Normily: After Effects

A Deadline's a Deadline

Emily got out her suitcases and rapidly packed her clothes. She then grabbed her guitar, laptop, phone, music sheets, and her keys. She packed her stuff, grabbed a duffel bag, and went out the door. She walked down the steps and then remembered something.

"My car is still on set," Emily said to herself.

Emily grabbed her phone and called Lauren's number. She waited as the ringing started. Ring. Ring. Ring.

"Hello," said a pleasant British accented female.

"Hey, Lauren," said Emily.

"Hey, Ems!" Lauren said, joy in her voice.

"I need a favor," Emily said.

"Sure, what is it?"

"I need a ride to the airport."

"Now? You're leaving now?" Lauren said, disappointed.

"It's an emergency. I'll be back tomorrow."

"Ok, I'll pick you up at the apartment."

"Thanks Lauren," said Emily.

Emily went back into her apartment and made sure she had everything. She checked to make sure the windows were locked and all the lights were off. She took the number of the moving company off of the fridge and stuffed it into her wallet.

Ten minutes later Lauren's Challenger pulled up in front of Emily's apartment. She blasted the horn twice: their signal. Emily grabbed her bag and went outside. She got in the passenger side and tossed her bag in the back.

"Hey!" Emily turned to see Andy, Norman, and Steven all crammed in the back.

"Sorry guys," she said.

"It's fine," Steven smiled.

Lauren drove to the airport as Emily explained. She related the phone call and even sang "Rockstar." Everyone applauded. Emily smiled and thought of her show tomorrow. She would announce the debut date of her new single and how she intended to get a tour going in 2015.

Lauren pulled into the drop off area and let Emily out, "See ya soon, Ems."

"Bye," said Emily as she got out with her stuff, "I'll see you guys tomorrow."

Everyone waved as she walked into the airport. She got a ticket to New York and went through security. Emily went to the cafe and ordered a coffee and checked her phone. She had two missed texts from her manager.
Hey, Veronica said you were getting time tonight
Did you write a new hit?

Emily replied and drank her coffee. She ordered a second coffee and a bagel. As she ate she scrolled through the news on her phone. There were stories about Kanye and Kim, The Ukraine Crisis, and about the summer blockbusters. She sighed and looked around the cafe.

In the corner booth were a group of teenagers talking. They were probably kids who'd convinced their parents to let them travel, alone. In the end they'd probably end up drunk in some hotel making out. Emily thought back to her time in high school and early years of college.

Emily was so deep in thought she didn't notice the man that sat down across from her. He had a coffee in his hand and his eyes were fixed on her. It took Emily a moment to register there was someone there. She glanced up from her phone.

"Hello," Emily said.

"Hello, Ms. Kinney," the man said, "I'm a huge fan."

"Thank you," she said, "May I ask what you're a fan of?"

"Your show."

"Thank you, it's always nice meet fans of Beth."

"Whatcha doin' here at Hartsfield-Jackson?" he asked.