Big City Dreams

Welcome to New York

As I stepped off of the plane and into JFK, the first thought that crossed my mind was, "Damn, I'm hungry."
Seriously though, those tiny free bags of chips they give out on those flights can't fill anybody up.
The second thing I thought was, "I'm in effing New York City!"
I was excited, and nervous all at the same time. There were so many people here, from all over... families returning from vacations, lovers reuniting after time apart, fancy people in fancy business suits on fancy business meetings, and then me.
Just me.
And for the first time in my life, I felt totally all alone. I didn't have my Mom here to guide me. I didn't have Julia here to take charge. I just had myself. But maybe I'd be okay with that.

"Alright, let's see here," I said to myself. I pulled out my iPhone and shot my Mom a quick text that I landed and would call here when I got settled. Then, I opened up my email to read the instructions Lorne sent me for when I got here. First... I have to look around for a Rusaf Indimuni fellow. He's the one that will be escorting me to my all expense paid for apartment.

I started walking, but man was it hard here in this crowded airport. It's like people have no consideration! They just walk and act as if you aren't there, people were bumping into me left and right. Not a single one even said 'excuse me.' Is this what it's like in the city? Well, if so, I better toughen up and get a grip quick, so I'll be able to navigate on the streets just fine.

After what seemed like forever, I finally found a gentleman holding my name on a sign. "GABRIELLA BROOKS" was written in all capital letters on a big paper sign. I walked right up to the man to introduce myself. He started smiling right as I was walking over.

"Hi, I'm--"
"Gabriella Brooks?" He finished for me, a big grin across his face.
"Yep, that would be me." I said, returning the smile.
"I'm Rusaf Indimuni, I will be taking you to your apartment and also be at your service 24/7 if you need any help getting accomodated." He said calmly and genuinely, reaching out to shake my hand.
"Wow that's-- I-- thank you Mr. Indimuni... that's very kind." I said, shaking his hand, astonished as I did not know I'd be receiving any sort of special treatment.
"Oh please, call me Rusaf. And don't thank me, thank Mr. Lorne Michaels." He said with a soft smile. "Let me grab your bags for you and you may follow me to the cab."
He took hold of all of my luggage, and I walked behind him as he lead the way.
Rusaf was a relatively short man, slender man. He wore a navy blue suit and a cap. He also spoke with a very strong accent.

As we walked, Rusaf made small talk with me about how my flight was, what my home town was like, and even the typical weather. Atleast he was pretty good with conversation.

When we got outside the airport, I just had to take it all in. The beauty of the city was breathtaking, and even though it smelt like cigarette smoke and hot dogs, it smelt like home. I could definitely get used to this.

On the cab ride to my apartment, Rusaf was talking all about the history of NYC, pointing at buildings and stores and landmarks and going into detail about each one. However I was just lost in my own trance, looking out my window and taking the view in for myself. Seeing all the people walking by and just the overall life of the city got me super excited to start my new life here.

Soon, the cab pulled over to a stop. I tried to give Rusaf a tip, but he refused it. He helped me get all my bags out and before I walked into the apartment building, he handed me a sheet of paper with a number on it.

"Call if you need anything, Ms. Brooks," He said with his smile that never seems to leave his face.

"Oh please, call me Gabby." I mimicked him from earlier today, shot a grin back at him and turned into my apartment. I signed in with the grumpy man at the reception desk.

"Room 731..." He mumbled lazily, tossing me a key and then turning his attention away from me.
"Uh... okay, thanks." I walked towards the elevator and pushed the up button, got in, and clicked floor 7.

I finally got up there and unlocked the door to my apartment. It was tiny, really just enough room for one person, but then again I didn't expect too much, especially since this wasn't paid for by me.

Regardless of the size, it was cozy and I knew I could make it feel like home in here. I called my mom and talked to her for about 2 hours while I unpacked all of my belongings. I really did miss her, it was nice to hear her voice.

After I unpacked everything I checked the time. 6:30 pm. And jeez, I was still starving from earlier. I decided to go out to get a slice of real New York pizza.
Got to admit, it was worth the hype. After that, I went into a nearby Bed Bath and Beyond and bought a few things for the house that I needed.
After a while of being out I noticed my legs were super tired. Gosh, all this walking I'll be doing from now on should get me in good shape... it's much different then what I'm used to back at home.
Before I went back to the apartment, there was one more final stop I had to make. I walked to the NBC Studios. I just had to see it up close and personal, and when I did, it brought a tear to my eye.
I could not believe that starting Monday, I would be working here. It was all unreal to me. As I stood outside NBC Studios, I pulled my phone out and snapped a pic, then sent it to Julia.
After, I went into my email and wrote out a message to Lorne Michaels:

Dear Mr. Michaels,
Thank you so so much for accommodating me here in New York. Really means so much to me. Gotta admit, I'm loving it here. Hope to see you around Monday :-)
- Gabriella Brooks

AUTHORS NOTE: Sorry this chapters so long! Its like 1am and I was just inspired to write. I hope you guys are liking it so far and aren't bored.. I PROMISE Jimmy will be in it soon okay?!:) So just stick around. Let me know if you're liking it, I'm gonna try to post at least a chapter a day from now on.