Page 16 of Finding My Forever

“They have an art program, and….” She paused, and I stayed quiet. “I have four little brothers and sisters. I want to be close to them.”

“Are you the oldest?”

“Yeah, the next oldest is still in middle school. I don’t want them growing up not knowing me.”

“That’s great. That would be hard to miss out on them growing up.”

“Yeah. What about you?”

“I’m the youngest. I have two older sisters.”

“Are you guys close?”

What a loaded question. “Yes and no. They try to come home as much as possible, but they have their own lives now. Plus, I was the annoying little sister.”

“Flight 2421 to JFK New York will now start the boarding process…”

I ignored the rest of the announcement knowing I wouldn’t be boarding for a while. “What seat are you?”

“16B. You?”

“12A.”

She hummed. “I would have thought they would put us together.”

“Me too.” I was surprised to realize I was disappointed we wouldn’t be sitting together. We got along much better than I imagined. It would have been nice to keep talking to her. I just hoped she was able to look past her first impression and get to know the real me.

Chapter 6

I slid open the window cover and peered out hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous skyline. It was perfect timing. Just in time to see the tip of Manhattan and the tiny island that held the statue of liberty.

This was real. My dream was coming true.

I snapped a few pictures and tried to act casual. As if flying into the city was something I did all of the time, but on the inside, I was freaking out. I was really here. This week was finally happening.

When the plane touched down, I gathered my things and waited impatiently for the rows in front of me to exit. I couldn’t wait to get into the city and start my adventuring.

I waited for Sophia at the gate, trying to conceal my excitement. She was such a mellow, chill girl I didn’t want to come across as overeager.

She finally walked out and looked around. When her eyes met mine, I waved. She smiled and headed in my direction.

“How was it?” I asked as we fell into step and followed the signs to baggage claim where we would meet the rest of the group.

“No crying babies and no snoring men. Can’t complain.”

I laughed and shook my head. “The movies were a nice touch. It makes time go by so much faster.”

“Yes, I know!” She pushed open a glass door I hadn’t noticed and lead us down an escalator.

She seemed to know exactly where she was going so I followed her. “Have you been here before?”

She looked back at me. “Yeah. It’s my mom’s favorite place so we’ve been out here a lot. This is my first time without my family though.”

We walked off the escalator and she turned to the baggage claim carousel. “That’s awesome. I bet your parents didn’t freak out about you coming here.”

“Nah. They know I can get around on my own. Were your parents not on board?”

I shrugged. “They were definitely nervous, but they weren’t going to not let me come.”