Baggage Claim

A Welcoming Home

Chapter Thirteen: A Welcoming Home

“Where do you want to go?”

“I don’t care, as long as it’s far away from her.”

“How about Paris.”

“You always talk about Paris, do you really think you’ll ever get there?”

The silence blended in with the night sky as Aman thought over her answer.

“I might, but if I don’t, I want you to promise me you will. Promise me Layla, one day you will be happy in Paris, for me.”

Layla’s eyes shot open, the sweat burning lines down her aching back. The pain was worse than it had been in weeks, her body stiff and angry with her as she pulled herself from the bed, still clothed in her Sunday best.

The emotional upheaval had left her drained and passed out the moment her body had touched the comforter, her mind even too tired to ponder Kim’s call. Now, stiff and beaten under the searching sunrays, Layla’s mind wandered back to the petite blonde’s words. How could she be so casual about the leave? How could she have given up after she showed so much spunk the initial time they had attacked her? 

 Layla rotated her neck slowly, as she tried to make sense in her throbbing mind. The delicate tap of Hana’s heels drew Layla’s sight to her clock, “Breakfast.” She promised her rumbling stomach as she made her way towards the loud footsteps.

 “Good morning sunshine.”

Layla offered a grumbling head nod in return as she searched the pantry for cereal.

“I never considered using a dress as pajamas before, are they comfy?” Hana cracked a smile, goading her still snarling niece.

“They’re all the rage in Paris, some of the models even wear Chanel couture to bed.” Layla’s face was pin straight as she poured out a bowl of fruit loops.

“I see, fancy skinny ladies. Very nice.”

“Yeah, well.” Layla's bowl slammed down on the countertop as heavy as her mood, causing the milk to splash about as she shoveled crunchy circles into her mouth.

“I’m glad you’re in a better mood, I felt bad about our conversation yesterday, and I caught some of the exchange between you and that Kim girl. It must have been a rough night for you.”

Layla just grunted in return.

“Well if I can help, I will.” Hana dumped the remainder of her coffee in the sink and hastily gathered some paperwork that she had spread out on the countertop.

“Actually there is something you can do Khalah.”

“Oh?” Hana shoved the paperwork in a nearby briefcase before pausing in anticipation of Layla’s request.

“I was thinking, if you’re not busy this Saturday, if you could drive me to New York City.”

“The city’s not a short drive Layla.”

“I know, we could stay the night, maybe see the town together?”

Hana eyed her niece suspiciously. “Why the sudden want to go back?”

Layla stirred her milk, wondering herself what it was in Kim’s tone that opened a need to travel back to her adopted hometown. Her eyes traveled up the wood counter to a forgotten letter bearing her name sitting just beyond her reach.