Out of Your Life
Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Red Eye!
Chapter One
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
After nearly forty minutes on the bus, Lisa suddenly jumped in her seat. Her frightened green eyes popped open as the coach bus soared over a large pothole.
I'm not on a plane, she reminded herself. There is no turbulence on a bus.
Still, she glanced towards her right at the empty seat and to her left as well. There was no one beside her. She was not still trapped on plane 30,000 feet above the ground with her father's life in jeopardy. Five months had past, yet the nightmare was as vivid as if Jackson were still beside her.
I can't let this rule my life. I have to move on.
Jacksonville, Florida
Jackson Rippner rubbed the sleep from his bright blue eyes. The early morning sun in combination with his alarm clock had woken him from his deep, restful sleep. Today was his last day in Jacksonville before he relocated to Miami for a quick visit. He preferred living down south, but he had to switch locations every few months to avoid his former employers.
Everyone was still out for his blood even though it had been five months ago that he had failed the Keefe job.
Walking into the adjoining bathroom, he peered into the mirror after splashing a few handfuls of cold water onto his face. An angry red scar glared back at him; a constant reminder of her and his failure.
Damn you, Lisa. All you had to do was make the phone call and we could have been happy. Instead, you had to screw things up…
Jackson stalked out of the bathroom and shuffled back into his room. He carefully dressed in his relaxed casual clothes—jeans, a plain t-shirt, sneakers, and a pair of concealing shades—and finished packing his suitcase. He was not leaving right away, but it never hurt to prepare for a quick dash.
Stealing a peek at his watch, Jackson grumbled. He had an entire day to waste before his bus came. After the red-eye, he had become sick of flying, plus he did not feel like being stuck beside a stranger. At least the bus would not be as crowded and he would not have to go through security. He had a sneaking suspicion that he was on the do-not-fly list because of his 'suspected terrorist involvement'.
If anyone is a terrorist, it's Lisa. Bitch stabbed me with a pen and a shoe...
Still, he had to admire her spunk. Not many people would have decided to fight back and even less of them would still be alive and kicking. Except Lisa…she had won her freedom from him. He had no desire to bother her again.
Sometimes he was filled only with anger and contempt at her for what she had, yet other times he almost missed her. She had been a major part of his life until flight 1019 and it was strange to no longer watch her.
Of course, feeling sorry for her didn't help. She just had to tell me her sob story right before she stabbed me… had to make me feel bad.
Jackson shook his head clear of thoughts of Lisa and headed out of his hotel room and into the early morning sun. He might as well enjoy one last day on the town. Thinking about Lisa all day certainly wouldn't help him.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Four and a half hours into the bus ride, Lisa was becoming motion-sick. She had fallen asleep for a great portion of the ride, but she was very much looking forward to getting off the bus. The novelty had worn off within about an hour.
The coach bus reminded her far too much of the plane and of Jackson. The cramped space, the bathroom light—it was too much for her. She had yet to dare enter the bathroom for fear that when she moved to open the door he'd be standing there.
What is it going to take to forget you?
Author's Notes:
Still setting up the plot—hopefully it will become more exciting soon! Enjoy and thanks for the reviews!