The Hotel

Chapter 1: The Flight

The boys were preparing for their trip to Colorado. Mark was packing toiletries into a small bag. He made sure everything was exact since there were regulations on what can be brought onto an airplane, and he was also gathering his bags together. On the other hand, Jack was sitting on the bed, hunched over as he read a book. He had already packed everything the night before, but Mark had also been working at the gas station, so Jack had more time than the other boy did. After Mark finished packing, he carried everything out to the car. They'd keep the car parked at the airport, hoping it wouldn't be broken into. "Jack!" Mark called out, walking back inside as he started to shut the lights off. He set the alarm for the apartment and made sure all the windows and doors were locked, before walking into the back bedroom. Jack stood up and stretched, closing his book as he straightened out the bed. "Ready?" Mark asked, opening the door. "Yeah. I'm ready." Jack said, walking out of the room and heading out to the car. As the apartment was locked up, the car sat in the driveway, humming softly as the radio played throwback hits from the 70s and 80s. Jack rolled his eyes and tuned the radio, searching for an alternative station. The boy preferred listening to 90s music than anything else, and he found 80s music to be overrated. Mark got into the car and drove off to the airport. "Okay. So, there's a bathroom on the airplane, but I know how you are with public restrooms, so, did you use the restroom before we left? The flight is 4 and a half hours from here to Denver." Mark said, looking at the passenger sitting next to him. Jack nodded. "Yes, I went." He reassured. Mark nodded, sighing in relief.

He had lived with Jack for quite a while, the two being roommates sharing an apartment while going to college. He also knew that Jack was a bit of a germaphobe when it came to using public utilities. The boy also happened to carry tissues around to open doorknobs and touch public surfaces with, disposing of the tissues after. There were a few times when Jack had nearly broken down in public after accidentally touching a dirty surface. It almost made Mark feel bad, it had seemed like the germaphobia may have stemmed from a past event or period in the boys childhood. He ignored his thoughts and tried to concentrate on driving, turning up the radio a bit. Jack wasn't paying attention to the radio, as he was absorbed into his book. Mark cleared his throat, What are you reading? He asked, breaking the awkward silence that had lingered in the space, giving off a heavy vibe. Jack looked over at Mark, a bit surprised that he actually tried to start a conversation. Usually, Mark preferred to drive in silence, so Jack appeared baffled. Im reading False Memory. By Dean Kootz. Jack said after a long pause of trying to figure out what Mark was trying. "Huh, I'm surprised that you're not reading for English class." Mark said, stifling a chuckle.

"I already finished all of my assignments for my classes. I don't want to be panicking and finishing everything on the last night of Christmas break, like you do." Jack replied in a sardonic tone. "Ouch. I was just trying to break the silence, Jack. My mind is going everywhere at once, and I'm trying to drive, but I cant with the thoughts." Mark said, frowning as Jacks sarcastic and cold tone upset him a bit. He was used to it by now, but didn't understand why Jack was the way he was. "Oh. Well, would you like to discuss what's on your mind? Or, would you rather change the subject?" Jack asked, his demeanor changing to a softer and kinder expression. Mark was beyond confused with Jacks change of expression, he had never done that before. "Uh, I- uh. Lets change the subject, I'd rather change the subject." He said, shifting in his seat. Jack frowned. He saw that his sarcastic reply had upset Mark, and he changed his tone to soothe him, but now it seemed to have confused him. "Well Let's talk about the trip that were going on. What made you choose Colorado for our vacation? I heard that Colorado gets cold in the winter. Not to mention that blizzards are common. What if were snowed in?" Jack questioned, turning in his seat to face Mark. "Jack, calm down. I looked up the weather, and there's only supposed to be light snow." Mark said. "You did say it was in the mountains? What if the buildup of snow makes the roads slippery and inaccessible?" The other asked, raising his eyebrow. "I promise. Well be fine." Mark said, staying quiet for the rest of the ride.

Once the two arrived at the airport, Mark grabbed their luggage, while Jack stood nearby, his arms folded across his chest as he stared ahead in silence. They walked into the airport and took their tickets, then went through security. Once on the plane, the two settled in a seat near the back. Jack was by the window, Mark was closest to the aisle. Mark felt a little bad for the argument on the way to the plane and turned towards Jack. "Hey, I'm sorry. Please don't be mad at me. Mark said, folding his hands as he gave the best puppy eyes he could." Jack listened and let the sentence simmer into the air as a smirk stretched across his face. "It's fine. I'm not mad." He said, actually excited for what was to come for once in his life. Mark smiled and closed his eyes as the plane left the ground. Jack turned and stared out the window, thinking to himself.