The Stunt [h.s]

Chapter Four

Elsie POV

January 18th 2021

Waking up this morning, I felt better than I have in a while. Granted there was still the residual guilt I felt about leaving Halle but I was also incredibly excited to go to New York. I haven't been able to travel ever since Halle was born and I've been dying to get back to New York at some point and this gave me the opportunity to. I managed to get myself ready within twenty minutes and called an uber to get to the airport instead of taking my car. The car ride is short as I drown out the early morning sounds with my headphones in my ears listening to one of the random playlists that I love. As we pull up to the curb I say thank you to the man that drove me and grabbed my things. Making my way into the airport, I went through security with no issue, managing to get myself standing with a bunch of other crew mates who were up at this ungodly hour of the morning.

"Um, Elsie Reid?" I hear my name from beside me and I'm quick to snap out of my daydreaming to look at the person sitting next to me. I don't recognize them and I immediately feel bad as my mind is not working with me.

"I'm so sorry, but do I know you? I can't seem to remember your name." I'm quick to apologize, hoping that I haven't met them already to save myself the embarrassment of forgetting a co-worker's name.

"Oh no, I'm Tessa Bailey. I'm the new cast mate coming along for the New York trip. I was told to come to introduce myself to you as we will be getting to know each other a lot more." My mind immediately goes to the meeting I had with Elliot last week about them and how they were joining.

"Oh yes! Just a quick reminder for myself and please forgive my morning brain but, your pronouns are they/them right?" Tessa smiles at my question and I feel a sense of pride knowing that they appreciate me making sure.

"Yes, they are," their smile breaks out again before they continue with answering me, "Sorry, you're just one of the only people I have met that read my pronouns on my résumé and chose to acknowledge them." I smile at the person in front of me and then my face scrunches up at the thought of people here not respecting them

"Wait, has anyone disrespected you here? Say the word and I will shut them down immediately." Tessa is quick to shake their head and I feel a little better knowing that people are respecting them.

"Everyone I've met so far has been completely understanding of my pronouns. To be honest, I've never met so many people who accepted my pronouns and used them correctly. I promise I'll keep you updated if that changes though." I smile at Tessa only hoping that even though we just met, they can still trust me. We sit there and talk about the little things about each other's lives, trying to get to know each other as a way to kill time before we get on the plane. At some point in the conversation, Harry joins us. Tessa introduces themselves and Harry was very kind back. Harry doesn't say much, only joining in when he wants or Tessa asks him a question

Our conversations were cut short as we were told that our flights were boarding. I get my ticket out of my bag and start my way to the gate but I'm not too far when I feel a hand grab mine and interlock them. I turn to see Harry, waking up only a little bit but I say nothing knowing that he's doing it for the cameras. Speaking of cameras, the airport is flooded with them. I was able to get in without the paparazzi seeing me but even this early in the morning the fans seem to be around already. We almost made it to our gate before a fan stopped us.

The keyword is almost

A teenage girl, probably about 16, stops in front of us with a huge smile on her face. "Hi, um, I'm Charlotte, I'm a huge fan of both of you. I was wondering if I could get a picture with the two of you. I also totally get that it's early in the morning so you can one-hundred percent say no."