London Dream

-Noiz-

Before I became headmistress of Tokyo-Zion Academy, I lived in England. Everything was much calmer back then. I think I was saner back than too. Heh. I remember when I first came to London.

I was eighteen at the time. I always wanted to go to England for college. My classmates laughed at my plan. It didn’t know how exactly I was going to get there. On my senior year, they started up the exchange program at my school. Boy, did I jump at the chance. I met with the person in charge about… I think it was… nine or ten times in a month alone. I filled out the paperwork and did the tests. My mom was shocked that I got into the program.

“That means you are really going to have to study, study, study,” she said. Now, I was a bit of a slacker back then. I never really studied. I did my homework, sure. But, anime and my writing commanded most of my attention. However, this time was different. I wanted to get out of the country. I couldn’t stand my hometown anymore. This was going to be my ticket out of the States.

By graduation, my ambition paid off. I got accepted to go to University of London. Everyone around me was shocked. I would be going to England until I finished school. Here it was. I could hear freedom calling me. I spent that summer packing up and making arrangements. I was determined to never come back. Sure, some people said that I would. But then again, these were the same people who said that I wouldn’t make it to England. Shows how wrong they were. I couldn’t stop grinning.

On the night before I left, my family threw a little party for me. They showed me with more gifts. I got plenty of money and gift cards that year. At this party, I got more things that I needed. My grandparents took me down to the airport the next morning. I hugged and kissed them goodbye.

“Call us as soon as you get there,” grandma told me.

“I will,” I said. I boarded the plane and away I went.

-------

It felt strange to be in London. I looked around when I first set foot in the airport. Despite being used to seeing people around me, I had a look of amazement on my face. I pinched myself in the cheek. No, I wasn’t dreaming. This was real. I took a moment to calm down and remember what to do next. Let’s see, there was a guide coming to pick me up. I couldn’t remember what their name was. I do have their number in my phone. Speaking of which…

I pulled out my phone and looked at the screen. The reception looks good here. I dialed back home.

“Hey, it’s me,” I said to the voice mail. “I made it to London. I’m fine and I’m waiting to be picked up. I love you, goodbye.” I hung up and looked up my guide’s number. I looked around the airport with phone to my ear.

“Hello?” an English man’s voice said on the other line.

“Uh, are you my guide?” I asked. “My name is Noizchild and we e-mailed each other about my arrangements in England. I couldn’t remember what your name was. Could you come pick me up? I’m at the airport right now?”

“Noizchild?” he asked.

“Yeah,” I said. “ I’m here for the exchange program. I’m going to the University of London.”

“Oh! I remember you now!” he said. “Where exactly are you?” I took a look around to spot something noticeable. I spotted a baggage claim sign glowing high above.

“I’m here by baggage claim,” I said.

“Okay,” the man said. “I will be there in five minutes.”

“Hey, what is your name again?” I asked. “Thanks for picking me up. How will I know what you look like?”

“My name’s Peter,” he said. “I will be a tall, bald man in a red t-shirt and jeans.” I nodded as I listened.

“Tall, bald man in a red t-shirt and jeans,” I repeated. “Got it.”

“I will be there in five minutes,” he said.

“Okay, bye,” I said. I hung up and walked over to baggage claim. I waited with my luggage. The rest of my things would be shipped to England in about three weeks. It took a moment for a little while to sink that I was finally in London again. I couldn’t help but to smile to myself. I covered my mouth with my giggling. I probably had people staring at me, but I didn’t care. Freedom would start as soon as I left this airport. Suddenly, my stomach started grumbling.

“Oh,” I said. I probably should get something to after I get out of here. What did I want to eat? Fish and chips? Shepherd’s Pie? Toad in the Hole? Maybe I should have something simple for like burger?

“Noizchild?” I heard someone ask. I looked up to see a bald man in a red t-shirt and jeans. I don’t thing I’ve seen a person look so pale before in my life. Was he a vampire? I tried not to look at his crooked teeth. I blinked at him.

“Uh… who are you?” I asked.

“It’s me, Peter,” the man said. “Nice to meet you.” He held out his hand. I blinked before taking his hand.

“Hello,” I said. “Nice to meet you.” We shook hands and he handed me to my feet.

“Shall we get going?” Peter asked. I perked up as my stomach grumbled again.

“Uh… can we get something to eat?” I asked. “I am a bit hungry.” My guide laughed.

“Sure,” Peter said. “I know just the place. Here, let me help you with your luggage.” He walked over to my suitcases and picked it up one of them.

“Is this all you have?” he asked.

“Oh, no,” I said. “The rest of my things are coming in three weeks.”

“I see,” Peter said. He and I gathered up my suitcases and began our trip out of that airport. My guide looked over his shoulder.

“I think you are going to like it here,” he said.

Welcome to London Calling