Demons Don't Feel Love

Chapter Ten: Of Mind and Emotion

At this point the ride was so smoothe I had forgotten that we even left the ground, that is, until I looked down.

My mind instantly filled with terror, as the clouds rushed past my window. I began to lose sight of the ground, and that only made me feel worse. The walls seemed to close in around me, and I felt as if I was being crushed by some sort of invisible pressure. I remember not being able to breathe, and then I woke up.

"Maybe flying isn't such a good idea for you." Daren said, seeming a little worried.

"I promise I'm alright." I said. "Just got a little nervous." I said, rationalizing the fact that I passed out.

I kept the window closed and avoided any thoughts of how high up we were, as clearly the result was less than pleasant. The three hour flight was gentle, and I just listened to music to keep myself occupied. Daren seemed to be less tense, and I think he even began to enjoy the flight.

"Ladies and gentlemen this is the captain speaking, we will now begin our descent into Southwest Florida international airport, we will be landing in approximately 15 minutes."

I smiled at the thought of finally getting back on the ground again. I felt the plane begin to shake again, and I knew we were close. I squeezed Daren's hand as the plane touched the ground. I stopped holding my breath as the plane slowed down to taxiing speed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the crew and I would like to welcome you to fort Myers, where the current time is 12:51 and the weather is a pleasant 72 degrees. We hope you've enjoyed your flight and continue to enjoy the rest of your day here in fort Myers." The pilot announced over the intercom. About ten minutes later we got off the plane and into the terminal.

We walked down to baggage claim and waited half impatiently for our things. We collected our luggage and booked it for a motel, catching a cab on our way out.

"Winter here isn't even winter. It's just cold summer." He remarked.

"Guess we should've dressed for the occasion." I replied, seeing as the two of us were both wearing hoodies and long pants.

On the way to the motel we held hands and gazed intently through the cab windows. This was nothing like Jersey. The aesthetic was different, the vibe, the landscape; it was all different. It was hard to believe we were even in the same country.

"Still wanna die in Jersey?" Daren asked sarcastically.

"Temptations, temptations..." I replied, marveling at the beauty. Our cab had arrived on time precisely, a miracle by Jersey standards. Here in Florida, the cogs in the machine were much different, even in the city. Things were less pressed, but I suppose that makes sense for a state that doesn't have a Wall Street, or New York Times.

Here, the only time they seemed to have outside of work was "island time" which is I guess a pretty important thing to mind here on the coast. Margaritas and Sex on the beach, it's just kinda their thing. That, accompanied by the 'it's five o'clock somewhere' state of mind. Blond hair laced with hibiscus petals, tanned skin and sea foam lining the sparkling shore.

In the city, the nightlife was so carefree and fun, a vibe that always said "hey let's chill at my place and knock a few back" always lingered around every corner. In Jersey, the nightlife was colder, and the vibe was more "let's keep to ourselves unless the neighboring barstool says anything about The Giants or the stock market" and the only people stopping by at your house after five was either your boss or your side piece. There was little family, and not too many friends.

I could appreciate that difference about Florida. I was accepted.

That night we checked into the Motel 6, and as a form of celebration, the 'do not disturb' sign was placed hastily on the door. Daren and I locked eyes, smiling at each other. His eyes seemed to glow, emitting a fiery heat from their depths. I returned his glance as he moved in close. He leaned in to kiss me, but he stopped just before his lips met mine. After a few seconds, he kissed me.