CHARISMA...Jan Rozmanowski(a sequel to apricity)

sleeping, or dead

It's time for Charisma.

"Bye, bye Poland," Jan mimicked my voice while walking up the steep steps of the rather small plane, our hands intertwined and me close behind him. I playfully hit him with my free hand, earning both a gasp and a little chuckle.

"Are you really that happy to leave your home country," I muttered, trying to find our seats which was pretty much impossible due to the giraffe named Jan Rozmanowski in front of me.

"More happy than sad," (I cried over this book, you're welcome) he shrugged, the smile evident in his voice. After a while he stopped, pointing at the window seat and then at me, signalling me to sit down. He had already made himself comfortable in the seat next to mine so I had to practically jump over him.

I took a quick look at my phone, seeing that the JannCrew group chat had three new messages. With a swift swipe, I learned that Pawel and Ania were in the very back of the plane, Piotr and Adam a few rows behind us and Marta in the front sitting next to a toddler. Best of luck to her.

Somehow I'd gotten eight hours of sleep last night while Jan on the other hand, less than two. Just as I thought, not even ten minutes had passed when I felt him resting his head on my right shoulder. He immediately fell asleep. I couldn't help but smile at the sight.

His eyes were glued shut and lips slightly parted. A soft beam of light peaked through the curtain of the tiny window, carefully shining on his features, making his eyelashes seem more prominent and luscious. 

A person can only look that peaceful if they're either sleeping, or dead. I gently brushed a few stray curls away from his face, cautious not to wake him.

As I looked out the window, I marveled at the view of the clouds stretching endlessly beneath us. It was a surreal yet exciting feeling, knowing that we were leaving everything and everyone behind. Lost in my thoughts, I didn't even notice the flight attendant approaching until she tapped me on the shoulder.

"Excuse me, ma'am, would you like something to drink?" the rather young woman asked with a warm smile. Oh she's definitely American.

I thanked her and ordered a cup of Flat White, how ironic, hoping it would help me stay awake during the long flight. As I sipped the hot beverage, my thoughts started getting loud again. This world tour was a dream come true for both of us but of course I'm still scared. Well, no shit.

The hours passed by in a blur as I listened to music and occasionally stole glances at Jan who was still peacefully sleeping, a relaxed look on his face. The flight attendant came by again, this time offering us a meal. I accepted and gently shook him, hoping it would wake him up.

He slowly opened his eyes, looking confused as ever as he batted his eyes at me. I pointed at the food in front of us, at the same time opening the crackling utensil packets. Without a single word, he started eating with his brows still knitted together. I playfully rolled my eyes but mirrored his actions.

We ate the mac and cheese in silence for the most, sharing only a few words or opinions. As I finished the last mouthful, I checked the time. Three hours until we arrive.

"Should we watch something?" he rasped out, his eyes glued to the screen in front of me. I agreed with a simple nod, pressing the home button of the PTV and going into the movie section. We scrolled and scrolled but I let him choose as he was the one planting the idea. After a while we settled on the classic- 'She's all that'.

He started the movie on my screen, resting his head on my shoulder again. My hand found his hair in an instant and from the corner of my eye I could see the small smile on his lips. We remained silent for the rest of the movie, stealing a few glances at each other every once in a while.