the captured red hibiscus flower (editing)

"hoping we can make some wishes out of air planes"

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             We drove for 30 minutes according to the cars time and we still weren't at our destination. I reached out and placed my hand on top of James' Which was resting on the gear shift. "Where are we going?" James simply smiled as he tuned the radio to 'today's top hits' and glanced over at me with a smirk. "you'll see."

              I laughed "What? No blindfold this time? But it's still a Surprise. So what, am I supposed to figure it out as we go along?" James nodded and pointed ahead of him. My eyes followed the direction he was pointing until they landed on a nearby airport! I looked over at him. "Wait, are we travelling somewhere? I don't even have a bag packed, or a passport! James, I don't think I can fly without one. What would my dad think? Does he know that you want to take me on a trip?" He chuckled as he pulled into an underground parking spot. Before parking the car he turned to me. He smirked, reaching into his back pocket pulled out a passport. "Already got you covered And yes your Dad knows. He gave me the idea."

        James leaned in closer to me and before I could reply in his lips were on mine and he kissed me lovingly. "look in the backseat. I've already worked out the details, babe. Penny helped pack your bag." My mouth dropped in shock and I laughed "you're the best! so... where are we going? or is that a surprise as well?" He laughed and nodded "We are going to California. but that's all i'm saying."

        I Smiled "oh! California, that sounds awesome!" I stated as I got out and went to grab my bag from the back seat but James was already pulling it out through his side. "I've got it Hun." I smiled and blushed noticing how he started nicknaming me. "thank you." I came around to his side of the car and grabbed his hand as we walked into the elevator to go up to check in.

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        After we checked in, our bags and got our boarding tickets, and made it through security. (which in its self was quite strange, but i guess it's protocol.) we were finally at our gate. and I felt my curiosity and excitement rise.  We sat down in some chairs. "I've never been on a plane before. heck, I've never even been any where apart from Seattle. thank you! for taking me on a trip. I can use the vacation." He smiled down at me and kissed my cheek. "anytime, Babe." I blushed beet red again. "are plane rides long? should I buy something. from the store to pass the time?"

        He chuckled and smiled "this plane is a non-stop flight to our destination. it should only take approximately two and a half hours. but you might want to pick up some headphones or a book, if you want to tune out the world for a bit. plus we should go get some gum as well" he rambled on, confusing me when he said gum. I stood up after him and took his hand "gum?" he simply smiled and I held his hand as we walked to one of the gift shops.

       He grabbed a pack of excel gum. and handed me a pair of pink ear buds, as I looked at the books they had. I didn't see anything that looked enticing. Just then a young girl plucked a book off of the shelf, and handed it to me, she smiled. "I really enjoyed this one." then she walked away. "the Thorn, by Beverly Lewis?" I read aloud, as James laughed lightly. "ooh, an Amish romance series. My mom loved that series, Good Choice, I'll pay for it." he handed me the bag and smiled "I believe we are boarding soon, if you don't mind waiting by the gate i'll pick up some food for the plane ride." I nodded as to say: okay, see you in a bit. I walked back to the gate and sat waiting, whilst I started to read the book James had bought for me.

      I was about four chapters in when James returned. It was hard to tear my eyes from the book, to smile up at him and greet him. but when I looked up from the book. and I was surprised to see a tall, fit, dark haired guy with piercing ice blue eyes look down at me He looked strangely familiar, but I wasn't sure why. He smiled warmly, At me as he stood next to James. And I swear I saw him wink at me.

    "Alexis, as I was getting our food, I bumped into my old grade school pal, Matt. Matt, this is Alexis my Girlfriend. Alexis, this is Matt." I stood up and smiled, extending my hand to Matt for him to shake. "nice to meet you." I announced. Matt smiled and instead of shaking my hand he kissed it. "No, the pleasure's all mine." I smiled awkwardly, and glanced at James whose eyebrows were raised towards Matt.

     Awkward silence began to follow, I broke it with a laugh. "so..friends since grade school eh? that's quite a long time to be friends." James nodded "yeah, it's crazy how fast-" Matt interrupted James, which I found to be rude. "It baffles me, that James could got you. to be his girlfriend, I mean look at you! You're quite the catch." was that a compliment to me and a backhanded insult for James? before Either one of us could reply someone announced that our plane would be begin boarding now. James shot Matt an Odd glare, and took my hand almost protectively. "well, it was nice running into you again. but we got to go."

     I smiled at Matt "don't be a stranger okay?" I said, but didn't mean it.  James pulled me by the hand to get in line to board. James was silent, as we boarded the plane and found our seats. he took the middle seat and I took the window seat. His facial expression was glazed over and stuck in an expression I couldn't detect. "James? you're being really quiet. Are you Okay?" he nodded "yeah, sorry. was just thinking." I smiled and asked him obliviously "well, what are thinking about?" He kissed my forehead "It's nothing. Don't worry about it."

     I nodded and took in the cramped surroundings of the plane. I breathed in the scent of old leather seats and cotton. A baby cry from the rear of the plane startled me. James smiled and held my hand. "lets hope the baby stays quiet during our flight, or the ride may be less peaceful. here take your headphones, and we can listen to music and nap." he handed me the pink headphones, and I buckled up, then put the ear buds into my ears.

     James smiled as he watched me. he held out his phone for my to plug my headphones into. "I purchased an adapter that allows you to plug two different sets of headphones in." I giggled "you really have thought of everything." he nodded proud. I plugged my headphones in and relaxed into my chair closing my eyes for a moment. while some upbeat music played.

     the plane began to move, I opened my eyes and looked to the right of me where James was sitting. I was surprised to see him already looking at me. He smiled "I'm so glad you're taking a vacation with me. I can't imagine spending this much time with anyone else." I blushed and smiled "I-I like spending time with you as well." He smiled and I shocked him, when I leaned over and kissed him, unexpectedly.

      His eyes widened and after I pulled away his face was bright red and he had a permanent smile plastered on his face. I blushed surprised at my own boldness.  I can trust him. he won't hurt me. I can be myself around him, I'm finally discovering who I am. I opened my book and buried my face in the book to hide my embarrassment. He laughed and moved the book from my face. "You look so cute right now." I blushed harder, then stuck my tongue out at him. "shh, I'm trying to read." He just smiled and chuckled, before leaning back into his chair and closing his eyes. The plane began climbing into the sky at an angle, I relaxed and read my new book.

A/N thanx for being so patient with me. I was so sad to see that I was getting less views almost gave up on posting the rest. but I promised to finish it. and still intend too. so heres another chappy, I hope you enjoy it. I guess thats it.

toodles my turtles.

chio :)