Jordan POV
Six AM. Brutal. I’m already wired, needing to be back home for New Year’s. This flight better not be delayed.
The gate was already packed, a sea of impatient faces. Managed to snag a seat just as the airport intercom crackled to life. Great.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we regret to inform you that Flight 6918 from Canada to Los Angeles is delayed two hours. Please remain patient.”
“Ugh, fuck this shit,” I muttered, louder than intended. A reflex.
Then I saw her. The sound of my voice caught her attention, and her eyes—Jesus. The purest eyes I’d ever seen. They locked with mine, and for a second, everything else faded.
She was sitting there, calmly watching me. Black hair, roots dyed a neon green. Intense. She looked…familiar, but I couldn’t place her. Next to her, a guy with light red hair slumped over in his seat, looking dead to the world. Two security guards a few rows over. Maybe she’s someone famous? That explained the security detail, maybe that’s why I think I’ve seen her before.
I grinned, knowing she’d heard me curse under my breath. She smiled back, and her eyes just…shifted. Perfect. It felt like someone had just injected something directly into my veins.
She pulled out her phone, and I grabbed mine. Just killing time.
After half an hour, I blinked and realized I’d drifted off. I looked up, and she was staring right at me again.
Holy shit.
She smiled, and I automatically mirrored it. Then she stood up, and god, her figure…perfect.
Oh my god. Stay calm.
She walked over and sat down in the empty seat next to me.
“Hi,” she said, shyly, glancing at me for a second before locking eyes again.
“Hey,” I managed, heart hammering. What is happening right now?
“What were you doing?” She pointed at my phone, seeing what I was up to.
“Uhm, not much. Just listening to some music.”
She makes me feel some type of way. What type of way? I haven't felt like this. Ever.
“Cool, what music? Rap? What kinda genre do you like?” She asked, showing way too much interest for a boring girl like me.
“Uhm…” I stuttered, looking at my screen. The song had faded away, replaced by this electric feeling.
“Just ‘Tetris’ by Derek King. I listen to whatever I come across. I think everything is good.” I blurted out, surprised I got a full sentence out without choking on my spit.
“Oh my god, I love this song!” she chuckled, glancing around before meeting my eyes again.
“Uhm what are you doing in LA? You got family there or a new job or something?” She asked.
“Well, Family. Yes. I've just been here to visit my grandparents for Christmas and now I am going back home to celebrate New Year's Eve with my mom and dad.”
"Sounds dope. Where exactly do you live in LA? Maybe we can hangout some time. You seem fun." She smiled pointing at me for a second.
Oh my god. Did she just- Invite me to hangout with her? Okay. Don't mess this up, Jordan.
“Yeah sure, that'd be cool. I live in Highland Park. It's a little neighborhood, I don't think you know it.” I laughed nervously.
“Wait…are you for real? Highland Park? I live there too, what the fuck? I’ve lived there my whole life!” She said excitedly, her face lit up.
No way. This day wasn't going to be as boring as I thought.
“That's actually kinda crazy. I have never met someone that knows Highland Park, except for the people that live there.” I said, chuckling.
“By the way, what’s your name? I just totally forgot to ask, I’m so sorry. Mine’s Billie.” She offered her hand, her friendly gesture making my heart flutter.
“Jordan. I’m Jordan.” I said, taking her hand. The brief touch made me feel like I could fly. I know it sounds crazy, but that’s just what it is.
“Dope name, Jordan.” She said, smiling sweetly.
“Thanks.” I said, my voice laced with shyness.
“By the way, who is the man that was sitting next to you?” I asked, looking back at his seat. He was gone. Where did he go? I hadn’t even noticed him getting up.
“Oh, that was my brother. Where is that fool? He better be getting me something when he went to one of those shops.” Billie joked, looking around.
“Well, who cares.” She shrugged.
Stupid giggles were all that was heard in the gate area. Jordan’s and Billie’s giggles.
“Bro, We have been talking for almost one and a half hours.” Billie said, confused at how fast the time had flown.
We had just been sitting here, talking like two best friends that’ve known each other all their lives. It went by so fast.
“We only got 10 minutes left to wait until we’re boarding, damn.” She said, sounding sad.
“Yeah, well… It was really nice talking to you, Billie. Thanks for keeping a boring bitch company.” I joked, feeling the sadness creep in too.
“Don’t say it like that. It sounds like we won’t see each other again. The flight is four hours long.”
She informed me.
Why did she say that? It doesn't matter how long it is, we won't be sitting next to each other anyway. She’s probably first class or some shit.
“Well yes. I-” I started, interrupted by the intercom again.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we are very happy to inform you that Flight 6918 from Canada to Los Angeles is now ready to board. Please gather your belongings and make your way over to the counter. First class, please stand at the front of the line.”
This is where it ends for now. I’d probably lose her in the crowd after the flight and never lock eyes with her again. At least I had a great time.
Billie made her way back to her original seat and grabbed her bag. I stood up, following her briefly.
“Okay, well. Can I ask you something?” I asked, feeling strange.
“Yeah. Of course, Baby. What is it?” She asked, turning around to face me.
‘Baby.’ I could get used to that.
“Only if it’s okay for you though, Uhm… can I have your Instagram? I’m just worried that I won’t see you anymore after the flight.” I blurted out, surprised by how direct I’d been.
“Yes, for sure. I should have given it to you way earlier. Wait, here’s my number instead.” Billie said with a playful smirk. What was she planning?
After she handed me my phone back, one of the airport workers called for the first class passengers. Everyone was looking at Billie.
She walked into the corridor leading to First Class, and I felt the loss hit me.
“See you, J!”
She yelled, and everyone’s eyes fell on me. Random people staring me up and down. What’s their problem? She just said goodbye to me, man. I rolled my eyes and queued up with the crowd.
I watched Billie disappear into the First Class area. I couldn’t believe how much I’d felt for her in such a short time.