Boarding Flight 227

Chapter 1

"Now boarding all passengers for Flight 227," the deep masculine voice said over the intercom. I scrambled out of my seat to gather my zebra print carry-on. I speed walked down the airport hallways while dealing with my annoying long, brown hair to stay out of my face to actually see.

After I handed over my ticket and was on the plane, I frantically searched for my seat. Finally, after what felt like forever but was probably a minute, I found my window seat, A13. I was relieved to see no one was in the the middle or isle seat so I didn't have to awkwardly squeeze around their legs.

It wasn't long before a teenage boy around my age took the seat beside mine. While he was shoveling through his bag to probably find something to entertain him for the next four hours, I took in his profile. He was probably my age with a strong jaw and broad shoulders. He has light brown hair that looked tousled and effortless that made it incredibly hot. It wasn't just those features that had me staring, but when he looked up to notice me, I was met with bright green eyes that has me melting at the sights of them. He offered me a toothy grin that showed off his perfectly white teeth. It was then that I noticed I was starring and turned away and attempting to hide my blush.

"Hi, I'm Kale Knight," he said in a smooth voice that just completed his perfect profile.

"Hey," I awkwardly replied, "Candace Henning."

"So," Kale starts sheepishly, "this might seem weird, but would you mind sharing your headphones if you have any?"

I chuckle lightly, "Sure, can I ask why?"

"I freaking hate when the plane first takes off. It's a good distraction."

"Makes sense." I hand over the headphones but am surprised when he takes one headphone and hands me another.

He must have noticed my suspicion because he replies, "What? You think you can get out of talking to me that easy?"

This makes me really smile. I never really had someone carry on a conversation when it could have easily have ended.

"Okay Candace," Kale says, bringing me out of my trance, "how old are you?"

"Seventeen, you?"

"Eighteen. Why are you flying?"

"What is this, twenty questions?" I tease.

Kale chuckled, showing not only his perfectly white teeth, but small dimples on each cheek. He is too good looking for his own good.

"I must know who I will be acquainted with for the next for hours and most likely become good friends with if you accept my number," Kale answers smoothly.

I must have looked like an idiot before coming to my senses and slightly shaking my head mockingly. "Is this flirting I sense, Knight?"

He doesn't reply but instead takes out a notebook and pen. He scribbles his number before handing it over, grinning wildly.

"Anyway, I'm flying to live with my mother." I wasn't lying, I just didn't tell exactly why I was living with my mom after ten years of not seeing her.

"Why?" Kale presses.

"Story for another time."

"That's understandable, I-" Kale was cut-off by the flight attendant saying to buckle our seat belts and the flight will be taking off soon.

After we buckle our seat belts, I see Kale rapidly looking through my playlist to find a song. After he finally picks, "She Looks So Perfect" by 5 Seconds of Summer, and play through the shared headphones.

To say I was surprised by the choice was an understatement. "You like this song?"

Kale shrugs casually, "it just sounded perfect."

I burst out laughing but not because the joke was funny, by it was so stupid. "I cannot believe you made such a terrible pun."

Kale holds his chest and mocks hurt, "I am offended!"

I open my mouth to say something but am distracted by the sudden movement of the plane.

Kale tries his best to not freak out by the way he grips the dividing arms on the chairs. He is gripping so tightly his knuckles turn white.

I place a hand on his to comfort him and suddenly grow tired, probably because it is 8:30 in the morning and I had to wake up at four to sneak out, take the long drive to the airport, and go through customs.

"Sleep helps," I mumble, leaning my head against his shoulder.

Before I drift into sleep, I feel Kale's head lightly on top of mine and fall asleep.