“It’s fine.” I think I’ve used that word more times in the last ten minutes than I have in the last ten years. For the record, none of this is fine, but I don’t need anyone else to feel bad about things they can’t control. I place one hand on Brandon’s headrest and the other on the back of the seat in front of him. In a maneuver worthy of a gymnastics gold medal, I manage to lift and shift myself over the ogre’s massive thighs without waking him.
I’m now sweating, but at least Prince Foul-mouth wasn’t disturbed. Knowing how he acts when he’s awake, I can only imagine the litany of rage I’d be in for if I woke him right now. I plop into my seat and exhale. What is the luck that Brandon Nix would be on my plane?
My luck. The worst kind.
But I shouldn’t complain. He’s simply another passenger on the same flight as me. I mean, the odds of this are extremely low, but not zero. That’s what my dad would always say when talking about my brother’s health or treatment options or potential surgeries. I guess when your child is born with a disease that only affects 1 in 100,000 people, low odds mean nothing.
So this is nothing. A mere blip. A slight inconvenience. Nothing more. I can shove down all my feelings of animosity toward the human sitting next to me for the next four hours, and then it will be in the past. I won’t have to worry about Brandon Nix until the next time I see him on the pitch.
Chapter 10: Brandon
I’m dreaming the planehas hit turbulence, and we’re going to crash.
Oh shit, it’s not a dream.
I’m jolted awake as the plane bounces through the air like a toddler on a trampoline full of drunk adults. I grab whatever I can, which is the armrest to my left and a person to my right.
Weird. I could have sworn that seat was empty when we took off.
Then I feel fingers prying my hand off. “Let go of me!”
I try to glance over, but we hit another big bump. I close my eyes as my head slams back into my seat. I’m going to die. Immediately my thoughts jump to my mother.
Is this what Mom felt like as the truck barreled toward her? Did she know? At least I’ll get to see her again soon.
I hope. I haven’t been the best behaved, but I’m sure God understands what I’ve had to deal with.
“This is your captain speaking. We’ve hit a bit of turbulence—”
No shit, Sherlock. What’s your next case?
“—due to a strong front of powerful storms moving in. We tried flying north to circumvent but the front has shifted slightly. We have to land until this passes. There are several severe weather warnings in effect, and we will need to land now. Crew, please prepare.”
“What the actual fuck?” I growl as the plane jerks again. I’d like to let out a few more choice words, but the plane starts a rapid descent, and I’ve no choice but to squeeze my eyes shut and hold on for dear life.
There’s a pretty good chance I’m going to puke all over myself.
