Stupidly Hot || Jackie Taylor || No crash AU || Present Time AU ||

Chapter One || Private

"I can't wait to escape this place for a whole week," I mutter under my breath, the rhythmic shuffling of my belongings into my backpack acting as a steady backdrop to my thoughts. Nat's voice chimes in, a perfect harmony to my sentiments, her words laced with both frustration and determination, "Literally, I've had enough of coming home everyday to another one of mum's boyfriends."

As if on cue, the distant sound of a car's horn pierces the air, sending a surge of adrenaline through my veins. Swinging my backpack over my shoulder, I join Nat at the front door, our excitement almost palpable as I twist the doorknob and pull it open.

Our eagerness is met with an equally charged sight. Tai and Van, perched in their car, radiate an impatient energy that's hard to ignore. Van's arms wave in wild arcs as she shouts, "Hurry up, you two!"

We step out into the world beyond, and like clockwork, Nat slides into the backseat of Tai's car while I secure the door to our temporary haven, a small twinge of nostalgia brushing against my heart. Settling into the car's seat, I buckle up, a mix of anticipation and trepidation fluttering within me.

The engine roars to life, and the car glides onto the road, the hum of tires against pavement setting a rhythm that matches the thud of my heart. Van deftly connects her phone to the car's aux cord, and a melodic cascade of tunes fills the air, the beats resonating with a contagious energy. I steal a sidelong glance at Nat, observing the subtle furrow of her brows as her gaze remains fixed on the passing scenery outside, lost in her own thoughts.

The peaceful ambiance is swiftly disrupted by Tai's unexpected revelation, delivered with an infectious enthusiasm, "Guess what? Lottie's dad got us a private jet."

Nat's skepticism cuts through the air like a cool breeze, her response a mix of disbelief and amusement, "You've got to be joking."

I'm quick to jump in, the thrill of sharing exclusive news bubbling in my voice, "Believe it or not, Lottie told me herself last night. It's the real deal."

The sprawling expanse of the airport comes into view, a bustling hive of activity that beckons us forward. Familiar faces from the team catch our eye, each one a beacon of shared anticipation. Van's spirited greetings ring out like joyful bells, drawing amused chuckles from Tai.

The car comes to a halt, and we emerge, stepping into the vibrant atmosphere of the airport. Nat and I share a knowing look before slipping away to a quiet corner, a secret oasis behind a leafy bush. As we settle, I reach into my bag, retrieving a small pouch containing a neatly rolled joint. Nat produces her lighter, the flame dancing to life as we begin our clandestine ritual.

The joint passes between us, a moment of unity and freedom shared within the confines of our hidden alcove. Nat's eyes flicker with a mix of exhilaration and caution, her gaze darting around as if ensuring we're truly alone. She takes a hit, her lips curling into a contented smile before she passes it over to me, a shared laugh escaping us, laced with the kind of carefree joy that only moments like this can evoke.

But the tranquility is shattered in an instant, a sharp smack against the back of my head causing me to startle and instinctively clutch the offended spot. "Seriously, what the fuck!" I exclaim, my voice a mixture of surprise and annoyance, my eyes narrowing as I turn to face the source of the unexpected assault.

Van stands there, an unrepentant grin playing on her lips as she raises a questioning eyebrow. "Don't think Jackie would be too thrilled if she found out you're taking part in some pregame smoking," she quips, a playful glint in her eyes. Tai joins her, her laughter a harmonious counterpoint to Van's mischievous demeanor.

My irritation is palpable, but I manage a retort, "Jackie's opinions don't really keep me up at night."

Nat, who's been attempting to salvage the fallen joint, interjects, her tone a mix of amusement and frustration, "I think it's a lost cause."