Return to L.A.

The plane descended smoothly through the cloud layer, and soon enough, the sprawling cityscape of Los Angeles came into view. I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness as I peered out of the window, watching the city where I'd grown up and where my future now lay. The last three years in New York had been transformative, but there was something comforting about coming back to the familiar.

As the plane touched down and taxied to the gate, I gathered my things and took a deep breath. This was it. Stepping off the plane, I felt a rush of warm California air and a sense of anticipation. Navigating through the airport, I quickly spotted Uncle Rick and Aunt Dee Dee waiting for me at the arrivals area.

"Alex! Welcome home!" Rick exclaimed, pulling me into a bear hug.

"It's so good to see you, Alex," Dee Dee said, hugging me tightly.

"Thanks, guys. It's great to be back," I replied, feeling a warmth spread through me. Their caring and supportive nature had always made me feel at home.

We made our way to the car, and as we drove through the familiar streets of Los Angeles, I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. The city had a unique energy that I had missed, and I was eager to immerse myself in it once again.

"So, what's the plan now that you're back?" Rick asked, glancing at me in the rearview mirror.

"Well, I was thinking about finding a place of my own," I said. "I want to be independent and start finding my own place to live."

Rick and Dee Dee exchanged a look of approval. "That sounds like a great idea, Alex," Dee Dee said. "We'll help you in any way we can."

Over the next few days, I began my search for a house. I wanted something that was close enough to the city but also located in a quiet environment. I spent days visiting potential homes, consulting real estate companies and weighing my options.

One afternoon, I stumbled upon a listing that caught my eye. It was a charming two-bedroom house in a quiet neighbourhood, with a pool, small garden and a garage. The moment I saw it, I knew it was the one.

I arranged a viewing and brought Rick along for his opinion. Aunt Dee Dee has already gone back to Sacramento. As we walked through the house, I could envision myself living there. The rooms were spacious and filled with natural light, and the backyard was perfect for relaxing or hosting gatherings.

"This place is perfect, Alex," Rick said, nodding approvingly.

With his encouragement, I made an offer on the house, and within a few days, it was accepted. I was officially a homeowner.

Next on my list was obtaining a driver's license. Despite my young age, my extensive knowledge and skills from my past life memories made me confident in my abilities. I scheduled a driving test and spent the following days practicing with uncle Rick's car.

On the day of the test, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. However, as I navigated through the test, my confidence grew. I executed each maneuver with precision, and by the end of the test, the examiner nodded in approval.

"Congratulations, Alex. You've passed," the examiner said, handing me my temporary license.

With my driver's license in hand, I set out to buy my first car. I had always admired classic muscle cars, and one particular model had caught my eye: the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R. Its sleek design and powerful engine made it the perfect choice.

I visited a dealership that specialized in classic cars and found exactly what I was looking for. The car was originally red, but I had a vision of a striking yellow and black colour scheme. After a thorough inspection and a test drive, I made the purchase and immediately took it to a garage to get it repainted.

I met with the mechanic and explained my vision for the car. The mechanic nodded, and within a few days, the transformation was complete. The new paint job looked incredible, and the car was everything I had dreamed of. 

Driving my newly repainted Mustang for the first time was an exhilarating experience. The roar of the engine, the responsive handling, and the sheer power of the car made me feel alive. I drove through the streets of Los Angeles, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, and felt a sense of accomplishment.

With my new home, driver's license, and car in hand, I spent the next few days settling into my house, arranging furniture, and making it feel like home.

The next few days were a whirlwind of activity. I familiarized myself with my neighbourhood, met my neighbours, and explored the local area. I also began to think about my next steps.

-------------------------------------

As I lay in bed one morning, sunlight streaming through the windows of my new home, my thoughts turned to my future. The past couple of weeks had been a whirlwind of activity, but now that I was settled, I needed to start planning my next steps. I knew I wanted to become a police officer, but there was a significant hurdle: I wasn't old enough yet.

To become a police officer, you had to be at least 21 years old, and I was still four years shy of that milestone. The minimum age to enter the police academy was 20, which meant I had to wait a bit longer before I could even begin training. The realization was frustrating, but I knew I had to be patient and use this time wisely.

I mulled over my options, trying to come up with a plan that would not only keep me occupied but also prepare me for my future career. I needed something that would be beneficial in the long run and give me an edge when I finally joined the police force. After some thought, the answer became clear: I should pursue a degree in criminal justice.

A criminal justice degree would provide me with valuable knowledge and skills that would be directly applicable to my future career. It would give me a deeper understanding of the legal system, criminology, and law enforcement practices. Moreover, having a degree in criminal justice could help shorten some steps for my eventual promotion from police officer to detective.

With this goal in mind, I started researching universities and colleges in Los Angeles that offered criminal justice programs. I wanted to find a program that was reputable and would provide me with a solid education. After several days of research, I found a few options that seemed promising.

After careful consideration, I settled on California State University that had a strong criminal justice program and a good reputation. The campus was vibrant, and the faculty seemed knowledgeable and approachable.

Once I had made my decision, I began the application process. I gathered all the necessary documents, wrote my personal statement, and filled out the forms.

2 weeks later, I received my acceptance letter. Classes would begin in August, giving me a two months to prepare and get everything in order.

In the meantime, I decided to continue honing my skills. I set up a training schedule that included physical fitness, self-defense, and detective skills. I spent countless hours in the gym, practicing various forms of martial arts and self-defense techniques. 

Their training was rigorous, but I thrived on the challenge. Each day, I felt myself growing stronger and more confident. I knew that all this preparation would give me an edge when I finally joined the police force.

In addition to the physical and investigative training, I also dedicated time to studying. I wanted to be well-prepared for my criminal justice classes, so I began reading textbooks and articles on criminology, law enforcement, and the legal system. I took detailed notes and created study guides, determined to excel in my studies.

Finally, the day arrived when I had to attend orientation at the university. I packed my bag and prepared to go.