Rex Lathwyn's Conquest

Chapter 5: Set up

Los Angeles, LA Runway Royale INTL Airport ~

It is one of the most beautiful international airports in Los Angeles. Just seeing the sleek glass and steel construction, with bold geometric lines and a massive sign featuring the airport's name LA Runway Royale INTL Airport in bright, neon lights makes one feel like he's in a different world.

Walking in, Rex couldn't help but appreciate the high ceilings, with modern art installations and luxury shops lining the spacious corridors.

The terminals are all decked out in trendy colours and finishes, with plush seating and high-tech check-in kiosks. Natural light floods in through floor-to-ceiling windows, giving the whole place a bright, airy feel.

_Sigh, time to head towards home._

He thought as he headed towards the ticketing counter which was one of the most bustling hubs of activity, with multiple agents working feverishly to assist a steady stream of passengers. The sleek, modern desk was adorned with the airport's signature colours, and helpful signage pointed the way to check-in.

At one station, a friendly agent with a warm smile greeted Rex whose turn finally reached. ''How can I help you today?'' she inquired, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she effortlessly navigated the complexities of air travel.

Rex calmly responded with a question about their flight, and the agent expertly pulled up the necessary information.

''Your flight will be set in 1 hour later,'' she said with a confident smile.

As Rex nodded in relief, she printed out his boarding pass, handed it over with a flourish, and wished him a pleasant journey.

Behind her, the hustle and bustle of the airport continued, with travellers hurrying to catch their flights and families bidding each other emotional goodbyes.

Just as Rex turned to search for a place to sit, his gaze landed on a familiar face. It was a person he despised with every fibre of his being. Their eyes coincidentally met and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Tension hung heavy in the air, as the two individuals looked at each other with different gazes.

With his lips curled up in a mocking smirk he walked towards Rex, "Yo what's up man? Felt like ages since I last saw you." Grey says.

Rex's expression hardened at the sight of Grey, knowing he couldn't beat Grey or even cause a ruckus in the terminal, Rex decided to avoid him.

''Not now, Grey,'' he muttered, trying to brush past him. But Grey wasn't about to let him go so easily.

''Come on, Rex, don't be like that. It's good to see an old friend.'' But Rex wasn't having it.

"We're not friends,'' he spat, his voice cold and hard, he hated seeing those arrogant smirk on Grey's face and couldn't help but wish to punch them.

Grey scoffed. ''Whatever you say, man. But I know the truth. You couldn't even afford a sanitary pad for your wife and I was there to pick her up and treat her like the queen she is! Something someone who can't afford his adopted sister's treatment can't!!!"

Rex's jaw tightened from those heart-stinging words and he could feel his blood boiling with rage at being mocked and humiliated because some of those words were true.

He wanted nothing more than to punch Grey in the face, but he knew that would only make things worse. Instead, he turned on his heel and walked away, his steps heavy with anger and shame.

As Rex walked away, Grey called out after him in a loud voice.

"You can't run from the truth forever, Rex! You'll have to face it eventually, you know she left you cause you're so freaking useless. Guess what? She also said she had sex with you only once and never did again cause you came within a minute. Hahaha.''

His words echoed through the terminal, and Rex felt like everyone was watching him. He wanted to disappear, to escape the shame and humiliation. But he knew he couldn't. He had to face the consequences of his foolish actions, no matter how painful they might be.

If only he listened to his family's words back then, he wouldn't have faced such an embarrassing situation.

The only thing keeping him sane now is the opportunity given to him by his family.

_I can't lose or I will forever be a mockingstock of society._ He thought.

****

Meanwhile, Grey stood there. Watching as Rex walked towards a seat.

Suddenly as if stroked by an idea Grey's eyes lit up like brand new torches. Without hesitancy he walked away, his destination unknown but one thing for sure is Rex won't be having peace of mind in here.

****

With his eyes closed Rex rested his head on the soft chair while waiting for his flight turn he didn't even know how long he had been sleeping.

"Excuse me, Sir, can I search your bag?"

Rex was jolted awake by the voice, upon turning round, he spotted a security with a dog standing close to him.

_I don't have any bag, so whose bag is he talking about?_ Rex thought.

"Sir, please don't be offended but you see, my security dog over here has a little overly sensitive nose and it seems to be sniffing that bag close to you so I would like to search it." The security explained politely while pointing at one black schoolbag close to Rex.

As soon as Rex saw the bag he replied, "Sorry Sir, this isn't my bag. The last time I checked I came into this airport without a bag. So maybe it's owned by some other person."

The security seems to be having none of it as he sends a signal to three of his colleagues who jog toward him.

"What's the matter, Alfred?" One asked.

"My dog sniffed something in here and upon coming to search him, he denied that it isn't his bag." The security man known as Alfred explained.

"Uuuhm, young man. Is it true that it isn't your bag?" The second one asked.

"Fuck!, What do you mean is it true? Don't you have CCTV cameras everywhere? Why not check it out?!" Rex subconsciously yelled, attracting more attention to his side.

Some people even took out their phones to record the scene.

Alfred upon sighting this, his eyes flashed with a cunning glint, he then pointed his fingers at Rex and said, "It's a lie, guys. Open the bag and see!" Not letting his colleagues do the work, Alfred went and unzipped the bag and poured what was inside onto the floor.

Gasp~

Gasps echo throughout the terminal as everyone looks at Rex with disgust and contempt. It was like he was the bad sheep of the family. Rex couldn't take it and questioned them angrily, "Officers! What's the meaning of this?! Are you guys framing me up?! I told you I didn't co..."

"Young man," one of the officers cut him sternly, "It seems like you will be coming to our office for some coffee. You should know this honourable airport hate and will deal strictly with drug sellers and since you turned out to be one, you should know your offence..."