Book One of the Forgive & Forget series!
Paige Simmore:
A twenty three year old, first grade teacher at Riverwood Elementary. She is kind, gentle, and often keeps to herself. She is the type of woman that had her life planned out in middle school, g...
I push the large glass doors open, noticing the sound of heels clacking behind me. The heavy purse that was slung across my left shoulder, gradually was slipping off my petite body that was slightly red, due to the exposure of excessive sun. I was currently in the Orlando Airport, walking towards the machines, when the sound of my name made me stop. Once I had processed the voice, I quickly whirl around to face a disappointed Ellie. She had her arms in front of her, with a small smile across her tan face. Although her smile said otherwise, I could see she wasn't happy by the noticeable dissatisfaction in her expression. I slip off my purse, relieved that I could now move without a twenty pound bag on my arm. I walked into her arms, wrapping my own across her waist. "I'm gonna miss you," Ellie says. I smiled and stood up from her embrace. "I'll miss you too. Don't forget to FaceTime me," I say sniffling a bit. "I won't," She says quietly. "You'll be at my play right?" She says with puppy eyes and hopefulness in her voice, reminding me of a child who wants ice cream. "I'll try. I can't wait until you kick ass in it," I say laughing, and Ellie joins me after a second. I begin to speak again, "Just don't actually die, Juliet, I love you too much."
Ellie was an amazing actor, definitely the best in her theater, so it was an easy decision for her drama instructors to make her the main character. "Don't worry Romeo, I will only die for you. My true love," She says smiling. We then both let out a laugh at the exact same time, which only makes us laugh more. Once our giggles dialed down, I pulled her back into a tight hug. I squeezed her right before letting go, and saying a quick "Goodbye," and Ellie nods, spinning on her heels, making her way to the exit. The people in the airport probably stared at us like we were insane, but I didn't care. I pulled my bag over my shoulder and waved towards Ellie, who was fading from my vision, before rolling my suitcase over to the machine. After it printed out my boarding pass, I proceeded to the line. When I was at the front, I rolled my suitcase over to the desk, where I checked in my bag. Once that was done, I took the time to fix my hair, before getting on an escalator, and making my way to the security.
The line for security stretched across the long hallway, where the sound of chimes, dings, babies crying, and people making conversation, surrounded the crowded area. I slide the purse from my shoulder, off and place the straps on my smaller carry on suitcase tying it to the connected handle. Attempting to relieve the pain in my throbbing shoulder, I gently massage my shoulder blades. The people in front of me begin to move as more join the line in the back. The man standing directly in front of me, stops suddenly, causing my reflexes to jump in, and I internally sigh, glad that I did not ram into him. Unfortunately my luck only lasts a few seconds, when I feel someone run into me from behind. I immediately turn around to face a blushing girl who looked like she was fifteen or so. She drops to her knees and starts to pick up the disordered folders which I'm guessing fell at the impact. "I'm so sorry," She says while sorting the folders. Realizing I was still standing, I drop to my knees and attempt to help her, not wanting to be rude. "This is my first time traveling alone," She speaks once more, and I notice the faint southern accent in her voice. "It's okay. Happens all the time," I say smiling and look up to face her. When her hazel eyes meet mine, I hand her the folders. "Thanks," She mumbles semi looking at the ground semi looking at me with reddened cheeks. "No problem. Seems like you could use a hand, do you want me to carry some of your things?" I ask, while we both stand up to our full heights. She looks at me hesitantly, "No thanks," She says, probably trying to be polite, but I knew she did want help, despite her answer. "No really, it's no problem," I say smiling, and continue to walk as the line progresses. She gives me an are you sure look, and I laugh. "I'm Paige," I hold out my hand. She was quite pretty, with her medium lengthed brown hair in a loose fishtail braid, her somewhat small nose, freckled face, big hazel eyes, and full pink lips. Here features were proportional in size, and she had that country sort of vibe. "Samantha," She says taking my hand, shaking it. "Here at least let me carry your bag or help with something," I say looking at her trying to make myself useful. She doesn't budge, "No really I don't need you to. Plus you have your own stuff." She speaks looking uncomfortable.
"I can manage," I laugh at her inability to accept help, as though I'm going to die if I help carry something. "I can too," She says, clearly saying she's not giving up anytime soon. I stand on my toes, and peek at a sign with writing saying '25 - 30 minute wait', I point to the sign, not bothering to tell her that it's from the back of the line. She sighs, and I mentally high five myself knowing that I won. She hands me a navy blue backpack with the initials 'SEJ' that she removed from her back. I wince when it hits my sore back, and Samantha glances at me with concern visible in her eyes, her expression asks 'are you okay?' Without using words. I simply wave it off, knowing that the security airport lines move quick, reassuring not only her but myself. After a few minutes , Samantha breaks the silence, "Where are you headed," She asks facing me. "Philadelphia. What about you?" I respond curious as to where she was heading as well. "Dallas. Vacation's always nice, but going home is too," She replies with her eyes gleaming. "Nice meeting you Samantha have a safe trip." I say since we had reached the top of the line. I return her backpack. "You too Paige, thanks again. Hope you have a nice flight, and by the way that was not twenty - five minutes, it was only around seven or eight." She says groaning out the last part. "Maybe they made a mistake, you never know." I respond. "Mhm. Yeah right," She says with sarcasm dripping from her voice. "We both know that's not true. You just said that so you could help me." She says putting a hand on her hip. Smirking I reply with, "I know," leaving her mouth slightly dropped. I hear a "Next in line," and I follow the middle aged man's voice. Before reaching the desk I turn around to face Samantha, courtseying when her eyes reach me, then blowing a kiss, and saying "Ta ta," In a girly brittish accent, which only makes her jaw drop further. I spin around to face the impressed middle-aged security officer, which makes my smirk deepen.
Always remember this, I may be a goody two shoes, but I can be a bad - ass in the process, and I never back down until I get what I want. So word of advice; don't fuck with me.
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Sorry this chapter was so short. I love you all! 💕 Let me know what you think of the baddie side of Paige! I honestly kind of like her, but tbh she seems like a high school character to me, whatever. Anyways I hope you liked it, and if you did please please please click that star, I'd Really appreciate it!! ☺️😁
XOXO - Anni😘
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