But I Do

Chapter 2

Chapter 2.

As the plane began to rumble for takeoff, Hayley closed her eyes. She was desperate to just sleep the ride away, but before the attendant even had time to finish saying “You are now free to move about the cabin,” fans' safety restraints could be heard snapping open. With excited murmurs, the hoard slowly and nervously closed in around the trio. Hayley sighed internally. “I love you guys, I really do, but I'm so not up for this right now..” She thought, opening her eyes to the little crowd that had formed around their seats. As Taylor talked with the eager fans, Jerm turned to Hayley.

“You want us to handle it?” He asked quietly.

“No, it's fine,” She whispered back, even though she really wasn't up to it. Putting on her best smile, Hayley took a deep breath and greeted the fans. It wasn't too bad, a few pictures and signings, even a couple impromptu gifts. During all the commotion, someone managed to slip Taylor's beanie away. 'Crazy kids..' Hayley thought with a smile when everyone noticed and laughed. It was an unspoken rule that Hayley always got the window seat on flights, for exactly this reason. The fans could be a little too touchy sometimes, and one boob grab had been enough for the redhead. So, for the past year and a half, since that one awkward flight, Hayley had gotten the safety of the seat furthest from the aisle.

As the fans made their way back to their seats, grinning with excitement and leftover nerves, one hung around still.

“God I love them,” Jeremy yawned as he tried to stretch a little bit in the confines of the seat.

“We love you too,” giggled a voice from in front of Hayley. The three paused, now aware that there was still a fan. “Right here,” they heard, as a head popped up from behind the seat in front of Hayley. “Jackson,” he said, introducing himself and sticking his hand toward Hayley. Startled, she stared at it for a moment before realizing she was supposed to shake it. Right. Shake hands with the fan. Get yourself together, Hayley, she thought as she took his hand lightly.

“So whatcha doin'?” He asked, making up for any lack of energy on the band's part.

“Uhh, sitting, same as you,” Jeremy laughed.

“Yeah, hoping to get some sleep..” Hayley said, clearly hinting that they didn't want to talk.

“Oh, that's cool,” the boy chirped. He must not have been older than 17, Hayley thought. “Are you excited for the tour?” He continued animatedly.

“Stoked.” Taylor replied, as Jeremy and Hayley exchanged a look.

“Hayley, will you marry me?” Jackson piped up again, as Hayley laughed. Before she could reply, he continued. “Of course I suppose I'd have to ask Chad..,” Hayley's face dropped, but Jackson didn't notice. “How's he doing, anyway? I-” Jeremy stopped him right there.

“Hey, Jackson, it's been real nice talking to you and all, but we're pretty beat, so if we could try and catch some Z's, that'd be great..”

But it would take more than that to get rid of someone as persistent as him. As Jackson kept trying to talk to Hayley, she closed her eyes, trying desperately to tune out the rude kid. Her eyes explored the backs of her lids while she heard Taylor talking in hushed tones to someone, most likely Jackson, she concluded, seeing as his constant babble had paused.

She listened to Taylor's voice, Jeremy joining in as well. As close as they were, they must've been taking great care to not let Hayley hear them, because she couldn't make out a word they said. However, she heard Jeremy's voice reach an almost growl that she'd never heard before. With this she opened her eyes to see the guys sitting back and Jackson turning around quickly. Whatever had been said, she didn't care. Honestly she was just glad to have some quiet on this flight that had been miraculously without any small children.