Across the Hall

Chapter 4

Airports are something I never really cared for. It's different for everyone. Some like to pass the time by people watching. Others pack into the various restaurants, laughing with friends or family. Some browse through gift shops and stores. They wonder about their flights, who they'll be sitting next to. They wonder what they're going to do when they land, how to find transportation to hotels, meetings, and beyond. Not me. For the moment, I was wondering what things would be like in this huge city I've never been to. A voice in the back of my head told me once again I should give up, but this wasn't the time to give it the satisfaction of winning.

I sat against the glass and dug through my backpack to find my book. It didn't take long before I got myself lost in the story line. Adventures in Maine, Texas, Florida all tied together with romance and action. Stephen King was one of my favorite, if not favorite, writer of all time. Someday, I thought, ill be able to write like this. 

I'm not sure how much time passed. I jumped when someone put their hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry to scare you but is this seat taken?" I nodded without looking up. I wasn't looking for a conversation right now. 31 pages left to go before I finished the book. I saw out of the corner of my eye that the stranger had the other book I loved in his lap. Don't start the conversation, I thought, finish your book. 

"Stephen King right?" He asked me shyly. I nodded and turned the page. 30 to go. "I think I've read that once or twice before." He didn't seem like he was purposely trying to disrupt me so I looked up. "Yeah its my favorite book." I stated, getting a good look at him for the first time. The first thing you noticed was his striking green eyes. They seemed to stare directly into your soul and capture the attention of anyone he wanted. I found my self wondering, how many girls has he conned with those? His dirty more-brown-than-blonde hair was neatly trimmed short around his ears. Now I know it isn't polite to judge, but my first impression of him was he's some sort of jock. That didn't work in high school and it won't work now. 

"The name's Kyle. I'm sorry I interrupted your reading." He held out a hand. "I'm Kara..." I hesitated before shaking his hand. "Don't worry I won't bite." He flashed a stunning smile. "That would be weird if you did." I smiled faintly back. He laughed, "You're funny Kara. I like that."

Of course he does, I thought silently. "No no not like that." His face went pale. He must've read my expression. "I understand Kyle. I'm going to get a drink, I'll be back." I stood up and stretched. It felt like I've been sitting for hours. "I'll come with you." Kyle stood up next to me. Of course he was taller than me by at least a foot. Of course. "No that's alright." I leaned down to grab my backpack. "I'm coming." He glanced down at me as if I didn't get a say in the matter. I really had to go to the bathroom but now I guess I had to get a drink after all. "Fine." I started to walk away from him. 

"So, Kar, where are you headed?" He caught up to me. "...to get food?" I gave him a strange look. "No," he laughed. "Where are you flying to?" 

Oh. Right. "Los Angeles, then Chicago." I sighed remembering the long flight ahead of me. "I'm headed to Chicago too!" His expression lit up. I've never seen anyone so excited about anything in my life. "Well aren't you glad you sat next to me? Now you have someone to travel with." I elbowed him playfully. He looked down at me. "Kara, even if the terminal wasn't completely empty, I still would've found a way to sit next to you." Did he really have to be so cheesy? We literally just met. At least I wasn't flying alone anymore.

Hey everyone I am so sorry for the late update! It's also really short and I apologize for that too. Longer chapters will be coming. This was mainly just a filler/character intro. Kyle is going to play a pretty important role in the next few chapters...that's all I'll give away for now. I hope you guys are loving the story so far and don't worry, toews will be coming back soon. If you like it so far please let me know in the comments! Happy new year everyone!- Dev :)