Page 33 of Aftershock

“Headphones, it is Lexi,” Andrew decided, popping in his earbuds.

“I think I'll go lay down,” Brian said while raising an eyebrow as he unbuckled his seatbelt, heading toward the opposite end of the plane. He opened the door that separated the main area from the sleeping quarters and closed it silently behind him.

“Better?” Lexi asked.

“Better,” I stated. “Actually, do you mind if we listen to some music for a while? I just need to not talk for a while.”

It wasn’t that I hated talking to Lexi, I just hadn’t had a conversation with such depth in a very long time. It was nice getting to know her, and I loved that she wanted to know me, but sharing so much of yourself could feel so exhausting.

“I’m not relaxing enough for you?”

“I just feel like if I talk anymore, I might vomit. I haven't shared this much with anyone since the third grade.”

“Wow, maybe I can moonlight as a therapist.”

“Only a therapist for me, though, right?”

“Of course, that's me, Lexi Harlow—Autumn Blake’s personal therapist.”

I huffed out a laugh while saying, “But seriously, I could really go for some music right now. Do you want to share an earbud?”

“I don't know. You might listen to some trash music…” she tapered off.

“Lexi, I listen to your music,” I pointed out.

“Oh,” she paused. “Yeah, I guess you do. Gimmie that.” She ripped the AirPod out of my hand.

I shook my head while reaching to pull the other AirPod out of my bag. While looking inside my carry-on, it hit me.

“Oh, shit.” My luggage was onboard the plane that I had missed. “I think my suitcase is gone,” I panicked.

Lexi looked around as if she were expecting my suitcase to be on the ground somewhere near us. “Shit! I should have reminded you to ask if they could hold your luggage at the San Diego Airport! I'm so sorry!”

Seeing her frantic expression helped lessen my worry, for some reason. I wasn’t sure if it was because it seemed like she cared so much about me or if I had just realized that there were more important things to focus on. Regardless, it was just a suitcase; it could be replaced. What couldn't be replaced? Meeting Lexi Harlow couldn't be. Talking to someone about my emotional baggage for the first time in a long time couldn't be. Supporting my mom when she needed me the most couldn’t be. My dad’s funeral couldn’t be.

My face softened as I said, “Hey, it’s okay. I can buy new things. I just need to focus on getting to the funeral…wearing this.” I motioned to my current attire as my face contorted into a frown. “Well, at least I won't be naked,” I bargained.

“Why would you be naked?”

“You never know,” I said, wiggling my eyebrows at her. I placed the right AirPod in my ear and watched as Lexi shook her head and did the same on her left side. Scrolling through my extensive list of songs, I took my time searching for something good and eventually found just what I was looking for.

Currently playing – Edge of Midnight by Miley Cyrus ft. Stevie Nicks.

Seeing Lexi nod in approval next to me, I closed my eyes as I leaned my head against the headrest.

***

I woke up to see Lexi playing the imaginary drums as she hit her lap with her hands while jamming out to the music.

Currently playing – Misery Business by Paramore

I immediately broke out into laughter, causing Lexi to be snapped out of her private jam session. By the look on her face, I could clearly tell that she was hoping I would keep sleeping throughout the whole song. Biting my lip, I smiled while staring at her deviously as I began to play the best air guitar possible and mouth along to the words. I heard Lexi laugh audibly through the headphones and then proceed to join in. Both of us were furiously head-banging while emphatically lip-synching the words as we put on a show for no one except ourselves.

Or so I thought.

That's when I caught Andrew snickering at us from the corner of my eye. Lexi followed my gaze, still lost in the music, as she looked him dead in the eyes and unbuckled her seat belt to stand up. She started to rock out even harder than before. Lexi turned back to me and clicked my seatbelt until it came unlocked. Grabbing my hand, she pulled me violently out of my seat while smirking at me, daring me to join in.

Do you honestly think I’d say no to Lexi Harlow?

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