Before // Zion Kuwonu

Chapter 33

Dylan dropped me off at the airport around an hour ago. Now, I'm just sitting in the corner of the boarding center, listening to music as I wait.

Right as I land, I'm only going to have two hours to get to the stadium in order to make it during mic testing.

All I texted Zion was a simple Happy Birthday then didnt do anything else. I want him to be fully surprised.

*****

Unlike Zion, I dont hate airports.

However, If you've never been to an airport, you wouldn't know that the best feeling ever is the first step and breathe you take out of the stuffy place.

The streets are crowded and I have trouble just walking to the curb with my luggage to call a taxicab.

As the taxi pulls up, I throw my single suitcase into the trunk and hop into the back seat.

"Hi I would like to go to -----," I tell him.

Without a word, he starts to drive, very aggressively.

New York is definitely not my place. I like calm places like Orange County.

The drive to Charlotte's was relatively quiet besides all the street noises. I just sit there in the comfort of my hoodie, staring out the window to take in New York.

After about 30 minutes, tha taxi driver drives off as I slam the trunk shut from grabbing my suitcase.

I did pay.

Quickly sending a text to Charlotte, she is soon to reply and buzz me into the apartment complex. I drag my suitcase up to the third floor and knock on her door.

"Hey, Hazel!" Charlotte greets as she opens the door.

We both hug as I greet, "Hey! Thank you for letting me come here since my hotel room isnt ready yet."

"Girl, you could come here anytime you want, I dont even know why you bothered with a hotel, could have just stayed here," She says, leading me into her apartment living room.

"I dont want to bother you or your roommate," I shake my head.

"Whatever," She rolls her eyes, "I need to finish getting ready, I have a mirror here if you want to get ready too," Charlotte points to the mirror on her desk.

"Thank you," I say and open my suitcase to get out my vanity items.

Charlotte sits on the desk chair, putting on her makeup as I bring out another chair and wipe my face down with a wipe.

Putting on some moisturizer, I ask, "So how are you and Brandon doing?"

"We are going strong, I mean ofcourse distance separates us a bit but it's nothing really," Charlotte replies.

I rub my face a lot so I try to avoid doing any foundation or concealer. Thank god my skin cleared up a bit from no school.

"Thank god, yall are so cute," I compliment, skipping blush and applying stick highlighter.

I went surfing like usual yesterday and although I dont get sunburned, my skin is sensitive so it turns red naturally, just doesnt hurt.

"I'm so thankful B is in my life, thank you Jesus," She preaches, "After college though, I'm probably going to move to L.A."

"Shit really?!" I get excited and brush up my eyebrows.

"Yeah, I mean L.A. is pretty cool," Charlotte says, applying minimal eyeshadow.

"Yeah, I guess," I say, applying on my mascara, opening up my eyes and giving them a girlish look.

"I GuEsS?" She laughs.