With a Stranger // Taylor Zakhar Perez

1: Arrival

The crepuscular lights of the airplane made my eyes blink for a several times before fully opening them. Series of blue airline seats filled my eyes as I wander my gaze around. Nobody was with me, except for the two cabin crews who are talking by the restroom. I hastily walked towards them and my presence halted their chat.

"Uhh, where's everybody?" 

"We just landed in California, Ma'am. The passengers have departed the plane, and just when we're about to plan on how to wake you up, you just-

"Wait. California?"

"Yes, Ma'am. California, you heard that right." What am I doing here in California?

I didn't waste any of my time to thank them, and swiftly departed the entire vehicle. I ran down the steel stairs and the strong turbulence winds slapped my hair on my face.

"Miss, you left your baggage!" The other cabin crew went running after me when I left my luggage. I uttered a quick thank you upon receiving and dragged the suitcase behind me.  

In the world full of surprises, this one is the worse. Never in my life have I fancied going out of Australia. There could be some plans though, but this one? Waking up on a plane? Was my whole life a dream? That's a load of shit.

Instead of hating myself over this, I chose to move along and find the exit of the airport. A lot of people were on the lounge, doing their own stuff. My feet were ambling on an alien ground and the thought of what's going to happen outside scared me.

Reaching the ends of the airport, cabs were waiting outside for passengers. I breathe heavily before taking my next step. When I was about to call a cab, a strange hefty hand pulled me and we started running.

The man in front of me wore a brown leather jacket and dark blue skinny jeans. His thick thighs evidently marked on the jeans, and the luscious butt have impressed me.

Wait. Why am I running with this stranger?

"Hey! Hey! Do I know you? And why are we running? My-- my bag is really heavy!" I shrieked through the every lump of air I take. He hastily paused and took my bag away, and we went back on track again.

My chest has been on a full load of pumping for my blood as I try to keep up with his speed. 

"Why are we running!" 

"The paparazzi's behind us, we must hurry!" The what?

I flickered my gaze behind to see a battalion of media men with their cameras and microphones, running after us. At that point, I understood why we are doing such. Somehow. Regardless on the little pain I felt on my knees, my pace has tied with his. His hand held mine firmly, assuring me that he'll never slip away.

We took a turn and he speedily opened the front door of his car.

"Get in!" I was quick to respond and hopped into the seat beside him. He threw my bag behind and stepped on the pedal, accelerating the vehicle to depart. The people who were after us tried to chase yet his car went on a full turbo, making it impossible for them to get us.

He shortly giggled as he slightly leaned his head behind and continued driving.

Back to reality, Lara!

"Uhh.. okay. So umm why were they chasing us?" I confusingly raised my question. 

He slowed down the car and turned his attention on me quickly, yet enough for me to fully examine his face. Those thick and perfectly crafted brows have matched his succulent naturally grown lashes. His tantalizing dark brown eyes have stupefied me at hand. His elegantly straight and well-designed nose have created a perfect angle on the sides. And those lips.. damn. I've never seen such exemplary sugary pink lips, fresher than my entire being.