Getting to LA (LA Story #1)

As I approached the Salt Lake airport, I could feel my heart leap in my chest. My breathing quickened, and my palms began to sweat. Mom drove me up to the Delta terminal, and as soon as I looked at her, I burst into tears. She burst into tears as well, and there we sat for about 30 seconds, sobbing together.

"Do you want me to come in there with you?" she finally managed to say.

"No," I sobbed, throwing my bag over my shoulder. I needed to do this by myself. It took all the strength I had to stop crying and open the door. I took my suitcase, and without looking at my mother, I shut the door and quickly walked up to the sky cap. Thankfully, he took care of everything because I was in no state to do anything myself.

I walked into the airport, carefully followed the signs to the security gate, passed through security, and walked to my gate. After checking to make sure I was at the right gate and the gate number hadn't changed, I called my mom to tell her I made it okay. After that, I called my dad to tell him I made it okay. I got a bagel, a Time magazine (with super cool articles about evolution), and read.

I finally boarded the plane. A woman sat next to me, and I hoped she wouldn't want to talk the whole flight. I needed to find my zen state and sanity. My hopes were crushed as she started talking with me. I decided I needed to be nice and happy, and so I chatted with her sporadically for most of the flight.

The flight was uneventful, and I felt my chest tighten yet again as we pulled up to the gate at LAX. The woman (I didn't ever catch her name) must have noticed my apprehension and said, "I'll walk with you to get your baggage. I've been to LAX before, and I can help you out."

I was taken aback. "Thank you!" I said to her. I mumbled a silent prayer of thanks.

So, we walked to the baggage claim together. She patiently waited with me until the bags started coming out, and then she said, "Looks like you're okay now. Have fun in LA!"

"Thank you so much! I will. You have fun as well." And then she disappeared into the crowd. Heaven bless the wonderful lady! She was amazing, and I hope she finds happiness in life.

After securing my bag, I asked an airport person where to catch the shuttle to the hotel. I wobbled to the shuttle stop, somehow knew who to talk to, and got on a shuttle. After squeezing my way into the very back, some guy remarked, "You must be a Golden Key member, too. I can tell by the shuttle coupon in your hand."

"Yes, I am," I smiled, sitting down next to him. "I assume you are as well?"

"Yes," he smiled back, "I'm Chris."

We shook hands. "Hi, I'm Haylee."

Chris (pre-med at UC Berkeley!) and I talked for the whole time to the hotel. It was mostly small talk, but I was glad to know I wasn't alone. We arrived at the hotel, I paid the shuttle driver, and I headed to the front desk to check in. I was there, I was safe, and there was more to come.

And there is more to come. More stories from LA soon!