The sound of the captain announcing they were about to land woke Laura. She had slept for the whole flight! She clicked her seatbelt on and stared out at the city below them. It was certainly a lot different to anywhere in the UK! It was still early, but as the sun rose the tall buildings lit up, shimmering as if by magic. She couldn't help but feel awed by the experience. This was her home now and as the butterflies started in her stomach she realised just how excited she was.
Walking through the airport towards the baggage collection points Laura realised shed have to figure out where to go. Would she stay in the city or go for the coast? She had always wanted to go to Santa Monica…. Finally she grabbed her bags off the conveyor belt and struggled out of the bustling crowd. As she walked towards the check in kiosks she realised the men standing next to them where very intimidating.
"Are you here for business or pleasure?" the large man asked her.
"Uh, pleasure."
"Can I see your return ticket please or any forms that proved you have the right to stay here longer than 90 days?"
She handed him her return ticket, booked for exactly 90 days later. She had anticipated this kind of interrogation and had spent A LOT of money for the return ticket. She wasn't planning on using it of course.
"Thank you, enjoy your stay Madame", He handed her back her ticket and ushered her past him.
That wasn't too bad, now to find a taxi. As she stepped outside and breathed in the air she couldn't help but smile. She had finally made it and no one was going to ruin this for her. She hailed down a taxi and got in after putting the bags in the trunk.
"Where too?" the scruffy looking cab driver asked her.
"Santa Monica please." She smiled as she said it.
The cab driver grunted a reply and sped off. Laura watched the buildings fly past and finally she could notice the coast ahead of them. 40 minutes after leaving the airport they reached Santa Monica,
"Where abouts you want dropped?"
Oh shit! She had forgotten to get a map or leaflets or something from the airport. She didn't have a clue where to stay!
"Ummm…Do you know any decent motels?"
"Sure thing."
2 minutes later he pulled up outside Golden Sands Motel,
"Its right beside the sea and its pretty damn cheap." The cab driver said as he turned to smile at her with some very crooked teeth.
"Uh, thanks, how much do I owe you?"
"Meter says 42 dollars, but for you hun Ill make it 35." He grinned at her again and it was really starting to freak her out.
She handed him the money and quickly got out, just about remembering to grab her bags from the trunk. She really hoped he would forget where she was staying, it made her uneasy to think he knew she was here! She made her way to reception and was even able to get one of the rooms facing the sea. It had cost her 30 dollars for a night, which wasn't too bad. She had calculated approximately how long she would last without a job and came up with a month. That wasn't long so shed have to start looking straight away if she didn't want to starve to death.
She went into her room and collapsed on the bed. She may have slept the whole flight but jet lag was catching up on her already. As she listened to the sea and though of all the great things to come she couldn't help but drift into a deep, content sleep, the first she had had in months!