Adopted by Taylor Swift

Chapter 42: Los Angeles

August 25, 2019
Astrid's Perspective

I don't think there is a normal time to wake up for a flight to Los Angeles.

Especially when the flight leaves early enough that the sun hasn't even decided whether it wants to come out yet.

I stare at the ceiling for a few seconds, trying to convince myself that I don't actually have to get up.

Then I remember.

Los Angeles.

I sit up immediately.

Okay. Maybe getting up isn't so bad.

I quickly get dressed, pulling on something comfortable for the flight, and grab my backpack from beside my desk. I make sure I have everything I need before zipping it up.

Book.
Journal.
Phone.
Headphones.
Charger.
Everything.

I sling the backpack over my shoulder and leave my room.

The hallway is quiet, except for the faint sound of someone moving downstairs. I follow it and find Elijah already wandering through the hallway, looking far too awake for this hour.

"You're awake?"
He looks at me like I've asked the dumbest question imaginable. "We're going to LA."
"Yeah, I know."
"So obviously I'm awake."
I roll my eyes. "Obviously."
He grins. "Are you excited?"
"A little."
"A little?"
I shrug. "Okay, a lot."
"That's better."

We make our way downstairs, where Harry is already dealing with everyone's luggage.

There are bags lined up by the front door, and somehow he seems to know exactly which one belongs to everyone.

"Morning," he says.
"Morning."
Taylor walks in a moment later, carrying a coffee. She somehow looks awake. I don't understand how.
"Good morning."
"How are you functioning?" I ask.
She laughs. "I have coffee."
"That's not an answer."
"It is at this hour."
Harry points toward the door. "Everyone have their bags?"
Elijah raises his hand. "I do."
I look around. "Where's Mom's?"
Harry points. "Already in the car."
I nod. "Okay."

We head outside.

The air is cool and quiet, the city barely awake around us. The streets aren't nearly as crowded as they'll be later.

I glance back at the apartment before getting into the car.

New York.

I like New York.

But today we're going somewhere completely different.

Los Angeles.

---

The airport is exactly what I expected.
Busy.
Loud.
People everywhere.

Fortunately, we get through everything without too much trouble. Once we're settled at the gate, Elijah immediately starts looking through his phone.

"What are you doing?"
"Looking up record stores."
"We haven't even landed."
"I like to be prepared."
"You've been waiting for this trip, haven't you?"
"Maybe."

I laugh.

When it's finally time to board, we make our way onto the plane.

Once we're settled, I take the window seat. Elijah sits beside me. Taylor and Harry are across the aisle.

I watch the city disappear beneath us as the plane takes off. The buildings become smaller and smaller until they're almost impossible to distinguish.

"Look," Elijah says.
I glance over. He's already holding his phone up to the window.
"That's New York."
"I know."
"I know you know."
I laugh.
He puts his phone away. "Still cool."
"Yeah."