Coming Home

The Plane Ride

Rupert

Rupert stood outside of the airport, constantly checking his iPhone for the time. It currently read 7:30 A.M.

"Where are they?" He muttered under his breath. "The flight's in 30 minutes. I'd better give one of them a call..."

Just as Rupert was about to press call on Emma's contact number, she stepped out of a black car, lugging her baggage behind her.

"Sorry!" She yelled. "There's so much traffic!"

"It's fine, It's fine!" Rupert said as he grabbed one of her bags. "Let's just board the plane!"

"Wait! Where's Dan and Tom?" Emma asked.

"Dan's got another flight, Tom can meet us in the plane....if he ever gets here!" Rupert said. "Come on!"

As soon as they were done with passports, Emma and Rupert ran upstairs to where the plane should be. When they got there, they placed their tickets in front on the desk and ran inside. Once they found their seats, Rupert and Emma were able to catch their breath.

"Oh my god," Emma said, "That was close."

"Too close." Rupert said. "It's 8:20. If Tom doesn't show up soon, he's gonna have to get another flight."

"He's probably just grabbing a coffee or something." Emma suggested. "He's not one to rush."

Emma and Rupert's conversation was interrupted by a loud argument going on between a last minute passenger and the flight attendant at the door. They turned around to see what was going on, and saw that it was Tom who was arguing with a very angry flight attendant.

"Sir, I've told you three times! No alcohol or smoking is permitted on the flight!" The flight attendant yelled.

"Miss, do you see my face?" Tom asked calmly. "I don't think it looks like I care. Do you even know who I am?"

Rupert and Emma looked at Tom and saw that he looked like he rolled out of bed. He was dressed properly, but he had bags under his eyes, and his hair was sticking out everywhere. He had his arms crossed, with a drink in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

"He's really got to stop that habit." Rupert whispered to Emma.

"I don't care who you are! No smoking or alcohol!" The flight attendant said, sounding even more angry this time.

"Am I at least allowed to have a coffee?" He sighed.

"If you give me the cigarette and alcohol, I'll give you one on the house."

"Fine. Just give me the bloody coffee." Tom scowled as he handed over his drink and cigarette. As he was handed his coffee, he slumped over to where Emma and Rupert were sitting, not even acknowledging them.

"What's up with him?" Rupert whispered into Emma's ear.

"No idea." She whispered. "But I'm gonna try to talk to him soon."

When the plane took off, Emma and Rupert decided to try and get Tom's attention.

"Um, Tom?" Emma said, poking him.

"WHAT IS IT NOW?!" Tom yelled furiously. When he saw that it was Emma who was talking to him, he immediately regretted shouting. "Oh...um....sorry...."

"Tom, what's the matter with you, mate?" Rupert asked. "What happened?"

Tom took a long gulp of coffee before he turned to Emma and Rupert. "It's really nothing, Rupert. Thanks for the concern though."

"It doesn't look like nothing." Emma said. "You look terrible. Were you out drinking?"

"No." Tom said.

"Did you....not get the part you wanted from an audition or something?" Rupert asked.

"No." Tom said.

Emma and Rupert decided to change the topic for a while. "So Emma, how's the single life treating you?" asked Rupert.

"I've got to say, I'm loving the single life. I get to concentrate on my studies."Rupert rolled his eyes. Bookworm.

"You aren't even in college anymore!" He pointed out.

"The learning never ends after school. How about you Rupert? Got a special girl in your life?"

"Oh, no." Emma chuckled. "The only one with a love life around is Tom. Speaking of, how is Jade?"

Tom remained silent and refused to look at Emma or Rupert.

"Oh, no." Rupert whispered into Emma's ear. "I think that's it."

"Tom? Are you okay?" Emma asked, putting her hand on his shoulder. Tom swatted it off quickly.

"Um, yeah. Sorry for being snappy. But uh, Jade and I broke up. More specifically, she broke up with me."

Emma and Rupert remain silent as they watched Tom pull out a small box from his sweater. "And um, in a week I was supposed to give her this."

"Is that an engagement ring?" Rupert asked Emma a little too loudly. Emma hit Rupert to shut up.

"Yeah." Tom sniffled, overhearing Rupert's question. "Yeah, it was."

"I'm so sorry, Tom." Emma said. "It must be extremely hard right now."

"It's alright, Emma. I'm fine. Honest." Tom managed to pull off a weak smile. "I just need some time to myself, so could you and Rupert leave me alone for a bit?"

Emma and Rupert honored Tom's wishes and didn't speak for the rest of the plane ride. When the plane landed, Emma, Rupert, and Tom got their luggage quietly, not talking until they got outside.

"Tom, Emma and I rented a car to the hotel. It's a bit far. Do you want to ride with us?" Rupert asked.

Tom shook his head. "I'm gonna go visit my parents first. I'll see you guys on set."

Tom walked away from Emma and Rupert, still playing with the engagement ring box in his hand. Emma and Rupert looked at Tom and sighed.

"Poor Tom." Emma said. "I wish we could do something to help."

"All we can do is give him time." Rupert said sadly.