Hidden

Chapter Three

The plane ride was just as I had expected - long, quiet, and awkward. Not a very comforting combination.

The interior of the plane was small and cramped, making me feel claustrophobic in every single way possible. Taylor obviously didn't feel the same way; after about three silent glances towards me, he passed out on the seat beside mine.

It seemed like weeks before we finally arrived, when in reality it was only four hours. I was staring out the window at the grey clouds when we finally began our descent.

"We're landing, guys. Seatbelts required." Agent Floyd's voice sounded over the intercom. I clicked mine back on and glanced over at Taylor, who was still knocked out. Leaning over, I shook his shoulder lightly. He stayed slumped over in the seat, his chin dropped to his chest.

"Taylor?"

I shook him again until he finally lifted his head to blink groggily at me. Confusion crossed his face then his eyes widened slightly as he sat up. I almost smiled at how adorably lost he looked. Almost.

"We're landing now. Agent Floyd said to put on your seatbelt." He nodded in acknowledgement and quickly pulled his belt across him. A little click sounded as he finished up.

"Thanks," He said, looking sideways at me. I nodded, rubbing my bleary eyes. I was exhausted at this point but I found it impossible to sleep in this position.

The plane suddenly began shaking, followed by a bump as the wheels of the plane met the ground. I abruptly felt a hand on my own and flinched away at the sudden contact. I turned my head to find Taylor grimacing guiltily, with his hands set back on his lap.

"Your hands were turning white," He explained. I let my eyes trail back to my hands, which were gripping the arm rests harshly. And my fingers were, in fact, turning white.

I released my hands and clenched my hands into a fist as the blood flowed back into them, causing them to tingle.

"Thanks," I muttered, staring down at my lap. The plane finally came to a stop and I immediately unbuckled myself, ready to get out of this metal hell-hole.

The side door slid open to reveal Agent Floyd running a hand over his face tiredly. I swiftly hopped down from the plane and breathed in the fresh air. My God, yes.

"You guys ready to go?" The agent asked, moving his gaze from me to Taylor. We both nodded and made our way out of the landing strip.

"We obviously don't have any of your old clothes for you to wear but I sent your nurse out to get you some. They will be in your closet when you get to the house so you can change," Agent Floyd told me, glancing over at the plain white t-shirt and jeans they had given me to wear.

"Thanks," I mumbled as we stopped at an old, beat up pick-up truck. It's dark blue paint was chipped at the bottom edges and dirt covered the wheels and front of the car.

"I figured it was inconspicuous enough," Agent Floyd said sheepishly, shrugging. Taylor slid into the passenger seat and I took the back as the agent started the truck. The inside was much nicer than the outside. It was definitely cleaner.

"Why did you choose New York? I mean, for me to stay," I questioned. Taylor decided to answer as Agent Floyd drove through a gated section of the airport.

"Well, one reason is because of how many people there are here. If you're going to stay hidden from Tanner," He said, making me flinch at the mention of his name, "then it would have to be like finding a needle in a haystack for him."

I bit my lip, nerves suddenly taking over as my brain went into overdrive, thinking of the possibility that he could find me.

Forgive me.