Until We Fall (A Before You Exit Fanfic)

CHAPTER 9

I arrived in LA at 3:25pm. The moment I step out of the plane I can feel my head throbbing because of the lack of sleep last night. I fixed everything that needs to be done at the airport, picked up my luggage and went out of the airport. As I was about to walk towards a cab, I saw a familiar brunette waving at me from a far with a paper that says, "Welcome to LA, my favorite cousin!"

My eyes widened as I saw her standing a few feet away from me because I didn't really expect anyone to pick me up. I remember my dad said to me that my cousin is currently in Nashville, having an art exhibit of some sort.

"Kylee!" I shouted, running past a couple of people while dragging my heavy suitcase.

I hugged her immediately one I reached her, crumpling her sign in between our bodies. "How's my favorite girl doing!" She asked, still not letting go of our hug.

I smiled wide at her the moment we pulled away. "Great! Why are you here? Dad said you're in Nashville?" I asked, grabbing my backpack from the floor.

"I was supposed to leave earlier today but my flight got cancelled. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning instead." She said, pulling my suitcase towards her.

We walked together to her car and got in immediately as she said that we should go already to avoid LA traffic.

As we were driving around, I can't help but feel nervous and anxious at the same time. Like what I said to my dad, California is very different from Arizona.

California, for me, is kind of chaotic with the heavy traffic, people running on the streets, people walking around and taking pictures of different places, etc. There's nothing like this back in Arizona.

I sighed and just focused my attention in front, avoiding the busy streets around.

"So, have you indulged yourself with art lately?" She asked, looking at me.

I looked back at her but she removed her gaze because the cars are already moving in front. "No." I replied.

When I was 15, Kylee visited us in Arizona and we would spend countless hours in my room, painting, sketching, drawing and we even did a few calligraphy work. That was the last time we saw each other but even if that was the case, whenever I have time, I try to busy myself with art. Sometimes Kylee and I skype each other and we would show art works we've made to each other, feeling proud that we were able to still do art despite the circumstances. I even have painting stashed behind my closet because I'm afraid my parents would see me and question me why I occupy myself with "unnecessary" work.

There was a point in my life where I wanted to become an artist instead like Kylee but of course, my parents snatched that dream away from me.

We remained quiet until I spoke up again. "It's not like my parents would even allow me to."

I saw her shake her head from the corner of my eye. "Well, I'll be leaving a few materials here. Maybe if you have time, you would get back into painting or drawing. You know, to get away from the nerdy stuff." She said, winking at me.

I smiled at her even if she isn't looking at me. We stopped in front of a tall building along one of the streets of LA. "We're here." She said, turning off the engine and going out of the car. I followed her and helped her get my suitcase at the back of the car.

"I'll handle it." I said, smiling.

She nodded and walked inside, with me following closely behind.

We rode the elevator and walked out on the 8th floor. We stopped in front of a room near the fire exit as I saw Kylee bring out her keys.

When she opened the door, I followed her behind, my eyes widening at the sight.