After five tiring hours of a broken flight, we landed at New York International Airport. However, my mother informs me that we are not yet in New York itself. The airport is located in another city. I realize that we will still have to travel by car, and my eyes, demanding sleep, remind me that the clock now shows three in the morning and that it is time for sleep.
I sigh deeply when we get off the plane and, reading the directions, go to pick up our luggage. People are pushing around and saying hello to their closest friends, maybe. Here are the sad thoughts again. Five years ago, I lost my father. My mother was in a deep depression, but a year ago she found an online friend. I clearly saw how my mother changed. She started taking care of herself and me more, and started smiling and laughing with me more often. And here are the consequences. Today, at this very moment, we are in New York. My mother's friend is supposed to meet us. I have never met him or even seen him, but from my mother's stories, I know that he is a great man. I hope I won't be disappointed, and I won't have to blame my mother for making me leave Santa Monica and say goodbye to my friends and drop out of my beloved school in the twelfth grade… Which is the most important thing.
I keep my eyes on the moving conveyor belt and focus on the pink suitcase approaching me.
"Hurry up, honey. Let's not keep him waiting." Mom patted me on the back.
I grab my suitcase by the handle and lift it off the conveyor. My mother and I started to go down the escalator. Maybe everything will turn out for the best? Possibly my boring life will change and I will become happier? Anyway, we get off the escalator and go to the arrival's hall.
Then Mom stops and lets go of her suitcase.
Well, here he is.
"Ian!" the mother shouts and throws herself into her friend's arms.
They hug tightly, drawing everyone's attention. I look away and pull the earphones out of my ear.
"Norma, is this your Grace?" the man steps back and smiles kindly at me.
"Hello," I say, forcing a smile despite my slight confusion as the man grabs me in his arms. He quickly pulls back, his eyes scanning me. I decided to do the same. He is tall, neat, and strong.
"I finally get to meet you, Grace! I'm Ian," he says with a big grin.
"Yes, I know"
He grabs our suitcases like a gentleman and my mom hugs me and the three of us walk out of the airport.
"He's great, isn't he?" Mom squeals.
"Don't make me answer this question," I smiled at her, and we stopped in front of a blue BMW 7.
Is this man rich? Well then, I can't wait to see the new house. I smile secretly and Ian tells us to get in the car while he loads our suitcases. Mom gets in the front, so I have to sit in the back. Maybe it's better that way.
After half an hour, we finally entered New York.+
"Welcome to New York," Ian laughed.
Different lights, different buildings, people who are awake, music still playing in the streets. After all, this is the city that never sleeps. I am fascinated.
"We'll be home in a few minutes," he adds.
I don't listen to what my mother and Ian are talking about. I don't take my eyes off the window. The tall buildings and the trees growing near them catch my eye, but we turn into a winding road. We enter an area where there are only private houses. They all look too luxurious, so the desire to see new houses only increases. Ian's car stops in front of a white brick house with a little gray color.
"This is your home now," Ian says, unlocking the car door.
Without waiting for anything, my mother and I got out of the car.
"Do you see that window?" Ian comes up to me and points to the second-floor window with a balcony on the side. "Your room is there."
I'm impressed again. Ian hands me the keys and my mom tells me to unlock the door quickly. I roll my eyes and rush to the door. I insert the keys into the keyhole and the door opens. My mom enters first and finds the light switch. The house lights up and I smile. I didn't expect such a man to live in such a modern house. It's modern and wonderful. My mom immediately rushes to inspect it.
"Come on, don't bother. Make yourself at home," Ian says, entering the house with our suitcases.
"Our house was three times smaller and a bit more modest, so it'll be hard to get used to it." "I think I'll postpone the excursion until tomorrow. I need to rest."
Ian nods understandingly.
"Come on, I'll walk you to your room and carry your suitcase at the same time," he says, taking off his shoes.
I do the same. I follow Ian, and we emerge at a large white staircase. We go up to the second floor and turn left.
"There's your own bathroom next to your room."
"Ah," I gasp and Ian opens the door to my room.
He turns on the light and lets me in first. This man knows how to get me to his side. The room is all white except for the floor, which is covered with a beige carpet. I look at the wardrobe, which has sliding and mirrored doors.
"Well, I hope you like the room. If there's anything missing, you can do whatever you want with it. Good night, Grace." He leaves the suitcase by the door and smiles.
"Good night, Ian. The room is just amazing."
"I'm very happy. Get some rest. You know, you have school the day after tomorrow."
I nod and he leaves. I fall onto the huge bed and immediately realize that I am really, exhausted. I go to my suitcase and pull out my pajama shorts and long T-shirt. I don't have the energy to take a shower, so I take off my clothes and put on my pajamas. I take off the unnecessary pillows from the bed and turn off the light in the room. I fall onto the bed and close my eyes. I fall asleep thinking about what awaits me at the new school.