Double Or Nothing // C.T.H

41 ~ Calum

There was just something a bit terrifying about riding a hunk of metal thousands of feet in the air.

I had already checked that my seat belt was clicked securely twice, twisting my sweaty palms together as I listened to the flight attendant intently.

"The emergency air bags will be deployed if needed. If this does happen, put on your own mask first before helping someone else. You cant help anyone if you are hurt yourself," She gave a lazy flick of her eyes.

I gulp slightly and check my seat belt once again.

"Alright, it seems like we're ready for take off. Please, turn off all electronics while we take off, thank you." She gave a fake smile before hanging up the speaker phone and plopping into the seat she was standing next to.

I wrung my hands together even tighter, my nail beds turning white. Waves of nervous heat rolled down my back. I figure if I were standing I would have kneeled over by now. Oh God, we haven't even lifted off the ground yet and I was already trying not to pass out.

A low rumble vibrated under my seat and I screwed my eyes shut in an almost tearful prayer. Dear God, if this plane does crash, which I hope it won't, but if it does, just let me be passed out for the whole thing? I don't think I could die peacefully if I knew Valerie watched me cry and panic like a little girl. Amen

I opened my eyes as the plane gave a subtle jerk and began moving forewords before screwing then shut once again. On second thought, just take me now.

I felt Valerie's warm hand on my forearm, and I couldn't tell if that helped or not. I felt better knowing she was there, yet embarrassed of my fear of heights.

I slightly opened one eye and peered at her through my lashes, my face red and hot. She gave my a reassuring, toothy, smile and that gave me enough confidence to open both eyes fully.

"Look," she tilted her head towards the window. I shook my head so hard, my neck cracked, was she crazy? How is that supposed to help? My wide eyes stayed glued to hers.

Her fingers laced through mine as the plane dipped a bit, causing my other hand to grab the edge of the seat.

"Just look out the window, I promise it will help." She used her other hand to cup my cheek for a moment, giving me a supportive grin. "Come on Cal,"

I nodded slightly, leaning into her hand for a second before steeling myself.

The instant my eyes glanced out the window I was hooked. Suddenly, I was thankful Valerie forced me into the window seat. I didn't even know we were up this high yet, and strangely, it didn't even bother me to see the buildings look so tiny below.

The sun was just peaking over the horizon, so the pink and orange clouds were surrounding us, washing the plane in the most buoyant glow. The sight instantly melted my nerves and wrapped me in such a peaceful embrace.

I turned back to Val, and I'm must have had the most dumbfounded look on my face because she laughed before grabbing the sides of my face and bringing my lips to hers.

I smiled into the kiss. Everything felt balmy and safe, at least for now, and I felt drunk off of the sensation of relaxation.

After that the next 3 and a half hours were as lovely as a vacation. We cuddled, watched a movie, ate surprisingly good food, and just kicked back and relaxed. All the while we were soaring through the clouds, I've never felt so weightless.

So when it was time to leave, to say I was disappointed was an understatement. Valerie and I were he last ones to leave, though not entirely because of my hesitation to leave.

The tables had turned, and now Valerie's small hands were twisting together as people shuffled off the plane. She hadn't even unbuckled her seatbelt yet and was staring into the blank tv screen on the back of the seat in front of us.

"Hey," I said softly, grabbing her hands with my own. "Babe, look at me," I said, causing her eyes to meet mine.

"I know how scary this must be," I pause, watching as she brought her bottom lip between her teeth. She was so hell bent on finding her brother, yet now she was to nervous to leave the plane.

"But I also know how brave, determined, and wonderful you are." I have a little chuckle and tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "You hunted down your brother, bought a plane ticket, snuck out in the middle of the night, and made it all the way here. You'd have to be down right braindead to not thing you're an amazing sister." I smiled slightly as her gave a small nod.

"He's going to be so excited, I can tell." I said before standing up and pulling her with me.

"So let's not make him wait any longer"

--

This is short, but I have no idea what I'm doing anymore.

Im sorry.