chapter 3- ana

As I got to the top of the escalator I was glad I had chosen to fly out super early on a Monday. Thankfully the crowd of people that was usually huddled around security on the weekends, were no where to be found and I got through security in record time. I stopped by the airport convenience store that I visited every time I fly to get myself something to drink and a small snack for the plane. I had just grabbed my water out of the cooler and was heading over to the snack wall to make a decision on what to buy when I heard my name in a thick southern accent from across the small space. I turned to see the small southern bell I had gotten to know over my many visits I had made to this airport since my brother had moved across the country. I couldn’t help but smile as she pulled me into a tight hug.

 

“Ms. Tammy! So good to see you. How have you been?” She smiled at me as she released me from one of her signature hugs. “I’ve been lovely my dear. How are you? How’s that rascal brother of yours?” She loved Henry, he never forgot to bring her Knick knacks from New York when he visited. “Actually, he and Sadie just got engaged this past Friday. They just headed back Saturday, had to get back to work, but we’re all very excited for them.” She beamed, “About time  that boy comes to his senses. They are such a lovely couple. Well then what brings you to my home away from home? Anything exciting that I don’t know about?” I smiled. She always wanted all of the details, but I never minded a chance to chat with her. My grandparents on dad’s side had passed couple of years ago and my mom’s parents lived in New Jersey about an hour from where Henry and Sadie lived. I saw Tammy more than any of them so she had really become like my closest grandmother. I told her about my interview and the job. She literally started jumping for joy for me. She had always been very supportive of my career and had even bought me my camera bag that I was still using to this day.

 

After I had finished talking to Ms. Tammy, I paid for my snacks, showed her a couple of Henry and Sadie’s engagement photos, gave her one last hug and then headed to my gate to wait for boarding. Once I found an empty seat by gate B-22 and sat down I let out a breath that I didn’t realize I had been holding in. The butterflies that had dispersed while I was talking to Tammy were back with twice as much force as before and it made me feel sick to my stomach. I had about an hour until my 6am flight started boarding so I decided to work on editing the rest of the engagement shots for my brother to distract myself from the nerves. I had just finished loading the last edited photo onto the thumb drive that I planned on mailing to Henry when they announced they were beginning to board flight 808 to Los Angeles. I quickly packed my laptop back into my purse, grabbed my snacks and my suitcase, and headed to the line for boarding.

…

Once I had boarded my flight and found a window seat to get comfy in, I took my laptop out and placed it in the pocket of the seat in front of me for easy access once we were in the air. I then texted my father to tell him I was on my plane and waiting for takeoff. After I made sure my text went through I put it into airplane mode and took out my earbuds. I put on my “mom’s favorites” playlist and rested my head against the back of my seat to clear my head. That was until I felt the seat next to me shift. Then there was a tap on my shoulder, “is this seat taken?” it was a guy that looked to be about my age, tall, dark hair, with drumsticks sticking out of the backpack he was carrying. He was cute. “No, go ahead.” He smiled and threw his bag into the overhead compartment. He sat down in the seat next to mine and extended a hand to mine, “Josh French.” I smiled, “Anastasia Winters.” I grabbed his hand and shook it firmly. “So, heading to the great city of Los Angeles, huh?” I nodded my head with a small smile. “if you don’t mind my asking,” he started with a apprehensive smile, “what is a girl like you doing in Los Angeles?” I chuckled, remembering that I was wearing my Arizona Homebody hoodie and my mom’s lucky cowgirl boots. “Well, I have an interview for a possible photography gig. But on that note, it’s only fair you tell me what those drumsticks in your backpack are for. Do you play?” He beamed, “I do. I’m a drummer in my cousin’s band. I’m originally from Texas but I’m heading to Los Angeles to start rehearsals for an upcoming tour that we are planning. Maybe if you’re still in town you can come see us live.” I smiled and had to stop myself from seeming too excited. “Very cool, and yeah I would love to come see you guys.” We spent the entire flight talking and even ended up exchanging phone numbers as we landed. We walked down to the pickup spot together and once we arrived outside, he turned to me and said, “well Anastasia Winters, it was a pleasure getting to sit next to you. Maybe if I’m lucky I’ll see you around LA?” I smiled and replied, “absolutely! Thanks so much for keeping me company and good luck with your cousin’s band and the tour!” He winked at me before hopping in a car that had pulled up behind him and driving away. I looked around me and realized that I had made it to Los Angeles and hadn’t even thought about my nerves once since we left Arizona. Maybe Los Angeles wouldn’t be so bad after all.