Pulling Reeds

No money for the swear jar

Brown escorted me to the airport, warned me about what would happen if I tried to leave, and left himself. A dog tag was put on my left leg and I was told that it wasn't waterproof, so not to go swimming. 

I was taken through the security with a police officer, with everyone staring at me. I went off because of the dog tag and because of the metal spikes on my jacket and in my ears. The officer then gave me my ticket and took me inside the plane. 

'Thanks,' I said to the officer, readjusting my bag. I turn around and give my ticket to the air hostess who sends me a surprised look. She takes me to the First Class Zone. 

Shit! I've never flown, before. Let alone first class. I hate it. Everyone's staring at the kid with a nasty frown on her face and red lipstick wearing black. How rich are these people? They must've paid for my flight. 

***

I get off the plane after an excruciatingly painful journey. I have decided that I hate flying and planes. I go to where everyone is going to collect their bags. I don't need to get any suitcases because all my (one) bags are the ones that I could take in my hand luggage because it was so small. 

I was met by a police officer again at the other side who escorted me through the airport and explained the dog tag in further detail. 

I give my passport (given to me yesterday), to the man in passport control, who lets me through and I leave the airport. I wonder what they're going to be like? Rich and snobby? Nice? And their children. Boy's or girls? I don't get along with many people. 

The hot air of California hits me immediately. I take off my jacket and put my hair up in a bun. 'Clara! Is that you?' 

I find a women wearing an expensive blouse that looks like it costed more than my rent for a whole year at the flat. 

'Hi,' I try to smile but I'm sure it looks kind of fake and half arsed. She clutches onto her hand bag (Micheal Kors) and hugs me tightly, her blonde hair swishing into my face. Her smile is bright and her teeth perfect. She looks young, but her wrinkles slight and hidden under her foundation. 

'I'm so happy you're here! It's been years! Everyone in my family is so looking forward to meeting you!' She beams and I nod as she continues to babble. She's pretty tan in contrast to me, we looking like heaven and hell. 'Where's your suitcase?' 

I hold up my bag. 'It's all in here,' I send her a tight lip smile. Her smile falters and her eyes become less bright. 

'Oh,' she says, caught slightly off guard by my bluntness. 'Well, we'll have to get you some more clothes then here, won't we?' 

'Thank you,' Kelly smiles at the police officer. 'I'm going to take her home now.' 

I flinch at the word 'home'. This definitly isn't home. Hailey's not here. Neither is Carter, JC or Harvey. My family. I think of Hailey, is she with Colton already? The police man nods and walks off back into the airport after whispering something into Kelly's ear. 

We walk towards a BMW and put my bag in the back. I've never been in a car this expensive before. It smells of pure leather and just...riches. I knew I was going to be out of place, but not this much. The whole family are probably going to be snobs. 

'We've got everything sorted out for you!' Kelly pulls out of the airport and onto the road. I look out the window at the sun. 'Your bedroom is done, of course you'll have it all by yourself and you can do it up how you want. It's only white right now and has very little design to it. One of the boys can take you to the store if you want.'