"Are you insane?! You can't just fly halfway across the world to meet some guy you've never seen before!"
Keaton came to a quick decision, Farrah was brainwashed. That was the only explanation. No sane person would pack up their things, drop everything, and hop on a plane to meet some catfish.
Farrah swung her arms out in front of her, almost whacking Keaton in the face in the process. "Its true love! We don't need to see each other, we have a spiritual bond!"
Keaton took a moment to reset her train of thought.
Oh yea, definitely brainwashed.
"Okay, let's say this happens, you buy a plane ticket, travel over to Dolnon. Now what? He shows up, great. Do you know what's not so great? The fact that he's a serial killer. Now you're dead and I'm sad, yet validated because I told you not to go because I knew it'd be dangerous. And I was right, of course. Do you want to end up dead?" Keaton finished up her rant, then leaned back and crossed her arms, eyebrow cocked.
Farrah blinked rapidly, her gray eyes flashing in and out of sight behind a flurry of lashes, then broke out into a fit of giggles. "Why do you always go to the worst-case scenario? Jeez, you sound like my mom!" A half-second later she threw our her arm again, but this time grabbed onto Keaton's forearm and leaned in conspiratorially.
"You could go with me! You'd be my bodyguard against any serial killers, AND you'd get to see Galend! It's a win-win!" She grinned, showing off her pearly white teeth.
Keaton peeled Farrah's fingers off her arm, grimacing slightly, there would definitely be a bruise there tomorrow. She shook her head quickly and crossed her arms in front of her again. "Oh no, you're not roping me into this too. I'm a very busy woman.. and if I say I'll go that'll just feed into your little fantasy." Keaton knew the bit about being busy was a lie, she was had just graduated college, and as of this moment had no job. Her days so far had consisted of binge-watching documentaries and surfing any job site she could come across.
Farrah groaned, reaching out and grabbing onto Keaton's arms again, pulling them down. "We both know that's not true... and besides... I may have already bought the plane ticket." She grinned sheepishly, then raised her chin, committing to her plan.
Keaton, on the other hand, was less enthused.
"You.. y- You already bought it?!" What was she thinking? Did she want to give her a heart attack? Keaton closed her eyes and ran her hands over her face in defeat. "You're doing this to kill me aren't you, this is murder."
Farrah rolled her eyes, then pulled out her phone. "You're such a drama queen. Would a murderer help you pay for the flight? I don't think so!" She scrolled through her phone for a moment before turning the screen around so Keaton could see a seating chart. " Look, I'll even get you the middle seat next to me, then we can trade on the plane. I know, I know its too thoughtful."
She tapped a manicured finger against her screen, highlighting a seat.
Keaton wrinkled her nose, then pushed her knuckle into her temple, attempting to drive back the headache she knew was coming her way. "Farrah... Is there no way I could convince you to just refund your ticket and just... I don't know, take a road trip with me instead? I'll speak in a Galendian accent the entire time." Keaton looked up at her best friend, pulling her best puppy dog eyes.
Farrah's hair whipped in front of her face as she shook her head from side to side, a gray-brown fan that almost hit Keaton in the face.
"Nope." Her smirk dropped, and she reached out, putting her hands on Keaton's shoulders.
Farrah squeezed Keaton's shoulders firmly, and stared seriously into her eyes, "I'm going to meet the love of my life, and I would really appreciate it if you would be there with me".
Keaton took a deep breath, contemplating her next words carefully.
If she went with her, she could make sure she was safe. There was also the possibility that this man didn't even show up. If she didn't go, then Farrah would be stuck alone halfway across the world without anyone she knew around. If she went with her and this man did show up... if HE was actually the one who showed up. God... why did Farrah have to get herself into this mess in the first place?
"Fine... Fine! I'll go with you." Keaton mumbled, giving in to her best friend's wishes.
Farrah squealed, then grabbed and brought Keaton into a tight hug. Keaton wheezed, her ribs protesting under the strong embrace. "Ok-Okay, this time I'm serious about the murdering bit." Keaton gasped out.
Farrah let her drop, a slight blush creeping onto her face. "Oh, sorry! I forget you're a delicate little flower..." She leaned back narrowly avoiding Keaton's hand from smacking into her arm.
Stepping back she clapped her hands together, "The flight is in three days, and I can text you the details later once I get home." She excitedly clapped her hands together again, a bright smile beaming off her face.
"Trust me, you're not going to regret this!" Farrah let out another squeal as she danced in place.
Keaton watched her friend celebrate in front of her with a sad smile, she hoped her friend wouldn't regret going either.
+*+
Keaton stood in front of her suitcase. The large duffle could easily fit any clothes she needed for the month-long trip, especially if she rolled and tucked everything tightly.
Keaton scoffed, then pushed the duffle aside, then leaned over the bed and grabbed her backpack instead, triumphantly placing it where the duffle had just sat. It was average-sized, and she could take it as a carry-on.
Perfect.
Keaton quickly made a list of everything she would need for a short trip. After all, why should she pack like this mystery man was going to show up anyway? She would pack for a couple of days max. That was enough for them to arrive, Farrah to get let down when he didn't show up, mope around the city for a couple of days, then get on a plane back to America.
Throwing together everything needed was simple enough, and after checking in with Farrah about flight times and when she was going to be by and pick her up, she took a step back and looked at her work. Her bag was neatly put together, and her outfit for the next day laid out on the foot of the bed.
"I can't believe I'm going through with this..." Keaton muttered. She glanced around her room, familiarizing herself with it, because if Farrah's 'true love' turned out to be a murderer she wanted to remember how put together her life had been.
Smooth white walls, a coal colored bed, and gray curtains were only broken up by a color-filled corkboard sitting above a basic metal desk. Keaton walked over to her small collage of memories, each photo or ticket stub marked a colorful point in an otherwise muted existence. Her fingers traced over each frozen moment. Hanging out with Farrah at her apartment, studying at school together, scary movies that Farrah couldn't bear to watch without Keaton making deadpan remarks about when a jumpscare was coming or a special effect.
Keaton checked the clock on her desk, 10 pm. She rubbed at her eyes and quickly realized how tired she was. She knew sleep would be hard for her to find tonight, so going to bed early was probably for the best. It would be better to at least attempt to get a full night's sleep than stay up late looking for jobs that didn't want her anyways.
After changing into sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt, Keaton brushed her teeth, washed her face, then dropped into bed. Turning over she looked up at the ceiling, the crimson numbers of her alarm clock projected above her head meeting her eyes. Grimacing she rolled back over and wished for morning to come.
+*+
A shrill ringing pierced the air, and Keaton threw out her arm, slamming her hand onto her alarm to quiet it. It was time to face the music.
After taking a moment to shake out her stinging hand, Keaton swung her feet over the side of the bed and shuffled her way to her bedroom door. Coffee... She'd be ready to fight this mystery man after a couple of cups of coffee.
Keaton went through the motions of her morning routine on autopilot. Measure coffee grounds, pour water, brew the pot, wait, then enjoy.
The mug was warm and comforting in her hands, and the caffeine that slowly made its way into her system was a nice touch as well. After finishing the pot Keaton finished up getting ready, showering and changing into her outfit she'd prepared the day before. A black crewneck sweatshirt with a simple t-shirt underneath, well-worn jeans that she could sit comfortably for hours in and didn't need a belt, and slip-on shoes. It was simple and efficient, perfect for airport security, and allowed her to move easily if she ever had to run through the airport away from serial killer boyfriends when they got to Dolnon.
Keaton glanced down at her phone and noticed a text from Farrah stating that she was on her way and would be there soon. Keaton rubbed at her temple as she placed her backpack by the door, then settled into her couch, waiting for her friend to show up.
A while later the sound of a car horn signaled Farrah's arrival. Keaton jumped up from her couch and put her phone away, then jogged over to her front door, and pulled it open. It swung back quickly, pulling it away from Farrah's hand mid knock.
Keaton motioned her hand back towards the car, "Don't worry, I'm ready to go."
Farrah grinned, bouncing on her toes. Keaton felt her stomach twist, she wished Farrah wasn't so excited about all of this. She wasn't sure she'd be ready to watch her friend get crushed when this dude stood her up.
"Well alright then, let's go!" She spun around and bounded back over to her car, then flung open the passenger side door. "Are you ready to go meet my soulmate?!" She patted the seat, then motioned for Keaton to hurry over.
Keaton sighed, then glanced one last time around her apartment, double-checking to make sure she wasn't going to leave anything essential behind. Seeing nothing laying around, or any stoves left on she leaned down and scooped her backpack from next to the doorframe, then closed and locked her door behind her.
Keaton jogged over to the car, then tossed her bag onto the floorboard of the passenger seat, the backpack making a satisfying thud when it hit the floor. Farrah pulled herself over the median between the seats staring down at the blonde's backpack. "Uh... where are the rest of your bags? You do realize this trip is a month-long right?"
Keaton winced, she'd hoped that Farrah wouldn't notice, but of course not. "Uh... Yea. I just pack light that's all. You know me... only the essentials!" Keaton hoped that excuse satisfied her.
After a moment, Farrah's frowned lessened, and she nodded, but her face was still unsure. "Sure. Yea, that sounds like you." She settled back into her seat, then tapped on the steering wheel, as if she was hyping herself back up.
"Alright... Dolnon here we come!" Farrah put the car into reverse, and they were off.
+*+
It didn't take long to get to the airport, and after only having a minor fight over where to park the car the two girls hurried into the terminal. After waiting in line, eventually, they were able to walk up to the check-in desk for their airline.
The woman behind the desk was breathtaking. Her complexion remained Keaton of polished gold, and her light blonde hair was neatly swept back into a complex bun. The women looked up at them and gently smiled as they approached. "Welcome, do you need to check your luggage?"
Up close Keaton noticed her emerald eyes, and she wasn't sure how, but they seemed to sparkle in the light. Then she saw them, the tapered ears.
She was an elf.
Keaton didn't know why that fact took her back for a moment. The skin tone was a dead giveaway.
"Uh-no. I don't need to." Keaton quickly stammered out. She stepped back and motioned for Farrah to step up. She averted her eyes away from the woman and onto the floor, a much safer option.
After they both checked in for the flight, Keaton was very relieved that the next time she spoke she didn't sound like a star-struck teen, Keaton dragged Farrah away and towards security. Farrah grinned and gave her friend a look from the corner of her eyes. "Got a little flustered back there huh?"
Keaton shot daggers back in reply.
Security was a breeze, as Keaton knew it would be. Her bag had been packed to keep all liquids at the top, with her phone cord neatly coiled around so she could take it out and place it back all in one group.
Farrah stumbled over to her after, cradling her items in her arms as she tried to walk on the backs of her shoes. "The man behind me just couldn't wait for me to put my things together! He pushed me! Pushed me!" She turned back over her shoulder and glared at the security line.
Keaton stood up, brushed her pants off, then helped her friend pack all of her things neatly back into her bag, uh huhing and nodding at the correct times as she continued to rant about how rude people were.
Eventually, they were able to make it to their gate, and after an hour of scrolling through their social media feed an announcement came on over the speaker letting them know that it was time to board.
This was it. The point of no return. If she got on this plane, she would have to face whatever consequences came out of it.
"C'mon Keats, they're calling our group!" Farrah was already moving, pulling her carry on suitcase behind her, ready to go ahead.
Slowly Keaton stood. Reaching down she gripped the handle of her basic, gray backpack and placed it onto her shoulders. Somehow it felt heavier than it had just an hour ago, as if it was anchoring her to that spot.
Her feet wouldn't move.
Farrah was already striding towards the tunnel leading to the plane, and after glancing back to see Keaton not behind her she spun around, gray eyes meeting widened brown. She waved a hand, then turned back and walked confidently into the tunnel, out of Keaton's sight.
Keaton took a deep breath, all she had to do was take a step forward. That was it. One foot in front of the other.
Robotically, Keaton made her way to the desk. Shoving her boarding pass in front of her, she hoped that it wouldn't scan. That they would tell her that, sorry, you and your friend have defunct tickets, you cant go.
The aviation gods were not on her side.
In an anxiety-filled haze, Keaton walked through the tunnel and to the entrance of the plane.
Farrah waved her down as she shuffled down the aisle, her eyes not truly focusing on the seating chart.
Settling into her seat beside Farrah, Keaton closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the headrest.
Keaton had always been the boring one, she was too safe, never took unnecessary risks. Yet here she was, on a plane, going to a foreign country, worried that some mystery man Farrah had met online would show up.
Did Keaton want him to show up?
Or was it for the best that he didn't...
+*+
Comments (0)
See all