them, they're like the brightest colour of blue because of my dad. He didn't want me to take his favourite suitcases and so shoved the blue ones at me.

Approaching the airport bag handler, I put on a polite smile despite the irritation boiling inside me. "Hi there, I seem to be missing three of my suitcases. Could you please help me track them down?"

The bag handler glanced at my small suitcase and then at the computer screen in front of him. "Sure, I'll do my best to help you. Can I get your name and flight number?"

"Sure, it's Angel Huxley Novak. Flight number 1934."

He typed my information into the system and frowned as he looked at the results. "I'm sorry, but I can't seem to locate your missing bags in the system. Sometimes, they might get delayed or sent to a different terminal. Let me check with my supervisor."

I could feel my frustration growing, but I tried to remain patient. "Okay, please do whatever you can to find them." I slide out my phone, and notice messages from Jake.

He disappeared for a few minutes, leaving me anxiously tapping my foot.

A smile spreads across my face.

Jake (9:23am): hey, parking up and I'll come down and help you with your suitcases.

Angel (9:25am): I don't even think theres a point, they lost my bags.

Jake (9:30am): seriously? Alright give me a sec.

Angel (9:30am): its okay, sorting it out now.

When he returned, his expression was apologetic. "I'm really sorry, but it seems like we can't find your bags in our system right now. They might still be on their way and could arrive later today or tomorrow. Can I take your contact information to update you once we have more information?"

"Please just check the system again, I start my new job and all my clothes are in there." I almost dropped down to my knees and begged him, he shakes his head. "Here's my number." I handed him a card with my contact information.

He nodded and offered me a sympathetic smile. "Thank you for your understanding. We'll do everything we can to track down your suitcases and get them to you as soon as possible."

I thanked him, trying to maintain my composure, but inside, I was feeling the weight of the situation. My entire life was in those suitcases, and I needed them for my fellowship.

I drag my tiny broke down suitcase across the marble floors of the airport, walking towards the exit. I was running on four hours of sleep, thanks to my dad's music in the morning.

I step outside and spot a dark green jeep with a guy leaning against it, engrossed in his phone. He's wearing a baseball cap over his hair and sunglasses. I walk up to him, and without warning, I flick his baseball cap playfully.

His head shoots up, and a mischievous grin spreads across his face. "Moving to New York with a bag half the size of you, huh? Not so clever, doctor."

I playfully nudge him and drag my small bag slightly. "Long time no see, Jake."

"And long time no kisses either," he teases, and I can't help but chuckle and shake my head.

"Thank you for picking me up, you were probably busy," I say, feeling grateful for his help.