by Pepper Paris
Chapter Four
Roxie
I parked my car in the long-term parking apprehensively. Other than when we’d moved to my aunt’s years ago, I’d never really been to such a large city. Even the town where I was going to college wasn’t this big. Planes were sort of mythological creatures in my world. They flew overhead, but it wasn’t like they were real until now.
Checking to make sure that my ticket was in the window and that I’d locked my car up, I waited for the bus to come pick me up. I stopped myself from looking for my ticket and ID because I’d been checking them every few minutes on the way over to the airport.
Wade, Kelly, Jay, and now even Carter had flown somewhere. I guess it was my turn to take the world by storm.
The bus pulled up and I carried my suitcase and small bag up the steps, barely getting them into place before the driver took off. “Which terminal?”
I mumbled the flight and terminal, not really knowing what the difference was.
“First flight, huh?” he questioned, looking at me through the rearview mirror.
“Yes.” Then I remembered all the horror stories about women travelling by themselves. “I’m meeting my boyfriend.”
One of my boyfriends, I mentally corrected myself with a smile.
“Ah.” The driver nodded knowingly. “Have you been apart long?”
“Um, I got to see him last October, but he’s been on the road since then. That’s why I’m going to see him in between his shows and see the ocean.”
“Wow! First flight and getting to see the ocean all in one trip. It’s an L.A. flight, right?”
Shock filled my face and I could only nod.
“Don’t worry, honey. We drivers kind of know where you’re headed based on the terminal and flight. It’s our job.” He smiled in a reassuring way.
I returned it with a nervous laugh. “Guess I should get out more, huh?”
“Nothing to be ashamed of. Lots of people never leave their hometown. Some people are born needing to be adventurous, and others like to be surrounded by the familiar. After a trip like this, you’ll either be addicted to trying out new things, or thrilled to get home and sleep in your own bed. That’s my own preference these days, but did my traveling when I was in the navy.”
“Oh, well, that makes sense, and thank you for your service,” I replied, not sure what else to say, but knowing he was ex-military made me feel a little better.
“Thank you, honey. It was a long time ago, and I sure did get my fill of seeing the sites wherever we were stationed. Now the sight of my home and a recliner get me excited. Enjoy it while you’re young.” He pulled up at the curb of my terminal. “Go have fun. Most people are pretty nice, just keep an eye on your phone and wallet just in case. Maybe I’ll get to drive you back to the parking lot and you can tell me all about it.”
I smiled and grabbed my bag, slipping a few dollars into the tip cup on the dash as I got out.
He waved as he pulled out into traffic, and then I turned to enter the huge building. I had to hold onto my courage since he’d been so nice. I knew that I could make it through just fine.
Approaching the counter with my airline’s name flashing across the screen, the lady behind the desk gave me a smile. “Have you checked in yet?”
I shook my head no.
“Here, I’ll get that for you. The first bag is free, and you can only have one carry on, plus a purse.” She scanned my ticket before handing it back.
The computer printed out something and she gave me a smile. “Just take that and your ID to the security check. You’ve got over an hour before they board, so you should be good.”
My bag got marked and thrown onto the conveyor belt as I tried to remember what she’d said.
“That way, hun.” She pointed, and just around the corner I could see the body scanners.
Feeling overwhelmed, I walked toward the line of people and got behind the last one. I watched curiously to see what everyone was doing so I wouldn’t mess up and have to have a body search.
The guys had laughed at my nervousness, but the thought of being in a strange place without anyone to help me was scary.
Each security person was really nice, and a few minutes later I was putting my shoes back on, trying to figure out where my gate was.
Finally, I’d stood there looking at the board and my ticket so long that one of the nice airport people came along.
“Ma’am? Can I help you find where you’re going?”
I held out my ticket, looking confused.
“You’re going to walk down here until you see the number right here. There will be a desk and you can ask the people there to make sure when you’re supposed to board.”
I took a deep breath and started walking. There were people everywhere, but somehow it didn’t feel crowded, just busy.
It was right where airport guy had said, but the door was closed.
“Attention flight 798, we will begin boarding in just a few minutes for your flight to L.A.”
There were a few empty seats, so I took one facing the door so that I wouldn’t miss it when they started letting people on the plane.
My phone dinged with a message.
Wade: Are you on the plane yet?
Roxie: No, they’re about to start boarding.
Wade: Are you excited?
Roxie: More so now that I’m in the airport and past security.
Wade: Aw, Mouse, it won’t be bad. Just think, you’re only a few clouds away.
Roxie: I just hope all of this is worth it.
Wade: It is. Your first travel adventure.
Roxie: I wish it was all of us, but I’m excited to see the band.
Wade: They can’t wait to meet you.
Roxie: They’re letting us on. Wish me luck.
Wade: Enjoy it, babe.
Roxie: I’ll try.
The lady smiled when I handed her my ticket, and then suddenly, it was only a little ways to the plane. I couldn’t stop because there were people behind me, but everyone acted like this was a normal everyday thing.
I hung onto every word that the stewardess said about safety belts and escape exits. A kind, older lady squeezed into the seat next to me after a last trip to the restroom, and she started talking so much that I completely missed the takeoff because I was so distracted by her questions.
“See now, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” she asked with a smile.
“What?”
“Liftoff on your first flight. It’s always better to think about something else.”
“I must have a sign hanging around my neck that says ‘never flown before.’”
“For those of us that fly frequently, it tends to show when we have a first timer that’s nervous.”
“Thank you. It helped.”
She leaned in closer so that I could hear her better. “I go see my grandkids frequently, and flying is the cheapest. Well, if you don’t count buses, but those take days and I can’t sit still for that long anymore.”
We spent the entire flight talking about our lives. My future, her past, and all the things that strangers discuss when they first meet someone.
I barely even noticed when the wheels touched down. “Oh crap, it’s almost over. How will I know how things go with your visit?”
“Well, young lady, I might be getting older, but I’m not so old that I don’t have a phone and social media.”
“I-I wasn’t implying anything,” I started to stammer in apology.
She waved it away. “Oh, honey. If I got upset at things like that, well, I’d never be happy. Now go on and meet your guy.”
“What am I going to say to him?” I started picking at my nails.
She patted my arm. “You’ll know when you see him, dear.”
“Right.” I nodded, slinging my carry-on over my shoulder.
Everyone was moving so slowly, but finally the row in front of us cleared and my new friend Margie waved me ahead of her.
Now that the tim
e was here, I wanted to walk slower, not hurry. Then I realized that I had no idea where to go.
“Margie, how will I find him?” I waited for her to make it through the gate, glancing in both directions.
“Try the baggage claim. He can check on your flight and be there waiting.” She laughed at my anxiety. “Don’t worry, we’ll find him.” She hooked an arm through mine and started in the direction that most of the passengers seemed to be going. “Although, finding the bathroom might be the first stop.”
“That’s sounds like a good idea,” I agreed, knowing it would give me just a few more moments to calm my nerves.
When Margie finally emerged from the stall, I was pacing anxiously, waiting for her.
“Oh dear, you didn’t have to wait for me.”
I shrugged. “I have no clue where to go.”
“Well, that would explain it,” she muttered as the hand dryer started blowing.
“Come on, let’s not keep that poor boy waiting longer than he has to.”
As we walked to the train that would take us to our luggage, there were still people everywhere. I tried not to look around with my mouth hanging open, but it was difficult.
The sign over the doors said “Exit Only.”
“This is it.”
We burst through the doors, but nothing happened. There were no alarms or guards telling us we’d done something wrong. In fact, no one even noticed us.
“Our luggage claim is the third one down.” Margie started walking confidently in that direction, but I’d stopped right there in the middle of the path.
There he was, one of my knights in shining armor, talking to one of his band members.
He looked up and our eyes caught each other’s. He nudged the one he’d been talking to. “Hey, she’s here.”
I still hadn’t moved. I’d never greeted him in public before, but that didn’t stop him from walking over and putting his arms around me.
“Hi, babe. You made it.” He brushed his long brown hair behind his ear as he brought his lips to mine. He laced his hands through my hair, and I suddenly wished we weren’t in public.
I pulled back with a huge smile on my face. “Wade, I’d like you to meet Margie, my savior.”
He kept an arm around me as he turned in her direction.
“Hi there. Sorry, I haven’t seen my girl in about six months. I’m Wade. Thank you for taking care of her on the flight.”
Margie eyed him up and down in an appraising manner. “Honey, I think you’ve found yourself a hot one.”
Wade didn’t bat an eye, but I started to blush.
“Thank you. I think you have the wrong person labeled as hot. Roxie is something else herself when she’s not covering her body in layers trying to hide it.”
“The more confident you make her feel, the less she’ll hide who she is from the world,” Margie advised.
Wade gave me an extra squeeze. “I don’t see that being a problem. Now, to get your luggage before the guys go crazy and we get left taking a taxi to the hotel.”
“A hotel? Wade, that’s really expensive,” I protested.
“Roxie, I see my family coming inside, but I’d like to make one recommendation to you. Don’t worry about what things cost. Instead, enjoy the moment. No amount of money can make up for having fun.” Margie reached over to hug me as Wade let go to grab my luggage.
“I’ll try to remember that, Margie. Thank you so much.”
Wade kissed my cheek. “Here’s to a week of firsts.”
My week away had flown by so quickly, now that I’d left Wade on his own, I was ready to be home. It had been so nice to get away and spend some time reconnecting after so long apart, but I couldn’t wait to get back to Kelly. The trip back from L.A. hadn’t even bothered me, and I actually felt rested after falling asleep on the plane.
Kelly had texted to meet him at his baggage claim, and this time I was prepared for it. He’d changed his ticket after his parents got on the plane, and I was his ride back to school.
I couldn’t park the car, but I pulled up to the curb as he raced out and jumped in.
“Why are you in such a hurry?” I leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
“We can’t let my family see me. I mean, they should already be gone, but you never know with their flight being delayed.” Kelly slunk down into the seat as I pulled out into traffic.
“Kelly, don’t you think they can handle the truth?”
He glanced around before he sat up. “If you’d just spent an entire week being set up and trying to keep the conversation away from your future, you wouldn’t say that.”
“Your parents were trying to set you up?” I asked, feeling hurt.
“It’s not like I could tell them that I’m dating you. They would pull all of my funding. My mom did ask about you when you dropped me off, but when I mentioned that you were going to see Wade, she seemed relieved that I wasn’t with you.”
All my feelings of self-doubt came roaring back.
“Rox, I didn’t mean it to be a bad thing.” His head sank into his hands. “I’m a complete and utter coward. I want to tell my family about you, but I don’t want to lose them or you.”
“Kelly, you could never be a coward. Families are difficult. I couldn’t make you turn your back on your family. I just wish there weren’t so many problems and you could be yourself with them.”
“It’s just not right to keep you hidden for my own benefit. You deserve more than someone who keeps you from being their partner.”
“Now is not the time to start feeling guilty. You did what you had to to make it through the week. They still love you, and just want what’s best.”
“But is it really love if it’s conditional?” His words seemed to linger in the air.
“Well, as long as you weren’t sleeping or making out with the girls your mom tried to set you up with, then I guess you’re not in the dog house.”
“Each one was worse than the other. They were all so polite when our parents were around, but as soon as they walked out of the room or hearing range, their snotty nature came out.”
“They couldn’t have all been like that,” I protested.
“No, you’re right. There were a few that were really sweet girls, but the problem was that they weren’t you.” He took my free hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss. “I guess all of that was my backhanded way of saying I missed you. This is so new to me, and I handled all of it badly.”
A smile played against the hurt I’d first felt at his words. “I missed you too.”
“Aw, you’re just saying that. I know that you didn’t have enough time to miss any of the rest of us.” He sounded sad.
“Honestly, I loved being there and dipping my feet in the ocean. There was something that was missing, though, and that was each of you being there to share it with me. I met so many people that were nice and helpful on my way to and from the airports, but it just made me miss each one of you.”
“I feel like all I did was compare people the entire week I was with my parents to you. How they couldn’t make me laugh like you, or when someone was being a horrible brat, I needed you with me to help make fun of their behavior.”
“That’s the point. Each of you bring something completely different to the table, and I discover a different side to my personality when I’m with you.”
“Does that mean you’re willing to stay in my dorm for the night when we get back? I don’t want to be apart from you.”
“No.” I shook my head. “Sarah won’t be back until tomorrow, and I thought we could stay there.”
He placed a hand over his heart. “You scared me when you started with no. Thank goodness.” His features grew serious. “Roxie?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t ever leave me. I don’t think I could take it.”
Making sure that I was completely stopped at the red light, I kept my foot on the brake as I leaned over to kiss him.
“I don’t plan to l
eave any of you. Just remember that it’s a two-way street.” I readjusted myself as the light turned green.
“Cross my heart.”
The spring semester went so much faster than I’d expected after my trip out to see Wade. Kelly and I spent most of our free time together, but I’d encouraged him to make some new friends while I spent some time working at my job.
Kelly had urged me to take Wade up on his offer to stay at his house, but I wasn’t sure how that would work. So he suggested we take it to the group and see what they thought.
Roxie: Guys, Wade has offered for me to stay at his house and help out with bills. Kelly has chimed in and thinks it’s a great idea as well. What do you think?
Carter: Roxie, you can’t go back to your mom’s. I think it’s the safest place, and you’ll be helping Wade out.
Jay: Roxie, we’re your team. You do what is best for you, and that will be what I’m on board with.
Roxie: Won’t you feel that I’m being partial to one of you instead of being with all of you?
Carter: Just because you’d be at Wade’s house wouldn’t make me not come over.
Kelly: Me either. I’m still trying to hide stuff from my parents, and I’m going to need a place to escape to as well.
Wade: We might all wind up living there at some point. Granted, it will be a little crowded, but I think we’ll handle it.
Jay: I just wish I was close enough for it to be a problem.
Carter: Maybe we can send Roxie to see you over a break next year.
Jay: That would be great, but that’s still a long time away.
Wade: One step at a time, guys. All in favor of having Roxie sublet my garage apartment?
Kelly: Yay.
Jay: I’m good with it.
Carter: Agree.
Roxie: What if I don’t agree? ;)
Wade: It’s completely up to you, but we just want you to be somewhere that you feel loved.
Roxie: Okay. I give in.
Kelly: How are we supposed to have awesome sex if you’re living with your mother?
Jay: They do have a point, Rox. Sex with your mother in the other room just isn’t all that appealing.
