Mirrored Exile (HS)

forty

chapter forty - dreams

Lucy Caddel

I knew Harry was going along with this trip to find his parents again. He knew the risks but I don't think he actually knew what to expect. But what do you expect? After not having seen your parents for years. As I sat in this confined space with him, I still thought about how he might react to what might happen. Would his parents even remember him? It has been years, and he has changed since he last saw them. God, I'm overwhelmed and I'm not even in the position he's in. I'm surprised how calm he is.

I now realized how tired my eyes were. I couldn't even keep them open to watch whatever was on the small TV screen. I feel a yawn coming on and lean my head back against the headrest, closing my eyes.

"I'm gonna use the bathroom, I'll be back." Harry's voice says just loud enough for my ears to hear him. I feel his fingers gently brush against my forearm as he unbuckles his seatbelt.

I watch as he stands up and walks toward the back of the plane, his shoulders slightly hunched as he navigates through the narrow aisle. He disappears around the corner into the bathroom. I take this opportunity to stretch my legs out, leaning back in the seat and letting out a soft sigh of relief. After he left, my body returned to its naturally colder temperature. It wasn't long before the goosebumps on my skin made me shiver.

As I patiently waited for Harry to return, I took the time to look at other passengers on the plane. None of their faces were familiar to me. I assumed no one from the FBI was in this section anyway, they'd probably travel in business. We were going undercover technically.

A rushed Harry practically collapses into his seat and ducks his head low. Panic instantly rose as I turned all my attention to him.

He clutches his arm and breathes heavily. "There's someone on this plane that works for the FBI."

I guessed wrong.

"What do you mean? Did they see you?"

He shakes his head, "They didn't see me but they're right opposite our aisle."

"Did you want to swap seats? So they can't see you." I offered. Harry was on the aisle seat so he was exposed to everyone's view.

"Are you sure?" He asks, I nod in return. He stood up and we moved swiftly to switch seats. Once settled in the window seat, we both lay low. He seemed more stressed now. His face was showing it.

His broad shoulder was right near my head. I want to rest it on there but that would be wrong, wouldn't it? He looks like he needs to relax, maybe it'd be good for him? I hesitated for longer before I slowly lowered my head with my eyes closed. I felt the fabric of his shirt crinkled under my cheek but he didn't budge or flinch. He remained still as I relaxed my face, practically melting onto his shoulder. The warmth was especially soothing.

I felt his head lower with his brown hair tickling the back of my neck. I savored the moment by inhaling and shutting my eyes. It was only minutes before a loud bang happened. I flinched and clutched onto him. Everyone on the plane either screamed or gasped.

A voice blared from the speakers. "Do not panic, we are about to hit a rough patch of turbulence. Everyone please take a seat and do up your seatbelts. We're about to arrive in Los Angeles, California."

— —

An hour later.

We had finally reached LA, after a 5-hour flight. The time here was three hours ahead so it was nearly 9 pm now and I was tired. Harry and I were waiting for our taxi so we could go to where we were staying.