Nona arrived in New York City during midday after two long flights. She had never been on an airplane but found herself enjoying the ride, especially the takeoff. She had gotten to both of her flights without trouble and now only had to wait as the plane touched down.
When it did and everyone began to leave the plane, she waited a few moments, still staring out the window. The sun was shining and it looked like a nice day, but instead of the quiet night and large mountains, there were tall buildings and sounds everywhere. It was surreal to her, to see something like this laid out - never before had she seen a big city with her own eyes.
Eventually, she left the plane with a duffel bag on one shoulder, her favorite blanket on her free arm. She followed the crowd and hoped it would lead her to where she needed to go. The large amount of people coming and going gave her a small feeling of anxiety, but the twist in her stomach was already tied up by looking for her uncle.
They passed the security and Nona paused for a moment, scanning the faces as she noticed family members greeting their loved ones. She looked over the unfamiliar faces before spotting a blue-eyed, black-haired man waving at her.
"Nona?" he asked, walking closer to her.
"Are you Larry?" she replied, and he nodded with a small smile. He opened his arms for a hug and she awkwardly returned it, feeling a little uncomfortable and alone.
"How've you been? I can't believe how much you've grown since the last time I saw you!" he said with a smile. "You're almost taller than me!"
"I've been good. I really can't believe I'm here, to be honest. It's surreal."
"I can imagine. But you'll get used to it in a few days, I promise." They began to walk to the baggage claim without a word. "Your mom told me you're studying geography."
"Oh, yeah." Her eyes lit up and she smiled. "It's something I like."
"It's closely related to history, too."
"Well, I'm not really all that interested in history. I find it a little boring." The smile Larry had only widened, as if he knew something she didn't.
"Really? I would've pegged you as the historic type." They stood next to a conveyor belt and watched suitcases go around.
"I get that a lot," Nona admitted, and hoped she wasn't being rude. She was trying to be open but found it to be difficult, especially around someone she didn't really know. "Mom told me you work at a museum. I bet you like history, don't you?"
"I do. I'm a night guard at the Museum of Natural History."
How fun, Nona thought sarcastically, and spotted one of her bags. She picked it up.
"Well, it sounds . . ." She didn't want to be rude, and a flush came over her cheeks.
"Boring? It actually isn't. You're more than welcome to come with me sometime." She nodded and pulled the other suitcase from the conveyor belt before the two headed out of the airport. Nona didn't have much of an interest in going to the museum - she knew all she would do would sit around, looking at frozen exhibits. Hell, she was certain she would end up falling asleep as well.
"Maybe sometime," she said, and followed him out to his car. He put her bags in the trunk and they both got into the car, Nona staring out the window the whole time. "I still can't believe how big this place is. It's nothing like home."
"It's a change, definitely. Do you like it so far?"
"I do. But I'm afraid I'm going to get lost all the time."
"I doubt that. You're a smart kid, you'll find your way around." She smiled slightly and returned her gaze out the window, staring at the tall buildings they passed. It took a little while longer than usual to reach his apartment building, but once they did and they were outside of the car, Nona covered her ears.
"It's so loud," she said, and Larry laughed as he pulled out her suitcases.
"You'll get used to it," he replied, and led the way to the apartment with one of her suitcases. They stepped inside and he turned on one of the lights, then pointed to a door next to the kitchen. "That'll be your room."
Nona followed him over to the door, and once he opened it she saw how drastically changed it was from her room at home. It was smaller, and more modern. Nothing seemed to be homemade, like furniture in Colorado, and it looked light. The walls, at least, were her favorite color: blue.
"Is it alright?" he asked as she walked into the room, looking out the window to see a view of a close building.
"It's perfect. Thank you." She didn't like the tight feeling of the room, but it was enough for her. She decided, too, that it would be better than sharing a room that size with a stranger.
"I think I'm going to order some takeout tonight. That alright?"
"I've never had takeout."
"Really?" Larry asked, raising an eyebrow.
"There's rarely any exotic food in my town. Only homey restuarants."
"Oh, right. Well, I think you'll like it." He made to leave, but stopped. "How about, tomorrow night, I take you to the museum with me? I think you'll really like it more than you think."
"Well . . . maybe. It depends on how much unpacking I have to do." He nodded in understanding.
"I gotcha. I'll leave you to unpack. If you need anything, just holler." He shut the door quietly and Nona sighed deeply, looking out the window of the room at the drastically changed scene.
Have I just made the biggest mistake of my life? she questioned herself, and tears began to fall down her cheeks. What am I doing here?
She flopped down on the bed and buried her face in the pillow to prevent her uncle from hearing her sobs. She was terrified of her choice, terrified of failing and hating her life her first year here.
She didn't know what would be in store for her.