Alex's POV
I boarded the plane. My small backpack held my laptop, songbook, some of my favorite books, and some granola bars. My larger suitcase held my clothes, phone, iPod, earbuds, and some more food.
I sat in first class, alone. I had my laptop out on the little table that was in front of me. I promised my foster mother to tell her when I was on the plane. The stupid little paranoid brat. Abusive too.
I closed my laptop and put it back in my bag when the flight attendant started to give me weird looks. God, sometimes the act as if we shouldn't have electronic devices on board. The plane hasn't even moved yet.
I laid my head back, careful not to close my eyes. new York awaited me and the few others that were on the plane.
There was one man that came aboard, who stood out. He wore a black full suit, his white shirt rumpled and had many wrinkles that looked imprinted in the shirt. He carried a briefcase that had some papers sticking out. His blonde hair looked like he just rolled out of bed. His eyes were a brilliant blue and a pair of glasses framed them well.
He sat in a seat across the aisle from me. He looked at me, flashing a smile. I, in return, glared at him.
"Hey, Beautiful. There's no reason to hate me yet. You have to get to know me first".
He laughed, thinking his joke was so funny.
I rolled my eyes, giving him a mock smile.
"Babe, come on. You just met me".
"One. Don't call me 'Babe'. Two. Why are you still talking to me?"
"You talk! Well if I can't call you 'Babe', what can I call you? Also, I'm talking to you 'cause you looked bored and I decided o be a gentleman".
"Um... Whatever". I looked away from him, looking out the window.
"My name's Jason, by the way". He was not giving up. Damn it. I sighed.
"You won't give up, will you?"
"Nope, Beautiful".
"Ugh! It's Alex, Jason. Alex."
"Alright, Alex. That wasn't hard. Why are you going to New York? Got a boyfriend there?"
I rolled my eyes. He was obviously trying hard to impress me or something. Might as well talk. What harm could come to talk to some guy that couldn't look business like if his life depended on it?
"No. I'm single. I'm going to New York cause I can. Got a problem?"
He looked taken aback. "No. I don't have a problem".
He ran his fingers through his hair, seemingly nervous. I might as well let him know I don't hate him...
"What are you going to do in New York", I said, trying to show compassion.
"Well", he started, opening his briefcase. "I'm on a business trip for MidFirst Bank. They sent me to Michigan and now they want me in New York. Next, I think they'll send me to Texas".
He pulled a piece of paper out of his briefcase. he read it over then put it back in its place, pulling out another one.
I raised my eyebrow looking at him curiously. "So... What are you doing?"
He looked up as he closed the case, clicking the latched into place. "Oh. Um, I don't know exactly. I'm just supposed to monitor the deposit or insert money from out banks from different states..."
"Oh... Well then. That's interesting".
"Not really".
"Yeah... Not really..."
He laughed, eyes sparkling. He looked at me, and I met his gaze. There was a small smile on his face. His eyes were soft.
I looked away, back at the window.
"I-I hope you don't mind me saying, but you a-are b-beau-"
A cough on the intercom.
"Excuse me. Would you please buckle you seat belts, at this time. We will be leaving in a few moments. Thank you".
I put my bag on the ground, pushing it under the seat in front of me. I locked my seat belt, tightening it to fit my slim waist. I closed the window because I hated to see the plane descend and ascend. Once we were level, I would open it.
A flight attendant walked down the aisle, stopping at Jason and me.
"Would you guys mind sitting together? To save up seats?" Jason looked over at me and I shrugged, He nodded.
"Um. Sure. That's fine".
The attendant sighed in relief. "Good, good". She moved on. em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Just like everyone in my life.
Jason picked up his briefcase, unbuckled, and walked over taking the middle seat. He smiled over at me before shoving his case under the seat, his blonde hair falling in his face.
When he sat back up, quickly buckling up, he gave me a low "Hi".
"Hey" I replied, looking back over to the covered window.
"I don't believe we were properly introduced. Jason Grace, son of-"
He stopped short, making me jerk my head toward him with interest. "Son of?"
"Um... Son of a guy named Juke. Yeah. Juke".
"Ahh..." I said, not convinced.
He looked uncomfortable, rubbing his neck nervously. He didn't explain, so I settled in the silence. By then, the lady in her skimpy dress, oh, I mean the flight attendant had made her way back to the front of the plane.
The plane started moving, Jason still looking uncomfortable, and within a few minutes, the plane was in the air.
Short Timeskip
When a different flight came around offering snacks and drinks, I jumped when Jason asked for some water.
"Just some water, please".
"And anything for you, miss?"
"Um", I blinked. "Just some water".
"OK," the lady said, sounding a little too cheerful. She handed Jason and me a small bottle of water. "One dollar each, please".
I handed Jason the money, letting him give it to the lady. I looked back to the window, seeing the pieces of land, and lots of clouds. The sound of the cart and the lady's voice left, going behind the curtain.
Someone tapped my shoulder lightly.
I turned toward Jason.
His hand was extended toward me, holding the water in his hand. He offered me a smile in which I did not return. I didn't hate him or anything, I guess I was just like that or something. I never really smiled much, after... well ya know.
I took the water out of his hand, turning back to the window. The passing clouds seemed like wisps of my life flying away, never to be seen again. Sometimes I wish I could just leave all my scars, emotional and physical, and start anew. I never it would never happen.
"Hey. I'm ah... sorry about that. It's just a touchy subject..."
I know what he means, or somewhere along the lines. I guessed he lost his dad or maybe his dad left him at a young age.
"It's fine. I'm used to people ignoring me, refusing to tell me something". I closed my eyes and muttered under my breath, "Killing people". I don't know why I said it, but I did. I just hope he didn't hear.
"What? The last part I couldn't hear".
"Oh... Nothing..."
He laughed, his eyes brightening once again. I was that carefree once...
"I'm glad we're talking now. There's like an hour left and I was getting bored".
I let a smile stretch my lips. A wave of dizziness hit me. Groaning, I rubbed my temples, keeping my eyes open.
"What's wrong?" Jason asked, sounding all worried. A dark side of my brain made a snide comment. Oh... Well, maybe he actually cares about you. Unlike everyone else in the world. Or maybe he's just pretending to be nice to hurt you. Just like everyone else.
I did my best to hold in tears and a scream. I thought the voices would go away.
"A headache, dizzy, ugh".
"Maybe you should get some rest... I'll wake you when we get there".
"N-no! I c-can't".
"Yes, you can. Sleep, OK. I'm right here so I'll wake you up when we arrive, K. Sleep"
I growled, but all the same, I knew I couldn't win. His soft voice, comforting and loving reminded me of my mother when she would rock me to sleep and sing a soft Italian song. She would run her fingers through my hair and mutter soft music that filled me with warmth.
I shut my eyes a little, groaning still. The headache wasn't getting better.
I moved my head to rest on the window, but it was too hard to sleep on and the light from the sun kept getting into my eyes. The seat head cushion wasn't much better. It was okay, but the surface was too straight up for me.
I placed my head on my hand. Nope. I tried leaning my head to the side of the head cushion thing. Uncomfortable.
Finally, when there seemed to be nothing else to try, I laid my head down on Jason's shoulder. It wasn't exactly squishy like a pillow, but it was comfy. His shoulder was firm and muscular, surprisingly comfortable.
I sighed, lean closer to Jason, closing my eyes fully. Jason chuckles waking me up from my fairly light slumber.
"Hey! You are my pillow, so you may not move!"
Jason laughed again, shaking himself. I lightly slapped his arm.
He stopped after a few minutes, wiping a fake tear out of his eyes.
"You remind me of my best friend, Percy".
I rolled my eyes. "Well if you friend is sleep deprived, I can relate". I glared at Jason playfully.
He laughed again, showing off his white teeth.
"Ok, Ok! I'll stop!" he said when I punched his arm.
I laid my head back down on his shoulder, which was still shaking from his laughter.
I closed my eyes and fell into a deep sleep. Surprisingly, I didn't have a flashback. All that comforted me, was beautiful darkness.
