Chapter 26: Chapter 26

We arrived in Los Angeles around 05:00 AM. Kai was already awake, and I was glad that he wanted to walk so I don't have to carry him and one luggage. He had been sleeping almost the entire time we were on the plane so he has the energy to walk.

I was feeling nervous when we reached immigration. I have heard cases of being denied, but I was lucky the officer did not ask any question. Then, Kai and I headed to the baggage carousel.

In my head, "This is it, this is our new life. And I hope this time it will be good for us."

When we have all our belongings, we went to the taxi stand. I told the driver the name of the motel and showed him the address. He agreed to take us.

Kai and I checked in from the motel. It was only a week's reservation, but I will extend or changed to a different accommodation once I get a job.

There was a nearby grocery and a diner that I am considering applying for a waitress job. I thought of the job I left to come here and wondering was it worth it to be here, but I told myself that this was just a starting point. I will find a way to get a green card, especially since Kai is a US citizen.

The receptionist has confirmed that they offer babysitting services for $75 a month. It's expensive than the babysitter I hired in Dubai, but it will do.

Kai and I went to the diner and had breakfast. I am so lucky that this kid is not very picky with food. He is already happy with just pancake.

Then, we head to the grocery store. I bought some grocery items that will help us survive for the week. Most are can goods or ready-made food since cooking is not allowed inside the room. I hope I can get a job right away and find a decent place for us to live. Also, I bought a sim card so that I will have a local number.

I let Kai watched TV while I arranged our things. He fell asleep after an hour. He still was tired from the flight. Even I am, but I will finish unpacking then sleep.

I opened my phone, and there were messages and missed calls from Acwell. I ignored it even if I missed him a lot.

"There is no turning back. You have made your decision already," I reminded myself.

After that, I went to sleep. Kai and I woke up around 03:00 PM. We were both hungry, so we had lunch. My friend Camila had tried to call me on Facebook Messenger. She was still online, but since we were eating, I just dropped her a message.

"Sorry, Camila. I was sleeping. That's why I missed your call."

"That is okay. How are you and Kai?"

"We are both okay. We just arrived."

"Arrived in?"

"Los Angeles."

"You are already there, Kamiah? You did not even tell me you are going."

"I was waiting for a confirmation that I could get a discount on the flight ticket. And I did. I flew right away once I had all of my papers."

"Are you sure of your decision?"

"To be honest, I am scared. I don't know if I have made the right choice. I just wanted to start anew away from all the stress."

"I understand. Hang in there. Once I get there, I will call you and help you out."

"Thank you, Camila."

Camila has to cut the conversation short because she needs to finish the last hour of training.

The motel's location is perfect. Most of the things you need are within walking distance. There is even a playground and I took Kai there to play.

During the evening, I feel a little empowered. I wanted to celebrate for taking this huge step. Kai and I went to the diner, and I treated ourselves to a nice meal. I ordered spaghetti for Kai since he loves it. I just need to cut the pasta into small pieces to make it easier for him to eat. And I indulge myself with a cheeseburger.

Watching my son enjoy his food made me smile. I told him, "Eat well, my baby. I know it's not much, but when mommy gets a new job, we will eat much better food."

I overheard the manager asking one of the waitresses if she knew someone who would like to work there. One of the staff quit because she got married, and they had to move to a different state.

"This is my sign," I thought. I will ask the waitress if she is kind enough to refer me to her manager.

Once Kai was done eating, I signaled that I was ready to pay the bill. The waitress was a blonde that looked like in her early 20's. She came to me and handed me the check. I gave her payment and said, "Sorry, Hazel, I overheard your boss that he was looking for a waitress. Would you be kind enough to refer me? I am here for six months but maybe longer."

She looked at Kai and me. "Are you a single mom?"

"Yes, I just recently separated from my husband and here trying to start a new life."

"I was the same. I am originally from Australia and moved here because of my husband. But he left my daughter and me after six months. So, I understand when I look at you. Sure, I will refer you to him. Do you have a local number?"

"Yes." Then she hands me a pen and paper to write it for her.

"What's your name? And also this cute little guy here?"

"My name is Kamiah, and this is my son, Kai."

"Nice to meet you. I will give your details to my boss, and maybe tomorrow he can call you."

"Thank you so much."

"No problem. Hang in there. You've got this."

"Thank you."

Kai and I went back to the motel. I was feeling hopeful. Maybe this is the start that I need.