Crush Me

Nine

Wilson

"Now that I've found you, I not going to lose you, Leanne. Why didn't I notice you? I mean really notice you before today?" Wilson closed the app and put his phone back in his pocket.

She shrugged her shoulders. "I think fate had a hand in it. I still can't believe I'm sitting here in first class with you."

William snorted. "Like you said, thank you Jo-Jo. What about some pictures? For your blog?"

"I hate cameras. But you're probably right. At least we can do a short video. No speaking for me, just show the different functions of these amazing seats. I mean, laying flat to sleep later is going to be amazing."

Wilson brought his phone out again. "Go on, do it for me. You hair is spectacular with the light in here. Let's get it done before dinner is served."

He framed her and started recording. Wilson left the mic on even though she didn't want it. Leanne's self talk was amazing as she went through how the headphones were a perfect fit for her ears and showed off the smart monitor. Her delight at discovering a power plug in for her laptop, and her joy at being there came through, lighting up the video.

"If you want to hear the story of how I got upgraded to first class, then read the blog I'm sitting down to write now. It's the first one in a series. This senior class spring break trip is a dream for me. Maybe you can spice up your life by coming along with me." Leanne flipped open her laptop and brought up her word processor. "Now, go away. I want to write."

Wilson hit the stop button. "That's a wrap in one take. How did you put all that together so quick? I would need a script."

"Not that hard to do, really. I'm camera shy usually, but you make me comfortable with myself. I actually forgot you were recording and told them about the things I discovered the same way Frank did for us."

"Incredible. You turned his instructions into your own words and didn't miss a single thing he told us. You've got the most amazing memory. Must be a huge advantage," Wilson made sure the video was saved in his phone gallery.

Leanne smiled and then her face grew pensive.

"What did I say wrong?" Wilson asked.

"A great memory is a good thing for school, or something like we were just doing. But I also remember every last time Jo-Jo and her witches picked on me. From the first time in kindergarten, when she pushed me on the playground and I skinned my knee, I remember them all. It's not fair."

Wilson reached over to wrap his arms around her. "Come over here. We'll put the seat flat and you can sit with me."

She was hugging herself like she was a kid who lost their favorite toy. Wilson went through the steps to convert his seat into a bed. He scooted back into the curved back and patted the leather surface between his extended legs.

He touched her shoulder and she jerked. Wilson softened his voice, and practically crooned. "Come on over here. Lean on me. I'm here and you're safe."

She shook as she stood and plopped down on his bed.

Man, these angles are impossible. I should have taken yoga classes for flexibility.

He bent from his waist, doubling up over his knees and tugged her backward until her back leaned on his chest.

Leanne's head fit against him and settled back on his shoulder. He felt her stifled sobs.

"Let it go. I'm here." He remembered his mother's arms around him and tried to think of the words she said. "It's okay to cry. It's a way to wash yourself clean of the fear and pain. It might hollow you out, but you come back stronger."

Wilson held her through the storm of sobs.

I wonder if she let's herself cry. It feels like a whole lifetime of hurt is spilling from her.

He stroked his hands down her arms. They were cold as ice, and he wondered if Frank was coming with the blankets. The bruise at the top of his thigh protested the angle of his hip, but he ignored it. When Leanne turned and twisted up on her side, he spotted Frank's worried eyes.

He mouthed the word blanket and the chief steward was back inside of a minute.

He tucked the warm fluffy material around Leanne's shoulders and bent his head down. He kissed her forehead like his mother did for him before she left for the last time. She lifted her face and her watery eyes turned her irises into jewels.

She looked like a deer frozen in headlights. Her eyes held his for an eon and then her hand came up behind his head and she tugged him closer. Her lips were smooth velvet, and his heart lurched, pounding harder than he could ever recall.

"Thank you."

She put her head back against his shoulder and he felt her relax. The feelings rolling inside him startled him as he felt himself stirring for the first time.

What's happening to me?