I wrapped my arms around him in return He released me and headed to the front door where I had stacked my luggage Now let’s get you to the airport I followed him out I wanted to believe his words I wanted to believe that this summer program would be the best thing for me But I wasn’t sure about anything 6 KATHERINE RICHARDS
Two New York made my ears ring Pedestrians crossed against traffic lights and cars honked at them The constant noise and activity was overwhelming The buildings ran together as my cab zigzagged through the streets An unending stream of people crowded the sidewalks Women in pencil skirts and dangerously high stilettos and men with slicked-back hair and tailored suits Everyone was on their phone Tourists were mixed in with the businesspeople They wore oversized backpacks and carried extra-large bottles of water The cab suddenly swerved to the curb and the driver clicked off the meter We’re here he announced 7
I unfolded and counted out the American bills Dad had given me The driver grabbed my bags out of the trunk dropped them on the sidewalk sidewalk and sped away I stood with my backpack slung over one shoulder and a suitcase clutched in each hand I took another look around I was in New York The air stuck to my skin and sweat gathered along my upper lip I turned to face the building where I would be sleeping It looked old with pillars on either side of the door and big windows that curved on top Like a picture from my history textbook I took a deep breath and tried to push down the memory of saying goodbye to Dad at the airport Just do your best kiddo His hands had been stuffed into his pockets when I waved and disappeared through security And the memory of Aunt Ivy by her gate watching as I biked away My throat tightened I glanced down at my watch 2:01 pm Nothing left to do but go inside The lobby had white-and-black checkerboard tiled floors An overstuffed red couch sat along one wall The other was lined with small square 8 KATHERINE RICHARDS
mailboxes A lady with short gray hair and glasses perched on her nose sat behind the desk I walked up to her A brass nameplate by her computer said Miss Reed Nova Abbott for the pre-professional program I said Nerves trickled into my voice The high ceilings amplified the clatter of her keyboard as she typed She glanced up after a final click Nova Welcome She collected pages from a whirring printer and a key from the wall You are in room 314 Stairs are just to your left Here’s your key She held up a silver key and slid it across the desk to me And your meal plan card for breakfast and dinner Meals are in the cafeteria just around the corner She leaned forward and pointed to the hall on my right I slipped the card and key into my pocket Right Thanks She gave me a businesslike nod before returning her gaze to her monitor Enjoy your stay Let us know if you need anything There was no elevator I dragged my suitcases suitcases up the stairs to the third floor All the doors along the hallway were open The space hummed with excitement As I made my way down the 9 NOVA IN NEW YORK
