Across the Hall

Chapter 5

The flight wasn't bad at all. Kyle and I found out we were sitting next to each other. What were the odds of that happening? During the flight we talked a lot about what our plans were and a little about our families. I learned that he was an only child, like me. We were also the same age born just 3 months apart. I was beginning to like Kyle a lot and I felt bad for misjudging him. You really shouldn't judge a book by its cover. 

When he fell asleep, I began to think about life back in Winnipeg. It seemed all so distant now. We used to be such a happy family. I sat back in my seat and closed my eyes. I knew it wasn't my fault we moved. I was old enough at the time to understand mom had a new job but I wasn't old enough to understand why she'd accept it. Was it money? I barely understood the concept at the time. I would get money from my grandparents for holidays and birthdays, which would be spent on candy or toys. I didn't understand why having more of it was such an issue. It came to me as an adult but I wish it was never an option to uproot our family. Maybe dad wouldn't have left if we stayed in Canada. I pushed my eyelids together as memories flooded in. 

"Please don't leave!" I called out as my dad packed his things. It felt wrong. Way wrong. The brown boxes seemed to engulf the room. In any moment before this I never ever felt so small and insignificant. I had to do something. I wanted to scream. "I'm sorry. Your dad did a terrible thing. This is best." He taped another box shut and set it on the floor. "Everyone makes mistakes! You told me that once!" I pleaded in the door way. "I know honey, I know." He picked up the growing stack on the ground and tried to move past me. I blocked the doorway as best I could. "This is heavy." He sighed. I wouldn't move. I wasn't letting this happen. Not now, not ever. My dad was going to stay.

He knelt down next to me. "Kar Bear, I know you're sad. I did a terrible thing that will never be fixed. This is the best option for the family to be happy. I promise with all my heart that I'll return for you someday. It's going to be alright." He smoothed my hair and offered a small smile. The next thing I knew, the screen door slammed behind him. I never saw him again after that day.

I startled awake. I looked around frantically. Once I remembered where I was, I calmed down. There was a weight on my shoulder and I looked over at the sleeping boy next to me. Whenever I looked at him I was reminded of something or someone. I really wanted to know what it was. I tried to think back as far as I could remember but nothing came to me. This was definitely going to bother me for a while.

Kyle woke up some time later. "Did I miss anything?" Drool dripped from his chin onto my shirt. Gross. He used his sleeve to wipe it off. "You missed nothing but ocean and blue sky. I saw a seagull, we must be getting close." I noted. "Good." He stretched, almost hitting me in the face. I shot him a warning look. Knowing me, I would've instinctively hit him back. "It's gonna feel good to stand up." He ignored my look and stretched again. I agreed. Just then, the pilot announced we'd be making our descent into LAX in around 20 minutes. Finally. 

***

Kyle and I just barely made the connecting flight to Chicago. Nothing else happened because as soon as we sat down, he fell asleep. Again. He's cute when he's asleep but he isn't very good company. I shook him awake when we got to Chicago some hours later. "I'm so sorry." He apologized sheepishly. "We've gotta get going." I brushed off his apology. 

We walked lazily through the airport to the baggage claim. Our stuff was waiting in a secluded area by the offices which I thought was strange. Once we collected our belongings, he rested his elbows on my shoulders. "Would you do me the honor in sharing a cab with me?" He looked into my eyes. I laughed. "We might not even be going to similar areas." I pointed out. He cupped my face in his hands and my heart skipped a beat. I was starting to appreciate his looks. Of course, his easy going personality just boosted them. I stupidly figured he was going to kiss me. We met just over a day ago. I didn't even know his last name. 

"That's not the attitude, love." He grabbed his suitcase in one hand and my hand in his other. He pulled me outside. I wish I had a jacket. It was blowing snow all over the place. It was quite the shock. I was full blown shivering by the time we actually got into the cab. I gave the address of my new roommates apartment through my shaking jaw. Kyle requested the driver blast the heat. I silently thanked him. Any more talking and my jaw might explode. He wrapped his arms around me. "To keep you warm for now." Was his explanation. I didn't mind. I was kicking myself for not anticipating the cold. I hadn't seen snow in ages but I should've known better. This was Chicago and if I was going to live here I was going to have to deal with it. 

I relaxed into his arms, enjoying the ride. We were met with insane traffic at some points. It was at that moment that I didn't want to say goodbye to Kyle. He made this traveling process so much easier for me. He must have read my thoughts because he squeezed my arm. If people could read minds I would so have taken advantage of that. Was he worried about it too? I found it to be silly. We probably would never ever see each other again especially in a city this size. 

We reached the apartment building quickly. It was a skyscraper in the heart of the city. The windows reflected the snowy sky. At a certain point you couldn't see past to the top. I gulped. The building was gorgeous yet intimidating. I wasn't used to this. I better start now. Everything is going to be new, I reminded myself.

We arrived sooner than I thought we would've with all the traffic. It was only 3:00. I told Violet I would be there around 4. Oh well. Hopefully she would be prepared. I slowly stepped out of the cab. I waved goodbye to Kyle and paid the driver. I was getting my suitcases out of the trunk when the door slammed. "What are you doing? It's like negative a billion out." The snow swirled violently around us. "I told him to wait. I'll walk you in." He helped with my bags and we made our way inside. The lobby was completely empty except for the security guard at the desk. He thankfully didn't make eye contact as Kyle pulled me aside. "I know I can't go 100 percent up with you but this will do." He smiled his incredible smile at me. "You didn't have to do this for me. I'm capable of doing this myself." I pointed out. "Yes but it would be rude to not say a proper goodbye." He stepped closer to me. "Which is?" I challenged him. He bent down and kissed me on the cheek, slipping a hand into my pocket. I jumped back. "What do you think you're doing!?" I shrieked. The security guard looked up then back at his book. "Just read it." He motioned. His cheeks were tomato red, probably from the kiss. I liked it. 

I unfolded the paper and found an address and a phone number. "If you ever need anything, I'm just a few blocks away." He nodded towards the door. "You already know where I am." I laughed. He nodded. "Of course." There was an awkward silence. "Well, I better not keep the driver waiting any longer. Text me okay Kara? If you don't I'll get you." He teased. "I will. Maybe you can show me a good coffee shop?" This seemed to perk him up. "You bet. I'll be seeing you." He kissed me on the cheek again and before I knew it, he was out the door. I took a moment to catch my breath, texted him the obligatory 'hello' text (which he replied instantly...nice), and headed towards the elevators. Violet told me she was on floor 19, apartment 1909. I tugged my luggage towards the room. It wasn't hard to find at all. I dropped the handle and knocked on the door. I heard someone move around inside. "Coming! Just a minute!" Someone, I'm guessing Violet, called out. Just then, the door across the hall opened up. I turned to move my stuff, since I was blocking the entire hall. Then I looked up. 

"Jon?" 

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! Wow this was a longer chapter. I made it long to make up for the non-update yesterday. Things got kinda crazy with heading back to school. Here's a question for you all to answer in the comments, are you back to school yet? I really hope everyone enjoys this chapter! Feedback is highly appreciated. If you have any comments or questions feel free to message me or just comment! - Dev :)