𝐄𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 - Joost Klein

𝐗𝐕

The plane makes contact with the ground as it starts the long way to a halt. I lightly push myself back into the chair as gravity pushes me forward. As the plane finally starts driving back to the airport itself, I start packing my notebook, headphones and phone, which were all in my lap during the landing.

A lot op people immediately stand up, which irritates me a lot, because what are you getting at? The doors won't open any faster because your pathetic ass stood up.

I wait until most people are out before standing up myself, cramming into the stream of passengers as we all make our way to the baggage hall. I hate having suitcases with me, since the unloading of bags takes ages and waiting for the stupid conveyor belt to finally start is really the last thing I want to do after sitting in a musty airplane. My head still aches from my hangover, but it's gotten relatively less since when I woke up.

As I arrive in the big hall, I quickly recognise people I had seen inside of the plane. I join them at the conveyor belt and decide to check my phone. I turn off flight mode and my phone quickly picks up signal.

No new messages. Bummer.

I check my insta, speeding through stories of people who are all definitely either prettier, funnier or overall having a better time living than me. I refresh my feed and a Eurovision post pops up, highlighting a group of contestants yet again. I swipe through the pictures and stop at the one with Joost in it.

I can't help but stare at the picture. The lovely smile that rests on Joost his face is nothing but adorable. His eyes are slightly crinkled as he seems joyful as ever. I feel my chest get heavier as I think about that morning. It's weird how I was in a different country a couple hours ago, next to my best friend.

I quickly swipe further.

As the first suitcases fall onto the conveyor belt I put my phone away, my eyes searching for a navy blue color. I quickly spot my suitcase, and start walking over.

As I reach out to grab ahold of it, a guy next to me does the exact same thing, leaving us both clutching onto the suitcase.

'Oh, uhm, excuse me but I think this is mine!' I smile and look at the model looking guy next to me.

'Well,' The guy says as he lifts the suitcase up and out of my hands, then setting is down at his own feet. 'It's mine actually.' He smiles back while pointing at the tag on the handle of the suitcase, which in fact does not have my name on it. His smile is bright with no sign of anger, just calmly telling some idiot shes wrong. Of course that idiot is me.

'Oh shit, i'm so sorry, actually.' I quickly apologise.

'Don't worry 'bout it.' He says. Another navy blue suitcase then enters the belt. He lifts it off in one quick motion, before I can even step forward, and sets it at my feet. 'I presume this one is yours... miss Madelyn?' He says while struggling to read the tag upside down.

'Yes, thank you.' I say, a slight blush rising to my cheeks. He runs a hand through his black curls.

'Well, nice to meet you. I'm Alex. Would youu... maybe have time to go grab a overpriced coffee? If you're going to London too.' He says, a slight smirk on his face.

I think it over for a second, but honestly that sounds pretty good.

'Yes, I am, and sure, that sounds nice.' I smile. His face lights up.

'Terrific. Let's not waste any of your precious time then.' He smiles before walking out of the hall to the exit.

...

After taking the train back to London, we sit down in a small cafe just outside the train station. Alex orders our drinks and we talk about, well anything, really.