Fracted (Book #2)

Chapter 8: Flight

"I've never flown first class before," I said, examining the soft cushion that I'm sitting on.
"This is my first time too." Jackson said. We sat across from Robert and Eiffel. She was literally right next to me, if you just take away the path in the middle. Robert waved at us for fun, Jackson waved back but I didn't. I was to busy with something. Or someone.
"Are you guys okay back there?" Ace sticks his hand out and waved from his thick chair that's infront of us.
"Yeah, we're fine," Robert answered.
"Okay," I say.

Hour One

The sky was dark and gloomy and cloudless when Eiffel called me.
"Hey, kid..." Eiffel called, leaning against her reclining chair. "Thanks again for saving me from George."
I take off my headphones, "You're welcome," I say softly.
"I never had the chance to ask for your name; what is it?"
"Jess," I said. "Jess Mckidd."
She outstretched her arm and shook my hand. "Eiffel Platten." We smile at each other. That's it? You just say your name and that's it? No I-want-to-get-to-know-you small talks? I need serious help.
I tapped Jackson's temple when his head slid down to my shoulder. He sleeps like a cub, all toasty and peaceful.
"Hey, cub, you're on my shoulder." I said.
His eyes flutter as he awaken.
"Sorry. How long was I asleep?" he asked.
"About forty-five minutes have passed since you drifted."
"Oh. I'm so tired."
"So... I've been meaning to ask you; What happened at the airport? With index card?"
"Well, you see... I didn't want to let you down, Jess. So I Pushed her. I controlled her thoughts so she'd let Eiffel in with us. I don't know if I should apologize but, uh... I did the right thing, correct?"
"Well, she looks safe in here with us," I glanced at her. She has Rapunzel's hair, it's so rich and silky and soft. Her high cheekbones go higher when she smiles. Bright eyes flicker everytime she blinks. I have to say, she's gorgeous.
"So yeah, you've done nothing wrong," I say to him.
"But I used my power on an innocent."
"Look, she wouldn't be innocent if she hadn't let a sorrowful girl in for free."
"Yeah... you're right. I shouldn't worry," he sighed in relaxation, leaning back on his chair.
Usually, I was the one who was nervous. Jackson was calm and collected. Not me. But wait... has my memory come back?
"Jackson," my eyes widened. "I remember." I whispered softly and smiled. His eyes fill up with joy.
"It's good to have you back, bro. It's good to have you back." he pats my shoulder.
It must've been that time where I got pushed down and I hit my head. I was shook back to reality. Sometimes, pain teaches you to be firm.

I wake up from my small nap when I felt the coldness and the sharp sting of rubbing alchohol on my infected lip. The wet, soft cotton ball clipped on the twizzers gently brush against my piercing. The woman holding the twizzers smile at me and said, "The young man's awake," she chuckled.
"What are you doing?" I asked. She's a stewardess, she's responsible for the passengers. Me.
"Your, uh, friend told me that it's infected so I decided to clean it for you. I also applied some medicine on it so don't worry if you taste any bitterness on your tongue, okay?"
"Okay," I said, going back to sleep.

Hour Four

This time, my nap was complete. I smell the savory aroma of what's infront of me. The juicy chicken and the meatloaf inside the aluminum platter with green peas on the side. I twist off the lid and sniffed.
"First class is so high-class," I tell Jackson, who was close to finishing his platter.
The forks are made of real metal, and instead of napkins, it was white cloth. I am loving this trip.
"I don't see why they didn't use real plates," Jackson complained.
"Stop whining. We might never experience this type of flight again."
"You're right, Jess. I'm just... anxious."
"Everything's gonna be fine, Jackson."
"Okay."
"By the way, where did you even get the money to pay for all this?" I asked.
"You should ask Alice." he took a sip on his wine glass, but it wasn't wine. It was soda.
"Where do you think she is right now?"
"On her way to Hawaii with Zach, I guess. Most Seekers survived the attack, and they're seeking vengeance."
"It seems wrong," I grab the fork and start eating.
"I don't blame them," Jackson puts the lid back on the aluminum platter. "I lost one of my old friends. I watched him die."
I almost choke on my food, but I asked, "Who was it?"
"Ashton. We enrolled as instructors at the same time. He was my first ever friend in the academy."
"How long have you guys been friends?" I asked.
"I was five and he was ten." he answered. "We had good times. Just the two of us, before I met the others."
"I'm sorry, about what happened."
"He was like a brother to me."
"How'd it happen?"
He took a long pause and finally said, "I don't want to talk about it..." his voice broke and he sniffed long enough to hold back his tears and turn back to me.
"Do you want to switch seats with me? So you'll have space to turn?" I quietly suggested. He needs his space, I know. And I asked too many questions. Too much to kill him inside.
He covers his mouth instead of his eyes and nodded. We swapped seats. And it was all peaceful after that. Except for the fact that I wanted to talk to Eiffel. I was not at peace ever since I first held her hand.