I tensed up as I quickly recognized Nathan’s head. He was seated on the right side of the plane and had the aisle seat. As I came closer, I recognized Landon, Tyler and Max, seated in the middle row.
Just walk normally. Just walk normally…
I held my breath as I reached Nathan, and didn’t relax once I’d passed him. I could feel his burning gaze on me.
Did he know ?
Right foot. Left foot. Right foot. Left foot.
Even if he did, he couldn’t do anything on the plane, right ?
Heel, toe. Heel, toe. Heel, toe. Toe, heel, twist.
Dammit !
I sucked in a breath as my foot twisted onto its side and I stumbled. I quickly regained my balance and continued walking down the aisle, relaxing once I’d gotten behind the closed curtain. I stood in front of the cart that was locked in place in a large rectangular cubby.
As if I didn’t already have too much attention from people, I’d just stumbled in front of everyone. That would have surely caught Nathan’s attention.
But he hadn’t seen my face. He didn’t know it was me for sure. I could still be seen as an air hostess that was just simply a klutz, right ?
As I realized that all this worrying would get me nowhere, I took a deep breath, placing my hands on the cart and leaning forward.
The basket full of head sets suddenly caught my eye, and I remembered that I had yet to hand out the head sets. Glaring at the basket in distaste, I pushed myself away from the cart and straightened up.
But before I could grab the basket, I felt two strong hands grab my waist and just like that I was being pulled into the small, cramped washroom.
I opened my mouth to scream but my captor covered it with his hand, pushing me against the counter. I could see a faint outline that looked familiar, but I couldn’t be too sure.
Just as I got ready to bite this little son of a gun’s hand, the light above us suddenly flicked on, revealing Nathan. He took his hand away hesitantly, watching me closely to make sure I wouldn’t start screaming at him.
My eyes widened as he stepped closer to me, only a few inches away. I put my hands behind me on the counter and leaned away, not knowing what to say.
Skylar. What the hell are you doing on this plane ? Nathan asked in a deep, threatening voice that was anything but nice. His eyes looking so cold, I suppressed a shiver.
Skylar ? Who’s Skylar ? My name’s Debbie. I said in a deep voice. I don’t know why I used a deep voice considering that it sounded nothing like a girl’s, but I just didn’t want him to recognize my own voice. If he asked, I could quickly make up a story about being a heavy smoker.
Don’t play games with me Skylar. Didn’t I tell you not to come ? You should have been well on your way back home by now ! Nathan scowled at me, anger rolling off of him.
I let out a defeated sigh. It was worth a try.
You don’t get to decide that Nathan. I said slowly, trying to make him calm down.
Yes I do ! I’m the one who kidnapped you ! I dragged you into this big mess ! I’m the one that ruined your life and I think I should be the one to give that all back to you. Nathan growled at me.
I suddenly became frustrated at this and used my hands to push him away. I was surprised with myself when he stumbled back into the wall behind him. Wow, I must be pretty pissed…
You’re also the one that taught me what true love is. The one who made me stronger and braver. The one that promised to never leave me. Or did you forget all that when you decided to push me away ? I asked him angrily.
I watched as his eyes slightly softened. But you don’t deserve this Sky. I can’t let myself drag you into my life and put you at risk. You’re not safe with me. You’ll never be. Nathan said to me softly. It’s for the best Skylar. He muttered softly.
I let out an angry cry and ran a hand through my hair, facing away from him. Was he literally that dull ? Will you just stop being selfish and think about me for once ! I yelled, facing him again.
What do you mean by selfish ? I’m doing this for you Sky. Nathan tried to reason.
No, you’re not. Did you even once stop and think of how I’d feel if you pushed me out of your life and sent me back home to nothing ? My home was you. I pushed my finger into his chest. Did you even think of how much you’d hurt me ? How selfish you were to make this decision without me ? You’re just pushing me away because you’re scared ! I yelled at him. When he remained silent, I continued. You’re scared of losing me yet that’s what you’re doing right now. If I had gone back home, do you think that I’d just smile and move on ? That I’d easily get over you and find someone else ? Now do you understand ? I don’t care what you say or do, I am not backing down. It’s not that easy to get rid of me like that Nathan. I gave him a bitter smile at the end, tears burning in my eyes.
I studied his handsome face once more. How his eyes were filled with sadness and guilt. How he looked torn as if having an internal battle right now. How his mouth was set in a hard line. And how he was looking at me right now. Realizing that I couldn’t handle all this right now, I turned away from him and walked out the door.
Wiping my tears quickly and adjusting my hat so that no one could see my tear stained eyes, I grabbed that basket full of headphones, put on a stony expression, and started walking down the aisle, offering strangers to buy them for two dollars.
I noticed a figure I knew all too well walk by on the aisle to my right but kept my gaze on the basket as I handed a man his head phones and collected the money.
I was still pissed at him and felt like curling up in a ball and crying. But I forced myself to be strong. I only had two priorities that I was here for. Save Hanna and bust Ryland. Once this was all over, I wasn’t sure what would happen. But I stopped my thoughts right there. I couldn’t get all this emotion in the way and get distracted. No, I was going to complete these tasks and get on with life, with or without Nathan.
Ignoring the pain in my chest that came at that last thought, I continued down the aisle and went on almost mechanically as I handed the headsets out. When I came to Nathan’s seat to offer him, I did all it took to keep that stony face on and act normal. I didn’t miss the heart-broken look on his face as he stared at me, waiting for me to look his way. But I didn’t. Once Ryland declined my offer, not even looking up at me, I continued on as if that boy had no effect on me. Like that was possible…
It hurt when he couldn’t just accept my decision. But I reminded myself of the end goal, and once that was reached, there would be no danger. I just wished Nathan would be able to see it too.
Bump.
Nathan had failed to mention that this ride would be longer than an hour.
Bump.
Also that the path to the building we were headed to would be extremely bumpy.
Bump.
At least this was feeding up my adrenaline and anger so I could lash out at Ryland’s evil henchmen like a ninja when we got out.