One Long Flight 💙

Running

Chris returned home to Boston to find it oddly quiet. Rushing upstairs to the bedroom, he discovered Aisling's suitcase missing along with her passport and some clothes. It was evident that she had left. Panic started to rise within him as he noticed her computer was gone too. Despite repeatedly trying to call her, she remained unresponsive.

Desperation pushed him to leave a voicemail, "Aisling. Please call me back. We need to talk. It isn't what you think. I love you." He hung up, frustration and worry weighing on him.

In an attempt to gather more information, he dialed her dad's number, his anxiety evident in his voice. "Patrick. I need to know if she's there. Please."

Patrick let out a sigh on the other end, 'she isn't. But I'm not sure she'd want me telling you if she were. What are you doing Chris?'

He sighed heavily, regret and concern mixing in his tone, "I'm trying to fix it. She kissed me. But I didn't exactly stop her. I made a mistake. I need to fix it. Aisling's the only one for me. Please, do you have any idea where she could have gone?"

'If she isn't here in London then she's probably in New York.'

He nodded to himself, feeling a mixture of determination and fear taking over, "okay. Thank you."

'Just fix it Christopher.'

His heart ached with guilt and longing, "I will, sir."

✈️

Chris knocked on the door with a sense of urgency, his nerves palpable in his erratic tapping. As soon as Scott opened the door, Chris wasted no time and entered hastily.

"Chris, I assume you're here for Dodger?"

"And I was hoping Aisling was here," he replied, disappointment tinging his voice as he scanned the room, realizing she wasn't present.

Scott shook his head, his arms crossing in a defensive posture, "she isn't here. She dropped off Dodger and left. I don't know where she is. She said she'd be safe but that she didn't want to tell anyone where she was going."

"Damn it!" Chris's frustration was palpable as he slumped onto the couch, the energetic Dodger quickly taking advantage of the situation by hopping into Chris's lap. Chris absentmindedly stroked the dog's head while he exchanged glances with Scott, who had settled into a nearby chair.

"Seriously, Chris? Two ex-girlfriends?! First, you think it's a good idea for Sam to help plan your wedding, and then you kiss another ex-girlfriend?"

Chris let out a frustrated groan, his head falling back onto the couch in exasperation. "I know. Okay. I messed up. I need to find Aisling to fix this before I have to go back to filming."

Scott's voice dripped with incredulity, "you think that's what's important right now?"

Restlessly, Chris stood up and began pacing, his agitation evident in his movements. "I have contracts, Scott! I have to show up. Can you try to find out where she's gone and let me know? Please? And hold onto Dodger for a while."

Scott's expression softened slightly as he gave a resigned nod. "Sure."

✈️

Aisling stood at the door, her heart filled with hope that her friends would be at home. The door swung open, revealing a surprised expression.

"Aisling?"

"Katie. Hi. Can I come in?" Her voice trembled as she looked at Katie, who gestured for her to enter their apartment. Aisling took a seat on the couch next to Katie's husband, Paul, who also wore a puzzled expression. They had been her closest friends during her time in New York.