The Neighbor

Chapter 10

Elodie's POV

The flight to Washington was unreal. Arden had booked us in coach, our seats by the window. He had let me have the window seat so I could see the beauty that the beautiful state of Washington had to offer. It was unlike anything I had ever seen. The trees were the most beautiful shade of green, lush and vibrant, unlike the trees in California. Shades of green covered basically the entire state of Washington, along with roaring mountains. I was in complete shock at the beauty before me. Was it always like this? The captain came over the speakers as I buckled my seatbelt holding Arden's hand. He took my hand and pressed it to his lips softly, flashing that perfect smile towards me.

It wasn't that I was afraid of flying, but the take off and landing sent a roar into my stomach that unsettled my whole body.

"It'll get easier the more we travel."

There it was again. We. It seemed as though Arden thought we were a thing, and whose to blame him, I knew his intentions and knew he wanted us to be exclusive. Maybe he could give me the luxury life that 10 year old me had dreamed of. Or was this money his parents? Would I be meeting them on this trip? Arden had said so little about where we were staying. I had little knowledge of his parents though. 

"What's going on in that pretty little head of yours, Elodie?" 

I flashed him a smile, shaking my head.

"You never said where we'd be staying?" 

"Oh," 

Arden let out a chuckle and ran his free hand through his head kissing my hand again.

"My parents, own a small home on the coast, so I figured we could stay with them."

I nodded and looked back out the window as we descended from the clouds. I closed my eyes as Arden pressed his lips to my forehead squeezing my hand.

"I didn't know flying freaked you out this bad?"

His voice was genuine, full of concern. 

"Just lift off and landing, that's when the most can go wrong."

Arden let out a laugh. 

"Well, I have traveled all over, and can assure you this pilot has a very good understanding of flying."

I forced a smile as I heard the plane skid on the ramp and squeezed Ardens hands, throwing my head into his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around me kissing the top of my head.

"We are okay," 

I knew he was trying not to laugh, after all, I am 24 years old, and afraid of flying. It didn't help that growing up I never flew much as a kid. Maybe once or twice, my family wasn't poor, but we weren't exactly rich either. The pilot came over the speakers confirming we were in fact on the ground and safe. 

When we exited the plane, I could instantly feel the humidity on my cheeks, and the smell of fresh rain mixed with wet grass filled the airport. Arden held my hand as he led me towards the escalators. We stepped onto them as we headed down. Arden wrapped his arms around me and pressed another kiss to my forehead. His arms were so large, full of muscle, yet whenever he touched me he was so gentle with them. As we approached the bottom my eyes were drawn to a couple holding a large hand drawn sign with balloons. I read the words and a smile spread across my face. 

Written in big colorful letters read, 

'Welcome home Arden & Elodie!' 

Arden's parents. I turned looking at him as he took my hand in his and led me towards them.