• Love On Set || Michael Jackson •

Chapter 6 || Take Off

The Donnellys and Aunt Joyce slowly crawled out from the van. Everyone was aching to stretch their cracking joints from their sweaty car ride to Cleveland Hopkins Airport. Gotta love that busted AC unit that Mr. Donnelly swore he would get fixed a whole summer ago. Nonetheless, Angelina was full of energy. She scurried to the trunk, eagerly hauling her luggage out of the car and into her arms.

"Slow down, Lina, the plane isn't taking off yet," August joked with a hint of sadness masked behind his smile.

"I know, I know, but aahh!! I mean, this is really it! I gotta get my tickets and get settled in!" She squealed out of pure delight.

The rest of her family looked on with glum smiles.

Aunt Joyce was giggling with her niece, but when she looked around at the others' glossy eyes and puckered lips, she became a little disheartened too.

They'd be missing their firstborn daughter, their big sister.

For a few silent, contemplative moments, the hot June sun blared down on the 6 of them while they retrieved the rest of the bags from the car.

Mr. Donnelly cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention. "Let's head inside family."

Before long, Angelina and the gang were waiting patiently outside gate B37. She clutched her bags and ticket close to her, not being able to sit still. Aunt Joyce, who was sitting in the seat next to her, squeezed her niece's knee. That gesture let Angelina know everything was gonna be okay, no need for any anxiety. That little girl who longed to spend some quality time with her famous Aunt was finally going to be satisfied. She felt safe. She felt grateful. She felt loved and blessed.

"Somebody dropped a bucket of ants down your pants, sis?" Amber snickered with crossed arms. Angelina snapped out of her daydream and grinned at her sister. She'd miss her humor.

"Ummm...it's a mix of nerves and excitement. Mostly excitement though!" The eldest beamed. Amber nodded and adjusted her frames. "Good to know."

A couple of fashionista fans spotted Joyce Wilson, even with the dark shades and large sun hat. Y'know, that probably attracted more attention more than anything. She happily signed a couple of autographs for the young bunch and they bounced away, squealing and laughing the entire time. Angelina knew her Aunt had gained a lot of fame and fortune, but airport-spotting-famous was another level. Now more than anything, she wanted to be just like her aunt.

Outside of La La Land, Mrs. Donnelly thought she had spotted two familiar faces off in the distance. It was her daughter's best friends, Theodore and Bonnie. The two teens wore these big ol' grins on their faces and were speed-walking towards the family. A decorative bag was held in Bonnie's fair, slender fingers. Mrs. Donnelly's heart warmed at the sight. Her secret phone call paid off.

It was going to be perfect. Angelina's back was to them so that she would be beyond surprised at their arrival.

One by one, like falling dominoes, Aunt Joyce, August, Amber, and Mr. Donnelly became well aware of the prize that awaited Angelina. Everyone kept it on the low and waited with suppressed smiles for Angelina to finally realize what was going on.

Angelina was too busy eyeing the sea of people from all different walks of life trampling through the crowded airport. Some rushed around, others strolled. Some were traveling with family and friends, others stood idle and alone. Some young, some old. She wondered how many people were headed to New York like her, or possibly some other place in the world with the intent to start a new chapter. It was all so riveting. Angelina was no stranger to the environment of an airport. It's just that the reality of everything was nearly about to set in this time. It was as if a little clock was placed inside Angelina's mind. This was happening! She'd be in New York, working in the presence of some of the greatest ever to do it!