AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter One
Audrey
December 18th…
“He wants me to go to Key West with him,” the woman next to me whines. I know that sounds petty, but it’s the perfect label for her tone.
“Then go,” the person on the other end of the phone encourages her.
It’s not that I’m eavesdropping, or that I even care about their conversation. Instead, I’m subjected to it because my fellow passenger has never heard of an inside voice nor that it’s rude to use speakerphone in a public place, making us all privy to their discussion.
I thought my flight being delayed would be torture. That holding pattern certainly is frustrating, but having to listen to her is so much worse. Sure, I could switch seats, and I’ve debated doing just that. Unfortunately, the only available space is the floor.
I’m almost desperate enough to take it.
“I have to do that stupid thing.”
“The HHP?”
“Yeah.”
“But you didn’t even sign up for it. Someone else did it for you.”
“Said they felt it would make me a better person.” The irony of that assumption in this context is lost on them, but not me. “I waited as long as I could, hoping a more appealing offer would come my way.”
“And now it has,” her friend cheers, the joy seeming to dim as she realizes the issue. “Oh.” Blessed silence follows, then so does a shriek. “Aren’t you feeling sick? You really shouldn’t risk spreading it to those nice people.” The pouter coughs, drawing a few gazes, causing her to amp it up. Like she has to convince everyone here.
Wow.
“Best to quarantine.” A giggle. “With Justin, of course.”
“You’re so bad,” the other woman laughs. “Won’t you get in trouble if you don’t go?”
“Not if I use the sick angle with them, too. Justin’s a doctor. I’m sure he could write something getting me out of it.” She waves it off. Literally. “I’ll deal with it later. Or not. My time is up next month. What can they do to me?”
“I’d go in your place if I could. It has to be better than spending it with my mom and her new gross husband.”
“Didn’t you date him?”
Okay, I’m actively listening now. So sue me. I’m curious. This is much better than the game of Candy Crush I had been playing as a distraction.
“Yeah. So?”
“How can he be gross then?”
“Because he dumped me for her.”
The plot thickens.
My own phone rings and, after looking at the screen, I swipe to send it to voicemail. It immediately starts up again, and I repeat my earlier action. They usually have no time for me when I try to engage them, but now the indifference is on the other foot.
Honestly, I’m surprised they’re bothering considering where they are.
That being the beach. A family vacation.
I know. You’re asking yourself, “Why isn’t Audrey,” I’m Audrey, by the way, there? She’s family.”
I’m supposed to be.
