Teacher with Benefits (18+)

Chapter 29

About an hour into their drive to the airport, Jacqueline's phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw her mother's name. "Shit, it's my mom. Keep it down, will you?"

Nathan nodded and turned the radio down, his eyes focusing on the road ahead. The rhythmic hum of the tires on the asphalt was the only sound as Jacqueline took a deep breath and answered the call.

"Hi, Mom," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Mika's voice came through the speaker, heavy with sadness and disappointment. "Jacqueline, is it true you're leaving Los Angeles?"

Jacqueline sighed, running a hand through her hair in frustration. "Mom, why do you care? You've been nothing but disappointed in me lately. Dad hates me, and Kai is a dick. I have no reason to go back except for Faith and Lily."

Mika's sigh echoed through the line, laden with regret and a hint of desperation. "Don't call your brother that! Look, he may be hard on you, but he cares, just like your dad. I'm sorry you feel so hateful toward us."

The tension in the car was palpable. Nathan glanced over at Jacqueline, concern etched on his face, but he remained silent, respecting her need for privacy.

Jacqueline's grip tightened on the phone. "Cares? Really? It sure doesn't feel like it from where I'm standing. You all have a funny way of showing it."

Mika's voice softened, almost pleading. "Jacqueline, we all have our flaws. Your father and Kai may not express themselves well, but they do love you. And I love you too. Can't we talk about this? Maybe find a way to make things better?"

Jacqueline closed her eyes, fighting back anger. "Mom, you were the one who told me to take responsibility, and you nearly left me homeless if it wasn't for Faith! I love you, Mom, I really do, but I just wish you understood my situation better."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, and Jacqueline could almost hear her mother's heart breaking. Mika finally responded, her voice trembling. "I know I've made mistakes, and I'm so sorry for how things turned out. I thought I was helping you grow stronger, but maybe I was too harsh. I just want you to know that I'm here for you now, and I'm willing to listen."

Jacqueline's anger ebbed slightly, replaced by a profound sadness. "I don't know if talking will fix everything, Mom, but maybe it's a start. I just need some time to figure things out on my own. Can you give me that?"

Mika took a deep breath, the sound shaky through the phone. "Of course, Jackie. Take all the time you need. Just promise me you'll stay in touch, okay? We all miss you more than you know."

Jacqueline's voice softened, her walls beginning to crumble. "I'll try, Mom. I promise. Bye."

She hung up and stared out the window, the cityscape blurring past as tears welled in her eyes. Nathan reached over and squeezed her hand gently, offering silent support.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked softly.

Jacqueline shook her head, a single tear escaping down her cheek. "Not now, Nathan. Maybe later."

Nathan nodded, understanding. The rest of the drive was spent in companionable silence, each lost in their own thoughts as they approached the airport and the next chapter of Jacqueline's journey.

***

Once they arrived at the airport, Nathan parked the car and they made their way to the terminal with their bags in tow. They didn't have much—just a couple of suitcases each—but it felt like the start of a new chapter, free from the weight of their past burdens.

Inside the terminal, they joined the line at the check-in counter, handing over their IDs and tickets. The clerk at the counter smiled and handed them their boarding passes.

"Have a safe flight to Chicago," she said, her voice cheerful.

"Thank you," Jacqueline replied, managing a small smile.

With their boarding passes in hand, they headed to the TSA checkpoint. The line moved steadily, and soon enough, they were placing their belongings in plastic bins and stepping through the security scanner. Jacqueline's nerves were on edge, but Nathan's calm presence was reassuring. He squeezed her hand as they stepped through the metal detectors, one after the other.

After clearing security, they walked through the bustling terminal, the overhead announcements echoing above the sea of travelers. They found their gate and settled into the waiting area, each lost in their thoughts. Nathan kept an eye on the time, glancing occasionally at the departure board.

"Boarding in ten minutes," he said, breaking the silence.

Jacqueline nodded, her mind still processing the conversation with her mother. She leaned against Nathan, grateful for his support.

When it was time to board, they joined the queue, presenting their boarding passes to the attendant. They walked down the jet bridge and into the plane, the familiar smell of airline interiors greeting them. They found their seats, with Jacqueline taking the window seat and Nathan sitting next to her. She glanced out the window as the ground crew prepared for takeoff, feeling a mix of anxiety and hope.

The flight attendant's voice crackled over the intercom, instructing passengers to fasten their seatbelts and prepare for takeoff. Jacqueline buckled her seatbelt and turned to Nathan, who gave her a reassuring smile.

"It's about a four-hour flight," he said, patting her hand. "We'll be in Chicago before you know it."

Jacqueline nodded, staring out the window as the plane taxied to the runway. She watched as the city of Los Angeles grew smaller and smaller, eventually disappearing beneath the clouds as they ascended.

Once they were at cruising altitude, Nathan pulled out a magazine and started flipping through it. Jacqueline leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes and letting the hum of the engines soothe her. It felt good to be leaving everything behind, even if the future was uncertain.

"Do you think we made the right decision?" she asked quietly, her eyes still closed.

Nathan turned to her, his expression thoughtful. "I think we did. We needed a fresh start, and Chicago will give us that. Plus, we have each other. That's what matters."

Jacqueline opened her eyes and looked at him, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Nathan. For everything."

He smiled and leaned over to kiss her. "We're in this together, Jacqueline. Always."

As the plane continued its journey toward Chicago, Jacqueline felt a sense of calm wash over her. It was a new beginning, and with Nathan by her side, she felt ready to face whatever came next.

The plane began its descent into Chicago, and Jacqueline looked out the window, marveling at the cityscape coming into view. As the plane touched down smoothly on the runway, she felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. They had finally arrived.