Tragic Magic

Chapter Twenty

Out of all the bands we could be sharing a plane with, it had to be this one. I take back everything I said about this flight being fun.

Craig wraps his arms around me. "You're okay," he whispers into my ear.

"Oh, no," Derek points us out to Ronnie.

"Oh, hell no," Ronnie starts to walk towards us.

"Woah, okay lets be gentlemen," Robert jumps into the isle in front of Ronnie.

Max gets up and joins the party, "Yeah, we'll be fine as long as you all stay at the front of the plane and we stay in the back." Allison and Victoria stare at the situation in silence.

Ryan pulls Ronnie back to the front of the plane without a word, thank god.

We all sit there in silence, as the plane takes off. The tension between the two bands is extremely strong. This is the first time the two bands have clashed and it's not a comfortable situation, especially inside of an airplane.

I can feel myself shaking from the anxiety and tension building up. I don't know if I should cry or scream or both.

"Just breathe, baby," Craig whispers to me.

"I can't," I whisper back, clinging to him.

"Brian, switch me seats until we're airborne," Victoria calls out. He shrugs and switches with her.

Victoria takes my hand and massages it, "I don't know what's going on with you and those people up there, but you need to know it's going to be alright. It'll become easier when we're airborne, I promise Just breathe and think about something that makes you happy."

I rest my head on Craig's chest and close my eyes. I listen to his breathing and try to collect myself. I try to think about everything but Ronnie and this flight. I was fine until Ronnie showed up, now I can't keep it together.

"God, I'm pissed about this. Why didn't we check who would be here with us?" I hear Max say.

"Just let it go, dude," Robert says casually.

"Guys, not now," Craig gives them a look.

The plane steadies itself and I feel a rush of relief. Thank god that's over for now.

"Are you doing okay, sweetie?" Victoria whispers.

"Yeah, I think I'm fine now. Thank you for dealing with my issues," I open my eyes and smile at her.

"You got it," Victoria squeezes my hand again and returns back to her seat. Brian stays with the girls and leaves Craig and I to ourselves.

"What am I going to do with you, Julie?" Craig holds me tighter.

"I know, I know," I mumble.

Craig and I slept for a few hours while the tension slowly went down. I went out like a light and didn't wake up for at least six hours. We were on an eight hour flight, so I didn't worry about much at the time. At least until I was awoken by a familiar cheery voice.

"Juliet, wake up," Jacky softly shakes me.

"What?" I pull myself off of Craig and rub my eyes.

"Can I talk to you really quick?" The entire band is sleeping, perfect opportunity to get to me.

I follow Jacky to the front of the plane and we sit in a row of seats behind the rest of the band. I tried to avoid looking at Ronnie, thank god he was asleep.

"We need to get together sometime within the next two weeks. I convinced the band to come visit my hometown because I knew you would be in this area. I'm sorry about the awkward tension, I just wanted us all to get together with you in a different space," Jacky says softly.

So it's Jacky's fault we're in this mess?

"This was a really bad idea, Jacky. Craig is really over protective and so is the entire band. If Ronnie and Craig collide, it's going to be really bad," I shake my head.

"Can you just try to find some free time? I want to show you around my town and go out for lunch. Give me a call if you can slip away, alright?"

"I don't know, I can try. I'll let you know," I get up and head back to my seat.

This is dangerous. My past and my present, all in the same airplane. I don't understand why these types of things have to happen to me, but they always do.

I find my way back to my seat and snuggle against Craig's shoulder.

"What were you just doing, Julie?" Craig sits up and looks at me.

Why would you care anyways? You're always out without me, why can't I move from one end of the plane to another without your consent?

"Nothing, I was just checking on the drink service," I lie.

"I'd prefer if you'd stay with me until Ronnie is far away. Are you still doing okay?" He asks casually.

"I'm doing fine. Looks like everyone is asleep huh?" I ask.

"Yeah, we were all up late. I feel better now that I got some rest. Just relax, we'll be there in a couple of hours." I snuggle back into his arms.

"Good, I can't wait for this flight to be over."