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Amid the tumultuous hailstorm at the airport, Ellie made her way to the American Airlines counter, only to be informed that flights were still grounded due to the menacing conditions, with the news even mentioning a hurricane. Seated in the airport lounge, engrossed in a magazine while awaiting the next update, Ellie's surprise was palpable when Jason appeared seemingly out of nowhere, his duffel bag in tow. "Do you have any idea how worried I've been?" she exclaimed, caught off guard by his presence. "Why?" she inquired, her curiosity evident. "Does that even matter?" he retorted, claiming an empty seat beside her and letting his duffel bag drop to the floor. "I returned to the room, and you weren't there. Panic set in, and I searched high and low. I figured you were so determined to flee the city that the only logical place to check was the airport, and here you are." "Since you've located me, you can leave now," Ellie responded, returning to her magazine. But her words were interrupted as Jason took the magazine from her grasp. "Hey, give that back," she protested. “Ellie, what’s going on? All I’m getting from you is rudeness layered over insensitivity. I’ve treated you kindly since we met. I understand your eagerness to escape this place, but I’m not accountable for the weather,” he confronted her with a mix of concern and frustration. "I never implied that you should treat me nicely or go searching for me." "Yes, I'm aware you didn't, but I believe I'm a decent guy," he responded, standing up and returning the reading material to her. "However, I'll respect your wishes and keep my distance." As he held his duffel bag, poised to depart, he unexpectedly turned back to her, a contented look on his face. "The truth is, I sought you out because there's a way for both of us to reach New York. But if you're not interested in hearing me out, I'll just head to the Big Apple myself." Her gaze locked with his, and she sat up attentively. In those moments, an unspoken connection lingered between them until Ellie finally broke the silence. “So are you going to tell me?” "Why not consider taking a bus to New York?" Her interest was evident. "Like the Greyhound?" With growing intrigue, she sat up even straighter. "I'm not sure where their offices are, but we could ask around here." The notion of a bus hadn't previously crossed her mind. Swiftly rising, she scanned the surroundings, seeking information on the Greyhound terminal. With Jason accompanying her, they retraced their steps to the American Airlines desk. "Apologies for bothering you again, but could you point us in the direction of the Greyhound Bus terminal?" Ellie inquired. "Certainly, Miss. Listen closely," the attendant responded. She proceeded to provide detailed directions: "Follow the sign for CTA/Trains to City. This will guide you to the Blue Line Train Station. At the Blue Line Train Station, find the Ventra Vending Machines and catch the next train to Clinton Station. Upon exiting Clinton Station, head to the street. You'll be under a bridge on Clinton Street, a one-way road. Walk in the same direction as traffic for one block to Harrison Street. Turn right on Harrison Street and walk two blocks—you'll spot the Greyhound Bus terminal." Ellie and Jason exchanged perplexed looks. "If it helps, I can print out a map for you?" the attendant offered.	 "Yes, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much," Jason replied, a sense of relief washing over him. The attendant printed the map, highlighting a simpler path for them, and handed it to them. Their journey spanned an hour from the Blue Line Station to their final destination. Entering the bus terminal, drenched from the rain, they joined a lengthy queue. As they waited, Ellie cast a delighted glance at Jason by her side. "I just wanted to express my gratitude for this. I'm sorry for not being pleasant earlier. There's a reason behind it." "No worries. I understood there was more to it, and I didn't want to push you," Jason reassured her. Upon reaching the front, they discovered that all remaining bus trips to New York had been sold out. The only available option was a trip the following afternoon at five, and so they secured two tickets for that journey. She had a lingering feeling that the universe had conspired against her. It all began with her mother's resistance to her New York plans, followed by an unexpected storm diverting their journey to Chicago, and now, the misfortune of missing the bus. "Where should we go from here?" Ellie inquired, securing her ticket carefully within her handbag. The rain continued to pour relentlessly, making it seem almost inevitable that they would exit the bus terminal only to be drenched once more. "We could wait here for a while and hope the weather clears up. If not, we could head over to Subways. I'm sure you're famished by now. I certainly am," suggested Jason. At that moment, Ellie's hunger pangs became evident. Her last meal had been with Makayla and Missy at Westfield Fashion Square, where she had enjoyed a salad and soda. "That sounds like a plan. I'm quite hungry," she admitted. Collecting their luggage, they hailed a cab to the Subway on W Harrison Street, just a couple of blocks away. Ellie opted for a meatball marinara sandwich and a diet coke, while Jason chose a sweet onion chicken teriyaki with a coke. Settling into a corner booth, they consumed their sandwiches in silence for a while. Once Jason found an opening to speak, he brought up a pressing matter, "By the way, where are we going to spend the night?" After a brief pause for thought, Ellie responded, "That's a valid question." Between sips of his coke, Jason contemplated, "Perhaps we could find a motel around this area. It doesn't make sense to stay at the Holiday Inn again. I already checked us out." "Thanks for taking care of that," she acknowledged. She hesitated before adding, "Did you notice anything during our journey?" Shrugging slightly, Jason admitted, "I didn't pay much attention, did you?" With a shake of her head, Ellie let out a sigh. “Maybe we could ask someone here if they know of an affordable place to stay. My credit card is getting low, and I haven’t even reached New York yet,” she confessed, accompanied by a wry smile. Jason responded, "Likewise." With a final sip of his coke, he discarded the empty cup into a nearby trash can. As Ellie continued nibbling her sandwich, she eventually set it down, realizing it was too much for her. "Would you like the rest?" she offered, motioning to her half-eaten meal. "I'd never turn down food," Jason quipped, devouring the remnants of her meatball sandwich, marinara sauce dripping. "This is incredibly tasty," he remarked, wiping his hands. "Let's see if someone knows where to find affordable options around here." The rain had somewhat subsided, yet distant thunder still rumbled. A nearby patron recommended a reasonably priced motel a couple of miles away—Ohio House Motel in western downtown Chicago—conveniently close to the Greyhound Bus Terminal. They hailed a cab and soon arrived at the motel. The Ohio House had a certain charm with its quirky diamond motif, a splash of retro Americana nestled amidst the urban landscape of downtown Chicago. Its diamond-shaped roofline, mirrored suspended sign, and patterned block fence along Ohio Street exuded a Chicago Mid-Century aesthetic, characterized by stone walls and a prominent stainless steel sign on the east façade. Stepping into the reception, they were greeted by the owner's wife, Sarah. Her name tag identified her. "Hello, we'd like to secure a room for the night," Jason said, producing his American Express card. "What type of room are you interested in?" Sarah began, but before Jason could reply, she continued, "We have Deluxe King Beds, Deluxe Two Double Beds—" Ellie interjected, "Do you have any single beds available?" "Unfortunately, we only offer king and double beds," Sarah informed them. “It’s not as if we haven’t shared a bed together,” he mentioned, offering her a sheepish smile. Pushing his credit card forward, Jason suggested they go for two double beds. Once the transaction was settled, Sarah handed over the room keys. "Check-out is at 11 AM Enjoy your stay." Opening the door to their room, they were taken aback by the spaciousness of the double beds. It dawned on them that they had been booked into a deluxe suite. "Let's make the most of this space," Jason suggested. He placed his duffel bag on one of the beds before stretching out and turning on the TV. "I propose we do some sightseeing before catching the bus tomorrow. What do you think?" “That sounds like a plan, but I really need to freshen up with a shower,” Ellie mentioned, making her way toward the bathroom. This time, she didn’t bother locking the door, trusting Jason without a doubt. There had been no reason to doubt his character, and she felt a sense of comfort in his presence. As Ellie stood under the motel’s spacious shower, the delightful aroma of jasmine shampoo and conditioner filled the air, her cherished flower. Memories of her mother cultivating these plants back home, adorning the dining room and her own space, surfaced. Once out of the shower, clad in pajamas, she swiftly dried her hair with a hairdryer, and then stepped into the room to find Jason in tranquil slumber. Careful not to disturb him, she rummaged through the closets for a blanket to cover him with. Settling onto the second double bed, she opted to watch a segment of Miami Vice on NBC, eventually growing weary of it and turning to her phone. Amidst the messages, her mother’s voice notes went unheeded once more, and Ellie’s relief surged at her dad’s silence, indicating her secret journey to New York remained concealed. Suddenly, “Makayla” illuminated on her screen. Wrestling with uncertainty, she ultimately answered, only for Makayla’s alarmed exclamation to precede Ellie’s response: “Ellie, where are you? Everyone’s been so worried.” Distress echoed in the background as Missy’s voice joined the chorus. Her reply came with a casual, "Hello to you too," as she emerged from her bed, making her way to the bathroom. Makayla's concern was palpable. "Are you all right? When are you coming back?" Missy, equally anxious, seized Makayla's phone. "Ellie, what’s happening?" Her voice trembled with worry. Ellie's response was hushed, almost secretive. "You don't have to worry about me, Missy." "Why are you whispering? Are you being held captive somewhere?" Panic tinged Missy's words. Reassuringly, Ellie said, "I'm fine. Don't tell my mom or Leo that we spoke." "They are worried about you. The police were even called to find you," Missy's voice quivered, tears streaming down her cheeks. "At least let us know where you are." Ellie's reluctance was evident. "I can't do that. Sorry." Missy's voice quivered with hurt. "We are your best friends, Ellie. Why can't you trust us?" “I wish I could, but I can’t at this point. I have to go. I will call you soon, okay?” Before Missy could reply, Ellie ended the call and powered off her phone, knowing they would call again without hesitation. Under the covers, immediately after the call, she drifted into dreams of New York.&nbsp;

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The Irresistible Chance - Book One

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Kyla Jensen

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