British Exchange Agent

Chapter 14

My mind raced as he pulled out my toiletry bag, unzipping it. He rummaged through before retrieving my shaver.

"Aha! There it is." He exclaimed, his expression satisfied. I breathed a small sigh of relief as he turned to me.

"No blades on the plane, I'm afraid. We'll have to confiscate this." He told me, waggling it around.

"I'll remember that for next time." I nodded, my voice shuddering. He flashed me a smile and a quick nod, before joining his co-worker.

I did up my backpack and clasped my shaking hands together as I walked towards the plane entrance. I waited by the ticket collector for six minutes, before the boarding announcement blared through the airport speakers.

I flicked my ticket towards her and she took it, flashing me a disturbingly white smile.

"Enjoy your flight."

I winced, momentarily blinded by her teeth.

"Thanks."

I walked through to the plane, choosing a seat near the back as usual, and placed my backpack beside me. I pursed my lips as people streamed through the plane's door, their chatter boisterously loud.

"May I store your bag for you, ma'am?"

My eyes flit up at the sound of a polite, American voice. He eyed my backpack, reaching towards it. I slapped my hand on it before he could whip it away.

"No." I snapped sharply. He blinked in surprise, frowning slightly as he stepped back. I removed my hand and swallowed, closing my eyes briefly.

"No, thank you." I corrected myself, inclining my head slightly in a calm manner. His frown was replaced with a strained smile.

"No problem."

I caught his eye roll as he turned around, muttering something about annoying passengers. I breathed out, glancing at my backpack with relieved eyes.

"Can I sit here?"

I slammed my hand down on the arm rest and all but growled, my eyes snapping up.

A business man stood in front of me, clutching his briefcase as he was jostled about, hordes of people shoving around him. His eyes twitched as toddler clambered over his pristinely black shoes, causing his glasses to jiggle.

"No."

The man blinked nervously, swallowing at my curt tone.

"B-but there aren't many seats." He stuttered. I scanned the plane.

"Sure there are - seven, to be exact." I informed him, angling my leg to prevent him from squeezing past. The man blinked again, clearly not good under pressure.

"But they are next to ch-children." He shivered, eying a snotty baby who smeared their nose on the headrest. I watched him hold back a gag, running a hand down his tie to smooth his ruffled emotions.

"Surely, you can see my plight." He swallowed, disgust clouding his features.

"Of course." I replied in a smooth voice. The man sighed in relief, attempting to sliver to the seat next to me. My foot cut his journey short, my icy eyes causing him to swallow for the third time.

"That doesn't mean you can sit here."

"B-but you s-said-"