Fighting For This

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Being on the long plane flight had left my bum soar and my legs aching with tension. The stuffiness of the air craft left me yearning to get out of such a closed off space and ready to breath real air. Flying from Boston to Seattle was probably the longest distance that I've traveled in a long time. Being in Boston for my five months time had me forgetful on how terrible flying was.

Traveling was something that I fairly enjoyed, it was just the flights and car rides that have me dazed. Seattle wasn't on the top of the short list that I had to choose from but it was the best. Being a traveling nurse was a fairly easy job if you knew what you were doing and how to work things out in your favor.

Finally, people started filing out of the plane one by one, grabbing bags from overhead and lugging them out the tiny door and to freer space. The hipster looking scraggly guy that sat next to me hauled his huge hiking backpack over his shoulder and exited. Then, it was my turn and I clung to my only carry on, my purse, and made my way down the narrow aisle. Traveling had taught me to pack lightly. A good book and some music, set me for any lengthy flight.

"Have a great evening and thanks for flying American Airlines.", the pretty flight attendant said to me as I quickly walked by.

I didn't know what to say so I just gave her a curt nod as I walked by and a small smile. Thank you for finally getting me here. I thought in my head.

One of my traditions for when I arrived at a new place was to go to the first bar I saw and order a vodka tonic with cherry. Weird combination but can't break a tradition now. The first place I saw as I walked towards the baggage claim was a bar called Perks. It was a dimly lit place with hard wood and a big wall full of alcohol. Tall two people tables were scattered in the little area, making it seem more like a nice lounge. My kind of place.

Easing onto the barstool I waited for the bartender, who was busy with another customer down the way, to come take my order. The place wasn't as empty but it wasn't full to capacity either. Probably had some good business on good days.

"What can I get for you today?", said the chirpy bartender, slinging a dishtowel over his broad shoulders.

"I'd like a vodka tonic with cherry and three ice cubes. Exactly.", I said, rubbing my palms into my eye sockets and then resting my cheek in my palm. The long flight had me tuckered out and wanting a bed.

"Coming right up.", he said, getting to work on my drink. Hopefully they had the nice vodka and not no cheap knock off brand, "Here yah go miss.", he said, repeating my order to me, making sure it was right.

I thanked him and sipped at my favorite drink, and shuffling through my phone contacts. Ignoring the ''I miss you'' 's from some people I hung out with in Boston. My only real friend was my job, it never ceased to fail on me because I never ceased to fail it either. The only friendship I needed.

The chair next to me scrapped out,"I'll have what she's having.", said a husky voice from next to me, with a prominent British accent.

I turned slightly to look at him and boy he was gorgeous. I tried not to stare at his flawless jaw and his jet black floppy hair and those pretty hazel eyes were to die for. It took me all but two seconds to notice all his beauty but it would probably take me eons to be able to appreciate it all.

"Hey, I'm Zayn Malik. You are?", he asked, I tried not to look at him as he talked to me.

I stayed quiet as he waited for my response, downing the rest of my drink and standing to walk away to my waiting bags at the baggage claim. My traditional drink gave people enough time to grab their luggage and I wouldn't have to be stuck in the pushing and hustling for claiming luggage.

My MK loafers squeaked against the tile floor as I exited the lounge, purse in hand and mind set for my new hotel room at the Hampton Inn&Suites. My legs crying for a release on the notably soft bed that I was expecting. My rental should be parked in the pick up area by now, waiting for me.

"Hey, you didn't answer me.", said Zayn, coming up beside me with the glass from the lounge.

"Your not suppose to take that from the bar.", I said, looking him up and down, not breaking my stride.

"So she speaks. Great, only...you haven't told me your name yet."

"Your forward aren't you?", I stated, smirking a bit.

"I would say that I'm a strait to the point kinda guy but forward works.", he replied with a small chuckle and a smile.

"Mm, why do you want to know my name so bad, Zayn."

"That's easy, because your a very pretty girl. That's all.", he answered, touching my elbow lightly, making me stop.

"My name is Sarah Myers. Happy now?", I said, choosing a step to go down the escalator.

"Sarah. Mm, nice, perfect name for a-"

"Don't you say it.", I said, trying not to laugh, at his cheesiness, and pointing a finger at him.

"Say what.", he smiled, what sounding more like "wattttt" and showing off his pearly whites with a huge smile

I laughed a little at him and stepped off the escalator and moving towards the roundabout that held my two suitcases. The space had cleared out and my bags were the only ones still going around, their pastel pink color standing out against the grey conveyor belt. Walking to them, I reached to pick one up but Zayn beat me to it, coming up close behind me and grabbing it before my long arms could reach the handle.

"Hey, I don't need you to get those for me. I'm not a damsel in distress. I don't need you to do anything for me.", I huffed, taking the bag from him, " I don't know what you men think nowadays that women still need their doors opened for them and their heavy loads picked up but your dead wrong we don't need-"

"Hey, hey , hey, slow down princess. I didn't mean to seem like a stereotypical asshole but I was just raised to treat women nicely and respectfully. It's just a habit to do things like this, if you want me to stop-"

"Yes, I do want you to. I can handle myself, thank you very much.", I grabbed each of my suitcases and popped up the handles, " It was nice meeting you Zayn. Have a nice day or life or evening or whatever. I have to go now."

"Wait, can I take you out sometime?"

"Um... I don't think so. We just met and your just...not my typ

"Sarah, stop, don't give me the run around. You sound like your repeating some boring monologue or something. Just let me take you out once. Just once. It'll be a public place, lots of people, I won't even kiss you goodnight. Just nice company and good conversation, with cheap wine and stale breadsticks."

I laughed aloud at him, "I don't know about the last part but how about you give me your number and I'll let you know when I'm open for a get together or whatever it'll be.", I said, giving him a lazy smile.

"Why don't you just give me-", he started but I interrupted and asked, "Are you complaining? Either I get your number or this conversation is dead air to me."

"Fine," he said squinting at me, "...here's my number. Call or text me when you can. See you soon.", he said, taking my hand and kissing it lightly with a smile.

I clicked my tongue as I exited the bustling airport with jitters in my stomach of whatever's to come. Like I thought, my rented Dodge Charger was waiting for me in the pick up lane. Cars whoosh by as I walk towards the waiting red car. Taking the keys from the valet I tree my suitcases in the trunk and drove to my new hotel room for the next five to six months.