Letters From Will

Chapter Five

Percy

Airplanes have always been difficult for me. Actually, enclosed spaces, in general, are not my cup of tea. There's a reason for that, and it's called claustrophobia, a mouthful in itself. There's also a reason for my claustrophobia: juvie time out, also known as solitary confinement. I hadn't been inside those barren concrete walls many times. Actually, very few times, but they were enough. Those things can and do drive a person crazy.

I force my feet to step one in front of the other down the boarding tunnel and I blow out a slow breath as the aircraft doors shut after all passengers are seated. As the flight attendant starts her pre-flight speech, Charlie gives me a look and grabs my hand tightly.

"Ok over there?"

I nod my head, concentrating on my breathing as the woman drones on about seat belts and flotation devices. "I'm okay... I think."

He grins. "I'll get you a pill as soon as I can get up. You'll be alright until then."

I can usually handle my problem it, but every so often, the anxiety rears its ugly head and I have to battle through it. The only one that knows about it is Charlie. I've never felt the need to share it with anyone else and really unless you are looking very closely, you don't notice it. Soon, they give the all clear to move about the cabin, and Charlie jumps up to get me a Xanax, asking for a bottle of water. After a while, I'm calm and able to talk business with my best friend. He hands me an itinerary and talks about the radio and TV shows, as well as public appearances I will be doing once we reach Boston.

"Ben wants to meet for dinner once Adam sends the paperwork and contracts to me. We have much to discuss."

I nod, thinking that it's still hard to wrap my head around a possible deal. Everything is moving so quickly now, and I'm sometimes left overwhelmed at the changes. I see Charlie looking at me with a grin. "What's on your mind?"

He shakes his head. "I just wonder sometimes if you understand the extent of the celebrity that you are about to encounter. This isn't the little leagues anymore, sweetheart. I'm going to make you a fucking star."

I laugh out loud, slapping him on the arm as he joins in. "Well, actually, my superior writing talent and ability to spin a good yarn are doing that, my love, not you." He sticks his tongue out at me and I laugh even harder, garnering a few looks from the old couple across the aisle. I smile apologetically at them as Charlie tries to gain control of himself again.

"Yes, but where would you be without me pushing and prodding? Still sitting in your aunt's kitchen typing on that old second-hand typewriter you had."

I grin. "Still have it, thank you. It's in my bedroom closet gathering dust as we speak." I turn serious, wrapping my hand around his arm. "Look, all kidding aside, we both know I wouldn't be here without you. You are my family, Charlie. I love you more than anyone else in the world."

He smiles at me, wiping his eyes a little as he settles back in his seat. Charlie has been my salvation more than once, and I'm sure he will be again since I have a proclivity for getting myself into sticky situations.

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We land in Boston and wait for our luggage to show up on the baggage carousel. Then, it is a cab to the Omni Parker House. I'm beat, I'm exhausted. The Xanax has totally kicked in and I do need a nap. The publishing house has sprung for a suite and I waste no time to head to the lift when Charlie holds my arm.

"Sweetie, I got an email," he says. "It's from Adam, in London. The contracts and the rest of the paperwork are attached."

"Great," I answer with a yawn. "Sorry, I can't keep my eyes open."