LA to The Bay

Chapter 10: LA to San Diego

Tour Bus, Los Angeles to San Diego

'Would you like to sit here, Duncan?' The guilt has got to me; I should never have been so rude, to take my anger at Lottie, at Louis, at Harry, at life, out on poor unsuspecting Duncan, just because he displayed a preference towards the doughnut at breakfast time.

'Are you sure Niamh? I mean, I don't want to disturb you.'

'Of course not. I want to hear all about Melbourne; I'd love to visit there.' And I truly do: I'd love to visit all of Australia, and I could have done, if only I'd had my act together, instead of having to resit chemistry; because it was so good the first time.

'Are you okay, you look nervous?' Duncan questions, as I fidget in my seat, my juddering legs reminding me of how Harry was on the plane, as I strain my neck above the seats like the hungriest swan at the park.

'I'm just a bit overwhelmed by how many people there are.'

And I really am, so it's only a part lie that I am telling him, the number of new faces really is overwhelming, but the truth is I'm far less interested in any of these strangers than I am at finding out where Lottie and Louis are sitting on the coach.

My first, obvious, instinct is to scan the back row since that is where the cool people always used to during school trips, yet they aren't there and it is instead occupied by three grunting oversized sweaty boys who are displaying the same unnecessary levels of giddiness which is also synonymous with a school trip; acting like they're caged animals about to be set free and allowed to run wild around some unsuspecting historic country estate or other, the sort of place that only American tourists are impressed by, except I worry that there are no rural country estates to run around and be impressed by in America, just motorways and shopping malls.

'I mean I can't imagine how I'll ever remember everybody's names.' I try to continue the conversation whilst still assessing each row of the coach.

'Then just do what I do?' Duncan offers.

'What's that then?'

'Just don't worry about it.' He grins like it's the easiest solution in the world.

'Good night, last night bro?' I hear Louis' voice at the front of the bus. So that's where they're sitting. Harry is already occupying the front row, the seat next to him reserved for his best friend. Of course they've got to best view of the entire bus and Harry's feet are already slung over the handrail in front of their seats with no regard for the people who are still trying to board the coach; because they paid all their hard earned money to have the sour whiff of Harry's feet greet them as the first impression on this trip of their life time.

He's just so arrogant, acting like it's his God given right to sit at the front, sprawled out and relaxing, taking in the best views that the American landscape has to offer, whilst the rest of us strain for even a slither of a glimpse of the Grand Canyon or any other iconic wonder that might be passing by, it's view obscured further by Harry's over the top hairdo.

I can just imagine that he's been sitting by the coach all night, waiting for the driver to appear and let him onboard, like he's part of a line of desperado dweebs queuing outside the gadget shop, all fighting their way forward to be the first saddo to get their hands on the newest release of a whatever station. I bet it will never have crossed his mind that a disabled person might need to sit on the front seat. Now that would be funny to see them carted off and forced to sit in the most uncool row, something nondescript like row 12 for example, the hinterland, not close enough to either the front or back to engage in any relevant conversation. Row 12. Which is exactly where Duncan and I are sitting.

'Shit, I almost slept in.' Lottie sweeps on to the coach, plonking her bags down right behind Harry and Louis. So they have been saving that row for her. I almost want to dare myself to go sit next to her, to enjoy their awkwardness of not knowing what to say.

'I know, last night was rad. I have such a hangover now.' One of the girls that was mauling Harry in the Jacuzzi last night sits across the aisle from Lottie; the seat in front of her reserved for Leah. I assume from the blonde head sat next to her that the two tub girls are travelling together, like two limpet models. I can tell just from the back of their heads that they are models. The Models Incorporated I will call them. I shan't grace them with the decency of trying to remember their names.

'Well hello guys!' Leah bounds on to the coach, switching on the microphone. Like she really needs it.

'So are we all ready to hit the road?' Another epic cheer of "woooooo". I can just sense that I'm going to have a nervous tick each time the coach makes this collective noise.

'Some bad news I'm afraid.' We all look, immediately grief stricken, as if she is about to tell us that Disneyland is closed for the day. Not that we are even going to Disneyland. 'They just announced a tsunami warning in San Diego.'

They what? I start coughing. San Diego is we're we are headed.

'Are you okay Niamh? Do you need an inhaler?' Duncan smacks my back trying to offer some relief.

'Ha ha.' Leah is laughing. Why is she laughing when she just made such a serious announcement. People could die and she is laughing about it. 'Got ya! It's bright and sunny and the ocean is calm all the way down to San Diego.' She was lying.

The idea that the woman standing at the front of the coach, making light hearted jokes about natural disasters, is in charge of my fate for the next three weeks, only increases my coughing.

Authors note: I used to love The OC so much, especially the pilot episode which I've watched a gazillion times. This opening scene, which I uploaded, sums up my California experience so much, the cut throat grittiness and real lighting of the Valley contrasted with the perfect shot lighting of the rich enclaves. The song is California by Phantom Planet for those who don't know.

This chapter is dedicated to HeelsAsHighAsHopes for all the votes whilst I was writing.

Please be kind and remember to vote and comment. Love Ally xx