Drowning in Guilt

Drowing Chapter 2

Chapter 2

As I sat in the grey, hard airport chair waiting to board the five hour flight to North Carolina, I started thinking about Jay. I prayed that I wouldn't stumble into him during my short visit. It would be too hard to face him, even after all this time, it would just be too painful to look into those bright blue eyes-Lexi's eyes. But as much as I tried to convince myself I didn't want to see him, I knew it was a lie. Jay was like family, I loved him. He may have been a jerk to Lexi and I most of the time when we were kids but we deserved a lot of it.

"Flight 163 is now boarding." A voice came on over the intercom, interrupting my thoughts.

That was my flight. I stood up, grabbing my chocolate brown carry on and headed to the gate.

"Ticket please." Said an overly cheerful stewardess. Her bleach blond hair was pulled back into a tight bun showing the dark brown roots.

There weren't many people on this flight so I didn't have to deal with the pushing and shoving. I grabbed my I-POD from my bad before heaving it into the overhead compartment. Sliding into my window side chair, placing the ear pieces in tuning out the bustling around me, as I settled in for the draining flight home.

My plans of relaxing were soon disrupted as I was practically sat on. "Ugh, I hate the confinement of airplanes." Spoke the man disturbing my peace and quiet, not to mention personal space.

Removing my earpieces I looked over to see a devilishly handsome man. His dirty blonde hair hanging over his hazel eyes.

"Trent," he said, thrusting his hand at me.

"Jenna," I replied with uncertainty.

"So what's you're story?" He asked as he eased back into his chair.

"I'm sorry?" I mumbled, looking at him confused.

"We have five hours to go and I didn't bring anything to entertain myself." He chuckled, flashing a breathtaking smile. "So - business or pleasure?" He asked raising his eyebrows, brilliant smile still on his face.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes and smile. "Family."

"Ah, -" He nodded. "All three for me. I got a job in Castalia for the summer, and will be staying with my cousin. So that was business and family what's left -" he mumbled to himself, tapping his pointer finger to his lips. "Ah yes, pleasure. I'm hoping for that as well." He said nudging me playfully.

Is this guy for real? I thought, shaking my head at his bluntness. "Well good luck with that." I turned back to look out the window when I remembered where he said he would be staying, Castalia, my hometown.

After a few more failed attempts at a conversation Trent finally realized my lack of commitment and started arguing with the man next to him over who would be good picks for next football season. I replaced the ear pieces and with there no longer any distractions my mind wandered back to Jay.

Dad was helping me load the truck with my suitcases. We were packing up to drop me off at the airport. Mom wouldn't come to get me, she hated North Carolina. She didn't even come for Lexi's funeral.

After kissing Grandma Jones goodbye and promising to visit - though I knew I never would - I opened the passenger door to climb in. Absentmindedly, I looked over to see a pair of watery blue eyes staring back at me from Lexi's house. My chest ached as I turned away from Jay's stare. I knew I had hurt him not saying goodbye, he was like a brother to me, we were practically family. But I just didn't trust myself not to fall apart in front of him.

I got in, pulling the door closed, and drove off without a second glance back.

My thoughts were interrupted as my seat started shaking. It felt as though we were off roading in a jeep.

"I apologize for the bumpy ride, we are experiencing a bit of turbulence. If you just hang tight we will be through it in a few moments." The pilot's voice rang out through the speakers above.

I felt an arm slid around my shoulders pulling me into Trent's chest. "Its nothing to worry about."

Shrugging him off I replied, rolling my eyes. "I know, and did I mention the kick in the groin you'll be receiving if you touch me."

"Sorry, I thought you might be scared." He said pulling his arm back. "My cousin hated this part of flying."

So did Lexi. I thought to myself remembering the time she flew with me to visit my Mom in California.

"So where are you headed when we land?" Trent asked, turning in his seat to face me.

"My Dad's," I replied sarcastically, trying to hide my amusement, knowing that wasn't the answer he was looking for.

"Which is -" He pressed.

"Castalia." I gave in.

"Really." He said, jerking up in his seat, a mischievous smile forming on his face. "How long will you be staying?"

I smiled at his obvious excitement. "Just a few days."

His face dropped, "Oh, well -" mid sentence he reached over and snatched the light green phone from my hand. "- you have my number now so call me before you leave and we can hang out." He said placing the cell phone back into the palm of my hand after punching in his number.

A wave of shock passed over me, I had never met anyone so forward before.

"Your pretty sure of yourself." I replied, cocking an eyebrow at him.

All I got in response was a sly smile as he peeked at me from the corner of his eyes.

"Ladies and gentlemen please buckle your seatbelts, we will be arriving in Raleigh-Durham in about fifteen minutes." The pilots voice came on again.

After fastening the flimsy looking seatbelt I turned my attention out the window. I loved to watch the white billowy clouds up close. Lexi and I would lay on the old bridge above the dam for hours, just watching the clouds drift by.

Finally the plane landed, the pilot was sending instructions through the intercom but they were muffled by the opening and closing of storage compartments.

I reached up to grab my bag just as Trent pulled his out causing mine to fall onto me, then forcing me to loose my footing. I fell back knowing I would come into contact witht the floor soon. But I didn't, I opened my eyes to find Trent holding me a few inches from the floor.

Panting, I looked up at him, "What did I say about touching me."

Thump

As soon as I let the rude comment slip from my lips I came into contact with the floor. "Ouch!"

"Your welcome," He said as he turned his back to leave.

"Jerk" I mumbled as I pulled myself out of t the alley.

Grabbing my bag I slowly made my way off the plane. Sitting down in one of the chairs in the small terminal I leaned my head back and sighed.

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. My Dad and I were close, we talked weekly over the phone, but I hadn't seen him in over a year. He hated leaving Grandma Jones alone and I refused to return home. Home - I mused to myself - I hadn't been there in five years and yet I still refer to it as my home.

Grabbing my phone out of my jean pocket I was just about to call and check where to meet my father when I felt a firm grip on my shoulder. Assuming it was my father I quickly spun around to embrace him. I inhaled a short quick breath as I looked into the bright blue eyes that I knew would be the end of me.

"Jay," I breathed, no louder then a whisper.

©2010 Kelly Heinen

Well I hope you guys like it let me know what you think. I know its off to a slow start but it will get better. I promise!!!!

Please vote - comment - fan!!!