AFTER I WAS LEFT ON THE ALTAR

CHAPTER 14: LANDED

(THALIA’S POV)

It was already sunset the moment we stepped out of the plane, and I felt as though I had entered a totally different universe. I bit the insides of my cheek when I realized I was smiling way too hard for someone who wanted to keep her cool.

My steps slowed involuntarily as I took in the scenery before and around me. I guess the saying that nothing truly feels real until it happens applies here too. I tried to keep my eyes forward and keep moving, but I found my steps slowing down as my eyes took in every inch of my surroundings.

The air around me felt totally different. It was not the normal energetic vibe you would get back in LA; it was more like a peaceful, calm, and collected scene that filled my insides instantly.

The airport we walked through had giant screens hung from the ceiling displaying words I couldn't read, yet somehow everything still seemed organized. The air smelled faintly of coffee, perfume, and other things I have never smelled before.

My lips kept turning upwards no matter how much I suppressed them. My gaze turned to my side and I couldn't find the little figure that was right beside me.

My heart picked up the pace instantly, pounding so loudly it drowned out every other sound around me. For one horrible second, all I could think was that she had disappeared. My head moved in all directions frantically and easily spotted her behind me. She wasn't running or screaming either.

I smiled because I recognized that look so well, it's not something you see pretty often. Luna was completely frozen a few feet behind me looking forward while her eyes swept ever so slowly through her surroundings almost as if she was trying to soak everything in.

Then just like a firework, her hands moved first rising in the air, her mouth fell open, her eyes twinkled, and her lips stretched into a smile.

“This is soooo cool!” she screamed which caused passersby to look at her strangely. I know I should be running to get her but I couldn't help the laugh that escaped my lips.

My eyes found Alexander standing next to me all the while looking at Luna with his eyebrows raised and his eyes held warmth, crinkling ever so slightly.

My smile instantly widened so hard my cheeks hurt.

Luna ran up to where I stood, smiled up at me, grabbing both my hand and Alexander’s. Skipping happily in between us both as we walked out of the airport.

We entered a car parked outside. I assume Alexander prepared beforehand. The driver helped with our luggage, and we entered and drove off to the streets. My breath was caught in my throat because what I felt minutes ago was just an introduction. After all, what I felt right now was completely surreal.

If I remember correctly we were currently in Tokyo. I have never been more glad to arrive late at night somewhere than now. My thoughts felt jumbled up as I couldn't find the right words to describe what I was seeing.

Neon lights filled the streets as we rode past, spotting people who dressed similarly but differently, some wearing corporate attire, some going for a long suit jacket, some going for what I think is a traditional Japanese gown called a yukata or was it a kimono? I certainly can't tell the difference.

Every few seconds I spotted something new—a tiny restaurant squeezed between two buildings, a brightly lit arcade, or a vending machine standing where it had absolutely no business being.

Luna's face at this point completely merged with the car window beside her, she was watching the buildings pass with her mouth open while breathing heavily.

“Momma look!” Luna pointed at a building with a carto– I mean an anime character on it and suddenly started jumping on her feet while squealing so loudly I had to cover my ears.

“Baby, that's so nice.” I patted her head gently. She nodded with so much energy I was afraid it hurt but she didn't seem to mind, and she went right back to looking at the windows but this time she pressed her face even closer than before, so that I didn't even know that was possible.

“Momma! Smiley! There's a cat!” She pointed out the window to a space between two buildings. A carton sat between the two buildings with a cat inside it. I felt warmth spread through me as I stared at it.

It was a white furry kitten that was obviously shivering due to the cold night wind that blew frequently.

“Smiley, do you like cats?” Luna’s big brown eyes widened at him.

“Errr” Alexander stammered.

“Can we keep him, please” Luna joined her hands together and brought out her bottom lip.

Alexander turned to look at me for help but I betrayed him instead and slowly joined my hands together and smiled at him. He looked at me for a while and sighed.

“Fine. You can do what you want” Alexander looked out the window.

“Thanks, Smiley!” Luna said.

The driver turned the car back to where it was kept and neither Luna nor I wasted any time getting out and walking towards the cat.

Luna stretched forth her hand towards it causing it to take some steps back. It stared at her hand for some seconds before sniffing it slowly, then took steps forward and leaned into her hand letting out a purr sound.

Luna giggled, picking it up gently and carrying it back into the car. As she sat down, Alexander threw a scarf which hit her face. Taking the scarf off, she turned to look at him but he was already looking out the window. She then used the scarf to wrap around the cat to keep it warm.

We drove to the hotel smoothly, all the while I mentally prepared myself to act completely natural that the hotel would probably just be nice and that's it.

My jaw literally dropped when we stepped inside. The lobby alone had a chandelier that I was fairly certain the chandelier above me cost more than everything I owned combined. The floors were pale stone and so polished I could see myself in them

A woman at the front desk smiled at us with the gentle warmth that equally returned and decided to suppress the questions I had at the tip of my tongue but Luna had other plans.

“Wow, Momma, I can see my face on the floor,” Luna pointed to her reflection.

“The floor is a mirror, feel free to stare at it” The woman smiled at her.

“We booked rooms here” Alexander spoke not looking up from his phone.

“Okay, a moment please.” The woman typed away on her computer.

Alexander communicated in the way he always communicated — briefly, precisely, receiving a response of immediate efficiency from everyone around him because apparently that was just the effect he had on the world.

Moments later the room keys were handed to Alexander.

“Enjoy your stay here. Thank you so much” The woman smiled, bowing slightly.

Alexander gestured to the elevator, I turned to Luna and found her sitting with her legs crossed on the floor staring closely at her reflection, I closed my eyes for a moment.

I picked her up and led her to the elevator. Minutes later we went out and followed the directions to our room. I took in the room that was wider than my entire apartment and had windows from floor to ceiling overlooking a city that glittered even in the night light.

Luna on the other hand ran straight past me and launched herself onto the couch in the room in approximately two seconds, and launched herself onto the largest sofa with unbothered confidence.

Typical.

Luna stood up seconds later running out through a door. I decided to say what I noticed about the rooms.

“Alexander about the rooms, are they-”

“Connected” He finished, setting his bag down.

“ Well I thought we'd have separate rooms” I dropped my bag as well.

“Luna communicated her requirements before the trip” He said casually.

Luna did what? To whom?

“Excuse me, requirements?” My eyes widened.

“ She's four” I deadpanned.

“Well, she more or less made descriptions and Alexia just interpreted them.” He loosened his tie.

My mind went back to that mischievous smile I saw on her face when she thought no one was looking. She definitely had this plan and I hope I'm not in for more surprises.

“MOMMA! THEY ARE BUBBLES IN THE BATHTUB! IT'S A MAGICAL TUB” Luna screamed.

I pinched the bridge of my nose, I was instantly drawn to the king-sized bed that sat in the room and suddenly my body felt too heavy to move anymore. The journey, the airport, the city lights, Luna's face seeing Japan for the first time —all of it settled deep in my bones.

“Dinner is by 7pm, freshen up before then. I would knock when it's time” Alexander turned and left.

I had approximately half a second of peace, and judging by the chaos that followed, I immediately knew Luna had discovered something she absolutely should not have.