Chap 3:

Emma had always loved flying. She enjoyed staring out the window over the clouds, and watching the lights below, flying like she was greater than everything around. Sooner than later, she would be back with Maria, and finally starting to get on with her life.

She glanced over her shoulder as she felt the brunette shift in her seat. The poor thing looked terrified gripping her arm rests so tightly her knuckles were bright white. Her muscles seemed so tense that she was shaking. Emma couldn't help but feel guilty about her own sense of safety. She could only guess it was because she had experienced things that made the idea of a plane crash seem silly. She could only wonder if she would ever have the chance to experience a rationale everyday fear like public speaking again.

"Hey," Emma started, she may have severe social anxiety but she still hated to see people upset or hurt. "Are you okay? The flight will be over before you know it." The brunette looked over at Emma but her face told her she didn't believe her. There was a sense of experience in the women's eyes, and as strange as it sounds Emma felt like the women had her own horror stories. She had the eyes of a haunted woman, always watching. Emma would know that look sense she saw it anytime she glanced in a mirror.

"No. You don't understand" the women snapped at her, and she could see Dom loosening his tie on the other side of her. It seemed like Emma was the only one who wasn't frightened by flying.

"Just try to relax and think of something else."

"Just. Please." The women gritted through her teeth and Emma winced.

"I'm sorry, I'm not trying to assume anything, but…you just seem so…uncomfortable. I wish I could help." Emma turned away glancing back out the window. There was a time when she would be able to talk to the women with no hesitation, and help her feel more relaxed. After all, it was what she spent almost 4 years studying, but now she never knew the right words too say. She had lost faith in the counseling. After all, they never could say anything to make her feel any safer.

The girl exhaled loudly next to her. "I'm sorry, I appreciate it just…past trauma's I guess."

"That I understand" Emma said turning back to face her.

"Perhaps," the women answered with a hint of disbelief. Emma wanted to judge her response, but shock her head. After all, Emma couldn't know what the girl had faced and who was she to assume that it couldn't be anything like her own experience.

"It's Lisa by the way, my name is Lisa." She clarified and Emma smiled in response. The girl already seemed to be relaxing a little bit, even if she was gripping her arm rests tightly.

"Nice to meet you, Lisa."

"Sorry, if I'm being rude, it's just flying." Lisa's shoulders shivered with some haunting memory.

" It's okay, I get it I guess, although I prefer to be in the air then on the ground, I know it's weird but I feel too exposed in a crowd." Lisa just stared at Emma silently. "Wow, just making myself sound like a loon." Emma muttered pushing back into her chair.

"No not at all. I think I understand to be honest. Like I said, flying makes me…super uncomfortable."

"Then, if I can ask, why are you doing it?"

"I didn't have a choice. I was away on business, when I heard that my father had a heart attack. I had to fly right back."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I hope he's okay."

"Ya. The nurses say he's alright but I haven't had a chance to talk to him." Emma knew too well what it was like to lose a family, and she couldn't help the pain of loss in her chest. Life was just so short.

"What about you. " Lisa asked, clearly trying to change the subject. Emma was glad for the change as well she just wished it was in a different direction.

"Umm, to visit an old friend. I was a nanny for a while, and it's the little girl's birthday and I promised to be there."

"She must be really important to you."

"She is." Emma said her voice trailing off as she continued to pick at her nail polish absentmindedly.

"Something personal, I get it." Emma was going to comment when they were interrupted by Dom.

"Hey did you guys want anything? He gestured towards the attendants waiting patiently with the refreshments cart.

"Sure, I'll have a coffee."

"Oh…" Lisa joined "Coffee sounds great."

The rest of the flight went okay; Lisa and Emma talked non-stop about classes and work. Lisa seemed to be addicted to her job, but she could understand when Lisa explained that it deserved as a distraction from the world around her. Emma knew what that was like, and wanted to find something like that for herself, a way to escape from the nightmares and panic attacks. Even though Emma never mentioned her own personal 'past trauma' Emma couldn't help but get the feeling that Lisa would understand. In fact the two seemed like they could be best friends. It was a shame that after the plane landed, they might never see each other again. People were funny that way, trusting strangers more than they did their friends.

"Hello everyone, this is your captain speaking. We are beginning our initial decent and should be arrive within the next 20min. Please dispose of all trash, and turn of your electronic devices. Thank you and I hope you have enjoyed this flight."

Perfect. Emma thought to herself. Just a few more minutes, and another short flight, and she would be back Maria. She was nervous about facing her mother Jill, but her excitement to see Maria was too great. Hopefully she would be able to get the girl to say more than just a few words.