Believer ~Jean x Reader AU~

Epilogue

"We are now loading group D for H/P," the woman on the intercom announced. "I repeat, we are now loading group D for H/P."

I hopped up, my small tote bag and ticket in tow and quickly made my way to where the other passengers stood. I got in line, waiting as they scanned each person's ticket, slowly creeping with each step when I reached the front. I passed her my ticket and she scanned it, giving me a warm smile. I faked one back and hurried into the tunnel, fighting my best to remain calm.

I walked until I found the line, all of us waiting to make an orderly entrance onto the plane. We each made our way onto the aircraft one by one, the quiet hums of others' conversations vibrating around me. I paid them no mind and reached my row, throwing my bag up into the overhead bend and took my seat by the window. That was the only positive thing. I could stare out the window for the next three hours and brace myself for the hell that awaited when I landed.

Why had I been such an idiot? Why didn't I just check in? I chewed on my bottom lip. I'm such a selfish person. But my self-loathing couldn't fix anything. What had been done had been done. There was no going back. If I had to live with regret, then that was the hell I would have to face for the rest of my life. That would be my redemption.

I planted my elbow onto the arm of my seat and rested my chin in my hand, just listening as the nearby passengers chatted while staring out my window at the crew loading our luggage. So many of them sounded so happy, but I couldn't relate. I was too busy fighting back tears.

All I could do was pray...pray, I wasn't too late. Pray that I could see them. Pray that I could talk to them. That was all I could do. For the first time since I left H/P, I felt like that was something I needed to do. Pray and beg whatever higher power there was that I made it in time. That was all I could do.

Eventually, the passengers all settled into their seats and the plane made for its leave for the runway. All the while the pilot spoke over the intercom. He told us where all the emergency exits were, where oxygeon masks would fall from if circumstances called for it, and where to find the life jackets in case of a water landing. As he did so, the flight attendants did demonstrations of how to work the items. All procedure, of course...but I zoned it all out.

Finally, after finishing his spiel, the pilot instructed, "At this time, all cell phones and electronic devices should be placed onto airplane mode and stowed."

I dug into my pocket and grabbed my phone. I turned on the screen to see a text from Kellen. My heart skipped a beat as I read his name, but I quickly let out a sigh.

Airplane Mode > On

**Bello my wonderfully sweet lovelies! Wow. It's hard to believe that we've reached the end of book 2. Now, fear not because there will be a third book. Book 3 (titled Better ~Jean x Reader AU~) will be released Monday, December 31st. I already have about a month's worth of content for that book typed up, but due to Christmas being next week and having a busy schedule, I just want to hold off until New Year's Eve. I'll still do the challenge I was tagged in, but besides that, there will be no book postings until the date given. So, with that all said, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas (or enjoy whatever holiday you celebrate). Thank you so super duper much for everything. You all are the bestest in the whole wide world. I will see ya in the next book! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross