A few hours later, Joe called back and told me he scheduled a flight for me leaving at 4 the next morning. I packed up my two suitcases with all I needed.
I wake up to the sound of the alarm on my phone blaring. I turn it off and stare at the ceiling, thinking about how different things will be from now on. I get out of my bed and pull on the only pair of shorts I have, a black tank, and my green drawstring jacket. I brush out my hair and pull it up in a ponytail. I eat a quick breakfast and put on my shoes. I leave my cell phone on my bed, knowing Walter or Sylvester would track it. Just before I leave my apartment for the last time, I glance around the place. My eye catches on one of Toby's spare hats. Part of me wants to take it with me; the other half wants to leave it. Leave the past in the past. I snatch it and stow it in my messenger bag that I'm taking on the plane with me.
I drop off my key to the manager; the other night I told him I was leaving. I drive my truck to the Garage and leave it there, with the key inside. I take the bus to LAX. When I arrive at the airport, I check in my suitcases to a tall woman with blond hair. I take out my one way ticket to Oahu and stand in line for security. I get to the front and hand a lady the piece of paper and tell her my name and age. She lets me through to the security check. I lay down my bag in a grayish plastic bin. Usually, I would be placing my laptop in a different one, but I left that behind as well. I get examined by a large machine that checked me for weapons or explosives. When a guard gives me a nod, I gather my bag and head to my gate, 11-A.
I sit in an uncomfortable chair and wait for my flight to be announced. Finally, 15 minutes later an intercom calls, "Flight 11-A to Oahu, Hawaii, is now boarding..." I stand up urgently and quickly get into the line. A young man scans my ticket and I head outside, to the plane that will take me away from the mainland. I climb up the steps and head to seat 35-C in the back. I sit down and stow my bag underneath my seat. Two other passengers, an older man and his daughter, take their seats next to me. I smile when the man says hello. As the engine starts up and the plane starts rising, I look out the window at my previous home. The place I met so many wonderful people-Sylvester, Cabe, Ray, Megan, Ralph, Paige, Walter, and Toby-that I now have to leave behind. The plane speeds down the runway and enters the sky.
A few minutes later, I look down and see the Garage. I squint and see my truck there, next to where Toby usually parks his car. I sit back and try to relax. The man next to me shifts in his seat, "So, what takes you to the island?" He asks me. I quickly think of an answer. "I'm just heading home." He grins. "That's nice. My daughter and I are going to go sightseeing. Her mother didn't want to come because she's terrified of planes and the ocean." I smile as I remember Sly, "I had a friend who is like that. He's kind of scared of practically everything. But he doesn't stop that from being caring to everyone." We chat for a few more minutes before we stop. I pull out the book I brought with me, "Tuck Everlasting." It's a book from when I was in sixth grade.
Soon, I look out the window and see a brilliant blue ocean sparkling as far as the eye can see. It brings back memories from when I was 15.
My mom taught me how to surf. It was so freeing to be out in the water, feeling the cool mist on my skin and my long hair sticking together in thick strands. Staring out beyond the ocean and watching birds soar across the skyline. I signed to a Coral Prince contract when I was 15. I competed in competitions all across the islands of Hawaii. I felt like this was a dream, to good to be true. And as it turned out, it was to good to be true. One time, I was competing in a tournament when I was 18. I lost my balance on the board and I blew out my knee. The man who encouraged me to sign with Coral Prince paid for my treatment and rehabilitation.
I finish my book and decide to sleep for the two hours remaining.
"Passengers, we will be landing in a few minutes. Please make sure your seatbelts are fastened securely and your trays are folded up." I blink and look out the window next to me. I see the island come into view, tall skyscrapers, and the sandy beaches. I sit up and look at my watch, it says 9:53. Right on schedule. The runway comes into view and I feel the landing wheels come in contact with the blacktop. "We have successfully landed in Oahu, Hawaii. Thank you for flying with Hawaiian Airlines." I grab my bag and stand up. I leave the plane through the door in the back. I quickly go down the steps and enter the building. I head to the baggage claim and get my suitcases. I take a deep breath and head to the pickup area. I look around as someone calls my name.
"Kono!" I stare directly at Joe White. He smiles grandly. I walk over to him and smile, "Hi." He hugs me tightly and I hug him back. "Welcome back." I smile again and grab the handles of my suitcases. We walk out and he takes me to his car. I lift my belongings into the trunk and get in the passenger seat. As he pulls out of the airport, he glances over at me, "Talk to me." I turn to him. "What?" He grins. "Why did you decide to come back? I could tell you were crying when you were on the phone with me yesterday." I take a deep breath, "Something just happened with someone that I need to get away from." We exchange small talk as he drives. "Where are we going?" I ask. "Five-0 headquarters."
He pulls into a parking spot and turns off the car. "Let's go." I follow him into the building. I glance around at the familiar sightings. I feel nerves bouncing around me. We stop in front of a grand door. "You ready?" Joe asks me. I nod. He pulls open the door and I follow next to him. All the talking in the room stops when everyone sees me. Chin's eyes start watering and he smiles. Steve and Danny smile along with him. Chin comes over and covers me in a giant hug. I hug him back and feel myself tear up a little. "Welcome back, Kono."