Despite the euphoria of being rescued, the plane ride itself was lackluster. Despite the excitement, no one dared to speak. To speak would jinx the rescue, and the longer they didn't speak the closer they would be to home.
One of the pilots turned on the intercom, "Alright, kids. We will be landing in about twenty minutes. I suggest you put your seat belts on."
No one moved. Each of his or her seatbelts was already in place, untouched. They looked around nervously. Except one.
Cody Jackson just continued to stare out the window, his face and body placid and relaxed. His mind was a different story.
"What is going to happen to me when I get back? Will I be charged? Arrested again? Will they wait for all of that?" Cody silently thought. "I suppose everyone else is excited to get away, but I kind of miss." He then noted how he would never tell anyone of this thought.
For the first time since the plane ride from the Philippines, Jackson's attention was caught. The representative from the airline was a pretty lady, in her forties that commanded attention when she spoke, yet had a calm and reserved look about her. Her name was Marcia Thomas.
"Alright, now when you all get off the plane you will see that there are a lot of reporters who are going to ask you questions. Now you don't have to answer them just yet, but the sooner you do the sooner you will get it over with. Any questions?" In unison, they shook their heads. "Good, and on behalf of the pilot, welcome back to L.A."
The military plane had landed and eagerly the survivors parted down, rushing to safe land. Across the airstrip were their parents, friends, family.
"Dad, Mom!" were frequently shown as were hugs and tears.
Jackson, Melissa, and Lex were the only ones who didn't immediately go. Jackson knew they were standing waiting for permission to see their family. He was closest to those to on the island, and he knew they were waiting to introduce him to their families.
"Hey… Jackson why don't you come and meet my family? I'm sure they would love to meet you," said Melissa.
Jackson looked down and realized she was holding his hand. He smiled. "No, go say hello, then I will. I don't really expect anyone to be here for me anyway."
Melissa gave him a surprised look. "Really?"
"Honestly, I don't know." She gave him a hesitant look. "Really, go."
Melissa then ran down, smiling back at Jackson to meet her parents.
Honestly, Jackson hadn't thought that anyway would show. Why would they? After what had happened he couldn't blame them. Maybe a friend from the past, an unknown relative… Now he was getting his hopes up.
Lex was staring up at Jackson.
"Well, Lex, why are you here? Go say hello!" Jackson said, trying to cover up his sadness with overexcitement.
"Because they will be there in five minutes. I just wanted to tell you something."
"What?"
"That no matter what happens here, I want you to know that I am your friend. Anything you need, you just ask," Lex said.
A beat of silence, of taking it in. Then rather suddenly, "Did I ever tell you I always wanted a brother?" asked Lex.
With a smile, Jackson answers, "No, you didn't."
"It's funny you see because after my dad died, I thought I would never get one. Then my mother remarried and I thought that I would at least get a step-brother, but I got Daley, which is great, don't get me wrong. But I always wanted a brother," Lex said excitingly.
"I guess you have one now. Now go." Lex gave Jackson a hug and ran off to see his family.
Jackson walked down the strip slowly, taking this in. There was Eric on his left, making jokes with his father and laughing. Being the same goofball. Then on his right were Daley and Lex, and he found himself surprised to see Daley crying with joy next to her father. Further down on his right was Taylor, who bore a striking resemblance to her father, and who was complaining about the plane ride back, but not at all about the island. Typical Taylor—sort of. Jackson looked to his left and saw Nathan playing with his younger sister and glancing at his parents, both looking proud. He saw the others who he did not live with, but still looked at fondly. Then he saw Melissa, signaling him to come and meet his family. Now that they were off the island they could finally become a couple, with Taylor's silent blessing. And this would be the last time he could talk without worrying about cops or jail. He went to walk towards her when he was interrupted by the appearance of a familiar sixteen-year- old girl.
"Hey stranger."
Hey guys! This is my first fanfiction for the show! Basically the girl at the end is his a link from his past—that is all I am saying. I thought that it should be primarily about Jackson, since he is the most fascinating character. Anyway, please review!
