Conglomeration

Prologue

Her hands clutched the red suitcase tight as she looked around for a taxi. Today was her day. The sun was shining and a soft breeze was swiftly blowing her gentle brown waves. Most of all, she's finally going to be able to meet her long-term high-school boyfriend, Chris. She hasn't seen him for 2 years because of his medical school and she longed for his warm hugs and soft kisses. She has completed her studies and was now looking for a job in L.A for teachers. She has experienced being a substitute teacher but never had the opportunity to have a job as a full-time teacher. L.A is the perfect place for this. The weather was hot and it never gets this hot in Pennsylvania. She liked the change. It wouldn't be too hard to cope here. 

She had told her boyfriend she would come to California but never told him the day. She was planning on a surprise. She walked to the taxi place, her flats squeaking over the cemented floor. Oh well, she would need a new pair of flats. She didn't care though. She didn't like spending money on outfits, she would much rather save it for something more useful. 

"Excuse me," someone called from behind her and she abruptly stopped walking. 

"Yes?" she turned around. There stood a boy tall and gracious with sandy brown hair and perfect red lips. He could easily win the first prize on sexiness, only if, his diabolical grin didn't ruin it. 

"I couldn't help noticing- you're very pretty," he smiles- a fake one. 

"Um... thanks." She didn't quite know how to reply, she didn't get this much often. 

"Well... I was wondering if you would like to marry me?" His grin becomes wider and a group of his friends in the background burst out laughing. 

"What?" Lavina's eyes becomes wider and her- being her naive self- is totally oblivious on the fact that they're playing a prank. 

"I'm taken," she finally replies once her voice comes back and rushes away as fast as possible to stay away from the guy. 

"Relax, it was a joke! I wasn't gonna go after you anyways!" He calls after her. His friends laughter becomes louder as they high-five him.

She didn't dare look back and focused her eyes on the taxis. She was used to guys being silly- her brother is one- so this was no surprise for her. All through middle-school and high-school, guys played embarrassing pranks on her especially since she was always so innocent.  She was an adult now, 25, and she knew how to avoid those type of people. 

"Where would you like to go ma'am?" a guy with heavy Spanish accent asks her. 

"Lakewood blv., please."

The rest of the ride was quiet and quick. Anticipation was booming out of her. When they finally arrived, she paid the driver the amount and sprang off the seat. 

She was figuratively and literally skipping. Chris has decided to stay off-campus in a luxurious apartment. It was breathtaking with mirrors and gold doors. And the best thing was that it was rightfully, Chris's. 

She pressed the 33 button and waited for the elevator to reach her destination. She made up all different kinds of scenarios in her head about how Chris is going to react upon seeing her. It's a Sunday so he has to be home. What if he has a friend over or having a party and she just interrupts it? Things would be real awkward then. But she quickly pushed those thoughts away. Lavina believed in positive thinking. It was just one other reason why she would be fit to be an elementary school teacher. 

After waiting forever, the elevator dinged and Lavina rushed out the door. She searched for Chris's door and found it. 

"Okay, this it," she said to herself. She tried the handle and to her luck, it was open.