Dreams [PRN]

chapter eight

We collected our belongings and headed towards the waiting car that would take us to the airport. The drive was quiet, reflective, as we both processed the day's events and anticipated the steps ahead. My mind replayed the sensation of the ocean's embrace, a reminder that while the sea of change was vast and at times daunting, it was also full of life and potential.

Halfway through the drive, Prince discussed some of the practicalities of our arrival—where I would stay, how we would begin setting up my new life. His meticulous planning was comforting, providing a framework within which I could begin to rebuild in earnest.

As we approached the airport, I expected us to head toward the main terminals I had always seen from a distance, never having set foot in one. Instead, the car veered off, taking a route that led us away from the bustling public areas. We pulled up to a private gate, manned by security personnel who nodded respectfully at Prince as he showed some identification. My heart skipped a beat; nothing in Prince's plans had hinted at traveling in such extravagant style.

"Where are we going?" I asked, my voice tinged with awe and a hint of anxiety.

Prince smiled, a soft chuckle escaping him as he sensed my surprise. "We're not taking a commercial flight," he explained gently. "It's going to be a more private departure."

The gates opened, and we drove through to a part of the airport I never knew existed. Before us lay a sleek private jet, its surface gleaming under the airport lights, looking like something out of a movie rather than reality. My breath caught in my throat as we pulled up beside it.

"This is yours?" I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Yeah," Prince answered shyly, his tone modest.

As we passed through security, which was minimal and highly courteous, the reality of boarding a private jet began to sink in. I was stepping further away from my old life than I had ever imagined possible. We walked across the tarmac, and as we approached the jet, I could see its sleek lines and polished.

We disembarked from the car, and a small ground crew greeted us, handling our luggage with professional ease. We walked across the tarmac, and as we approached the jet, I could see its sleek lines and polished exterior reflecting the bright skies. Prince led me along, his hand reassuringly on my back. As we climbed the steps, every step felt surreal, like I was walking into a dream I'd never wanted to wake up from.

Inside, the cabin was decorated tastefully, unmistakably to Prince's preferences. The interior was lined with plush seating, soft lighting, and high-end finishes that spoke of a level of luxury I had only seen in magazines. My breath caught in my throat as I took it all in, the stark contrast to my past environment overwhelming.

"Welcome aboard," Prince said, gesturing grandly as if to ease the transition with a bit of humor.

I managed a nervous laugh, still in awe as I took a seat. The soft leather felt cool against my skin, and I ran my hands over it, trying to ground myself in the reality that this was indeed happening.

As the engines started with a soft hum, growing louder as we prepared for takeoff, a sudden rush of fear gripped me. I had never been on a plane before, and the sensation of moving while firmly seated sent an unexpected jolt of panic through me.

Tears sprang to my eyes, born of a mix of fear and the overwhelming changes that had cascaded through my life in such a short time. Prince, who had been securing his own seatbelt, noticed immediately and reached over to take my hand.

"Hey, it's okay," he soothed, his voice calm and steady. "It's perfectly safe, and I'm right here with you. We're just going to go up for a little while, and then it will feel like we're not moving at all."