You Capture My Attention (GxG)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Valerie's POV:

'Why...' I thought to myself as I grit my teeth together. Why must I be so terrified of these flying death traps? I tapped my fingers on my thigh, chewing on the end of the pen as I tried to distract myself. Looking out the window only made me more paranoid; we were still at the gate too. My headphones were on full blast, playing Breathe by Lauv. I closed my eyes, trying to calm my ever-growing anxiety. His music was peaceful and relaxing, making me feel slightly better. As I reopened my eyes, staring down at the blank sketchpad in front of me, the familiar smell of perfume caught my attention. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I looked up to see the woman who had been going out of her way to avoid me these past few days. I clenched my jaw once more, looking up at her. She refused to look at me, her sunglasses still on. She was struggling with stowing away her bag in the overhead compartment but refused to ask for help. I pulled one side of my headphones away from my ear, listening to her annoyance play out. "Fit god damn you!" She groaned, obviously losing the battle. Clicking my tongue on the front of my teeth, I sat forward.

"Would you like some help?" I offered, trying my best to keep my composure. Though, to be honest, it was extremely difficult around her. The taller woman looked down towards me, pushing her glasses up to rest upon her head. I frowned as she looked utterly exhausted. As I looked at her, I noticed that she wore a pair of track pants and her dingy rainbow shirt. Her hair was up in a messy bun and she had no makeup on at all. But, as I looked at her I couldn't help but feel like I was looking at the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on. She broke my pathetic trance as she cleared her throat.

"No... it's fine. I have it, thanks." She answered, giving the suitcase one last push. I rolled my eyes, leaning back in my seat, loving the fact I could hear the same suitcase thud onto the floor. I could hear some colorful words come from under her breath. I twirled my pen in my hand, trying my best to ignore the brunette.

"Ma'am... I think you should just check that." I could hear a young man say. I didn't look over as I sketched a small piece though.

"No, it fits, I do this all the time. Do you know who I am?" I scoffed at the way she said that. Since when did she throw her status in someone's face?

"Yes, Miss. Ryan. But..." She didn't let him finish though.

"Just whatever!" She argued, dropping the bag on the floor. The man mumbled something incoherent, walking off with her bag. I looked out the window, not expecting her to take her seat next to me. However, I was wrong as I could smell her perfume grow stronger. I turned my head, shocked, to see that she was indeed sitting next to me. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, eyes focused on her cell phone. "Why are you looking at me like that?" She questioned, refusing to turn her gaze towards me. I placed my sketchpad back into my book-bag, turning towards her fully. I watched as her jaw twitched slightly, but still refusing to look me in the eye.

"Because, I'm shocked you're alive, and to be sitting next to me at that," I spoke truthfully. Lyndsey's leg began to bounce; an obvious sign that she was either stressed out or nervous. "Why have you been avoiding me?" I blurted out, not even thinking about what I had said before I spoke. She flickered her eyes up towards me finally, making my breath hitch in the back of my throat.

"This is going to be a long flight." She sighed, rubbing the side of her temple in irritation. I gave her an incredulous look, feeling stupid that I even bothered saying anything at all.

"Seriously...?" I asked, not expecting an answer though. Lyndsey gave me a sideways glance, causing an unfamiliar pain that went through my chest. My heart was falling into the pit of my stomach as she locked her tired, cold, eyes onto me. I didn't know what was wrong with her these past few days; jaded and distant.