Characters:
Adeline
Matti (intersex)
Warning: Mature Content
The following content contains mature themes and may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
This story is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely for inspiration. It is up to the reader to interpret whether these events are part of an alternate universe or not.
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Matti's POV
"Trip mo ba LDR?" Chase asked me, grinning as if the idea amused her.
"Sira ka talaga," I rolled my eyes, half-laughing, half-annoyed. "Bakit nanaman?" I asked, as she nudged me playfully. She had come along to Siargao with me since I had some extra leaves from work that I had to use. It was her idea to explore the island, and honestly, I was glad she did. But now that we were at the airport, it felt bittersweet.
"Puro foreigner kasi nandito. Hinahanapan lang kitang pwedeng maging jowa," Chase teased, scanning the area filled with tourists.
I laughed. "Ano bang pinagsasabi mo? Hindi naman ako naghahanap ng jowa dito."
"Malay mo, nandito pala destiny mo!" She winked.
"Ikaw–ako nanaman napagtripan mo," I shook my head, but there was a nervousness creeping in. I glanced at my boarding pass, and the thought of the plane ride ahead started to make my stomach flip. The take-off, the landing... and worst of all, the turbulence. Just the thought made my palms sweaty.
We made our way to the boarding gate, and before long, we were seated inside the plane. I was next to Chase, or so I thought, until an elderly woman came by with her grandson. They were having a quiet conversation, and it seemed like she wasn't feeling well.
A flight attendant approached with a gentle smile. Her name tag read "Adeline."
"Excuse me, ma'am," she addressed me politely. "It seems the elderly woman here needs some assistance from her grandson. Would you mind switching seats for the duration of the flight?"
I looked at Chase, who shrugged as if to say, "It's fine."
"Uh, sure," I said, feeling shy about the whole situation.
Adeline nodded, her smile never fading. "Thank you for understanding. The elderly lady isn't feeling too well, and her grandson needs to sit next to her."
I was already about to move when a wave of panic hit me. The seat I was moving to was by the window—something I'd been trying to avoid.
As Adeline turned to assist other passengers, I felt my nerves spike. I reached out and gently held her arm before she walked away.
"Miss..." I began, my voice quieter than usual. She looked at me with a questioning glance.
"I'm, uh... scared of flying. Yung take-off, landing, pati yung turbulence... it really makes me nervous," I confessed, trying not to sound embarrassed.
Her expression softened. "Oh, I understand. Would you prefer the aisle seat instead? That way, I can check on you from time to time during the flight. How does that sound?"
I nodded gratefully, feeling a bit of relief. "Yes, please, if it's okay."
"Of course, no problem," Adeline reassured me. She gently guided me to the aisle seat. "If you need anything at all, tawagin mo lang ako. Flying can be scary, but you're not alone. I'll take care of you."
