LostSista - Yeah...I realize that in reality, they would never have made it onto the plane. But, that's the beauty of fiction, isn't it?
Well, I'm happy that everyone's getting back on track with the story. And I'm happy that everyone is liking it. So here's some more.
Chapter 8
Kate and Sawyer sat in their seats, both dreading and anticipating take off. It had only been a little more than a year since they'd been in the Oceanic Flight 815 crash. Neither of them was happy about flying again. Kate stared out the window, trying to stay calm.
"Think of it this way, Freckles. We're eight hours away from landing."
She smiled weakly. "That doesn't help."
"Yeah, well, I ain't exactly thrilled to be here."
"At least we're not alone."
He smiled and nodded. "Yeah. Good thing."
The loudspeaker beeped, signaling for the passengers to listen:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, at this time, the Pilot requests that you fasten your seatbelts as we are about to take off. Please make sure to turn off any electronic devices you may be using. The use of cell phones during the flight is prohibited. Thank you."
"This is it," he said, dramatically. He held her hand over the armrest.
"Shut up," she laughed, not letting his hand go, however.
The plane began to move slowly, gradually picking up speed. The engines roared as it started to lift off the runway. As it began to ascend, Kate squeezed Sawyer's hand tighter. In a few minutes, they were completely in the air. The loudspeaker beeped again:
"We have now successfully taken off. Please remain in your seats until the pilot turns off the 'fasten seatbelts' sign. Thank you, and have a great flight!"
Sawyer looked at Kate. "Worst part's over."
She nodded, still unwilling to release his hand.
Nearly eight hours later, a beep from the loudspeaker woke Kate up from a deep sleep. She didn't remember when she fell asleep, or anything that had happened after take off. But she was glad they had made it this far through the flight. She lifted her head from Sawyer's shoulder, and looked around her. The light from the window temporarily blinded her.
"Morning, sunshine," Sawyer said playfully.
"How long was I asleep?" she asked groggily.
"Damn near the whole flight."
She smiled. "I don't even remember falling asleep."
"Well you kinda said somethin' about Doc and how he ain't got nothin' on me. Then you just sorta leaned your head on my shoulder and passed out," he grinned.
"Oh really," she smiled, sleepily.
She rubbed her head. It was easy to guess what it was that had made her so tired. She would have to remember to get used to that.
"Are we close?"
Sawyer was about to answer but the loudspeaker beeped again before he could:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Pilot will be landing the plane shortly. He asks that you please get to your seats and fasten your seat belts until we have landed safely."
"How did I sleep through the turbulence?" she looked up at Sawyer curiously.
"Hell if I know. But you almost cut off the circulation in my hand when we hit it," he said, glancing down at the armrest.
She looked down and noticed their hands were still laced together. She let go of his hand finally, and they both rubbed their hands.
"Sorry," she smiled sheepishly.
"Don't worry about it, Freckles."
The plane suddenly started to descend, and they felt themselves being pushed forward, slightly. Kate gripped the armrest this time, and forced herself back into her chair, squeezing her eyes shut. There was a small thump as the plane's wheels hit the ground that caused her to jump, and then, it glided rapidly down the runway. It was over.
Sawyer glanced over at Kate and saw all of the color had drained from her face. He immediately filled with concern.
"Hey…you all right, Freckles?"
She nodded slowly.
"It's over now," he said softly.
She shook her head. "No."
"No?"
She swallowed. "I'm gonna need a bathroom."
"All right. Soon as we get off this plane – "
"No," she said, unfastening her seat belt. "I need to go now."
"You can't – "
But she ignored him. She got up and made her way past him and the other passengers to the aisle, then sped to the nearest bathroom.
"Freckles!" Sawyer called, getting up and going after her.
He stood outside the door, distressed.
"You're not s'posed to get up while we're landing, Freckles." She didn't respond and he immediately filled with concern. "You okay in there?"
The only response he got was the sound of her getting sick. As luck would have it, a flight attendant headed his way. She was Hispanic, and her green eyes stood out against her tanned skin and black hair. He rolled his eyes and sighed.
"Sir, you're not supposed to be up right now. The pilot has not turned off the 'fasten seatbelts' sign."
He looked at her sardonically. "Then why're you up, senorita?"
She stared at him, at a loss for words.
"When we're done, we'll make sure to get back to our seats," he glared.
The stewardess stood defeated and headed back to the front of the plane.
"Excuse me," said a man sitting in front of where Sawyer stood. "Do I know you?"
Sawyer peered down at him, with a glare. "I don't think so."
"I've seen you before," the man continued. Then his eyes widened. "You were on TV. On the news! You're one of the survivors of that plane that went down! Oceanic Flight 815!"
Sawyer's glared hardened.
"How did you manage it? Was it tough to survive out there?"
"Look, I ain't got the time for this."
"Can I get a picture for my daughter?" another woman chimed in.
"You're famous!" said another man.
Soon, several people in the section of the plane were questioning Sawyer and ogling him. He only grew angrier with every second. Then the door to the bathroom suddenly opened and Kate stepped out, looking somewhat better, with a bit of color back in her face. The passengers all quieted as they stared at her.
"I know her too…" the first man said, quietly.
"That's the fugitive," someone whispered loudly.
"Why isn't she in jail?" whispered another.
"I heard she killed a man on the island…" someone said.
"She's dangerous!" said an elderly woman.
"Why don't ya'll keep your comments to yourself?" Sawyer snapped.
The passengers all looked at him, taken aback, and quieted, murmuring amongst themselves. He glared at them all, resting his hand on the small of Kate's back.
As she walked down the isle to her seat, she glanced around her at all the accusing faces and the whispering seemed to get louder. She got back to her seat and sat down, slumped lower than before. She felt Sawyer sit back down next to her as she lowered her head and closed her eyes.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the pilot has turned off the fasten seatbelts sign. In a few short moments a stewardess will advise you to your exits. Thank you for flying our airway, and have a nice day!"