Maybe, Just For Pretend

II.

"Now this is a birthday celebration!" Zane says while clapping his hands repeatedly and jumping up and down.

I just look toward Natalie, hands still linked, for a sign of reassurance that we can do this. The moment I turn my head, she is already looking at me with her signature smile. Okay, let's do this.

We walk to to the designated terminal and we have about an hour before the flight is supposed to take off. I absolutely love LA but getting from place to place is such a burden. Natalie is in the little convenience store shopping for snacks of course and I have one airpod in my ear trying to calm down my nerves. I'm not a nervous flyer per say but I do get anxious of the unexpected and I have no clue what's in store for me this trip.

"Dave.... Dave....Dave!" I hear a voice startling me out of my spiraling thoughts.

"Hey, are you okay? You kind of spaced out there for a sec." Natalie asks worriedly.

"Yeah, sorry. I have a lot on my mind."

"I'm here to listen if you need me."

"I just feel bad for putting you in this situation. You'll probably be uncomfortable and that was never my intention."

"Hey, I wanted to do this. You didn't make me do anything."

"Swear?"

"Swear. That's what best friends are for David or should I say babe." She responds winking and nudging me with her elbow to further prove her point.

I instantly blush at the word. What am I five? I've been called babe before of course, in my previous relationship but I never heard it from a voice as sweet as hers. I regain my composure quickly hoping that she wouldn't notice but who am I kidding? She knows and figures out everything about me.

Once we boarded the plane, it hit me that this whole weekend I was going to have Natalie at my side and be able to touch and cuddle her freely. Something I always wanted to do but since our friendship is sort of a 'eww don't touch me vibe' I never get the chance to.

Natalie sat next to me and behind me was Zane and Jonah. For sitting in first class you would think the seats would be far apart but no, I could hear Zane's voice right behind me babbling about how epic this trip was going to be. He showed no signs of slowing down, Natalie however is currently passed out with her head on my shoulder. I must have fell asleep too because the next thing I hear is:

"Hawaii Airlines is happy to welcome the passengers of Flight 237 to the beautiful island of Hawaii. The current time is 12:00 pm and the weather for today is expected to be 94 degrees Fahrenheit."

"Wow, how long was I asleep?" I hear Natalie say through her yawn. 

"A couple of hours." I reply matching her yawn. She nods her head and stretches in her seat to shake the sleepiness out.

"We're here bitches!" Zane screamed to the entire plane. Some people stared at him but others started laughing at his brazen expression.

A shuttle big enough for the group was waiting for us outside the airport to take us to our resort. Zane booked everyone's flight and hotel. We were all scared he was going to fuck it up but so far so great. He even managed to get our tickets last minute since we agreed to come so late.

Once those van doors opened and we all stepped foot on the resort, we were instantly met by local natives. They work at the hotel and greet us all with individual leis and a traditional Hawaiian 'Aloha'. Natalie grabs a hold onto my arm and says, "This is going to be beautiful."

We decided to wait on the side of the lobby while Zane and Jason check us in. I can't wait to spread out like a star fish once my head hits the pillow. There's something about hotel beds that just hit different for a few days until you start to miss your own bed.