One Change After Another...

Chapter 3

As the plane doors opened everyone rushed for fresh air. After spending ten hours on a plane, I wouldn't blame them. As soon as I got up of my seat, I felt it immediately. The heat. I love the heat. It will probably be the only thing I will like about moving nearly 5,000 miles from home. Thanks for that Mum. It took only eight minutes from when we landed to get to the centre of the airport. Everyone was exhausted, even though we slept most of the way here. I could see the distinct black bags under her eyes, "I think we should find a hotel to stay in tonight then head for the school in the morning."

"I agree. For once today." I do not want to go to this school.

Since we had never visited California before and we had no idea where anything was, we asked behind the desk for one of the closest hotels. This closest hotel happened to be just around the corner.

"That will do fine thanks." mum said. At that the travel agent booked a one-night stay for us, without even showing us any photos.

"It's probably a dump, just like this stupid school you are sending me to."

"At least I dont have to put you with you anymore. I wish you were more like your sister."

You know what, I wish I was more like Rachel as well. She was perfect in all ways shape and form; she never did wrong and always knew how to make everyone feel better. Unlike me the vain of everyone's life. I just couldn't bring myself to let mum know that her snide comment had upset me, so I said something that upset me even more

"What, dead?"

I could see the colour drain from both my parents faces, as I realised how bad it had actually come out as. I shifted uncomfortably between both of my feet for what felt like an hour until mum left and walked towards the luggage collection point.

We all silently made our way over to the conveyer belt to wait for my luggage. Half an hour went on and finally my bright blue suitcase came around the bend. As I wrapped my sweaty hands around the handle, I seen him. Eyes as blue as the sea, dark brown hair and a subtle tan. He was also wearing a black leather jacket and ripped jeans. Crazy good looking if I do say so myself. For a split second he looked directly into my eyes. It was one of them moments in all the classical romance movies, love at first sight they say. Too bad I don't believe in love isn't it. Rachel put me off that one, her and her boyfriend were always together. Anywhere Rachel went, Aaron went. I am an independent woman; I don't need a boyfriend. I turned around and started walking.

As we inched closer to the exit of the airport it all became so much more real. I was going to a boarding school. I was going to be in the place that I hated the most twenty-four seven. The streets were packed with rushing people dying to get to their favourite diner before all the tables were taken. I only wish we just came here for a holiday. Mum said that the hotel was just around the corner, we have been walking for ten minutes now with no sign of a hotel.

"Mum, where on earth are we going?"

"To the hotel, I hope. So, the map tells me anyway."

I was fed up walking, so I asked some one for directions, "Sorry to bother you, but do you have any idea were the Cloud hotel is?"

"It's no problem, walk about ten minutes that way and it's on your left."

"Thanks so much."

So, it was just around the corner, only my mother decided to take us the completely wrong way. A.K.A round the wrong corner.

"Well it's a good thing I stopped and asked mum, for you would have ended us up in China."

I could see dad smirking in the corner of my eye whereas mum didn't look so happy. I took the map off mum and redirected us.

"You were holding it upside down! Maybe you would like to come to school with me mum."

We walked back to the airport, I was tempted to run in and get on the next plane back to Belfast. From the airport it was only a two-minute walk. I looked around the corner and this bright pink structure on the side of the road. Unfortunately, it said Cloud on it.

"I told you it would be a dump."

"I'm sure it doesn't look as bad on the inside."

I walked across the busy road to reach this building. Weeds were overgrown and everywhere to be seen. Ivory plants grew into the windows and the door looked like it hadnt been opened never mind painted in years. Now I know why the travel agent didn't show us any pictures. I reached out and grabbed the handle, the hinges cried as I pushed the door forward.

"Mother I can assure you it is just as bad on the inside."

"Hello people. We haven't had guests in ages."

"I wonder why?"

Mum stepped forward, "Thank-you for having us, could you show us to our room we are all exhausted from that terribly long flight."

"Right this way ma'am."

We walked about thirty feet and up a flight of wonky stairs. I am surprised they didn't give way when all four of us were on them.

"Here is your room and your key. I hope you enjoy your stay."

Dad was the first to enter the room that we were staying in. As soon as he opened the door, I could hear him coughing and gagging. The room stank. There were two stained mattresses lying on the floor with two carboard boxes beside them which we supposed to be bedside lockers. The curtains were ripped and most of the mouldy grey wallpaper ripped off.

"You have got to be joking me."

"It will do rightly.", mum said.

"I'm going on a walk."

Dad looked at me like I had two heads, "No you are not."

"Watch me."

I walked down the brown wooden stairs that I walked up, no longer than three minutes ago. Out through the only door to get in or out and into the crowded streets of California. I had no idea where I was going, but I was not staying in that dump. I had ten pounds sterling on me so I had to find an exchange office to change it. I just walked forward having no idea where I was going, thinking to myself. It was only quarter to six, so I had around three hours before it started to get dark. I walked and walked daydreaming. Next thing you know I've landed myself at a pier with an amazing view of the ocean. I was the only one there, so I just thought I would sit and think for a while. I took my trainers and socks off and dipped my feet into the cool water. It felt amazing. Not long after that the exhausting crept in, and sooner than later I was asleep.

The sound of the morning traffic woke me. People rushing to work. The sound of horns and suddenly I realised that I was out all night.

"Dad is going to kill me."