Page 29 of Aftershock

“Shit!” Lexi whispered while pulling her hood over her head and tugging the strings until the fabric cinched tightly around her face.

I looked back and saw a hoard of people running toward us. “Uhm, is this normal for you?”

“Autumn,” Lexi mumbled, “Run.”

“What?” I asked with wide eyes.

“Go!” Brian yelled, pushing me forward.

All four of us took off in a sprint, running as though our lives depended on it, and for all I knew, it very well may have. I mean, who knew what a bunch of crazed fans would do if they got close enough, especially with the whole mob mentality thing they had going on.

“Keep up!”

“I’m trying! I didn’t exactly dress for running a marathon today!”

I forced my legs to move faster as I followed behind Lexi and Brian while Andrew trailed behind, trying to keep himself between us and the screaming fans.

“Lexi, please, just one picture!”

“We love you!”

“Can you spit on me?”

“Uhh,” I smiled. “That’s…new.”

“No,” Lexi laughed. “Definitely not new.”

“Seriously?” I glanced back at the crowd while still running, only to almost bump into a stranger in the process. I swerved out of the way at the last minute and brought my hands to my chest.

“Shit!”

“Don’t look back!” Andrew scolded. “Just go.”

We must’ve passed dozens of people, some of them looking confused, and others realizing who Lexi was then deciding to join in on the chase. What started out as a group of maybe ten people had practically tripled by this point. We had run all the way to gate 36. I could barely breathe as I parted my lips and began panting heavily. We rounded a large corridor and came upon a door with a large sign that said “STAFF ONLY.” Andrew took out a key card and swiped it as the door clicked. The four of us dashed inside, and Andrew slammed the door behind us, causing the automatic lock to click into place.

“We almost died!” I heaved while bending over to rest my hands on my knees.

“Oh, don't be so dramatic,” Lexi panted while removing her hood. She lifted her hands and began to run her fingers through her hair, trying to eliminate the static.

It didn’t work.

“Aren’t celebrity jets usually in private airports or private hangers or whatever?” I questioned while standing back up and looking at her. “You know, because of situations like this?”

“Sometimes,” she shrugged. “This actually isn’t my jet. It’s just a rental for now.”

A rental jet? Must be nice.

“Come on, let's go, guys,” Andrew said.

The contact of our shoes against the carpet bounced off the walls as I listened to the pitter-patter of our footsteps while we walked down the narrow hallway. Another door stood in front of us, blocking the way. Andrew again swiped his key card and pushed the door. The hallway then opened up into a small boarding room that was more secluded than its counterparts found in the main lobby. They opened a final door, and this time we were immediately thrust outside, where we descended a short flight of stairs before we were finally met with pavement. The wind blew fiercely as the sky was still gray with anger from the day's previous storm. Lexi walked confidently behind Andrew and Brian as she glanced back at me, taking note of my awestruck expression. Without meaning to, I stopped walking to take in the breathtaking view in front of me—a large private jet, still shining as though it hadn't been touched at all by the rain that had doused the whole city.

“Close your mouth. You'll catch flies,” Lexi poked fun while grabbing my hand, forcing me to begin walking again.

Her hair blew across her face as she looked back at me through her long, black tendrils. I smiled down at our interlacing fingers as all of us climbed the stairs into the jet. After stepping on board, I immediately became entranced again. Inside, the plane was decorated with shades of grays and blues to add a pop of color. When we walked in, we were met with a large open area. There were four conventional airplane seats, separated into groups of two, situated next to a large lounge area with a flat-screen TV mounted to the wall. The lounge was complete with a white seating area that was strategically placed in front of the TV, accompanied by a small mini fridge in the corner. Toward the rear of the plane was a large table, set beautifully with four more seats grouped around it. I spun in a circle, inhaling deeply while taking in the scenery.

Is this really happening?

“So, this is the plane,” Lexi stated while doing something like a Vanna White demonstration with her arms. “Up toward the front of the plane, behind this blue curtain, is where the pilots are. Right behind the cockpit are four seats for extra passengers and flight attendants. It's also where the kitchen and bar are situated.” She walked further back, listing each section as she passed. “There are four main seats for takeoff and landing near the lounge. Then we have a TV and couch over here, which I consider the heart of this room. There’s also a dining area with some extra tables and chairs.” She pointed toward the rear of the plane, hidden behind a closed door. “Back, there are three small bedrooms and a bathroom. Oh, and the communal bathroom is by the flight attendants at the front of the plane.”

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