Baggage Claim

It Cannot be Changed

Chapter Four: It Cannot Be Changed

 

Layla watched the skyscrapers disappear beneath the horizon of trees as her aunt's Mercedes made its way quickly down the interstate. She sighed, the density of brush seemingly engulfing her, reminding her all the more that she was headed back to place she had been avoiding for nearly seven years now.  

The random houses whipped in and out of view as the car sped down the black asphalt, asphalt that protruded from the ground as if by a miracle. The interstate signs sporadically indicated exits into towns long forgotten to exist in the veins of upstate, the state’s main focus centered on the sleepless town Layla had just left. Layla's eyes were drawn to the raven haired beauty driving next to her, her exotic features only accentuating the pressed and fitted suit the driver was currently adjusting herself in as she sped down the state crossing interstate. 

"You can stay in my guest room for as long as you want Layla, you should see what I’ve done with the place..." Layla's aunt Hana chatted excitedly as they passed slower moving vehicles making their way west on the two lane highway.  

Layla studied the papers in her hands, the analysis offering her at least thirty days respite before she could be considered fit for duty. All the arrangements had been finalized before she left New York City making it official, she was returning to Geneva.  

She checked her texts, having received one from Kim earlier in the week asking if she was okay. Kim had somehow finagled her number from the same coworker that had offered the information not only to her, but also from the look of Layla's most recent text, had also informed Alex. Layla could tell from the text that Alex was still upset over the pills, his typed words holding none of the flare she expected from him.  

'Hope you are okay.' 

Layla glanced at the words again, her aunt's chatty voice stopping her from dwelling too long on its meaning.  

"...The town has changed immensely since you were last here Layla, I know it will be hard, but you have your family now to help you." Hana turned to Layla, offering a hopeful smile.  

"Including madar?" Layla had not used the term in reference to her mother for years, the slight accent seeming even more foreign on her tongue than it had as a kid.  

She watched her aunt shift uncomfortably, Hana's hands dropping slightly on the wheel as she adjusted herself to the awkwardness the question caused.  

Hana was Layla's maternal aunt, but only surpassed Layla in age by a few years. She had been the only one of her siblings born in the United States and the only one to embrace the culture almost completely, allowing her ebony hair and exotic features to blend with the mainstream.  

Hana had gone to Brown to study law, but forwent a larger opportunity in a bigger city to practice in Geneva, a decision based on the only thing she agreed with her family on, family came first and foremost.  

But Hana's normally confident demeanor waned under the heated question Layla posed. Layla knew there was a minimal chance that her mother was excited that she was returning, there was a higher chance her parents had no knowledge of Layla's return.

"My sister is stubborn Layla, as I am sure you know. But do not believe for a moment that she does not love you with all her heart. We are family and that can not be changed."  

Hana turned quickly, offering Layla another hopeful smile before focusing her gaze back on the cars ahead.  

Layla considered what her aunt had said, 'cannot be changed.'