Finding You

Chapter 20

I've imagined this moment a couple of times in my head. I would be at LAX with all of my bags in my hands, running into Angie, Bella and John's arms when I spot them at the arrival gates as I tell them how much I missed them and how happy I am to be back in California. But instead, being caught dumbfounded in the middle of a foyer of Al Hirschfeld, I can't seem to get any words out except for their names.

"Ally..." are the only words that manage to escape Angie's mouth before she quickly wraps my up in her embrace. It takes me a moment to comprehend what's going on before I lazily slip my arms around her waist.

"We missed you, kiddo," John says as he joins in on the hug.

"I... how did you even...?"

"Bella told us about your performance and we knew how important this was to you, so we thought we'd surprise you."

When I don't respond to Angie's comment, still a bit taken aback, John clears his throat. "Are you okay with us being here?"

I finally find my words amongst the heap of information swimming in my head. "Of course. I'm so happy to see you guys, I just wasn't expecting it. But I'm happy you guys came."

Another embrace was due as Angie rubbed her hand gently up and down my back. "You did so well, Al. We're so proud of you."

"Angie started crying when you performed your solo. It was quite hilarious," John adds, earning a slap on the arm from his comment.

"There was something in my eye." Angie retorts and I laugh, shaking my head.

Not seeing them for over a year has made me miss them more than words could describe. Even though we have our problems and I have my troubles with California, they're still my family, and seeing them for the first time in a while has made me this much more reminiscent on the better days when we could see each other at least once every few months. But it's different now; everything's different. I've changed since the last time I saw them, and they know I have. It's why I've never felt compelled by them to visit. The memories are still too fresh, and the wounds haven't healed yet. The memories are the reason why I will never look at California in the same light ever again.

"Hi, my name's Sophie. It's so nice to meet you," Sophie's voice interrupts my thoughts and I snap back in time to watch the handshake exchanged between John and her, before she transfers her hand to Angie's. She must have been standing here the whole time and I hadn't even noticed her.

"I'm Angie, and this is John. It's great to finally put a name to the face. I've heard much about you."

"I see. I'm Ally's favourite topic. It's like she just can't get enough of me. I'm flattered, really," Sophie jokes, to which Angie and John tilt their heads back with laughter, clearly finding her cocky joke amusing.

"I like you. And you kids?"

John's words turn my attention to 2 figures standing next to Sophie. "My name's James. It's nice to meet you, sir. This is my... my girlfriend, Remy."

James firmly shakes Angie and John's hands, while Remy simply waves with a warm smile, expressing what a pleasure it is to meet them.

"Well, are you ready to head out? We were thinking of heading to Jean-Georges for some dinner," Angie casually suggests, probably not even caring that it's one of the most expensive restaurants in New York.

I can feel my friends' eyes on me, probably looking at me with wide ones, but I refuse to look at them. Clearly, the revelation that my parents can afford such luxuries is something which they find fascinating.