𝐃é𝐟𝐢 𝐌𝐨𝐢

𝟑𝟓 | 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝

"I'm telling you this is a bad idea."

Rachel repeatedly told me the same thing as we waited in the check-in line for our flight to Edinburgh.

I shared the news to her the day before, and she had asked to meet with me that night, stating she needed to talk about it in person rather than making such a big decision (her words) over text. When I told her about our trip, I could see it coming a mile away, so I planned a group video call with two of my alibis, Aurora and Demi.

Both of them and I were able to persuade Rachel to accompany me, with Demi and Aurora playing a major role in convincing her that everything was taken care of, including the fact that this trip was supposed to appear as if Rachel was going to meet Aurora (thanks to Jade, who also talked to her father and played along) and that she would handle everything in her absence so that Rachel's parents would not sniff around. Demi also made sure to play her role as a sibling so that no one would be doubtful about Rachel's whereabouts.

Rachel was excited, but she was also scared, and I stopped counting how many times she said this was a bad idea when I realized she'd say it every time her cell phone rang, leading her to believe that her parents had already found out.

Rachel tilts her body back and stares at me. "Nicolas, are you even listening to me?"

We proceeded forward with the others in line. "Been listening to the same thing since we came here at five in the morning." I couldn't help the taunting tone escaping from my mouth.

She lets out a tiny scoff, most likely in response to my tone. "And you think this is my fault?" She moves one step forward. "I am sorry if this bothers you, but it's my parents that I have to face after all of this, alone."

We reached the front of the check-in counter, indicating it was our turn to show our passports. But the irritation that was slowly bubbling inside of me was something I wasn't able to put aside and act cool, not when Rachel was constantly living in fear and almost ruining my plans for us.

I just wanted a little time with her—of her—and without any worries about our lives.

I walked in front of her and handed our passports to the woman behind the counter. "Don't you think you are regarding me as an idiot, considering I am the one who planned all of this?" I spoke above my shoulder.

"Well, I don't know; maybe yes." Rachel reprimanded. "You should have asked me prior to arranging all of this, or even discussing it with Aurora."

My patience had worn thin after hearing her harsh words, so I faced her. "Or maybe I thought you would be trusting me enough to not think that I'd leave you alone, even after we come back from the trip." Her mouth opened to speak again, but I stopped her. "At least you can pretend to be happy, and if you still can't, let's just call it off right now and go back."

Her nostrils flared before a flicker of disappointment flashed into her eyes, and she stepped out of the line, standing a little away and turning her back to me.