Club Penguin || l.h.

3.0

August 4th, 2016 - Here.

I was shaking for a solid three hours before the plane even touched the ground. The flight attendants had not-so-discreetly started a theory that I was on the verge of a devastating anxiety attack, which was quite honestly a possibility at this point. The tipsy rich man had purchased me two drinks, one of which ended up dumped in the bathroom three feet behind me. He never mentioned his name, remaining a blurry face in my memory forever.

Once the plane had finally landed, I felt like puking my brains out.

The butterflies in my stomach had evolved into wrecking balls, ultimately sending me into a spiraling madness. My sweaty palms nervous gripped my small backpack and I readjusted my leggings, tucking them into my socks. I'd been nervous before, but never to this degree.

Seeing as I was the only person in the entire back row, I was the last person to leave the small confinements of our plane. Everyone piled into the airport, bustling around to greet various people waiting at the terminal. I skimmed through the crowd, looking for that familiar pair of blue eyes. Instead, I spotted a sign that read "Teniguin," held by a man who I definitely didn't recognize. His balding head practically mirrored the ceiling above him and a thick, white mustache coated his lip. His soft, kind face welcomed me, lighting up as if he already knew who I was. I reluctantly approached him and pointed to the sign in his hands.

"That's me, but who the hell are you?"

He smiled wide and extended his arm to shake my hand. "I was hired to drive you."

I furrowed my brows. "You're kidding."

"I'm afraid not, ma'am. Come now, let's get your luggage."

* * *

Never in my life had I been so frustrated. I spent over a day on a plane, flying to see some stupid boy who barely knows how to text back and he didn't even have the decency to pick me up himself?

The rather lengthy ride in the backseat of a stranger's car allowed me plenty of time to weigh my options. I knew that I needed to be grateful and polite, considering Luke spent a great deal of money just to fly me over. However, I still wanted to express my dissatisfaction in a passive aggressive manner. At the moment, challenging him to a duel seemed like the most reasonable and adult solution.

Of course, I didn't have enough time to completely think through my plan before the car pulled into a long, winding driveway. A yellowish house sat at one end, surrounded by incredible gardens. Despite the cold weather, I continued to sweat, especially when my nameless driver announced that we had arrived.

"Holy mother of god," I whispered as I unstrapped my seat belt.

Suddenly, everything felt like a dream: unreal and delicate, as if the moment would be whisked away by any abrupt movement. I gently lowered myself out of the car, staring in disbelief at the house before me. Luke was in there. This was it.

My driver had retrieved my suitcase from the trunk and he towed it behind me, even after I insisted that I was capable of doing it on my own. I brushed my hair down with my fingers, growing more aware of the fact that I hadn't showered or shaved in days. I wasn't ready for this moment. I wasn't ready.

Nonetheless, I trekked up the stone driveway and boldly knocked four times on the door. The chilly air sent shivers down my spine and goosebumps rose on my exposed arms. I waited a moment or two, swallowing hard at the thought of the door opening.

"Maybe he isn't home," I suggested aloud.

The driver snickered. "Try the doorbell."

I shot him a forced smile and pressed one pale, shaky finger against the small button. A faint ringing was audible from outside the house and I mentally started a countdown. I wasn't breathing.

The door squeaked as it opened, revealing the face I'd been so reluctant to see for so long.

"I'm here," I said, grinning lightly. "Right here."

* * *

triple update and i'm no longer alive but let's go