The Outcasts

New York, New York

I walk to the front of the busy airport where dozens of taxis are waiting. Although I don't particularly enjoy taxi rides, it was the only way I could get to the youth hostel.

I didn't know what to expect weather-wise in New York. It's Autumn and the leaves on the trees are toasty colours and the air is refreshing. There was no sign of breeze but it was cool nevertheless. Unlike England, it was rainy and bitter nearly all year round.

I walk towards the first taxi in the queue and show him a map where the youth hostel was.  He got out of the car and helped me put my luggage in the boot and helped me get into the back if his car.

He was dressed smartly and had a nice smile, unlike the other taxi drivers who couldn't look bothered with their job.

'Not from around here?' The taxi driver asks in a southern accent. I assume he wasn't from here either.

'I'm from England' I reply. I'm so tired, I'm in no mood to be having conversations with taxi drivers and I think he picked up on that.

'I'll leave you relax' he nods. 'The hostel is only 15 minutes away.'

The streets were packed with people who were rushing to get to work. Half of them were on their phones with a coffee in their hand, while the others were admiring the shop windows and skyscrapers.

~ ~ ~

'We're here' the taxi driver says with a wide smile. He was probably happy to get rid of the most moodiest passenger.

I get out of the car and thank him as he hands my my luggage.
He offers to walk me to the reception but I kindly decline.

The hostel is wide and has two floors. It looks quite fancy for a youth hostel to be honest, but this is New York of course.
There are bright bulbous lights arching over the main entrance and on the left side of the building is a little sign with their name on it 'Hamlonds'.

I walk into the building and immediately feel the heat brushing my face.
It was very warm and looked warm also, with the dark golden lights around the reception desk and the bronze wallpaper which had a slight shimmer of gold.

The lady at the reception desk was wearing a light blue cardigan and a black dress, alongside a small pearl necklace. She looks dainty, but her face shows otherwise. She doesn't look very approachable, as she purses her lips while frowing as she flicks through some paperwork.

I walk towards her and try and get her attention as she seems too busy to even notice me.

I cough a little and step towards to the desk so my hands are resting on the counter. "Excuse me?" I ask.

She stops flicking and turns her head down while she lifts her glasses up from her nose.
"Oh sorry dear, I didn't see you there".

"I'm Sophia Davies, I was booked in for 10am"

The receptionist turns her attention to the computer and types my name in. 'D-a-v-y-s?' She asks.

"D-a-v-i-e-s" I correct her.

"Ah yes, Sophie Davies from Cheshire?"

"Yup that's me" I sigh as I bend down to pick up my luggage.

"Your bunk is ready for you on the first room to your right" she says as she passes the keys to me.

"I hope you enjoy your stay, everyone here is friendly" she smiles. I have never seen such a fake smile before. Not even my mother smiled that way. Although I can't remember the last time she smiled.