Dead Air (Book 1 of the Biohazard Saga)

Chapter 3: The First Bite Is The Deepest

The entire boarding sequence was kind of a blur. We were greeted at the door by a young pretty Taiwanese stewardess who gave us beaming smiles as we entered the plane. It beats me how they could keep up their A-game with their crazy schedules and passenger demands, but heck, she was doing a brilliant job. 

Brandon and James both called dibs on the window seat, whilst the girls took up the seats in front of us.

Thankfully, Carlos was seated on the other end of the row, alongside Dean Malik and Ms Abberdy, our university lecturers. It was quite amusing to see him squirm beside the bulky dean who had probably decided to keep him close and out of trouble.

As I proceeded to shove my bag into the overhead luggage compartment, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to face a middle-aged couple. Judging from their designer watches and the woman's overly made-up face, I reckoned this was one of those high-society couples heading to one of their beach villas on the island.

'Heya kiddo,' said the man, trying to sound amicable. 'Would you mind switching seats with me. You see, my wife Charlene and I ended up booking different seats and would like to sit through the flight together. Her seat is the one next to yours.'

He motioned to the seat beside Brandon, who noticed the man and whispered to me. 'Dude, c'mon man! Don't abandon us, James has some sick stories to share about his trip to Austria. Just tell them no!'

It was an easy decision really. Brandon was right, I didn't owe these people anything. Rejecting them was a justifiable decision... but I guess I was softer than I looked.

Seeing Charlene impatiently tapping her foot on the floor and a frown starting to morph into a glare, I felt pity for the guy. He was probably going to suffer throughout his trip if they didn't get off to a good start so I conceded my seat, much to the relief of the man who thanked me and moved aside to let Charlene squeeze in.

'You do know that this side of you is probably going to get you killed one day if you are not careful,' said James with a frown.

'Aww, c'mon man! Don't be so salty! It's just for an hour. We've got loads of time to catch up on the island,' I said.

James raised his arms in mock defeat and sat back down. Balancing my luggage on one hand, I made my way to the man's seat, which was near the back of the plane. As I was walking down the aisle, I felt a bump on my leg and nearly dropped my bag in shock. A small girl sat on the cabin floor, her doll sprawled at my feet.

'Oh, crap... hey are you alright?' I said, bending down to give her a hand.

Tears were beginning to well up in her eyes, but she rubbed her eyes and awkwardly reached out with her left hand. It was that point I noticed her right hand was bandaged above the elbow.

'Sorry mister,' she mumbled, as she picked up her doll. 'I'm fine.'

'Don't worry about it, kid. Say, where are your parents?'

As if on cue, a couple made their way down the aisle, which I presumed were the girl's parents.

'Carmen Davis! How many times do I have to tell you not to run off like that. Don't make me take away that doll from you,' said the woman sternly.

Turning to me, she said apologetically, 'I hope my daughter hasn't caused you any trouble. She knows better than to run in the plane. It's her first time on a plane so she is a little overexcited.'

I smiled at Mrs Davis. 'No worries ma'am. I understand. I know how it feels to board a plane for the first time. I hope you don't mind me asking, but I couldn't help but notice her arm...?'