baby [h.s.]

thirty one

            Clothes weren't folded; they were just thrown into my suitcase. I didn't know how long the trip would be and I didn't know the weather. November was cold in London, so I assumed it would be cold there, too.

I threw in jeans, dresses, and sweaters into the bag; if it was clean and looked appropriate, it went in. I decided I'd go shopping once we arrived if I discovered I had forgotten something.

Vinny had organized a flight for us and gave us an hour and a half to be there. So, as I shoved articles of clothing into the black bag, thirty minutes remained.

My front door opened, banged on the wall.

"Tilly!" Harry shouted.

"I'm almost ready!" I said. I grabbed my toiletries bag and stuffed it inside. With one hand pressing down the top, the other zipped. I let out a huff when it finally shut.

Harry rushed into my room, pulling at his hair with one hand. His breaths came out in short huffs.

"Vinny's already out on a plane." he said. "This is bullshit. I honestly don't see why this is a big deal, why we have to be involved."

I shrugged. "Do you want to be the one to question him?"

"Fucking whatever, let's just go."

I pressed my lips together and nodded. All my bags were yanked off the bed and I walked through my bedroom door first, dragging the rolling suitcase behind me. All of Harry's bags were sprawled out in by the front door.

I glanced around to double check that all the lights were off, that everything was set. With one last nod, I turned and walked through the door.

We were greeted at the landing strip, the same one we left for Barcelona from, with foam cups of coffee and someone to take our bags. I kept my tote with me.

Riddle was already inside the jet, seated at a table, typing away on his laptop. His eyebrows were creased.

"What's the deal?" I said. My shoes scuffed against the carpet.

Harry sunk into the couch and the door to the plane sealed shut. I glanced at Harry, who had his hand shielding his face. I could tell he was angry.

"Again, it's the respect thing for Vinny. Why he wants us to go, I don't know. I would say for convenience, but if that were the case, he'd want Perkins. And speaking of which, Perkins is pissed he wasn't chosen to go and we were. He's sitting there, red faced, and I'm like bloody hell Perkins, take my place."

I sighed. I didn't feel like questioning it anymore.

"Whatever," I said. "We'll figure it out when we're there."

I took a seat at the opposite end of the couch and brought the steaming foam cup to my lips.

Before too long, the plane took off. The flight would be long; London to New York City. It was only noon, but I was already exhausted. We'd be arriving around noon in the city. We'd travel back in time.

I hummed, glancing through the window. The land below us seemed farther and farther away. I looked back at Harry, who stared at nothing with a scowl on his face.

"You look pretty when you're pissed." I mumbled.

"Thanks," Riddle said.