Welcome To New York

Five

I found myself a seat and slumped down- staring outside the small window they provided.

I pulled my hood over and pulled my ashy knees to my stomache and took a deep breath.

The flight didn't last as long as I had thought. I heard the steady beep of the airplane as it landed smoothly on the runway. Many people began to hastily unbuckle and snatch their items.

I lingered- letting the people with small sticky fingered children go first along with the elderly. It was kind of nice. Then when it became semi empty I grabbed my bag and trudged off.

I wondered through the new airport. People in huge black coats bustled together- like in one pack. Everyone had concentration sketched on their faces- desperate to catch their flight for a trip, business, or to see a loved one.

I finally found the exit and the cab.

"Can you take me to The Lane Hotel?" I asked him climbing into the bright yellow cab coated in bumper stickers. The man nodded and adjusted his baseball cap. New York Yankees- go figure.

We drove in silence as I fished out 20$ from my bag. It felt odd knowing now I was completely reliant on myself. I've never trusted myself before- why the hell was I taking this plunge?

I've never traveled anywhere ambitious like New York. The optimists who come here are here for jobs,love, a whole new map to explore.

For me? It was to escape. The major things I knew about New York was the Central Park and it's rude people.

Soon the cab slowly pulled up beside the hotel. It was tall and a bright tan with fresh green bushes surrounding the entire area.

I tossed the wrinkled bill to the front and got out of the cab. He drove off before I could close the door nice and tight.

I walked in and found myself surrounded by chandeliers and people in suits and plants taller than me. In front of me sat a large burgundy desk with a old lean woman standing at the computer, her nimble fingers clacking in the keyboard.

"Hi. I need a room. Just one bed is fine."

"Okay. How many nights ma'am?"

I blushed. How many nights? I'm so stupid why did I say anything like I knew everything? I sighed and stuffed my fists in the sweatshirt pocket, feeling a hole inside.

"Seven days." I replied. She nodded and clacked away.

"Noir- take her to her room. I'm sorry ma'am- what's your name?"

"Cassidy."

"Noir, take Miss Cassidy to her room."

A tall bellhop came to the desk and reached out his large hand for my bag. I sheepishly handed the bag over and got the key.

We walked up two flights of stairs, turned right and scurried down a long dimmed hallway. The wallpaper was blue and peeling at the edges. Paintings of different sights of New York were everywhere.

Once we reached my room I grabbed my bag and tossed it onto the bed with pure white comforters. I tried to close the door but the bellhop'a foot caught it. I heard him breathe in sharply- realizing he must've hurt his foot.

"Sorry- I'm so-s-so stupid." I muttered taking a 5 from my bag. I shoved it in his hands restlessly and closed the door. It closed all the way this time.

I was too tired- too confused to consume what I just did today. Without even taking off my red converse, I dived into the bed and everything went to a peaceful black.