Maggie:
I finished my coffee and got up to toss it in the trash, feeling wide awake. Schyler, on the other hand, let out a gentle snore. I chuckled to myself as I tossed the cup and glanced up at the sign. Still delayed. I rolled my eyes and looked to the desk beneath it. I didn't really need to ask, but the guy working it was really cute, so I decided it was worth it.
“Hey, do you know when the storm is supposed to end?” I asked sweetly as I approached the guy. He turned to me from the old couple pestering him about luggage, looking slightly overwhelmed.
“Uh... Soon?” he suggested, shrugging. “Who knows with this weather.” he turned back to the couple. So much for that. I started to walk away.
“Wait.” I turned, slightly annoyed. The guy gave me an apologetic look. “They're about to make the boarding announcement. The storm is supposed to be past in the next five to ten minutes. Sorry about that.” I smiled.
“Thanks.” Five minutes. Time to wake the troops.
Sky was already awake when I got back, looking slightly confused.
“Hey you.” I said as I approached. I could see the rain slowing out the window behind her, “They're about to make the boarding announcement.”
She nodded, then looked around. “Where's Colton and Natalie?”
“They went to find seats like 45 minutes ago.” I laughed. “I think they went this way.” I helped her to her feet and she stretched, then followed me towards the airplane door.
I caught sight of them almost immediately, and pulled my phone out, giggles escaping my mouth. Sky noticed a second after, and let out a quiet, “Awww.”
They were both fast asleep. Natalie had Colton's jacket draped over her like a blanket, and her head was resting on his shoulder. His arms were crossed and his head was leaning on hers, his poof of brown hair slightly crooked.
“Get a picture.” Sky insisted, grabbing her phone out. I already had my camera app open, and smiled visibly as I captured my evidence. Nat was gonna kill me.
“I don't even want to wake them!” I laughed.
“Okay A-11, we're gonna start boarding. People with tickets 1 to 35, line up in order!” the cheerful voice came over the PA.
Sky shrugged, and simultaneously poked them both in the bellies. Their eyes popped open. It took a second for their surroundings to click, but when they did they immediately flew apart, bonking heads in the process. Natalie's cheeks were bright red, and I could see some sort of internal battle going on in her eyes. I bit my lip, trying to hide my amusement.
“We're boarding.” I said simply, sliding my phone into my pocket and turning away, letting my grin show. There was now no doubt in my mind that Natalie liked him. None at all.
Natalie:
Stupid stupid stupid stupid. I thought to myself as I boarded the plane behind Colton. I was so embarrassed I didn't even know what to do. And our stupid tickets were the very last ones, so we were stuck with whatever seats were left. Which basically meant I probably got to sit by another puking man. I was deep in thought when he grabbed my arm. I jumped.
“Easy, Nat.” he shook his head in amusement, “I just was saying that I found seats.” I had no clue where Sky and Maggie had disappeared to. Which meant I had no way out of this.
“Oh. Uh good. Thanks.” I followed him into the row, feeling self conscious. Once we were settled and buckled, and the plane was in the air, I spoke again.
“Look, I'm sorry about... Earlier.” I began. He raised his eyebrows.
“About falling asleep? Why apologize for that?”
“About... Well...” his eyes were curious. I couldn't believe he was making me spell it out for him. “About falling asleep on you. I didn't mean to make you feel awkward or anything. I honestly didn't even-” he cut me off.
“Still no reason to apologize, Nat. It's cool. Really. We were both tired.” he looked genuine, and I couldn't help but meet his solid gaze. My heart still fluttered weakly.
“Look. I... I am not great around people. Especially guys.” I said honestly, looking at my feet. I had no idea why I was telling him this. But I felt like I needed to try to explain. Not everything, but a bit. So we could at least be friends. He just nodded, waiting for me to say more. I knew he wouldn't make me say or do anything I didn't want to, and that made me feel more confident.
“If you want we don't have to talk.” he said, “I get that.”
“No.” I said it way too quickly. “I mean... No. I like talking to you. A lot. I feel more comfortable around you than I do around most guys. I just want you to know that sometimes I don't always say the right stuff. And it's just me being nervous. I mean...” I was rambling, and I cut myself off. He was smiling.
“I'm glad you can talk to me. And just remember that you always can, no matter what. Okay? You can trust me.” He met my eyes solemnly.
I still felt like trust was going a little too far. I wasn't ready for that. But I'd definitely talk to him. I nodded.
“So you have a little sister... Any other siblings?” he asked. It seemed like he was honestly curious, not just trying to fill the silence.
“Nah, she's it. Is Schyler your only sibling?” I found that I actually was curious about him.
“Yeah.” he laughed, “Which is probably a good thing. One teenage girl in the house is more than enough.” I gave him a look, and he wrinkled his nose at me.
“Watch it.” I warned. He just smiled. “Well teenage boys are no better.” I shot back, feeling triumphant.
“Only I'm 20.” he stuck his tongue out at me and made a face.
“Show off.” I mumbled, trying not to giggle.
“Your turn.” he said, giving me a mischievous grin.
“Huh?” I replied, raising my eyebrows.
“How old are you? I mean if you ask the question you have to be willing to give your answer.” he winked.
“Oh so it's a game now?” I laughed, rolling my eyes, “And just to be fair, I didn't ask how old you were. You flaunted it.” He grinned. But remained silent. “I'm 16.”
“Sky's age.” he laughed. “Okay, what's your favorite superhero.”
“Are you serious?” I said. He was way too easily amused. But he nodded solemnly. “Hmm. I guess I like Violet. From The Incredibles.” he gave me a look.
“That hardly counts!”
“Hey, she saved the world!” I argued. Honestly, I just admired how she could hide from everything. That would be the best superpower ever.
“Well I like a legit superhero.” he laughed, making a face.
“Oh do you?”
“Mhm. Batman.” I snorted, and he pretended to be offended. “Batman is cool. Don't diss batman. Your turn to ask.”
I sighed. “Celebrity crush?” then added, “Other than Hayley Williams.”
“Emma Watson for sure.” he said without hesitation.
I rolled my eyes. Only Colton. “I have a thing for Adam Young.” I laughed. Colton looked at me questioningly, “He's the guy who does Owl City.” I explained. He looked even more confused, and I dropped my head into my hands. “How do you not know Owl City!?” I cried in disbelief.
He raised his hands in mock surrender, “Sorry, sorry. I'll look him up when we get to the hotel.”
We laughed and asked questions back and forth practically the whole plane ride. And to my surprise, completely avoided the awkward moments I'd become accustomed to altogether. It was the most fun I'd had talking in a long time.
Chapter Three: The Delay
Start from the beginning
