Part 2

Back to the past –

We finally landed in the States, I can honestly say that it was the most boring flight ever, there’s not a movie I didn’t watch, a song I didn’t listen to, food or snack that I didn’t try.

I waited for the doors to open, and as soon as they did I jumped from my place, grabbed my carryon and rushed out.

Me: aaah, finally.

-: I know, right?

I looked behind me to see where that voice was coming from. It was that of a young woman, in her mid-thirties or so. She was shorter than I am, with white skin, hazel eyes, and small features; she had a veil on, and looked Arab.

I giggled, and smiled.

Me: yeah. I’m Gaia.

-: I’m Layan, this is my daughter, Reem.

Oh, I didn’t notice she was a child, she looks what? 7? 8? And yeah, from the names, I’m sure she’s Arab.

Me: hello there, how old are you?

Reem looked at me, and extended all 5 fingers on her hand.

Me: Oo, you’re 5, you’re a big girl now.

She chuckled and hid behind her mother.

Layan: what brings you here?

Me: continue my studies; I’ll be going to university here. Are you here on vacation?

I stopped walking for a second, looked around to see where passport control was.

Layan: I moved here a couple of years ago after I found out my husband married another woman, like one wasn’t enough.

Me: oh.

You see, there were times where I’d freeze like an idiot and not know what to say. This was one of those times.

Layan chuckled: yeah, don’t worry about it, it was arranged anyway.

Me: you’ll find someone else.

She smiled softly, and carried Reem.

Me: Do you need help with your bags?

She shook her head, and just on cue, we arrived to passport control, finished all the arrangements and then met again at baggage claim.

Me: shit.

Layan: are you okay sweetie?

Me: yeah, I just need to text my mom.

I took out my phone, sent mama a text telling her I arrived, and about to leave the airport.

Me: Sorry, you moms freak out easily.

I laughed, and she shook her head. It took me a second to realize that I was still talking to a stranger.

Layan: one day you’ll understand why.

I blushed and shrugged.

Layan: who is here to pick you up?

Me: I’ll be taking a taxi.

I saw one of my suitcases, so I rushed to grab it. I sighed, it was heavy. Only 1 left. I had already shipped everything I needed to the apartment I have here. My mom thinks I’ll be living in the dorms. Well, I won’t be. Technically, its kind of like the dorms, just not the university’s dorms. It’s more like a set buildings, a walking distance away from university. All the buildings were mostly occupied by students.  My dad and I arranged for it, but if mama ever finds out, she’ll kill the both of us.  

Layan: are you sure?

Me: yeah, thank you. One second, that’s my second suitcase.

She nodded, and I went to grab my suitcase.

Me: Layan, I’ll be heading out now. It was nice meeting you.

Layan: likewise, honey. Here’s my number, if you ever need anything, or you’re missing home, just give me a call.

She gave me her number and I told her I’ll give her mine as soon as I get an American sim.

Me: bye, thank you.

I squatted to get to Reem’s level and pinched her cheeks.

Me: bye Reem.

Layan gave me a motherly smile as I headed out and went to find a cab.

It was still noon here, my body’s clock was so messed up, and I’m already exhausted. Luckily, I found a cab, a line of cabs actually, got in, gave him my address and I simply stared out the window.

My train of thoughts was cut short by the sound of my phone’s ringtone, I picked up.

Baba: Gaia

Me: baba!

Baba: how are you? Are you okay? How do you feel?

I let out a tired sigh, I may be the eldest, but I’ll always be daddy’s little girl. However, I’ll never admit that to him, or anyone.

Me: I’m okay, tired, flight was really long.

Baba: it’s okay, it’s only like 4 times a year.

He laughed.

Me: I guess. I’m in the cab now, can I call you when I get to my place? I hope it’s as nice as it was in the pictures.

Baba: Yeah, I hope so too. Take pictures, and take care.

Me: bye baba.

I hung up, and continued looking out of the window. 45 minutes later, we made it to my ‘desired destination’. I paid the cab fare, got out, grabbed my suitcases and thanked the driver.

Me: thank you.

I struggled getting my suitcases up the few stairs to the entrance, through the lobby and finally placed them in front of the elevators.

Me: hello?

I stuck my head behind the reception’s desk, looking for someone, anyone, that’d give me the keys to my apartment.

Me: Helloo?

I was getting impatient, there was no sign that said anything.

15 minutes later, no one was there yet.

30 minutes later, and I’m sitting on the couch, annoyed, and absolutely exhausted. Still, no sign of humans.

Back to the present –

I finally got back to my apartment after a long day at work. I took tomorrow off because I am not feeling well; I ordered some soup from a nearby diner and picked it up on the way.

I put my soup on the coffee table in front of the TV, took of my shoes and pants off, and put my stuff away.

Me: this day is just too long.

I was getting really tired, and really wanted to just sit down. As I was making my way to my living room I knocked my wallet off of my dresser, and a picture fell. It was his picture, years later, and I still have it in my wallet. I sighed, put it back in behind all the cards and receipts.

I took a deep breath, trying to stop myself from thinking about whatever the hell happened, and sat on my couch. I played an episode of Friends, grabbed my soup, and tried to make sure that the single tear on my cheek is to remain as alone as I am on this night.