Aware

nineteen

• ANNA •

The drive to the airport was inaudibly silent. Everybody was either asleep or on the phone. It's amazing how just a few years ago I kept on thinking what they were like, what Brad Simpson was like, on their trips. Yet here I am, beside him, his hands interlaced with mine, about to ride on a plane with him. I couldn't ask for anything better.

I was already wearing the coat Joe gave me. It smelled like wood and coffee and I felt safe in it. I understand the precautions of being seen with them so I agreed with the plan. I'm not stubborn and hard-headed so don't worry, they wouldn't be bashing me anytime soon.

"Anna, in here." Waddy said as he assists me with my things and holds my hand.

I walked after him as we enter the other entrance, straight to the check-in area, then went directly on the plane.

We were free to choose wherever we'd like to sit as long as it's in the seats the team have chosen for the nine of us. I chose a seat by the window. Seeing the clouds is my most favorite part in an air trip.

Waddy sat on a lane across from me and he settled down the things on the compartments situated above the seats. It's good no one have noticed me. I don't even know what to do if they did. It's too early to be greeted by drama.

"Anna." Waddy taps my shoulder and brings me back to reality.

"Yes?" I said in return. I'm not one to talk, especially to Waddy. I'm not really keen on talking to him since I'm having more conversations with Dean or Joe. But Dean had to document everything the band was doing while Joe, well Joe, has to be there by the band's side.

"Do you want something to munch on? Or anything? Tea? Coffee?" He asks me kindly.

"Nope, I'm good. Thanks for offering, though." He's such a cutie. Like he can't stop drumming his fingers on his legs along with every song playing in the plane.

I fished out my earphones from my purse and plugged it in my iPod. I kept on thinking about home. Here I am on airplanes traveling with people I barely know when I can't even visit my family bak home. I have to book a flight or let them come to Birmingham at least.

The plane was now filling up with people. All of whom obviously don't recognize me which is a good sign. I look over at Waddy and see that he's sipping his tea while reading a travel magazine about St. John's.

"I like to come prepared." He laughs awkwardly while shrugging his shoulders. I dismiss him by telling him that it's okay and that there's nothing wrong with it.

Moments after, the boys walked on the plane choosing their seats. Brad sat beside me while Tris sat beside him. They're basically inseparable. Connor and James sat beside Waddy while Joe, Dean, and Fin sat together.

The stewardess said the usual instructions about seat belts and emergency kits in case something happens.

"How was it?" I asked Brad who was now getting his travel pillow and wearing it on his neck.

"The usual. Autographs, crying, pictures, more crying." He laughs recalling the fuss earlier at the airport.

"I don't like airplane trips." He admits. Well, that's a first. It's not something I often read when I search Facts about Bradley Simpson from The Vamps on the internet when I was younger.

"Why is that so?" I teased him, can't believe airplanes are an addition to things that he doesn't like.

"I don't know. It makes me uncomfortable." He says yawning. It's contagious as it makes me feel sleepy too. So, I placed my purse beside me and then settled my head by the window. I got used to sleeping like that during trips since sleeping with my head straight doesn't really work for me.