City of Angels

Chapter 3

A big thank-you to those who read Chapter 2 and messaged me to comment! Your support means the world. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this new part. :)

In this chapter, we get to see some of Ralph (yay!); and then in Chapter 4, the rest of the canon characters will make their entrances . . . so stay tuned, because things are about to get interesting!

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As we waited for our plane to taxi up to the gate, I stared out the window, thinking of Disney and Mary Poppins and trying not to think of coughing fits and chest pains. At last we arrived, and suddenly everyone was standing up and rummaging through the overhead compartments and pushing and shoving and jostling their way out. Somehow amidst all the chaos I managed to grab my carry-on bag, thank the stewardess, and exit the plane without getting knocked over. Then, having accomplished that, I made my way through the jet bridge and emerged into Los Angeles International Airport.

A little distance from the gate, I paused to catch my breath before attempting to locate the baggage claim. As I stood there watching the crowds of people swarm in twenty different directions, I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Excuse me."

I turned to see a young redheaded woman in a pink dress holding a toddler in her arms, and I recognized her as the passenger who'd been sitting directly in front of me during the flight. "Yes?" I answered.

Her eyes probed mine with concern. "Forgive me for asking this; it's probably none of my business, but . . . I thought I heard you crying a few times during the trip, and I just wanted to make sure you're okay."

I could feel the blood rush to my face as my eyes widened with embarrassment. "I was . . . crying?" She nodded. "Oh dear," I stammered. "I-I hope I didn't disturb anyone."

"Oh, don't worry about that; it's you I'm concerned about. Is everything all right?"

"Y-yes—I mean, it is now. I just . . . I fell asleep on the plane ride and started having nightmares. But I'm fine now."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," she sympathized. "Nightmares are terrible."

I shook my head. "It's fine, really. But thank you for asking."

An awkward pause ensued; and not knowing what else to do, I made a show of scanning the airport as if I were looking for someone. At last I turned back to the young woman, who was still standing there. "Well . . . I should get going. My ride will probably be here any minute if it isn't already, and I still need to pick up my luggage."

"Oh, actually, that's just where I was headed next. Do you mind if I walk with you?" she asked.

"No, not at all," I replied, and so the two of us set off in the direction of the baggage claim. Since we were walking along together, I figured I might as well make conversation. "So, what brings you here to Los Angeles?" I asked.

"I'm visiting my brother and his family," she said with a smile. "His wife is about to have their third child, and I'm here to help out. My husband was planning to come along too, but he had a last-minute business thing come up, so he'll be joining us in a few days."

"Ah," I said. "Well, congratulations to your brother and his wife. Are they excited?"

"Oh, yes. So are the kids; they can't wait to meet their new baby brother or sister. And I'm looking forward to having another little niece or nephew to spoil." She threw me a mischievous grin. "And what about you?" she asked. "What brings you to Los Angeles?"

"I'm . . . here on business." I didn't feel like getting into all the details.

"Oh? What kind of business?" she inquired.