Skank

Chapter 14

Maria's POV

As Eliza and I walked through the airport, my feelings felt so jumbled and mixed. On one hand, I felt relieved, no more hell, no more harassment, no more feeling hated wherever I went. On the other hand, I'm heartbroken. This is all I've ever known, this is where I grew up, this is where I became me. I remember sitting and watching cartoons with my dad, or playing at the park. Oh God... the park... MY park. It hurts to say goodbye. Leaving everything behind me. Feeling lost.

"There's our flight." Eliza said, gesturing towards a section. So we went. And we sat.

I felt sick to my stomach from anxiety. Everyone is staring, they know, don't they? They all know... I began to hyperventilate.

"Shh.." Eliza put her hand on my thigh and rubbed it to calm me down. I smiled at her gratefully. I could tell she was scared too, I could see it in here eyes.

"Boarding group B" A lady called over the intercom.

"That's us..." Eliza said in a nervous undertone.

I sighed heavily and took Eliza's hand and we got up and went in line to board.

"Your tickets, please?" The same lady asked as we got to the front of the line.

I handed her the tickets and held my breath as she scanned them.

"You're good to go!" She waved us on. We both simultaneously sighed in relief as we boarded, choosing seats near the back of the plane.

"This is for you..." Eliza said with a smile as we sat, handing me an English to Hebrew dictionary. "Best if you get a head start." She said half-jokingly.

"Thank you." I smiled back, opening the book up as the plane took off. I decided I should memorize a few key phrases before we land. My heart sunk as I opened it, however.

This isn't even the same alphabet! Hell, these look like pictures!

Eliza noticed my stress, holding my hand. "Don't worry, you'll adjust fast once you're surrounded by it, trust me." I wasn't sure whether or not to believe her, but I nodded.

"Blankets?" A stewardess offered, as this was an overnight trip.

"Thank you." Eliza said, taking two and handing one to me.

I took it and looked out the window as the ground became further and further away. This might be the last time I ever see America. I closed my window shut, I couldn't look, it hurt too much.

I looked over to see Eliza bouncing up and down, clearly excited to live her old life again. I smiled, as long as she's happy, I'm happy.

Before I knew it, we were both asleep.

Eliza's POV

Hours in, I woke up for no rhyme or reason. I looked out someone else's window to see pitch black, it was the middle of the night. Maria was still sleeping. I held her limp hand in mine and sighed. What if this was all wrong? Was it selfish of me to tear her away from what she knew her whole life? Was I the monster?

Suddenly, a wave of nervous energy passes through my body. I trued to ignore it, and instead imagine the positive aspects of my ideal future with her.

It's a rainy day outside and Maria and I are sitting on a couch, our cat, Carnelian, resting at out feet as we keep warm by the fire. Our children are on the floor resting on the carpet and watching cartoons. Everything is balanced, everything is peaceful. Once it gets dark out, we will tuck in our kids in to bed and read them bedtime stories, they'd beg us to stay up just a bit longer, so we let them play with the cat. Maria and I would make our way into our shared bedroom and cuddle as it thunders outside. We'd say how much we love each other and sigh happily. Everything is just perfect.

Next thing I knew, I was asleep. Sleeping is taken for granted, sleeping is the epitome of being at peace, being balanced, being warm.

But, I was jolted awake as I felt all my weight shift to the ground.

Thank you for travelling with out airline today! Welcome to Jerusalem, Israel.