Elle Jones

Chapter 27: Airplane Sickness

Minutes after we shared our brief conversation, I simply glanced at my window to see solemn darkness corrupted the sky.

Slithering along the cool atmosphere, were dark gray clouds shifting past the airplane. Glittery specks of white decorated the ominous canvas, as stars produced enough light for me to see.

Inside the plane, flight attendants dimmed down lights to allow the passengers to sleep. And while several slept through the turbulence, a few grew restless sitting in their chairs.

As people try to sit in a comfortable position, their tired legs swing back and forth like a slow pendulum. In the meantime, the passengers' posture grew stiff as a cardboard box.

Weary thin lines squiggled around their eyes, lips cracked from the cool air, and I think that if they remain in their seats for one second, the passengers' feet would morph into a thick jelly.

Looking around, I can see everyone closing their eyes, including Austin, who sat soundly in his seat.

Sleeping in an upward position, Austin's head slowly tilts away from me.

His hands were unfolded, his nose curled, and while his white-blond hair tickled his forehead, Austin's small, spiral sketchbook cradled on his lap.

Watching him fall into a heavy slumber, I chuckled in silence.

"Some owl you turned out to be," I smirked.

Despite his sleep state, Austin has the energy to flip his middle finger in my direction.

"Shut up." he scowled. "I just need to close my eyes for a bit."

"Moron," I muttered. "You need more than just a nap. You need some rest."

"No, I don't." he sighed. "I will be fine."

I give him a look. "Thanks for worry about me, but the last time I checked, I am not some doe-eyed Lois Lane."

Turning to my gaze, Austin opened his brown eyes then sighed.

"I know, " he said. "I just want to be here for you."

I smile a little. "As much as I feel safe with you, I'd really appreciate if you keep your unbridled emotions to yourself."

"Why?" implied Austin.

"Because someone will use them against you," I answer simply.

But Austin shakes his head. "Jack, I have never doubted your intelligence, but I don't think the world is a hot pile of shit. Everyone has their reasons for doing bad things."

I eye carefully. "Oh really? Like what?"

He shrugs his shoulders. "I don't know, maybe stealing money from the rich then giving it to the poor."

I did a hearty chuckle. "You think everyone is Robin Hood?"

"Well, I know The Punisher uses military tactics to kill an army of thugs."

I chuckled some more.

"What?" asked Austin, frowning at my amusement.

"Nothing, " I grinned. "I just find it cute when you talk nerdy to me."

Austin blushed then ducked his head.

"Shut up, " he mumbled.

"I am not making fun of you," I insisted. "I just find your geekiness very cute."

Austin rolled his tired eyes at me. "Cute or a pain in the ass?"

"Both."

After a long hour of silence, I said to him: