Hideaway

V

The light came on to alert us to buckle our seatbelts, and Kian's perfect head was lying on my shoulder. There was a tropical storm coming in and there was some turbulence.

The plane shakes and Kian bolts upright.

"Hey, it's okay, it's okay!" I comfort him and share my blanket as he regains stability.

"Thanks babe," he pulls the covers up to his chin and cuddles up to my side, then kissing my cheek before starting to fall back asleep. I held his hand in mine and he fell immediately back asleep.

I've been dying to know where his burn came from. It has been troubling me immensely and now I know he's not even doing the job he says he is.

Is he in the weed business like most of the guys in the house? Is he risking his life for any purpose? Why is he always in so much pain? Why has the life in his eyes now protruded and made him distant and vacant inside.

They come around to get our orders for the in flight food and drinks and I tap Kian.

"Hmm? Oh, Diet Coke please."

The flight attendant opens the can and I look at him. "Diet Coke? You hate Diet soda."

He shrugged and thanked the girl as she handed him his drink.

"What's with you, Lawley? You aren't the same boy you used to be."

He gulped. "Are you saying you don't want to be with me anymore?"

"No! Of course not! I'm worried about you!"

He quieted down. "Like I was saying earlier, I'm not a construction worker. That was a lie. I wanted to make sure that I was gonna get in before I told you. Please don't be mad."

"Where'd you get that burn? Why are you always in pain? What is your job!" I practically screamed.

"I'm training to be in the military. I work in the bomb defusal department, okay? It's hard work, it's easy to get a few bumps and bruises along the way." he whispered.

I looked at him blankly. "The burn?"

"Grenade malfunction... I wasn't too close or anything, but it got me anyway."

I held his hand.

"This isn't safe."

"I know. I need money either way, Sammy."