Fallen Angel by Liquid Atomization

Chapter 2

OoOoO

31 new messages

3 missed calls

Rolling his eyes, Darwin typed in the password to his phone and opened one of the messages, frowning as he read the small text on the bleary screen. He really needed to upgrade from the old phone. This one would certainly be the death of his eyes. If not his sanity.

Darwin!

WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE YOU?! IM WORRIED SICK. AND SO IS MOM! GUMBALL AND THE BAND HAVE BEEN BACK FOR TWO DAYS NOW!

-ANAIS

Darwin sighed and looked over his sunglasses, glancing around himself as he covertly eyed the surrounding jet lagged passengers; their own eyes looking away and at their own problems.

Slowly his fin flowed across the phone. Smiling, he typed out his reply,

I'm okay don't worry. Just decided to take my own flight back home. Meet me at the main airport?

-Dar

Content with the message he pressed send and watched as the text slowly dissipated from the screen. That took care of one problem for the moment.

"Ticket please" A stewardess commanded as she stepped in-front of the door, knocking Darwin back into the real world.

Darwin grumbled softly as he reached deep into his pocket, frantically searching for the particular piece of paper.

"You have got to be kidding me. You asked for it as I came on."

Darwin rambled while he searched, setting a smirk on the woman's face.

"Precautions. Everyone has to go through them-" the stewardess replied as she looked him over. "Hey do I know you from somewhere?"

Instantly, Darwin's eyes shot up as he stopped searching for a moment. Did she know?

"I..um..."

"Oh that's it! Has anyone ever told you that you look like the drummer for that rock band?"

Darwin laughed nervously as he returned to searching for the paper. "Rock band? That's ridiculous. What would a famous rock musician be doing on a plane like this?"

"I guess you have a point. They all like their comfort supposedly."

Eventually Darwin found the paper crumpled up with a candy wrapper. Glaring, he tore it from the pocket and shoved it into the woman's arms as he pushed pass.

"Thank you for your cooperation sir. I'm sorry for the trouble. It's been a pleasure having you aboard."

"Likewise," he agreed, spurring into a slow jog into the airport.

That had to be the longest plane ride he'd ever taken. Primarily the blame was with the rambling group of girls two rows behind frequently sneaking glances. Not to mention, the one that tried to get his hood and sunglasses off when he had started to doze. Two layovers and losing his luggage. Plus that stewardess almost blowing his cover. Lady Luck was definitely not on his side this trip.

But anything was better than traveling with Kayla and the gang back.

Once inside the airline terminal, Darwin slowed his pace to less suspicious terms. And, ignoring the baggage reclaim, headed towards the exit.

It was his first time back in America for at least a year. And most likely the last if Kayla ever learned the truth. The people who passed down the airport halls were all wearing sunglasses and an aurora of happiness, large smiles on their faces as they clutched their loved ones hands. Something Darwin had no hope to experience.

Glancing down at his own faded jeans, jacket, and sleeveless shirt; Darwin decided he wanted to buy some newer clothes. Ones which would allow a chance to blend in more. And possibly help him feel normal.

Nodding in confirmation, he turned around a corner; spotting the exit doors immediately. Grinning to himself, Darwin began to speed walk towards them. Along the way his eyes skimmed around the surrounding walls as he read posters and advertisements, stopping as he spotted one in particular.

Blown up to take up most of the poster was the group. Everyone waving to the person taking the image while they posed atop a skyscraper. Beneath it read- Don't forget your tickets for the show! And Enter for a chance to win a private night with one of the members!

Sighing deeply, he pulled his eyes away from the image, walking ahead with his head low. If anything, he would need to be more careful here than anywhere else. The last thing Darwin needed was for some overzealous fan to ruin his vacation. Not after all it took for them to even agree to take one.

"WELCOME TO ELMORE!"

Jumping ten feet, Darwin turned towards a mouse as she thrusted a free map into his arms. The glow of her smile powerful enough for the entire airport terminal to run for weeks.

"Hello-" She answered rather hesitantly with a smile. However Darwin couldn't help but notice her glancing back at the way he'd came.

"Um...hi?"

The mouse clapped, and leaned inwards, "Don't worry you're safe with me."

"Safe?" Darwin answered rather panicked, "Listen, i don't know-"

"Of course you do. They're obviously after you." The mouse leaned backwards as she tapped her chin. "Surely you know that?"

Darwin sighed and was about to leave when she muttered again, "Its not everyday we spot a rock star in Elmore. Isn't that right Darwin?"

Darwin's face fell. He'd been spotted.

"Well you better be getting on then!" The mouse smirked bringing the time consuming conversation to an end. As she did she pointed behind him. "Your friends are here."

Glancing back to the way he'd come, Darwin's face fell as the group of girls emerged from the mass of people. Each one covering her face from the bright light as they excitedly looked around.

Turning back to the mouse he patted her hand and thrusted his jacket into her arms, "Consider it a souvenir."

Quickly Darwin turned and dashed away towards the large doors. His arms pushing people away as he searched for an escape. The gaggle however spotted him immediately, and gave chase. Sadly for Darwin, they were faster and approaching quickly.

Darwin smiled with success as he emerged into the bright day. His eyes locking with any means of escape and frowning as he discovered a long queue for pick ups and taxis.

With regret, Darwin turned as the gleeful girls emerged from the doors, his own smile filling his face as he stepped forward accepting his fate.