Three Against Three: Chaos in New York
Arc Four: Big Apple Troubles and Miami Blues
Part 1: Three Lost Lambs in New York
On the Plane to New York City
December 21, 1991-1:10 P.M.
(Christine's PoV:)
I'm in the middle of reading The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy, testing out my new eyeglasses. I need glasses now, since I found out I inherited my Dad's poor eyesight last Summer. Kevin is asleep, while Linnie is trying to teach Jean-Luc some basic English, in both understanding and speaking it.
"Attention passengers. Flight 671 is about to land. So, please fasten your seatbelts," the intercom speaks.
"Linnie, you'd better let Jean-Luc know we're about to land, and to fasten his seat belt. You'd better fasten yours, too," I say, before fastening mine.
Linnie just nods. She's still looking surprised about me wearing glasses, since I haven't told any of the family about this yet, except for Kevin. I don't want Mom to freak out, thinking I'm going blind. So, I've been avoiding wearing them in front of the family. I gently tap Kevin's shoulder to wake him up.
"What?" Kevin yawns.
"We're about to land. So, you'd better fasten your seatbelt," I tell him. Kevin nods, as does what he's told. I can't wait to see Mom and the rest of the family…
LaGuardia International Airport-Terminal-New York City, New York
December 21, 1991-1:18 P.M.
(Christine's PoV:)
"Do you see anyone?" I ask Kevin and Linnie. We walk through the gate into the terminal, glancing around, to see if we can find any of our family anywhere.
"I can't find anyone, Christine," Kevin replies.
"I can't find anyone, either," Linnie also says.
"How about we just take a seat over there, and see if anyone shows up? Maybe they're still on the plane," I suggest. Kevin and Linnie nod. The three of us head over to take a seat in the lobby, which is empty. The three of us wait, as we watch the people exit the gate. There's no sign of the family anywhere. A bad feeling is beginning to form a pit in my stomach, as I watch the last of the people exit the gate. 'Mom, where are you?' I wonder.
Jean-Luc, however, does stop by and thanks the three of us for our company on the plane. He also thanks Linnie for the English lessons, and gives her his address in France, in case she ever wants to write. Linnie is about to give out Mom and Dad's address, before I intervene, remembering what happened last year with the bandits.
I explain to Jean-Luc that she needs Mom and Dad's permission, before she can do that. He understands and wishes us a merry Christmas, before departing. Linnie is upset with me, until I sternly remind her of the foolish stunt she pulled back in Chicago, and how much trouble she's going to be in, when Mom finds out.
"Hey, Christine, when did they move the Statue of Liberty to Miami?" Kevin randomly asks, out of nowhere. The sick feeling in my stomach grows, while Linnie just giggles.
"Kevin, the Statue of Liberty hasn't been moved to Miami. It's still…" Linnie rambles off, as I raise my hand for her to be quiet. I need to know why Kevin thinks the Statue of Liberty has been moved to Miami. Maybe he's mistaking it for something else?
"Kevin, sweetie, may I ask why you think the Statue of Liberty has been moved to Miami?" I politely ask him.
"Well, if you both look out the window behind us, you can see it," he replies, as the sick feeling in my stomach turns to ice.
Linnie and I turn around to look out the window. There, standing in all its glory on the horizon, is the Statue of Liberty, and the New York City skyline. Linnie looks like she's scared, as she quickly realizes what's happened.
'Ah, shit… Not again!' I mentally cry, finally understanding why we haven't encountered any of the family.
Somehow, the chaos back at the airport in Chicago, caused the three of us to end up on a plane to New York, instead of Miami, by mistake. It's last year all over again. The three of us are alone in a big city, and Mom's going to have a nervous breakdown, when she realizes her worst fears came true, after all.
"What's with the weird expressions, you guys? You both look like you've been spooked," Kevin asks, bringing Linnie and I out of our thoughts. How am I going to explain to Kevin that we're in a similar situation like last year, but much worse?
"Kevin, do you remember what happened around this time, last year?" I ask.
Kevin nods. "How could I forget? It's when I was left home alone, and I met you for the first time. What are you asking that for, Christine?"
"Well, Kev, it seems like we did it again, and we're alone. Only, this time, we're stuck in New York. That's why we didn't see the family, and why you saw that statue," I explain the best way I can. Kevin thinks about it for a second, and to Linnie and I's surprise, a smile pops on his face. "I don't think this is something to smile about, Kevin." I warn him.
"Why not? This is New York City, home to one of the largest Christmas Trees in the World! People dream to come here. I think we should be happy we ended up here, instead of dumb ol' Miami," Kevin replies.
"That's a selfish thing to say, Kevin. Think about how Mom and the rest of the family are going to react, once they discover we're missing. In addition, New York is one of the most dangerous cities in America. It's called the Big Rotten Apple for a reason," I scold.
"So, what's the plan, Christine?" Linnie asks.
Placing my finger on my chin, I reply, "I don't really know, to be honest. I guess the only thing we can do, is check in with security and explain the situation to them,"
"So, we just check in with security, then?" Linnie asks.
I nod. "Yeah,"
Kevin just pouts. "You know, once Mom finds us, she's never going to let the family go on another trip again. I've always dreamed about coming to New York, especially around Christmas, just to see the large tree at Rockefeller Plaza. And now, since we're in New York, this might be my only chance to see that tree. Don't take that away from me, I beg you,"
I'm feeling conflicted now about what to do. I'd rather like to see New York City myself, even though it's not the right thing to do. I'd also be worrying about Mom. I turn my focus onto Linnie, "What do you think we should do, Linnie? You heard Kevin and I's thoughts. I want to hear yours,"
"It might be selfish, and not the wisest of choices, but honestly, I think we should see New York City, while we have the chance to do so. Like Kevin said, we might not get another chance," Linnie replies, unknowingly to Kevin and I that she's feeling divided between being separated from Megan and her desire to see New York City.
"I guess we'll be seeing New York City, then," I'm feeling like a supersized hypocrite, and I'm hoping the irrational decision I made doesn't bite the three of us in the ass. I think to myself, feeling guilty, 'I'm sorry I failed you, Mom, but seeing New York City at Christmas is a once-in-a-lifetime thing that we just can't pass up…'
LaGuardia International Airport-Café-New York City, New York
December 21, 1991-1:26 P.M.
(Christine's PoV:)
My siblings and I head over to the airport café in the main terminal to get ourselves a bite to eat, since we didn't eat much on the plane. We also have to discuss where we'll be staying during our visit in New York. I find us three a nice quiet table near the window, where we can watch the planes take off, and for some privacy. I buy Kevin and I a hamburger with fries, and Linnie a grilled chicken salad. Linnie and I put our vacation money together and count it.
"If we're going to be staying in New York, we have to stay somewhere very cheap, considering we have to figure in other expenses, like clothes," I explain, considering how our luggage is in Miami.
"I just hope the cheap New York hotels aren't like the ones I've seen in the movie, BIG. Very disgusting and scary," Linnie cringes. I can't help but agree with Linnie, having seen that movie in the theaters with Tia.
"How about staying at the Plaza Hotel?" Kevin suggests. "I have the phone number for reservations on my Talkboy,"
"We can't afford to stay there, Kevin. The cost of a room just for one night would take every bit of money we have," I explain.
"What if we used Dad's credit card?" Kevin suggests, placing said card on the table, along with the envelope that I know contains a large sum of money set aside for the family expenses. Linnie's eyes become wide, while I glare.
"Kevin, how in the hell did you get ahold of this? You'd better not have stolen it," I warn, feeling a migraine coming on. I quickly take possession of the card and envelope.
"I didn't steal it. I found it inside Dad's travel bag. He asked me to carry it for him back at the airport in Chicago. I forgot about having it, until now," Kevin replies, placing the brown leather bag on the table. I seize it and go through the contents, before placing it in my backpack.
"Since we have Dad's credit card and the family's vacation money, I guess it's back to plan A," I'm feeling aggravated about everything that's happening.
"Plan A?" Linnie questions.
"Going to the police and letting them know we got on the wrong plane," I explain.
"Why?" Kevin protests, angrily.
"Don't use that tone with me, Kevin. To answer your question, if we have Dad's credit card and the family's vacation money, then how's the family going to be able to pay for things, like a hotel or for food? I can't believe I made such an irrational and selfish decision earlier, about wanting to stay here," I finish my lecture.
"Can we finish our meals first, at least?" Linnie asks.
"Of course," I reply, unsure when we might get to eat again…
LaGuardia International Airport-New York City, New York
December 21, 1991-1:38 P.M.
(Christine's PoV:)
Linnie and Kevin don't say anything, as we leave the café and head for the airport police office. The café cashier told us that it isn't far from the café, after giving us directions. "You two better hold my hand. I don't want a repeat of what happened at O'Hare," I bark, feeling anxious with being surrounded by crowds of people rushing to make their flight.
"We're not babies," Kevin sasses. He winces, as I tightly grip his hand.
"Kevin, if I hear one more smart remark out of you, you're going to find yourself in deep trouble with Mom," I warn.
"Looks like we found it," Linnie speaks up. She's pointing at a sign that reads "LaGuardia Airport Police". The three of us head inside.
The office seems to be bustling, as if something big is happening. The three of us take a seat. "If you three are here to see an officer, I suggest calling the NYPD for assistance. All of our officers are currently tied up at the moment with other cases," the clerk working the front desk informs us. She looks exhausted.
"So, there's no one here, who can help us?" I ask, feeling frustrated.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am. We're currently experiencing a higher-than-normal volume workload that the size of our police force can't keep up with," the clerk replies.
"I understand. Thanks for your time," I reply to the clerk, before we leave the police station.
I make a quick phone call to the NYPD, and get the same answer that the airport police gave us: "They're too busy," they say. "Try again, when things calm down."
"Dammit! Don't they even care we've been separated from our family?!" I angrily slam the payphone back onto its cradle. All flights and trains to Miami are also booked, after trying to buy tickets for my siblings and I.
"So, what do we do now, since the police aren't going to help us? We have no way of reaching Mom and Dad," Linnie asks, worried.
"Hey, Kev. Do you still have that reservation number for the Plaza Hotel?" I ask.
"Yeah, why?" he questions, while looking at me, curiously.
"If we're going to be stuck here in New York City, we might as well stay at a fancy hotel, like the Plaza. We need somewhere to sleep, after all," I reply. I'm not taking these kids anywhere near those seedy New York City hotels.
"But, I thought you said we couldn't afford to stay at the Plaza?" he questions.
"We can afford it, if I use Dad's credit card," I reply.
"Isn't that credit card fraud?" Linnie asks, scared. "I don't want you to go to jail,"
I smile. "It's OK. Dad added me to his card as a secondary user, so it won't be any problem," I explain, while listening to the Plaza Hotel commercial that Kevin recorded.
After getting the phone number, I pick up the pay phone receiver, put in some more coins, and dial the number that I heard on Kevin's Talkboy. "Plaza Hotel of Central Park Reservations. How may I assist you today?"
"Yes, this is Christine McCallister. If possible, I'd like to book a hotel room for myself, and my two underage siblings,"
"The only thing we have available, Ma'am, is a deluxe suite, with a jumbo-sized bed, television, etc… Would that be OK?"
"That would be fine,"
"Will you be using a major credit card, Ma'am?"
"Yes,"
"Great. Your reservation has been confirmed, Ms. McCallister. I hope you enjoy your stay at the Plaza,"
"Thank you," I hang up, before turning to speak with my siblings, "Well, it's official. We have a reservation for a room at the Plaza."
Kevin and Linnie smile, as we grab our things, and leave the airport. I hail for a Taxi to take us into Manhattan. I wonder how in the hell I'm going to pay Dad back for this. I just hope he's open to the idea of paying him back in installment payments. I then climb inside the Taxi with my siblings…
END