#there were like 20 airport vehicles waiting in a line it was so funny

[janet-the-interplanet]

WATCHING A PLANE SPOTTING LIVESTREAM RN AND IT IS RIVETING!! NOW I KNOW WHAT SPORTS FANS FEEL LIKE

[ladylooch]

Letters in Your Last Name - Chapter 6

A/N: Sam visits Sweden! And another first for these two 😘

Word Count: 4.9k

Warnings: some light smut, swearing.

I bite my lip as I look at the signs in the Gothenburg airport, trying to figure out which way to the arrivals area. I think I’m going in the right direction, but I’m tired and everything seems to be in Swedish first and English second. Understandable of course, but my tired brain can’t seem to make out which direction I’m supposed to go.

“Sam!” I hear Kevin’s voice call to me from the left. I whip my head and see him striding confidently towards me. “Hi!” He says as he lifts me off my feet and into a tight hug.

“Hi!” I exclaim as he sets me back down. His lips connect with mine in a hot, needy kiss and my knees are instantly weak. “Did you miss me?” I wonder as he pulls away briefly.

“Uncontrollably.” He confesses before capturing my lips in his. “I am so happy you are here! I can’t wait to show you around and introduce you to people.”

“Oh! You told people about me; that’s a good sign.”

“They are probably sick of hearing about you at this point.” He laughs, reaching for my hand. “Let’s go get your suitcase.” Kevin begins to lead the way to the baggage claim. “How was your flight?”

“It was good! Not as long as I thought. I’ve never been on a plane that long and I was a little nervous.”

“Yeah, it’s weird the first time. Soon you’ll be a pro.” He winks at me.

“Mmm, I don’t think I’m ever coming back here.” I stick my tongue out at him. “That’s my bag.” I point to the Navy, hard cover suit case coming towards us on the carousel. Kevin grabs it and easily pulls the heavy bag off the machine. “Hot.” I wiggle my brows at him.

“So, my friends were dying to meet you right away.” He begins with an eye roll. “We are heading to lunch with them right after this, but we could stop at my place and drop off your things first.”

“Okay.” I nod to him as he laces our fingers together.

We walk out of the airport and into the bright, blue summer day. My skin tingles in response to the sun after being on the plane for 7 hours. It’s funny how I left one day in Minnesota and have entered into the next one in Sweden. The concept is foreign to me since this is my first international experience. I wouldn’t want it to be with anyone else.

“How far away is your place from here?” I ask Kevin as we reach his car. This one is a silver BMW, a stark contrast from his black Audi in Minnesota.

“Like 20 minutes.” He answers me as he places my suitcase in his trunk. “The restaurant we are going to for lunch is close to my place.”

“What is it called?” I ask as I settle into my seat.

“It’s Kafé Magasinet. It’s a popular spot in Sweden. They have pastries and sandwiches, so traditional lunch food.” He assures me.

Kevin enters the highway as we head to his apartment. His hand finds mine and we spend the drive to his apartment catching up. I share how the family is doing- of course they all say hi. Even my brother who has participated in several FaceTime calls with Kevin this offseason. Kevin shares with me his training numbers including how he has lost 10 pounds and added a considerable amount of muscle so far this off-season.

“I really miss cake though.” He confesses to me in exasperation as he signals to turn into a parking lot. “And it’s everywhere here. You’ll see.” He puts the car in park and we both exit the vehicle.

Kevin’s building is a few blocks off the river in a bustling, young neighborhood in Sweden. There are cafes, restaurants, and several businesses lining the street to our right. It reminds me of the North Loop neighborhood in Minneapolis- trendy, upscale, and vibrant. Kevin grabs my suitcase and we begin the walk into his building. We take the elevator to the fifth floor, the highest, and step out into a dim hallway that leads to his unit. Kevin flips the lock of his door and pushes it open for me to walk in.

“This is a little different than where you live in Minnesota.” I chuckle as I look around the small apartment. It is a similar size of one bedroom apartments in Minnesota, if not a little bit smaller. It’s furnished with the bare necessities for living along with a few house plants that I’m not sure how he keeps alive while he’s in the U.S.

“I live in a bigger space in America because I’m there longer than here now.” He tells me, tossing his keys on the counter. “This is a little small, but it’s just me, so I don’t need much. I picked this place because of the view though. Come see.” He opens the door to the balcony that overlooks the Göta älv. I step onto the small balcony and instantly smile. The view of the city and the water with a glittering surface is stunning. “Wait until the sun sets tonight. It will be even better.” He assures me. I place my hands on the railing and look out at the city. There are boats cruising on the water. The sun is shining and there is a warm breeze that has my hair dancing about my face.

“Sweden is beautiful.” I murmur to Kevin, running my hand through my hair to push it out of my face.

“It’s nothing compared to this view.” He tells me with smoldering eyes. I watch him as he moves to stand behind me. His hands come to my hips and he tugs me back into his body. A coy smile tilts my lips at the feel of his erection pressing into my butt.

“I thought we only had a few minutes?” I breathe out to him as he begins to kiss along my collar bone, heading towards my neck.

“They can wait.” He mumbles against my skin. The feel of his hot breath dancing across the wet kisses he left on my skin has me shivering. “I can’t though.”

“You’ve waited long enough.” I agree with him, turning in his arms. My hands cup his face as his lips press down into mine. His lips are hungry and his tongue dances against mine in a rhythm we haven’t forgotten. “How much time do we have?”

“As long as we need.” He walks us back into the apartment and guides me towards his bedroom. I take in the plain white walls, navy blue comforter and the made bed.

“You definitely cleaned for me.” I grin as his hands find the bottom of my shirt, lifting it over my head.

“You wouldn’t have stayed here if I hadn’t.” He tells me honestly, his fingers moving to the button on my shorts and opening them. I wiggle my hips to help him undress me and he groans at the sight of my sexy bra and panties. They are black lace you can see through just enough to incite a fire. Kevin leans down and places his lips on my nipple, sucking it into his mouth through the thin fabric of my bra. I draw in a deep breath and push my breasts into his face, holding him there. Fuck, I forgot how good he is at this. I let out a moan as my head drops back in ecstasy.

“Welcome to Sweden, baby.” He murmurs against my skin while trailing kisses up my chest and neck to my lips. “You’re going to love it here.”

With his lips on me like this, I already do. _ _ _

“Sam!” A beautiful blonde woman shouts when Kevin and I enter the patio of Kafé Magasinet after we have finished loving on each other. I cautiously slow as she runs to me with open arms. “Finally!” She pulls me into her embrace and gives me a squeeze. Her hug is so genuine that I find myself hugging her back willingly. “I’m Ella.” She says. “Martin’s girlfriend.”

“Oh! Martin, your training partner.” I look at Kevin who nods his head in confirmation from the discussion we had in the car.

“Ella has been dying to meet you.”

“Yeah!” She insists, shoving at Kevin’s shoulder. “Fiala won’t stop talking about you. It’s fascinating! I must get to know you!” She shares a look with Kevin before she turns back to me. “Come meet Martin!” She grabs my hand and pulls me over to an equally beautiful man with dark brown hair and mirrored Ray bans.

“Sam!” He greets me enthusiastically. I give a large grin and shake his out stretched hand. “Please, join us.” I look around the table he came from, taking in the sights of the rest of Kevin’s friend group. They all have big smiles on their face and greet me with nods and waves.

“Hi.” I wave shyly to everyone. Kevin introduces me to everyone individually, sharing the back story of how long he has known everyone and how they met. I nod my head along in understanding. I feel a little overwhelmed at meeting everyone at once, but am thankful for the positive response. I bite back a yawn as we reach the last person- a fit looking man with a bald head and a kind smile. “Andreas.” I say before Kevin can introduce us.

“Sam.” He repeats back to me and welcomes me into a hug.

“I’ve heard so much about you. I feel as though I know you!” I laugh as we step apart.

“I can say the same about you! How are Alex and Felicia? And Sawyer and Serena?” I tilt my head back and laugh with genuine joy at the sounds of my family member’s names.

“Ah! You do know all about me. They are good. Probably missing me, but they’ll survive on their own for the next few weeks.”

“Yes, I’m sure they will. We are happy to have you join us in Sweden. Kevin has been looking forward to this for awhile.”

“I keep hearing that. It’s good to know he’s missed me since he left.” I turn and take in Kevin’s face. His brown eyes have melted into pools of chocolate and I have an overwhelming desire to kiss his lips. His smile is easy as he pulls out a chair for me to sit down at the table.

“I’ve missed you very much.” He whispers to me before placing his lips against my cheek. I blush as I notice everyone at the table seems to be watching us. I lick my lips and glance down at my menu, noticing it’s all in Swedish. I furrow my brows as I look for words on the menu that look familiar.

“Here you are.” The waitress says over my right shoulder, handing me a menu that has been translated to English.

“Thank you!” I say enthusiastically. I glance down at the menu then snap my head back up. “Oh shoot… What is Thank You in Swedish?” I whisper to Kevin. He smiles with pursed lips as he swallows a drink of water.

“Tack.” He says to me as he puts the glass down. “Most people here speak English, so don’t worry about it.”

“Tack.” I say back in a whisper, feeling the letters fall off my tongue awkwardly. He nods his head that I spoke correctly and gives my shoulder a slight, encouraging rub. He knows I’m out of my comfort zone. I can feel his appreciation for my embrace of it all.

The conversation around me has reverted back to Swedish and I find myself studying my menu for awhile. Finally, I decide on a Margarita pizza. The menu states they have a wood-fire oven and I think that sounds light but delicious for a warm day. I slide the menu aside and grab my water, taking a delicate sip while looking around the table. There has to be something in the water over here- every single person at this table is gorgeous. It’s a mix of blondes and brunettes with blue or green eyes. High cheek bones, bright smiles and perfect teeth stare back at me.

“Hej, kan ni alla prata engelska för Sam?” Kevin asks the group who collectively and immediately switch to English. I glance at Kevin for a translation. “I asked them to speak English. Then they can actually get to know you.”

“Oh, I don’t mind.” I insist to him, waving my hand in the air like it’s no big deal.

“Well, I do. They’re here for you all to get to know each other. If you don’t know what they are saying, that’s going to be tough.”

“Sorry, Sam.” Ella says from down the table. “It’s just natural.”

“It’s okay. I wish I knew more Swedish, so you all didn’t have to adjust for me.” I shrug with red cheeks. I hate that I feel out of place right now. I force my smile wider to fend off the insecurity I feel blooming in me.

“Kevin, you need to teach her more.” Andreas scolds him.

“It’s not like we have known each other for that long.” Kevin defends himself. “We will work on it.” He assures me, dropping a brief kiss on my lips. “In the meantime, you all can brush up on your English.” Kevin points around the table.

“Kev, our English is perfect. You’re the one who needs the work.” Martin laughs as him. “Sam should teach you.”

“Fuck off.” Kevin rolls his eyes at him as the rest of the group giggles.

“His English is good!” I defend him. “Except, now that he’s been here, his accent is really thick.” I admit with a shrug.

“Yeah, that happens every year. In America, it’s thick, then when I’m here, speaking in Swedish, I have an American accent. I can’t win.”

“What happens when you go home to Switzerland?” I ask him.

“It’s bad because my words morph into a combination of Czech, German, Swedish, and English with all of those accents combined. My mom gets frustrated with me a lot the first few days I am there.” Kevin laughs.

“That would be something to hear.” I giggle in response.

“Hopefully you’ll come with me to Switzerland soon and then you can experience it.” He murmurs just to me.

“Following a man around the world really isn’t my thing.” I tease him gently, wrinkling my nose at him so he understands I’m kidding.

“I’ll make it worth your while.” He insists to me. I bite my lip at the look he is giving me- like he wants to throw me on this table and lick every inch of my skin.

Lunch continues with easy conversation- in English of course- until we are stuffed to the brim with pizza, wine, and bread. Kevin and I break off from the rest of the group after we settle the tab, opting to do a little sight seeing rather than follow them around Gothenburg to drink the day away. I promise Ella we will meet up later this week while the boys are training so she can show me a few local shops for gifts to bring home.

Kevin and I make our way to Slottsskogen- a park and mini zoo in the center of the city. As we drive, Kevin points out other local attractions such as Liseberg, the famous amusement park in Sweden, along with the Botanical Gardens and the Gothenburg Museum of Art. We spend the rest of the day in the park, wandering around and taking in the sights of the area. We do make a stop at the zoo which hosts all different types of animals that make Sweden their home during various season. We see elk, deer, goats, ponies and even geese. They also have a handful of exotic animals as well, including Penguins and Seals. We happened to be there at the right time and laughed at the sight of the seals enjoying a meal of fish.

Hours later, we wander back to Kevin’s car and begin driving towards his apartment to drop off his car. He has reservations for us at a local restaurant, but we can walk there from his place. We both run up to his apartment to change into more date night attire- a dress for me and a button down for Kevin.

When we stroll up to the restaurant, Dinner 22, we are immediately seated at a quiet corner booth. The hostess hands Kevin and I menus, both of which are graciously in English. I feel relief at not having to ask for one or have Kevin translate the menu for me. Everything on the menu looks decadent and expensive. Despite the late lunch we had, I still feel like I am starving.

“Okay. How can I possible pick what I want?” I ask Kevin after scanning the meal options. “Everything looks incredible.”

“It is. This is where my agent and I have been meeting to discuss my contract. By the time we are done, we have to be rolled out of here.” He chuckles. “The steak and potatoes are to die for.”

“I believe you.” I tell him setting my menu down in resolution. You can’t go wrong with meat and potatoes.

The waitress returns and takes our food and drink orders. Kevin grabs a bottle of expensive, French wine that will pair nicely with both of our beef centric entrees. We clink our glasses together in a cheers before I sip the decadent red liquid between my lips.

“Oh Fu-“ I cut myself off with a laugh before I swear in such a fancy place. “That is some good wine.” I glance at the bottle, wondering if we can find that back in Minnesota.

“I brought my parents here last summer and my mom got this wine. It was so good and I usually am not a fan of reds.” He shrugs. “I figured you would like it.”

Soon, our food is being placed in front of us and I’m salivating at the smell. I grab my fork and stab a piece of perfectly cooked steak. The meat melts in my mouth and I say a silent prayer of thanks to the chefs in back.

“Wow… you were not wrong.” I tell Kevin excitedly.

“I’m glad you like it.” He is watching me over the candle in the middle of our table. The orange rays flick across his face but there is something about him that seems different tonight. His gaze continues to watch me as I softly chew on a potato. I glance around behind me nervously then look at him again.

“What?” I wonder with an awkward laugh.

“Hmm?” He asks as though he was lost in thought, sitting up a little straighter and taking a sip of his wine.

“You’re staring at me.”

“Yeah because I like the view.” He says nonchalantly. “I’ve been imagining what it would like for you to be here. You should know you’re fitting in well.”

“I don’t know about that.” I tell him, stabbing another potato. “The hostess had me pegged as American. That’s why she gave us the English menus.”

“I don’t think so. I asked for English menus in the reservation notes. If she thought you were American, she would have said enjoy your meal in English, not Swedish.” I think back to when we sat down, realizing that she did speak to us exclusively in Swedish.

“Do you like that I fit in here?” I ask him with a tilted head and inquisitive eyes.

“Yeah, it’s important to me.” He confesses softly. “Sweden is a big part of who I am and I wanted you to see me here. Meet my friends and fit into this part of my world too.”

“So, since I’m passing here with flying colors, I get to go to Switzerland too?” I joke with him.

“My sister will love you.” He confirms with a grin. I give him a genuine, soft laugh, pushing my plate away as Kevin does as well. Both of us are part of the clean plate club, not surprising with how delicious everything was.

“Are you making plans with me, Kevin Fiala?” I ask innocently, watching the way his eyes glitter in the light.

“Maybe.” We share a gaze that has the rest of the world fading from my mind.

I try to hold in the yawn that is pressing at my tongue to keep our light banter going, except I can’t help but let it out. Suddenly, I’m sleepy. The carbs and meat have taken over and the jet lag is threatening to pull me under. I glance at Kevin across the table who is giving me a cute and knowing smile.

“You’ve done good today.” He murmurs to me, reaching for my hand and giving it a squeeze. “You have officially reached a time that you can go to sleep and not risk more jet lag.”

“Am I a professional international traveler now?” I wonder sweetly, batting my lashes dramatically.

“Yeah baby, you are.” He reaches for his wallet and pulls out a few brightly colored bills, tossing them on the table. “Lets start walking back.” He reaches for my hand and we exit the restaurant into the Swedish night. I lace my arm through his and lean my head gently on his shoulder as we make our way down the street. “Are you up for some dessert?” He wonders hopefully. “There is an ice cream place close to here that’s pretty famous. Otherwise, we can just go back home.”

“I’d love ice cream.” I tell him. It sounds good, but the hopefulness in his features is really what has me saying yes. We turn off the street we are on and head one block to the east until we reach Triumf Glasscafe. Kevin and I both order a two scoop cup- him Salted Caramel and me a Cookies and Cream equivalent. We take our ice cream back to the square we just left as it has more seating than the overcrowded creamery. We find a spot on the fountain within the square and sit, listening to the sounds of the water clashing together.

“This is really good.” I admit to Kevin. “It is like the perfect kind of sweet and the texture is so smooth.”

“It’s not surprising they are one of the more popular places in Sweden.” He tells me.

“Definitely.” I agree, taking another bite. I still feel full from dinner though and am not sure I’ll be able to finish it. Regardless, I know a certain hockey player who would gladly devour the rest.

“I really enjoyed meeting your friends today.” I say to Kevin after a few moments of silence. “It’s nice to put faces with names and get to see what your life is like here.”

“I’m lucky to have some really great friends here. I moved to Gothenburg a few years ago and found a great group of people to take me in.”

“You must miss them while you’re in America.”

“I do.” He nods slowly to me. “Lately though, I’ve been finding myself missing America more than enjoying being here.” His eyes find mine and we share a knowing look. I give him a small kiss on his lips and place my hand on his thigh comfortingly. “I know I already said this, but I’m really glad you’re here, Sam.”

“Me too.” I say to him as he places his empty ice cream cup down.

“I ate too much. I might need a minute before we start walking again.” He pats his non-existent belly jokingly.

“Okay… Oh! You can start your Swedish lessons with me.” I say with an excited clap.

“Sure. Um… let me think of something common that you could use while you’re here.” He pauses for a moment then says “Oh here we go: Jag heter Sam. It means, my name is Sam.”

“Oof…” I say to him. “Jag-“ Kevin laughs and shakes his head.

“No, not Jag like Jaguar. It’s more like yo.” He motions for me to try again.

“Jag Heter Sam.” I repeat with extra concentration.

“Better!” He encourages me. “Okay how about.. Trevligt att träffas. Nice to meet you.”

“What?” I ask him with a laugh, “Repeat please.” Kevin does but I give him a cringe look and shake my head. “Those are tough sounds to make this late at night.” It’s currently 8:30pm but it might as well be 2:00am with the time swing I’ve been through today.

“Okay. Let’s try something else. Here is one you learned part of earlier: Tack så mycket.” Kevin says to me. I repeat the words to him and he nods with a shrug. “Close. It means, thank you so much.”

“Good, I want to keep my manners here.”

“Swedes like Americans that have manners.” His eyes twinkle at me. I can see the deep appreciation he has for me trying to learn Swedish. It’s strengthening our foundation and makes me feel close to him, which is a nice contrast to how I felt at lunch earlier. That insecurity and ineptitude has dissipated as the day has transpired.

“Noted.” I say to him. I feel a little breathless as he looks at me. Maybe it’s the night. Maybe it’s finally being together again, but the connection feels stronger and more tingly than ever. How am I going to leave here in 15 days without him?

“Oh here is a good one.. Talar du engelska? It means, do you speak English?” I nod, letting the words slowly roll off my tongue.

“I feel like I sound so American!” I finish with a loud laugh.

“You do.” He confirms with a quick laugh.

“You can take the girl out of America but not America out of the girl.” I chuckle. “Okay one more, then I definitely need to go to sleep!”

He wrinkles his brows together as if he is thinking, pursing his lips in a puzzling look. His gaze searches mine for a moment. His eyes slowly soften and his entire demeanor changes to something more serious. He reaches for my face and brushes my hair behind my ear. His hand cups my neck as he gradually brings his lips to mine. Our lips connect and I sigh, leaning into his body and grabbing his shirt lightly to keep him close. He tastes like caramel and smells slightly like wine from dinner.

“Jag älsker dig, Sam.” He whispers as he pulls away from me. His eyes are genuine and his body is very still. I freeze in response, my heart pounding as my eyes search his for the meaning of his words. Finally, he tells me after one more soft press of our lips, “I love you, Sam.” A slow grin breaks out on my face as I reach for him again, pulling our lips together once more. It’s a long, sweet kiss that I never want to end.

“I love you too, Kev.” I confess to him, resting my forehead against his. We are both smiling too wide to kiss again, so instead, I wrap my arms around him and hold him close to me. I bury my face into the side of his neck, feeling the warmth of his skin against my forehead. I breathe in slowly, smelling sweetness and the bright scent of his cologne.

“You could have said that in English first.” I finally whisper to him.

“True.. but this way, you’ll never forget.” He insists to me, his hands rubbing slowly up and down my back.

“As if I could ever forget being here.. like this.. with you.” I tell him, resting my chin against his shoulder. He pulls me into his lap so I’m straddling him. I squeak and pull my skirt down, worried I’m flashing the groups of people who are walking around us.

“I’ve been wanting to tell you that since I left Minnesota.” He confesses to me softly. “Today, when I saw you standing there in the airport, I knew I had to tell you before you left. You’re my missing piece, Sam. The one I’ve been waiting for.” I look down into his perfect, sweet face and feel myself falling for him all over again. It’s like crashing through the floor, going deeper and deeper into a new, uncharted level of love.

“I knew I loved you weeks ago, even before you left Minnesota. I don’t know how, but it only took 6 weeks to love you, Kev.” I place my lips against his and his tongue slides into my mouth like it belongs there.

“It’s because this is the real thing.” He assures me.

“It is.” I confirm to him as I weave my fingers through his hair. Kevin’s eyes search mine once more as I grit my teeth together against another yawn.

“Let’s go home.” He whispers to me, encouraging me to stand and lacing our hands together again.

The walk to his apartment is quiet and content. Knowing Kevin loves me makes my heart ache a little less about leaving in a few weeks. I feel a security wrap around me that I didn’t have when I left the United States yesterday evening.

Maybe, with the confession of his love coming home with me, he won’t feel so far away.

[luke-got-me-feeling-hemmotional]

Paps Catch A Cute Moment (Preference #6)

Luke

Your relationship with Luke has always been private, there’s like 3 pictures of you in total in 3 years. One is at a friend’s party and it’s a group picture with 20+ people and Luke’s arm is wrapped around your waist, the other is in the background of one of Luke’s friends picture and you’re holding hands, and the final is from one of Ashton’s snapchats before the show, where you’re both laying on a couch, and you’re half laying on him, with your cheek pressed against his chest, and his arm around you, but that was in the background when him and Calum were messing around.

They’ve all been low quality so people don’t really know who you are. Luke kinda shelters you from the public eye, and so far it’s worked pretty well, he doesn’t do it for any unkind reasons, he just couldn’t bare the thought of someone sending you hate because of him.

The fans kind of know that he’s off the market, but they always think that you broke up because there’s no pictures or any evidence at all of you both. It’s been nearly a year since the last picture of you together surfaced, although when fans do see the pictures of you guys, they say that you’re cute together. So with that being said, being private and all that, when a high quality picture of you and Luke surfaced, people went mad.

You and Luke were on your way home from having dinner with your family, you’d decided to walk home that night because it wasn’t too far away and it was in the middle of summer, but at some point you managed to take a detour and ended up near the beach in time for the sunset. You both took some pictures for memory sakes, and for his instagam, as Luke stopped taking pictures, you were looking through your camera roll, seeing how they turned out, and Luke leaned against the sort of bridge thing you were on, watching you tap at your phone a bit.

As he looked at you, he saw how pretty you looked in this light, he wondered to himself how on earth he managed to get someone like you, and he honestly thought you lookes like an angel at that point.

You felt his gaze on you, so you looked up and asked what he was looking at with a small chuckle, he just had a boyish grin on his face and mumbled something along the lines of just you. Luke took your hand and pulled you towards him so you stood in between in legs, and wrapped his arms around your waist, and buried his face into your collar bones. You brought your hand up to scratch the back of his head, giggling and asked why he’s being so weird. He placed a kiss on your chest, and then pulled away from you but keeping his arms around you, he replied with saying that you looked really pretty, which made you laugh, and that made him smile.

It was at this moment a sneaky pap took the picture, a picture full of laughter, love, and happiness. Neither of you noticed as you were too caught up in each other, nothing else existed besides you and him.

Then in the next couple days, it was everywhere. Luke was a little upset that that special moment wasn’t actually just the two of you, but when he saw the fans reactions he couldn’t help but smile at the amount of adoration people had for you two.

Michael

You’re the life of the party, always making people laugh and something has to be seriously wrong if someone is around you and they’re not laughing, so it’s not a surprise when Michael is laughing around you. Michael is a pretty playful person and I don’t doubt for a second that he wouldn’t transfer that into his relationship, and that’s why you two go so well together.

That being said, there’s never been any serious or cute relationships pictures, it’s always teasing and messing around. The closest thing to a serious picture between you was for your birthday and it was a selfie you both took when visiting your family with a fairly cute caption but of course he didn’t miss the opportunity to tease you. That was ages ago and that’s the one and only serious post. Sure behind closed doors you’re cute sometimes, but honestly he’s your best friend that you just so happen to kiss.

You and Michael were for your Uber, recently you’d been ill so Michael wanted to keep you as warm as possible, so he wrapped your arms around his waist inside his jacket so you’d be warm, and put his arms around you on top of that as you leaned against his chest. You’d told him something funny which made him laugh, and then he pressed a light kiss to your forehead with a smile.

It was at this moment that a sneaky pap took a picture, but you didn’t notice because a couple seconds later your Uber arrived and you held hands as you entered the warm vehicle, escaping the cold.

Days later when you were starting to recover, the picture was plastered everywhere, but you didn’t know that until Michael came into the kitchen, showing you his phone. You just laughed and through a piece of broccoli at him, making him catch it then fake gag when he sees what it is, and you roll your eyes with a laugh.

Later that night, after dinner, and you were changing into something more comfortable upstairs, Michael was reading through some of the comments with a smile, feeling his heart warm up from how much the fans love this side of your relationship. Michael screenshots the picture, and starts writing a tweet with the caption: sometimes we can be cute

Calum

It was finally the day you saw your boyfriend again after 5 months, you’ve been waiting for it the second he walked away 5 months ago. You’d been been so busy writing your new album that there’s not been any time to visit him or anything, so you’ve been stuck seeing him on Facetime instead of in the flesh.

Having a long distance relationship sucks sometimes, it causes tension between the two of you, you’re not able to just give him a hug after a long day at the studio, and there’s a hole in your heart everytime either of you leave; but, it does make the time you do have together a lot more special.

Like now, you’ve got this rush in your veins, and you’re so excited it’s a unique feeling you’ve grown accustomed to for a while now. It’s been a long 5 months but you find that it’s usually worth it in the end. You’ve just arrived at the airport, a little later than you said you would be because you slept through your first alarm but by the looks of it you haven’t missed anything. It’s something stupid like 3 AM, so you’re surrounded by zombie like people, but it’ll be worth it when you see him. Meeting up with the few people who are also waiting for the boys, you spark some conversation, trying to make the time go by quicker.

Soon enough a new bunch of people emerge and you manage to spot Luke, making your heart rate pick up. Suddenly Calum became visible and an even bigger smile makes it’s way onto your face. You manage to make eye contact, and you see a huge grin make an appearance which is rare for him at this time of day.

Once there’s a lot less distance between you, you don’t hesitate to rush over to him. He drops his bags, opening his arms wide, catching you in his grip, feeling you wrap your legs around his waist. Calum buries his face into your neck as he has his arms around your waist. “I’ve missed you so much.” He says.

“It’s been so hard without you.” You tell him honestly, wiping the few tears that have fallen.

“We’re together again now, baby.” He grins.

You smile back then connect your lips with him after 5 long months of withdrawals. This was the exact moment a paparazzi got a lucky shot, you having your first kiss after a long time, limbs wrapped around each other, and smiles through the kiss. It took quite a while for the picture to surface, but once it did people started going mad. Your relationship with Calum is kinda on the down low, it is public, but you’re not in everyone’s faces all the time, there’s this barrier of privacy that you both like.

Neither of you were mad about it, you deal with the paps quite often, so you’re nearly used to those surprised shots appearing every now and then, but it was little annoying that your special moment was plastered everywhere.

Ashton

You’d just gotten off set from a long day of shooting for your new film, and all you wanted to do for the rest of the night was chill with friends and eat.

A couple hours ago you texted your boyfriend of a year and a half Ashton, his band, and a couple of people from both of your friend group if they wanted to meet up for dinner. Since then you’ve not stopped thinking about dinner, as the food on set is more snack-y style food.

“Baby!” Ashton grins when you approach the group.

“Look who finally decided to show up.” Michael teased.

“I’m sorry, there were some technical issues and everyone got held up.” You explain, as Ashton pulls you onto his lap, giving you a quick kiss, making you smile.

“How’s it going so far?” Luke asks.

“Alright actually, nearly finished, just one month of filming before it’s finished.” You answer as Ashton wraps his arms around your waist, making you lean back into him. “How was the studio?” You ask, playing with Ashton’s fingers.

“Pretty good, we finally got the lyrics we’d been struggling with the past couple days, and Ashton came up with a really good drum solo that fits into the song perfectly.” Calum nods.

“Is that the one I heard you playing last night at you place?” You question Ashton.

“Yeah, did you like it?” He raises an eyebrow.

“It sounded really good, babe.” You smile making him smile as you hear everyone begin to argue about what’s best on the menu.

“Thanks.” He gives you a chaste kiss. “I missed you today.” He pouts.

“You did?” You ask, playing with the hair at the back of his head.

“Mhmm.” He hums. “Couldn’t wait to see you.” He says.

“You’re ridiculously sweet.” You grin, planting a kiss on the corner of his mouth.

“Only for you.” He grins back.

This was the exact moment the picture was taken, both with smiles, lips touching as you spoke, and arms wrapped around each other. Although you’ve been together for over a year, you still haven’t gone public with your relationship, people think you’re just friends.

So naturally, fans freaked out. Mixed opinions, majority of them are positive but some are sceptical because you work in different worlds. Which was a worry when you first started dating, but as your relationship went on, you realized that your love for each other was too strong for something like that to split you apart.

As Ashton read people’s opinions and articles over the next few days, he couldn’t help the smile that made its way onto his face because of the kind words people had said about you.

[seecourtneytravel]

October 3rd and 4th, 2018 (Wednesday & Thursday)

Teaching and Cebu. Cebu was epic!

Both of these days I feel like putting into one writing. I’m sure you all are getting tired of reading my day to day posts that have been a week off so here’s a way I can catch up. I was able to miss a day at both TabonTabon and LPH for teaching which was a nice break.

I met up with Jude to head to Northern Tacloban high school to teach basic life support to 9th, 10th, and 11th grade kids. I didn’t know what to expect and didn’t know if the kids would grasp the concept or understand me speaking semi fast English. I had 40 minutes to talk about cpr, drowning, and choking in the baby and the adult. I think I made a world record class in timing. I talked loud and fast.

The room would fill up with about 30 kids, they were all in uniform and I think they gave me the time of day because I was someone different. When I told them I was from New York everyone in the class “oooo” and “ahhhhh” ‘d. Then I would show them pictures of my friends back home who were American but Chinese and Filipino in appearance. They were confused why they were in the United States. I felt like that in itself was a great exposure point. When I was about to show them how far I lived from NYC in the next slide, I soon realized that all the work I did the previous day didn’t save. It was okay because I still had 40 slides.

The first class, I was feeling nervous and not really knowing how my timing would be. To get through the slides and demonstration in 40 min was tough. I had the principal in the back watching my teachings as well which was nerve wrecking. He didn’t know what Basic life support was either so maybe he learned a thing or two.

After teaching the kids ABC’s (airway breathing and circulation) and responding in the order of CAB, I would demonstrate on my water gallon the steps of CPR. The kids were very shy and were not used to me being so loud and forcing them to demonstrate. I would give them test questions along the way and a chance to demonstrate. I gave random candies that I think really helped keep them in focus. Sometimes it was obvious when they didn’t understand, but demonstration and numbers they picked up quick. They especially liked when j started singing “ah-ah-ah-ah stayin’ alive stayin’ alive” singing.

After five classes back to back to back I was pouring sweat it was embarrassing. I was also losing my voice. The volunteer for the visayans worker Rico was at standby watching my presentations and taking pictures. Jude had left after the first class.

On my way back, when I left from a multicab to a jeepney I had my phone on my lap that only dropped when I went from hunched to standing as I was getting out of the vehicle. My phone went flying forward landing face down. Some bystandard called me over and picked it up for me. The scary moment when they are about to reveal the front of your phone to you happened and it happened to be my worst nighmare. He turned my phone over and it was super smashed. But the touch screen still worked.

I went directly to Robinson’s mall to see how much it would cost to repair. I went to five different stores who either said no or they didn’t have it in stock for my iPhone 6+. Finally I found a real phone repair spot that said it would cost 6,500 pasos. That’s like $110. Pretty expensive but also they typically don’t have iPhones here. My second concern was if they fixed it would they put a shitty screen on it that’s not compatible.

I went home and was all sad about my phone. I had dinner then headed out to see Ronja and Jacob at cafe Lucia. I was so burnt out from the day I almost didn’t want to go but it was the last time I would see my volunteer friends. They will be on vacation for several weeks in the upcoming weekend.

We went out and called and had our usual relaxing time at the cafe. Ronja and Jacob had their usual San Miguel light, I as some kind of smoothie. We all walked home and we said or goodbyes. I’m not usually good at goodbyes because in my head I intend to see that person again in the near future. Even if I might not ever see them again. The truth is you will never know!

The next day, Thursday, I taught 6 classes of BLS. I had packed my bags already for Cebu and had to leave to the airport right after dinner. The six classes had me actually lose my voice, it sounded hoarse and more manly than usual. It’s absolutely exhausting teaching the same thing over and over again. But I believe, even if they didn’t get everything I was explaining, the exposure of the class is what is important. The class teaching and lecture is actually what has made me feel I’ve made the most difference in my volunteering and it felt like it was the hardest I worked during my stay here in the Philippines.

As I headed home it was nearing 5pm. My flight was at 820pm. I had dinner and had some more fine tune packing for my 3 night adventure in Cebu. I stayed in contact with my friend Kevin I met in Guiuan at the ABCD surf camp. He advised me about staying at hostel 7, saying he was a friend of the owners.

I booked at hostel 7, was super appreciative of Kevin’s advice. I told him my flight itinerary and he said he would

Meet me at the hostel. I was pretty shocked he was actually going to meet me at the hostel, it made my trip right away not feel so solo.

I made my way to the airport and my nanay walked me o where to wait for the jeepney. I had already known but she is always worried I would take a wrong turn or get on the wrong bus. I let her show me but felt bad because I knew how far away it was. I kept trying to send her back home and she insisted.

I got to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Once we took off the flight would only take 30 minutes. “Ms.Bishop, I have your ordered meal.” The flight attendant handed me a sandwich and a drink. I didn’t remember ordering a meal… but I wasn’t complaining.

I had the company of a woman from the states who was visiting her friends and family in the Philippines. She made the fast flight even faster.

After getting out I ordered a grab car, I didn’t trust the taxi’s, a lot of them had a really creepy presentation about them. I waited for 20 minutes before I cancelled and got another grab car. It works the same as uber at home but not really as efficient. After waiting another 15 minutes my grab car made it through the long taxi line. I texted Kevin I was on my way. He said he had already arrived at the hostel.

After almost thirty minutes, I made it to Hostel 7. It was very sociable, people were already drunk, laughing and singing. From the outside it looked very modern and inviting. Right in the doorway was Kevin who was talking to the DJ. I gave him a warm hello hug, it was great to say I had friends that would come hang out when I come i their hometown or city. Sometimes it’s hard to get friends to drive down the street to hang out. The check in desk was also right there, I checked in and was shown my room.

I was given the choice of what bed to pick and I picked the bed directly next to someone on the top bunk. Why I did that I don’t know, maybe I thought the top bunk was the best bunk but I forgot it’s not. I met my bunkmate Prince who was from the Philippines but in town for a few days on vacation. He said he was meeting a guy on a date but he was stood up. I invited to come down for some socializing or to have a drink if he felt like it, he said maybe.

I went back outside and hung out with Kevin. He bought my first drink which was a refreshing gesture. We awaited his friend the owner to come through the door. After about 20 more minutes, the owner came in by his car with his 6ft tall French girlfriend who was really sweet. They dated for the year she has been in the Philippines and now she will be leaving to Australia.

The owners name is Michael. He is extremely personable and knows how to mingle and get crowds together. Kevin, Michael and I sat at a free picnic table outside and socialized over a few drinks. After sharing a few laughs, Michael quickly changes paths and asks, “Have you ever tried Bolut!?!”

Kevin encouraged me to try it. What was funny is that Kevin and Michael both didn’t want it at the time but was super eager for me to try it. For the experience of course.

The internet definition of Balut is “A developing bird embryo that is boiled and eaten from the shell. It originated from and is commonly sold as street food in the Philippines. Often served with beer, balut is popular in Southeast Asian countries, such as Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.”

I guess I can check this off my bucket list. For the record, I do not recommend eating Balut when you’re trying to impress a guy. It is not attractive and leads to many high fives and friend zoned.

A little bit after the Balut, we headed over to the somewhat noisier crowd and tried to pass the Balut on to other foreigners. Michael was telling people “she’s a vegan and she did it!” While pointing to me. They knew that was an absolute lie and still refused. I’ll never forget the noises this gay Filipino man made while eating it haha he made it sound as bad as I made it look.

After a little bit more socializing I headed back to my dorms. I met a few more dorm mates. One from Vancouver Canada and another from England. Both solo traveling around but not really solo like myself. Always running into people on the same path.

I fell asleep pretty hard, had my ear plugs in and eye mask on. In my 8 bed dorm, some asshole turned off the air conditioning and I woke up at like 7AM boiling in my bed. The heat was unbearable. I asked someone who was on the lower level to turn it back on. I stayed in bed until my body temperature regulated.

[sleepykittypaws]

Jingle Bell Bride

Original Air Date: October 24, 2020 (Hallmark) Where to Watch?: Hallmark will replay it multiple times this season, and for every season in perpetuity, and it’s also available for a limited time on the Hallmark Channel Everywhere app with a cable login

So, here's the thing…October 24 is way too early to watch Christmas movies. Even for me.

I knew that, yet did it anyway, because we came across a Hallmark commercial that made my son say, 'Why can't it be Christmas right now?' and I said, 'Well, we could watch a Christmas movie.' And he said yes, which is rare these days, so we did. 

And, yeah, I was right, it's too early. Because part of what makes Christmas movies so special to me is that they're a little rare—siloed into a certain time of year and not something I do every day. Your mileage may vary, and no judgement (sincerely) if you're a year-round viewer, but I enjoy my holiday movies at least a little closer to Christmas, so do wish I’d waited to watch this in November.

All that having been said…Jingle Bell Bride. I was really looking forward to this one after Hallmark's initial preview, and Ronnie Rowe Jr. and Julie Gonzalo did not disappoint. Both are incredibly charming and engaging actors, and I hope we see more of them on Hallmark. (Gonzalo has been in a few other things, like Falling for Vermont, but Rowe, best known for Star Trek: Discovery, is new to the network.)

They had a genuine spark between them and Gonzalo, in particular, really is a perfect Hallmark heroine, as she does earnest with a side of quirky very well. 

Also, can't let it go by without noting that this is Hallmark's first-ever interracial lead holiday romance and, frankly, it's about damn time. It's 2020 and that this is even still a question is, frankly, both infuriating and depressing. But we're here now, and I hope it continues. 

They also wrote Gonzalo, who was born in Argentina, as a Latina character, and the actress has shared publicly how much this meant to her. Hallmark has a heck of a lot of ground to make up in terms of its (lack of) diversity, so thank goodness they're finally making slow but steady progress. Please, keep it up.

Gonzalo and Rowe's charm and chemistry really carried this story of a wedding planner tasked with finding a special flower for a famous bride's bouquet that only grows in Alaska which…Huh? You know, Alaska, known for its abundant fields of flowers and lengthy growing season. 

But, just go with it. Gonzalo's up-for-the-big-promotion, Type-A planner is off to the tiny town of "Tapeesa," for what she says will be a 20-hour round trip, but we all know will definitely be a lot longer than that.

The meet cute at the airport for once, actually is, and I really wish we'd seen more of that type of banter throughout the film because it was genuinely fresh and a little funny and Gonzalo and Rowe can for sure pull it off.

Anyway, then we get another instance of a giant truck getting stuck in 1" of "snow" (common in these movies), where they're careful not to fully show the name of the vehicle, cause pretty sure no brand wants to be associated with being stymied by two shovelfuls of shaved ice. And, would you look at that, she's missed her flight, who could have predicted it? (Entire audience raises their hand.)

After determining there's no inn or even a B&B in the small town, she stays in Aunt Mary's guest room. Mary also happens to have a guest house out back that Rowe lives in. For small town florists this family is doing pretty well for themselves. Why, it's almost like the widowed Mary's personal home is big enough to be a B&B, right down to the numbers she keeps on her bedroom doors…as one does. (Oops.)

Also, I've either seen way too many Hallmark movies, or Hallmark needs to get some fresh Vancouver location scouts—probably a bit of both. Because I think the "Tapeesa, Alaska" airport is Marcus Rosner's helicopter bachelor pad from Yes, I Do and downtown Tapeesa looks suspiciously like "Evergreen," a.k.a. the Burnaby Village Museum. And I know the scene outside the festival dance was shot in the same park as last year's A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas (among others), thanks to a distinctive rock grouping that Hallmark really likes to cover in fake snow.

It is not Jingle Bell Bride's fault that all these familiar locations kept taking me out of the story, but given how loyal Hallmark's viewer base is—a heck of a lot of folks watch way more of these movies than I do—it might be time to broaden the location horizons a bit, as there's a bit of a high school play set feeling to how frequently these spots are recycled in movie after movie on the same network.

Anyway, after several aborted airport trips, where Rowe genuinely managed to make silently carrying the styrofoam coolers full of flowers in and out of the airport repeatedly a good gag, Gonzalo settles in to enjoy, and help plan, the town's Jingle Bell festival, of which she's named princess.

There's a pretty cute dance, and a scene where Gonzalo watches the Northern Lights with Rowe in the back of his truck. Hallmark has had far, far worse special effects, and, given a limited budget, think they did fine with the Lights’ look, even adding a few CGI breath puffs to simulate cold in this July-shot movie, but do wish we'd gotten a kiss here, rather than a shoulder bump.

It's a new era at Hallmark, so let's make grown adults kissing at least once before they fly across the country to spend their lives together the norm. Please? (And, yes, it could have been a COVID thing, but there is a kiss at the end, and the also-pandemic-filmed, G-rated Sweet Autumn last week had more one kiss, but, as usual, I digress.)

After Gonzalo wows the town, the mayor gets her a special flight and she makes it back in time for Donna Benedicto's big star wedding, which is kind of a dud. Really wish they'd given Benedicto's character more to do. Make her more of a demanding diva to add a little humor and fun. Instead, she just seems like a very minor, very understanding side character, and not at all the big star they tell us she is. And how did Hallmark hire Lillian Lim to play Benedicto's mom at the wedding and not even give her a line!? (We'll see Lim again this season as the mother in Lifetime's A Sugar and Spice Holiday, opposite Tzi Ma.)

Honestly, the whole wedding scene baffled me, as I'm shocked Hallmark hired all those people, and went to all the trouble to film it, for less than five minutes of screen time. Not really typical for the budget-conscious net, and left me wondering what got left in the editing room, and why. Also, that bouquet is not made of the same flowers we see Rowe cutting at the beginning of the movie, so what are we even doing here, Hallmark?

Did really like that, for once, the guy left his small town to join the heroine in the big city. Plus, Gonzalo passed on the promotion, but didn't quit her job. And they didn’t vow eternal love to each other either, just ‘Hey, let’s start dating.’ I mean, in the Hallmark universe, these are actually earth-shattering shake-ups to the status quo. Plus, we didn't even celebrate Christmas in this movie, which ends right after the wedding we were told was on Christmas Eve. Again, all epic paradigm shifts to the formula.

In the end, I liked this movie just fine, but I could have loved it with a little more of the witty dialogue these two actors did so well, a zanier side plot from the bride, more machinations from the conniving coworker, and tiny bit more overt romance in Alaska.

Final Judgement: 3 Paws up with a sincere hope that this isn’t a one off and Hallmark really is changing

[sueboohscorner]

#PrisonBreak S5 Ep5 “Contingency” Recap & Review

Episode Grade: 9

We start with Sara making a call to Jacob to tell him that she would meet him at home after she hanged up T-bag break the news to her that she was sleeping with the enemy and she quickly runs to get young Mike.

Back in Yamen Michael and the other are hiding as Ramal men gather to mourn his death and riots announcing, “we will not rest, not sleep, until the murderers of the martyred Abu Ramal are dead, crushed beneath our feet.” The head guy tells the people “no safe harbor in Yamen! They will be destroyed! It is Allah’s promise to us.” The offer the people of Sana who turns over the westerner ten million rails! Michael finds a spot where they can make a new plan, but Lincoln refuse to move a foot until Michael explain how he was alive.

Michael tells him that Michael Scofield did not die and he had to fake his dead to let them all go free. Lincoln said that they were all free, but Michael explains that they were never free that he was approach by a man name Poseidon who told him that Kellerman did not have the authority or jurisdictions to exonerate them.

Ja tells the other that may they should stop running. Lincoln ask Michael who Poseidon was, and he tells him “he was a psychopath a frustrated policy wonk in the Cia who think he could do better that his superiors.”  He told Lincoln that he created a cell within the CIA called 21 Void to implement his policy and intelligence operation and Poseidon needed his help breaking people out of prison all over the world, and he would let him and Sara go free and expunge their record.  He was not to contact them under ever circumstances, Michael told Lincoln that he refused at first but within weeks Sara was arrested and beaten until she agreed to join Poseidon, their conversation was interrupted as the bombings moved closer, Lincoln wanted to go to the Airport, but Michael insisted on the train station. 

At the airport, C-Note, Sheba, her father and the children waited in line to get on the plane, Sheba wants to leave the airport, but C-note refused to leave without Michael and Lincoln. On the outside, the men gather at one of Michael’s hide out, and the One-eyed man comes up to them and tells them he knows the forger who helps them with their passport, but the guy dismissed him asking how he can help with only one eye.

Isil arrive at the airport, and C-note suggested that they follow the pilot, and they are now outside while Isil is inside searching for them, Outside the pilot is approached by Isil men and is saved by C-note and Sheba. Sheba said to “you kick a lot of ass for a Muslim man.” C-note replied, “you can take the man out of the street, but you can’t take the street of the man.”  C-note proposition the pilot into flying a spare plane.

Back in the USA Sara get to the lake house and get Mike but and she was about to leave Jacob pulls up. Sara shows Jacob of the photo with killers and drives away. He explains that he tracked them down for her but I am not buying it, and neither was Sara at the time.

Michael, Lincoln and the others are at the train station, and it is filled with Isil men. Lincoln suggested they get sane and got the Airport but Michael insisted that it was the way to go telling Lincoln that once they were on, they won’t check again because the train was for Cargo and not passengers.

The One-eyed man not deterred by the man insult about his eye continued to search for Michael and the cry and looked over the map which told him that they were on the train.

Back in the USA Sara is with them friend Heather telling her that her whole life with Jacob was a lie, but she encourages her telling her that Jacob is a good man and that she was just in a shock that the love of her life and the father of her baby Michael was alive. Jacob calls and Heather wanted him to answer how Sara stop her and Jacob left a message, so Heather tell her to let them find out the truth. (In the comments tell me if you trust Heather?).

Back in Yamen Lincoln, Michael and the other were stopped while going to the train cause Lincoln to punch one of the Isil men and they had to run. After being shot at a train approached and Michael tells everyone to get on the other side of the train, they made it and started to run but is caught on camera by the One-eyed man. 

The One-eyed man calls the Isil man that rejected his help tell him to come with his gun, and he was in charge now. On the other side, C-note the pilot and the others are on the plane and the pilot chest the fuel and tell them that it was enough to get them out of Yamen. Meanwhile, Michael comes up with another plan to go to another train station that was a few miles away. Lincoln pulls him aside and tells him that he was doubling down on a bad bet like he did seven years ago. However, Michael refuse to listen and tells them that his instinct has got them this far and he is going with or without him, and the other men follow Michael leaving Lincoln no choice but to go as well.

Back in the US Sara and Heather visit the hacker name Andrew who Jacob claimed he used, Andrew confirmed that Jacob was telling the truth and he calls and ask Sara to meet him at the police station.

In Yamen Michael and the other are on the road driving to the next train station, and Whip tries to find out more about the man he has been working with for years and why he chose him. Michael tells him to forget the past and the detail and that he has been protected him all these years and nothing have changed. Michael tells him that he was his Whip hand, but Whip tells him that this time that is not enough.

The car that Michael is driving gets hit by another vehicle, and they get out only to notice the One-eyed man and other Isil man pulling up and they run and hide in a building. The men separate in the building to find a way out.

Back in the US Sara goes to the police station and Jacob ask her to come with him, she meets a detective to asked her to identify the people that were in her house, and she recognizes the woman who shot Jacob and the man. 

Back in Yamen Lincoln and Michael are walking through a tunnel and Lincoln suggests they bunker up and prepare to fight but Michael refused to tell him that fighting was his default setting Meanwhile upstairs Ja, Whip and Sid can’t find a way out either. The Isil men quickly approach the building, while Ja sits down to listen to “we are the champion” and drink a bottle of rubbing alcohol, Sid tells him that he might go blind, but Ja tells him it was only 95 percent alcohol, so he is only going to go 95 percent blind.

Michael and Lincoln finds a spare chaff but can’t get it open, and Lincoln tell him that he was about fist not that Isil men are in the boiling. Ja continues to listen to his music, Whip build and knife with Sid looks out and tells Whip they are in the building. Sid opens up about his first male partner telling him that he was buried alive and brought his eyes to him in Iraq. Sid asks him to use the knife to kill him, but Whip refuse and tell him that he does care if he was gay or not he is not giving up and that they were in the wrong not him.

Ja comes over to them and take the extinguisher from them and they and walks away singing “I pay my dues time after time.” Down in the tunnel, Michael breaks down and apologizes to Lincoln for not coming to him telling that he was trying to make it better for everyone but instead made it worst and somewhere in there he became a ghost.

Michael flashes back to where he used to watch Sara and baby Michael and tells Lincoln that he made a lot of mistakes, but they were made for love. Lincoln encourages him and tells them that he was the smartest person he knew, but he needs to share the burden and that what family is about and hand his arm to Michael.

In the US Jacob continues to try to convince Sara that he was only trying to protect the family Sara seems to buy it but the look on her face was difficult to read.

In Yamen Lincoln and Michael prepare to fight their way out, as the men approached them they hear Ja singing as he created a booby trap for the people which they walked into and catches on fire allowing them to run away.  Lincoln calls C-note, and he speaks to Michael and tells him there local, Lincoln estimated that it would take them 20 minutes to get there. Before they could leave the One-eyed man shots Sid and shoots at the other telling them, he overheard their call and called the other, but before he could disclose their location, Sid takes him down getting injured more and cuff himself to the One-eyed man.

Sid dies, and Michael punches the One-eyed man in the other eye, but Ja pulls him away and tells him not to waste his strength on him. They rush to get to the airport but at the airport, Isil has locked on the C-note and the other on the plane leaving the pilot no other choice but to take off and although C-note refuse Lincoln tells him to get the kids out of there as they watch the plane goes up. Sheba attempts to tell Lincoln to find Omar but the connection was bad, and they had to run as Isil man were driving closer to them.

Overall, another fantastic episode the thrill continues. Jacob is as dirty as a storm drain I am still not buying what he is selling, and I hope Sara is not buying it either this it is too perfect. I am happy that Michael finally opens up to Lincoln and Sid story had me in tears, but Ja quickly change the sad with his crazy. 

Everyone around Sara is suspicious to me now, and I am thinking that even her friend Heather is working with Poseidon and that Andrew guy all of a sudden, she has a connection that would lead directly to the hacker Jacob used, I smell fishy on her too.  

Michael has finally given up control how long do you think that will last? I like the Ja character he is funny smart and a badass.

[nolongerbrittney]

ER VISIT

DURING WORK WE MET A VERY OLDER MAN TOGETHER AND HE SEEMED NICE. HE WAS DRINKING A WHOLE LOT AND INVITED US BACK TO HIS ROOM TO HAVE SOME MORE DRINKS FROM HIS PRIVATE BAR IN HIS ROOM, SO WE FOLLOWED HIM. I NOTICED A VERY UNIQUE EYE CATCHING WATCH ON HIS WRIST. I WANTED IT. SHE WANTED IT. OUR MAN NEEDED IT.

WHEN WE GOT TO THE ROOM WE EACH TOOK A COUPLE SHOTS. WE WEREN’T SUPPOSED TO DRINK BUT WE FELT LIKE BREAKING THE RULES THAT NIGHT. HE GAVE US SOME FOREIGN MONEY AND SAID HE WANTED US TO HAVE IT. WE DECIDED TO ORDER ROOM SERVICE BECAUSE WE WERE BORED AND HUNGRY. HE TOLD US TO GET WHATEVER WE WANTED, I LOOKED AT HER FOR APPROVAL AND SHE TOLD ME SHE WOULDN'T TELL AND FOR ME TO GET WHATEVER I THOUGHT WOULD BE GOOD. I WAS HAPPY, SHE WAS TREATING ME LIKE FAMILY AND LIKE SHE CARED ABOUT ME. I THOUGHT WE WERE BEST FRIENDS, SHE WAS ALL I HAD AND THE CLOSEST TO FAMILY AND A SISTER I HAD IN THE MOMENT. WE ORDERED ALL KINDS OF FOOD, APPETIZERS, TWO BOTTLES OF VEUVE CLICQUOT, AND SOME DESERT. I HADN’T HAD A REAL FULL MEAL (THAT WAS NOT A SALAD) IN SO LONG. I WAS IN HEAVEN..IT WAS MY FIRST TIME EVER TRYING CHAMPAGNE AND I WAS IN LOVE WITH IT. IT WAS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE DRINK AFTER THAT NIGHT. WHEN WE ALL FINISHED THE MEAL AND FINISHED OUR DRINKS, HE WANTED TO HAVE SOME FUN…SO SADLY WE COMPROMISED AND GOT UNDRESSED, WE LAID DOWN WITH HIM. AFTER A FEW MINUTES HE DECIDED HE DIDN’T LIKE ME, HE SAID I WAS TOO QUIET AND I WAS TOO SOFT AND INNOCENT, SO I DIDN’T COMPLAIN… I GOT UP AND WATCHED TV AND DRANK SOME MOE OUT OF THE MINI BAR. SHE WAS STILL ON THE BED WITH HIM WHEN I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A PUNCH AND HER YELL OUT A CUSS WORD. APPARENTLY HE WAS DOING THINGS SHE DIDN'T LIKE AND INSTEAD OF STOPPING WHEN SHE TOLD HIM TO HE HIT HER IN THE SIDE. SHE TOLD HIM HE WAS TOO DRUNK AND SHE WAS DONE, THAT HE HAD HURT HER. SHE WAS YELLING AT ME TO GET DRESSED AND GET OUR THINGS TOGETHER. I WAS SCARED. I REALLY WAS. HE WAS HOLDING HER DOWN AND THEY WERE LITERALLY WRESTLING. I GOT DRESSED AND GOT OUR STUFF TOGETHER. WHEN I TURNED AROUND SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO GET UP OUT FROM UNDER HIM AND HE HEAD BUTTED HER HARD. I COULD TELL IT DID SOME DAMAGE AND HURT HER BAD. SHE GOT UP AND I HELPED HER STAND, SHE GRABBED SOME OF HIS STUFF AND THREW HER SHIRT ON AND WE RAN OUT. SHE WAS FINISHING GETTING DRESSED WHILE WE WERE GOING DOWN THE HOTEL HALLS, WE FINALLY MADE IT TO THE CAR AND SHE JUST KEPT TALKING ABOUT HOW HOT SHE WAS AND HOW MUCH PAIN HER HEAD WAS IN. I WAS STILL SCARED AND SHAKING. I DIDN’T KNOW IF I COULD DO THIS FOREVER. SHE WAS IN SO MUCH PAIN AND ACTED LIKE I WAS NOTHING. WHEN I WAS TRYING TO CONSOLE HER SHE TOLD ME IT WASN’T THAT SERIOUS AND SAID THAT OUR MAN HAD BROKE HER NOSE AND TWO RIBS BEFORE…SHE COULD HANDLE THE PAIN. AFTER THAT I DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO REACT…OR FEEL.

ONCE WE GOT HOME, SHE TOOK A XANAX AND A HOT SHOWER. SHE FELL ASLEEP QUICKLY. IN THE BUNDLE OF STUFF SHE HAD GRABBED FROM HIS ROOM WAS SOME MORE FOREIGN MONEY TO ADD TO THE COLLECTION WE ALREADY GOT FROM HIM AND ALSO THE WATCH THAT WE HAD WANTED. OUR MAN COULD TELL SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH ME AND HER. HE ALLOWED US TO STAY HOME AND REST FOR THE DAY. INSTEAD OF GOING TO WORK HE TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED TO TAKE HER TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM BECAUSE SOMETHING WAS REALLY WRONG WITH HER, SHE WAS STILL IN SO MUCH PAIN. I TOOK HER TO THE HOSPITAL AND HELPED HER GET ALL CHECKED IN AND THEY GAVE HER SOME SHOTS AND STARTED AN IV IN HER ARM.

AFTER SHE WAS PASSED OUT, I WENT INTO THE LOBBY AND FROM MEMORY DIALED MY MOMS CELL PHONE NUMBER. I MISSED MY MOM AND MY DAD SO BAD. I LEFT HOME TO MOVE TO LAS VEGAS WITH A PIMP AND HAD BECOME A ESCORT. HOW DID I EVER EXPECT THEM TO EVEN LOOK AT ME AGAIN? I NEEDED HER TO KNOW THAT I MISSED HER AND LOVED HER AND NEEDED HER. SHE ANSWERED AND I TOLD HER I NEEDED TO GO HOME AND GET AWAY FROM THIS WHOLE SITUATION. I TOLD HER NOT TO FREAK OUT BECAUSE I CANNOT HAVE TROUBLE. I TOLD HER TO STAY AWAKE AND I WOULD CALL HER LATE THAT NIGHT AND THAT I LOVED HER.

MY FRIEND WOKE UP WHEN HER IV BAG RAN OUT AND THE MACHINE STARTED BEEPING. SHE WAS DEHYDRATED, SLEEP DEPRIVED, EXPERIENCE STRESS, AND HAD A CONCUSSION THE NIGHT BEFORE. I HELPED HER GET DISCHARGED AND GOT HER TO THE VEHICLE TO GO HOME.

SHE THANKED ME OVER AND OVER FOR HELPING HER AND TAKING HER TO THE HOSPITAL. SHE SAID THAT HE WOULD’VE JUST GAVE HER THE PILLS AND MADE HER GET OVER IT. WHEN WE GOT HOME HE ASKED FOR HER DISCHARGE PAPERS BECAUSE HE DIDN’T BELIEVE US TO TELL HIM THE TRUTH. HE READ IT. GOT UPSET AND TOLD US TO TAKE A NAP BECAUSE WE WERE EXPECTED TO GO OUT BY 9:00 PM THAT NIGHT. IT WAS A FEW DAYS AWAY FROM THANKSGIVING SO HE SAID HE WOULD HAVE TO LET US OFF FOR THAT. HE SAID THERE WAS SOME FAT GIRL HE HAD IN HIS LIFE BEFORE ME AND THAT SHE IS AMAZING. HE SOUNDED REAL EXCITED AND CONVINCING, HE TOLD ME HE WAS GOING TO PICK HER UP FROM THE AIRPORT AND STAY WITH HER FOR THE NIGHT AND HE WOULD BRING HER HOME WITH HIM TOMORROW. HE LEFT ME MONEY FOR US TO GO OUT WITH ($20). I TOLD HIM MY GAS LIGHT WAS ON AND ASKED FOR A LITTLE MORE.. HE SAID I WAS ACTING FUNNY AND PROMISED ME HE LOVED ME, I SAID I KNOW AND HE LAID DOWN $120 (WHICH WAS WAY MORE THAN HE EVER EVER DID) AND HE GAVE ME A VERY WEIRD QUESTIONING LOOK. HE LEFT.

IT WAS MY TIME. I MADE SURE SHE WAS ASLEEP WELL. I TOOK ONE $20 BILL AND I GOT MY PURSE, I HAD ON YOGA PANTS AND A OLD TIE DYE SHIRT. I GOT MY KEYS AND I WENT DOWN TO THE CAR. I CALLED MY MOM. I PULLED OUT OF THE GATE TOWARDS THE HWY RAMP AND I TOLD HER I WAS COMING HOME, THAT I HAD $20, AND I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I HAD TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT BEFORE HIGHWAY AND AS I PULLED UP TO THE HIGHWAY HE PULLED UP NEXT TO ME IN THE TRUCK, HE WAS YELLING AND HAD HIS WINDOW DOWN HE WAS SWERVING INTO MY LANE TRYING TO GET ME TO STOP OR RUN ME INTO THE OTHER LANE. I SPED UP, STAYED ON THE PHONE WITH MY MOM, AND DROVE AS FAST AS I COULD ONTO THE INTERSTATE. AFTER TRAVELING FOR ABOUT 3 MILES ON THE HWY HE GOT OFF ONTO AN EXIT AND TURNED AROUND. I WAS SCARED FOR MY LIFE, I WAS SCARED FOR HER, AND I WAS SCARED FOR WHAT I HAD DONE. MY MOM STILL ON THE OTHER LINE TOLD ME THAT SHE HAD CONTACTED THE POLICE (AGAINST MY KNOWLEDGE OR JUDGEMENT) AND THAT THEY WERE ON THE PHONE. I HUNG UP ON THEM, THEY PISSED ME OFF. I KEPT DRIVING AND TALKING TO MY MOM, I WAS SO SCARED.. OF EVERYTHING. I HATED MYSELF FOR WHAT I’D DONE, I RUINED MY WHOLE LIFE. MY PASTOR CALLED ME AND TOLD ME HE BOOKED ME A FLIGHT HOME FROM ARIZONA. HE GAVE ME DIRECTIONS TO ARIZONA AND TOLD ALL THE INFORMATION I NEEDED FOR MY FLIGHT. I HAD $20 AND MY GAS LIGHT WAS WAY PAST ON. I HAD TO MAKE IT A ALMOST 3 HOUR TRIP. I HAD 7 HOURS UNTIL MY FLIGHT. I STOPPED AND GOT GAS, I USED THE ENTIRE $20 AND PRAYED I WOULD MAKE IT TO ARIZONA. I DROVE, TALKING TO MY MOM MOST OF THE WAY. I WAS SORRY AND SCARED AND UPSET. I FELT BAD FOR LEAVING THEM. I FELT BAD FOR LEAVING MY REAL FAMILY. I WAS EMBARRASSED MORE THAN I COULD EVER IMAGINE. I GOT TO ARIZONA, I FOUND A WALMART AND I PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT, SET AN ALARM ON MY PHONE, AND I FELL ASLEEP. I WAS SO EXHAUSTED. MORE THAN I HAD EVER BEEN IN MY LIFE. I FELL ASLEEP. I AWOKE TO MY ALARM LOUDLY IN MY EAR. I FOLLOWED MY DIRECTIONS TO THE PHOENIX AIRPORT. I PULLED IN AND I FOLLOWED THE SIGNS TO SELF PARK MY CAR FOR $9 A DAY. I FOUND MY WAY INSIDE AND I FOUND THE STATION TO PRINT OUT MY TICKET. I GOT MY TICKET AND I GOT ON THE AM-TRACK TO GET TO MY TERMINAL. I FOUND IT. I HAD NEVER BEEN ON A PLANE BEFORE. I GUESS THIS WAS JUST ANOTHER FIRST HE WOULD HELP ME EXPERIENCE. I LOADED THE PLANE, DIDN’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT LUGGAGE.. I ONLY HAD AN OLD PURSE AND THE CLOTHES ON MY BACK. I BOARDED MY FLIGHT AND FELL BACK ASLEEP AS SOON AS I SAT DOWN AND BUCKLED. I SLEPT MOST OF THE FLIGHT. I WAS CRYING WHEN I WAS WATCHING US GET CLOSER TO LANDING. I KNEW WHAT WAS GOING TO BE WAITING ON ME AT THE AIRPORT TERMINAL.

MY PARENTS.

I HAD NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY, PLEASED, THANKFUL, AND SAD TO SEE THEM IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. THEY CRIED. THEY TREATED ME LIKE I WAS FOREIGN ROYALTY. THEY WERE SO EXCITED AND HAPPY TO SEE ME. THEY DIDN’T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO ME OR WHAT ALL WAS IN MY HEAD, THEY DIDN’T KNOW I WOULD NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN. MY MOM ASKED ME IF I WAS HUNGRY AND I STARTED CRYING AND SAID YES, SHE DIDN’T UNDERSTAND WHY I WAS CRYING... I TOLD HER HE WOULDN’T LET ME EAT EXCEPT A FEW SALADS A WEEK. SHE TOLD ME I NEVER HAD TO WORRY ABOUT THAT AND SHE APOLOGIZED TO ME WITH TEARS IN HER EYES.

I HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME, TO US, OR TO MY LIFE. ALL I KNEW WAS THAT I LEFT MY MAN, I LEFT MY SISTER, AND I WAS NOW WITH PEOPLE WHO HAD NO IDEA WHO I WAS ANYMORE.

[movingstoriesla]

1. Scott J.

Meet Scott, a transportation planner from Saint Louis, MO who now lives and works in Santa Monica. After living in Saint Louis for 28 years, he lived in the northeast (NYC, Philadelphia, and DC) for 6 years and has been living in LA since November 2016. Since he doesn’t own a car, he commutes to work by bike or bus.

Tell me about your commute in LA.

I'm only about 2.5 miles away, so I just bike to work most days. It's the easiest and quickest way to go. It's also nice because you know exactly when you leave and you'll get there in a certain amount of time because even though the transit system is pretty good, there's something always happening, like the Big Blue Bus [the main transit agency in Santa Monica]. Even though the bus stop is really close, the buses tend to bunch up a lot. They have the ETA signs for when the buses are coming and they'll be like, buses are coming in 15 minutes and then they show on the sign that another bus will come another two minutes after that. Because it's a long route, they get bunched up because of the traffic on the road because there's not separate facilities for that. Even though it's a very minor thing, the inconvenience of having to fill up your card again, I have to make it a purposeful point to fill up the card because bus stops don't allow you to fill up your TAP card. It's nice that they now have the [Token Transit] app where you can just buy the tickets and just show it. Even just having cash on hand is really inconvenient, there's no change, it's $1.25. It's just the amount you don't happen to carry around. Even if you take out a $20 bill and break the change. And I notice that a lot at the airport, there's a lot of foreign visitors and they go to the bus transfer center and there's no way to get the $1.25 because they've pulled out cash but it's all twenties, so it's a little inconvenient. I don't understand why they don't have TAP cards there [at LAX]. So it's just easier to bike. It eliminates a lot of hassle.

How long is your bike ride, usually?

Depending on how fast I go, it's about 10-15 minutes, whereas the bus is, including the waiting time, usually more 25-30 minutes. It's not a very long route, but it's undependable in terms of frequency. They run a lot of buses on it but I think the traffic backs it up.

How do you like biking in Santa Monica, or at least to work?

I think within Santa Monica, it's pretty nice. There's a lot of parallel routes, there's a lot of different options to get places. I feel like they have one of the nicer bicycle facilities [in the LA area] and it doesn't feel like you're taking your life into your hands. I used to bike in New York a little bit, where it just makes a lot more sense to take transit. The main thing in New York is it took awhile. If you were living in Manhattan, it would be really easy to bike to work, but going from Brooklyn to Manhattan, you're going over one of the bridges, goes up really high. It adds a lot to your trip time.

How does biking in Santa Monica compare to the rest of LA?

I think it's a lot. In the rest of LA, you have to really know where you're going. Otherwise, you're going to get thrown out on this road that's six lanes of traffic and I feel like people in Santa Monica watch out for bikes more. People expect it and it's more normalized at this point, whereas in the rest of LA, people seem more intensely hostile to it compared to other cities I've lived in, like Philly or DC or even NYC. I feel like in all those places, it's not like people love people biking, but they expect to see people walking around, where in LA, people still think it's weird to walk around, even if the distance itself is not that far.

Do you have any recent examples you can recall that shows intense hostility?

I wouldn't call it “intense hostility,” I think it's just “not paying attention.” I was walking to the grocery store and I was crossing the street and this car was looking to pull into the lane, but they were obviously just watching the cars and not expecting anyone to walk. They obviously weren't paying attention and pulled into me. I noticed that in DC, people would typically watch for people walking around and then you go to Silver Spring [a suburb in Maryland adjacent to DC] and people are just oblivious. They're not expecting people to walk in the crosswalk, so they're not even paying attention or looking at all.

Is there anything you dislike about your commute? Focusing on biking because you've also talked about bus.

I think the main thing is: on the route I take goes to Santa Monica High School and there's a drop-off thing [for students]. If I don't leave early enough, I hit the drop-off thing and there's just a ton of parents who drive their kids to school, so there's this huge back-up. But other than that, when school is out, there's no traffic at all. But [the parents] just pull over and you really have to watch what you're doing because they'll just open the door into the bike lane. You don't want to go too fast because you don't want to get completely doored. It's a bit of a mess. I feel like of my route, that's the time that a situation is going to happen, that someone will open the door into you.

You talked about biking and taking the bus to work. How do you get around LA, outside of your work commute?

A lot of times I use the Expo line. I find that's a big advantage. That's something I thought about, coming to LA, that it does extend to Santa Monica. It's actually a selling point, that maybe it is feasible to go car-less with that, because you have all the options to downtown LA, where there's jobs and a lot of activities. So typically, I take the Expo line to go and visit people and also using the bus system, which takes longer but a lot of times it feels worth it. You don't have to look for parking, you don't have to worry about moving your car around once you've gotten to Hollywood. You don't have to find out where you can park or how long you can park. Not having that hassle is a big advantage. And I think the one thing that has really shifted the dynamic, at least for me, it makes it doable [to not have a car], is that you do have carshare options with Uber and Lyft. Without that, there's just certain locations you can't get to and you're just out of luck. Or when it's not rush hour, you don't want to take two hours to get home, when it can be 20 minutes.

Can you talk more about your experience of not owning a car in LA?

I think the main thing is not having to deal with the hassle. Also, I have a Zipcar membership, so that's something I could always use and that's located close by. It's something I could always use if I need to get a car for a particular reason. I think the main thing is that it saves a lot of money: just not having to go to the DMV, not have to renew your license plate, not having to deal with all that, and worrying about getting gas. It gets rid of a lot of headache. Like I was saying with rideshare, everything is reachable, as long as you don't overuse it, it's actually a lot more cost effective not to have a vehicle because you're probably going to paying at least $200 a month in insurance. So if you spend less on rideshare, you're coming out ahead. And the rideshare is actually more convenient because it just drops you off and you don't have to think about your car. You can take transit home or whatever you want to do. It's a lot more flexible.

Do you ever wish you had a car?

I think the main thing is for road trips. When I lived in New York, that was the same thing. That's the main purpose. It's not as convenient. Like, if you want to go to Santa Barbara, you can't just get there [without a car]. There's an extra layer of hassle. Sometimes you don't do something that you've might've done, just because you didn't have a car on hand.

How do you get around your neighborhood?

Typically, for groceries, they're very conveniently located, a couple of blocks away. There's two main grocery stores nearby and you can just walk there. It's nice taking a little walk, listen to podcasts or just to get out of the house, instead of having to deal with driving to the parking lot. It's always funny: I find that in New York, the grocery store itself is packed with people but there's no parking hardly at all, whereas in LA, the parking lots are always a madhouse but then you get into the store and it's not really that crowded [laughs]. So it just goes to how people get to the store. It's a lot more efficient if people could get to the store in a different way. I always hear people complain that it's such a hassle to go to the grocery store because you're driving there, whereas if you walk in, you're not worried about trying to find a parking space. It's not that crowded in the store itself.

How do people react when you tell them you don't own a car in LA?

I feel like people seem really surprised. They're like, “I don't understand how you can do it.” And that's something I noticed on the bus. I feel like the bus system works pretty well, but you don't have a lot of choice riders. In New York or Philly or DC, everyone uses the bus a lot more. In LA, it's still perceived that you want to move on: you've done better because you were able to get a car, that you've been more successful, whereas that wasn't the case in other cities. There wasn't a mark of doing better or an opton that you want to stop using [transit]. People just seem surprised. They don't understand it. I do find it funny when you tell them that we just use rideshare and if you use less than $200 of rideshare, then that'll be the same price as insurance and maintenance for a car, then they're like, “Oh, that makes a lot of sense, actually.”

Do you think you'll ever own a car while living in LA?

It would depend. I could see possibly, depending on circumstances became such, having one car for the household. Like, if there's some kind of job that you just can't get to any other way. In a way, I kind of expect, depending on how fast autonomous cars get here. At least I see it as, if most people have self-driving cars and it was cheap and operated like Lyft, they'll be no reason to own a car yourself. It's just the price factor if you're going to use it all the time, but if the cost came down and if you could just always use Lyft all the time, then there would be no reason to ever own your own car.

Any final thoughts?

I think the one thing in LA, it really lessens your anxiety level to not be driving on the highways and the traffic. I find a lot of people at work, even when transit takes longer, they're willing to do that because it's more calm for them, that they can actually do something, they can read or something like that. It's past the tipping point where it's a complete hassle to get on the highway. I think LA is a prime example of that and I think that's why people are willing to fund transit. It's different in other cities. In Saint Louis, it's not that congested and it's just quicker to get to certain locations by car. The thing that's very interesting: for having so much road space, you're always almost trapped in your location because there's so much traffic. Even though you have so much road infrastructure, you're almost less mobile than other cities, compared to New York or elsewhere. You know for a fact you can get from here to here in 40 minutes. In LA rush hour from 4-7pm, you might as well not try to get there because it's going to take two hours on the 405. It's just a weird concept to me, that there's no way to get to that location, even though you have a ten-lane highway [laughs].

[stagesofabreakup]

Stages of a Breakup: Week 33

1. Help your grandma’s friend set up a new computer she bought

2. Also try to help her backup her old one

3. She told the people at Dell when she bought the new computer that she “didn’t want” wifi, so they TOOK IT OFF THE COMPUTER, which you didn’t even know they could do

4. You’re working all night by Ethernet cord

5. The backup keeps failing because of a shadow copy timeout

6. You eat the world’s most intense grilled cheese that your Grandma’s friend (Winnie) makes for you

7. Google some stuff and get the backup to start

8. Winnie’s friend Joan comes over with nips of Ciroc and they talk and drink

9. You think being 75 in New York seems like the shit

10. Eat more cheese, now on crackers

11. Talk with Winnie and Joan for a while

12. Joan used to be a Private Investigator and she showed you her license and told you about how she used to look up all her daughter’s boyfriends

13. She mentions she is looking for someone to stay in her spare room on Roosevelt Island

14. You consider it, and let her know you have something until February but maybe after

15. You and Joan exchange numbers and make a tentative plan to have lunch/see the apartment on some weekend in the future

16. You were supposed to meet your friend but the backup has taken like three hours and still isn’t finished and now it’s too late to go to Harlem because also your friend has a real job

17. You just go home instead

18. Have one beer

19. Text your friend Charlie but he’s on a date (ooh la la!)

20. Try to got to sleep

21. Work from 12-6:00pm at the dance studio college job

22. Finish reading The Color Purple

23. It’s so good

24. Write like 15 pages in your journal

25. Count how many pages you’ve written in your journal in the past 3 weeks and it’s like 50

26. Decide to go to a mic after work in Brooklyn

27. Go straight there with your backpack and laptop and food bag

28. Get there after 45 minutes only to find out they switched it to a different night

29. Decide to go to a different one that’s back in Manhattan

30. Call first so you don’t make the same mistake twice

31. They don’t answer because it’s a bar

32. Decide to go anyway because what are the odds that’ll happen twice?

33. It does

34. Decide to go to your friend’s show that’s back in Brooklyn (thank god you have that unlimited Metrocard!) because you can’t just go home

35. She gets the doorguy to wave the 10$ cover

36. Watch all of your friends on the show

37. Laugh about periods

38. Be happy

39. Hang out for a TINY bit after the show but everyone just wants to go home

40. Go home

41. Work again

42. Start and finish one of the books from your favorite series

43. Agonize about going to your friend’s mic at 6:30 that’s intimidating and terrible when you’re already going to a different mic at 9:00pm

44. Go to the library

45. Check out some books and dvds!

46. Find a movie theatre you didn’t know was there!

47. Go home, drop stuff off, eat

48. Realllllyyyyyyy want to stay in and sleep and watch a library dvd

49. Email the hosts of the second mic you’re coming to reserve a spot and so you can’t back out

50. Walk 45 min there (Upper East Side-fancy)

51. Have the bouncer look at you for ONE second before saying, “Comedy’s in the back”

52. Go up

53. Have a great set

54. Hang around watching people

55. Run into your friend Mara

56. Take the train back with her

57. She decides to come to Philly with you this weekend, says she’ll see if she can find more shows, also you guys talk about maybe starting a mic together

58. Go home

59. Feel accomplished and good

60. Watch The Diary of a Teenage Girl

61. Be ENRAGED that they made the main character thin

62. Be less enraged when you look up the original artwork from the novel and realize she was much smaller than you remember

63. Love the movie

64. Text your friend Jade most of the night about a million different things

65. Feel connected and good

66. Try to sleep

67. Go to bed around 6:00am

68. Get up around 2:47pm

69. Spend two hours trying to get uptown while the trains aren’t working

70. Finally end up taking an express to 125th and walking the 15 blocks back down to where you need to be

71. Which is at a sports bar because the Yankees are playing and your friend Gaby cares

72. Get her and her girlfriend a drink, in addition to yours this costs 40 dollars

73. Hang for a while

74. Smoke weed on the walk to the train

75. Ride the train and start reading The Handmaid’s Tale which you got from the library

76. Find out that one of your cousin’s friends drank your good special beer you were saving

77. Feel your blood boil with rage

78. Have to actively calm yourself down

79. Start watching Fifty Shades Darker

80. It’s SO terrible

81. Go to sleep at 6:00am again

82. Spend a lot of the day in bed simmering about the beer

83. Finally emerge and confront him about it

84. He seems not to understand that that was wrong

85. Impress upon him that it is

86. He asks if you want him to replace it

87. You do

88. Leave feeling ok

89. Go over to Winnie’s again (late) to check out what the backup is doing (it’s STILL going)

90. Figure out the password to her new computer she forgot but wouldn’t let you write a hint for because, “it’s the one I always remember”

91. Fix that stuff

92. Scrap the backup because it wasn’t done after two days and Winnie says she doesn’t even want what’s on the computer anyway

93. Realize you’re WAY late to meet your friend Lizzy because everything got pushed back

94. Get to a bar called Ethyl’s like 45 minutes late

95. She’s not mad because as soon as you ger there she gets a phone call from a boy and now you have to wait and that’s karma

96. Ethyl’s seems cool, a waitress comes up to take your drink order twice while Lizzy is on the phone and you have to be like, “still waiting”

97. Write in your journal which is actually needed

98. Feel better

99. Lizzy comes back and actually wants to leave because Ethyl’s is really loud (it is)

100. She wants to get food and suggests Wahlburgers, the hamburger chain restaurant Mark Wahlberg’s family owns

101. Go there

102. Get tater tots

103. Talk about relationships

104. Realize how much you miss your ex-boyfriend’s body

105. Leave Wahlburgers (but not before taking a photo of the word collage on the ceiling of every movie Mark Wahlberg’s ever been in)

106. Go to Lizzy’s house

107. Eat ice cream and paint your nails and talk about rape culture

108. Watch the first episode of American Vandal which you did NOT realize was satire/funny

109. Go home

110. Watch the rest of Fifty Shades Darker and Katy Perry’s A Part of Me

111. Be genuinely sad that she and Russell Brand broke up

112. Try to sleep

113. Wake up at 9:37am for some reason?????

114. Talk to your mom on the phone

115. Address the holiday worries you have been having

116. Tell her you’d rather spend the holidays alone this year now that your parents are divorced and it’s not going to be what it was

117. She understands

118. You talk about how sad you are to miss Mardi Gras this year

119. While you say it you realize how fucking sad you will be to miss Mardi Gras this year

120. Your mom starts looking up tickets just to see

121. SHE FINDS ONE FOR 167 ROUNDTRIP BUT THEN LOSES IT

122. You find it again for 170 and BUY IT

123. YOU’RE GOING TO MARDI GRAS BITCH!!!!!

124. You are filled with joy

125. But also worry about seeing your ex-boyfriend because you don’t want to but it’s honestly unavoidable and you don’t want to hook up with him but part of you does and you don’t want to get wrapped up in all this again and feel weak

126. You tell like 5 people you’re coming back

127. They are excited but you’re also worried about where you will stay

128. Figure out a few places you can spread it among

129. And a friend who can pick you up from the airport at 8:42am, god bless

130. You also decide to buy your bus ticket for Philly this weekend while you’re getting things done

131. Your friends from college who live in Philly also saw that you’re coming on facebook and texted you so you’re seeing them now too which will be so nice and wonderful

132. On the phone with your mom you guys talked about “Metoo” and she shares that she wants to support but honestly doesn’t feel like she’s ever experienced sexual harassment

133. You are truly shocked that any woman can say that, but also happy that her life has been like that

134. You guys get into a deeper conversation and you share that the fear of rape drives a lot of what you do, even down to the weight you are

135. Your mom confesses that she’s thought that for years but didn’t think it was her place to say

136. You’re shocked but also feel like a weight is lifted having that validated/confirmed by someone who knows you so well

137. Start thinking about how to dismantle that fear

138. Have a really frustrating conversation with your friend Gabe about censorship and comedy

139. Take a shower

140. Get dressed

141. Decide to go to an open mic

142. Walk an hour there because you don’t have a gym membership yet and haven’t left the house today

143. Get there only to find out it’s not a mic anymore but a show

144. Look up another mic and walk there

145. Same thing

146. Do this two more times before giving up

147. Look up a movie theatre (something that can never let us down)

148. Head to it without even seeing what’s playing or any of the showtimes

149. Spend almost 20 dollars in a CVS on Pringles and Australian licorice and Sour patch kids

150. Get the ticket for free because you have an AMC coupon from the time you didn’t get to see Girls Trip after waiting in line for 5+ hours

151. Watch The Foreigner (the Jackie Chan vehicle that’s like Taken but if his daughter got killed in the beginning and it was just for the hell of it) while eating lots of licorice and pringles

152. Take the train home because you’re tired of walking

153. Be aware that more men have leered and catcalled you tonight than they have in a while and this was the first time you actually felt good getting dressed and going out and how strong that correlation between weight and male attention/sexual violence is

154. Kind of decide not to do that anymore and see what happens

155. Also tackle the idea that your ex-boyfriend’s body validates you in a way and try to see what you would feel for him if you didn’t need that anymore

156. Get home

157. Eat a strawberry yogurt

158. Tweet about Dave Chappelle and trans rights some (pro-both!)

159. Decide to read because you have to get up tomorrow to work even though you really want to watch the third XXX movie you have from the library