The flight was long just to say so the least but at least it is a day flight. The teachers decided to arrange us in alphabetical order by last name, so I sat next to this random girl. Blonde long hair, piercing blue eyes and a fashionable style of clothing. Oversized shirt with denim jeans and black sneakers. She was able to pull off the streetwear look without even trying. Though, this wasn't just any random girl. It was the girl who had beef with Mariah, apparently in the archery club. I kind of forgot her name already.

I decided not to engage in conversation which I assume she picked up on as we didn't speak for hours on this flight. Boredom finally struck me, and I watch one of the many Bollywood films on my tablet library. She's instead drawing on her iPad a design of a silk wedding dress, which is very lovely. The moment she notices what I am watching, the silence breaks and she squeals before blushing.

'Sorry. I didn't know that anyone else watched that series.' she apologised before staring back at her iPad.

'N-no it's fine. I discovered it all on my own so I'm quite a fan myself.' I say smiling awkwardly.

'I see. I'm Sophie by the way.'

'Brooke.'

We proceed to go on a tangent about our favourite Bollywood dramas, and stars and eventually went on another tangent about Spanish dramas. The flight was long enough to allow us to rant and then watch a few international dramas.

'Just curious, why did you...um...take Mariah's boyfriend from her?' I asked, looking at Sophie.

We had just finished watching an episode of a Kdrama and it was getting close to the end of the flight.

'You seriously believe that rumour? Brooke, you're like better than that.'

'Well Mariah and I are close and all, so I trust her a lot more.'

Sophie closes her tablet and faces me, crossing her legs. 'This supposed guy we're talking about is Malcom. Do you know what his issue is?'

'Not really no.'

'He's indecisive. He was dating Mariah but still had a crush on me. We're long time friends so I had no idea that was what he was feeling. According to him, he had broken up with her because he didn't want to lead her on, even more than he already had. Mariah took that the wrong way and immediately created rumours that I stole her boyfriend, I didn't even like him at the time.'

I take a long sigh. 'I get what you mean. Mariah does tend to act before listening.'

'Mhm. It was a year before I started liking him back and we eventually dated. To be honest, we would always disagree on the little things. She doesn't like that I protest in my free time. Says it's "disturbing" for other people and I'm a weirdo.' Sophie takes a sip out of her water bottle and sighs.

'I don't think you're a weirdo.'

'Thanks, Brooke but I think Mariah will disagree with you.'

'Well...who cares? Mariah is a very judgemental person and tends to be a gossiper. What makes you worse?'

I adjust myself on the flight seat and look at Sophie straight. She smiled and hugged me. I feel as if something lifted off my shoulder for some reason. I don't know what, but it didn't feel bad.

***

I don't know how the school managed to get fewer other people on the flight, but it was mainly just us and a few other people. The back seats next to the bathroom were empty since no one wanted to sit there. I head to the bathroom only to notice that the door is locked. I lightly knock on the door, but no one answers.

I knock again but this time much louder, if no one responds then I'm calling the nearest flight attendant.

'There's someone in here.' The voice says in a rough voice that sounded a little sick.

'Hey buddy, you alright? I don't mind calling-' I start.

'No! I mean...it's fine. I'm okay. Just get a little air sickness.'

The guy raising his voice reminded me of Derek, but that can't be him, right? I look towards Derek's seat and find it empty. His friends are on their Flippers playing a game.

I knock on the door again. 'Derek, it's me, Brooke. Are you alright?'

Just then, the door opens, and Derek pulls me into the bathroom. It's small so our legs are practically intertwined.

Derek looks pale. I have never seen him so sick before and for some reason, I felt guilt and worry.

'Oi, you shouldn't be locking yourself in here to make yourself feel better.'

Derek decides not to listen but to rather hug me instead. His long arms wrap around me, and I feel my heartbeat skyrocket; his was already soaring.

We both didn't say anything as for the rest of the flight, Derek was hugging me, his head resting on my chest. I didn't know whether to ask him if he was alright or needed help. But he seemed to really need me....so I won't refuse.

'T-thank you.' Derek finally says tightening his grip.

I sigh and rest my head on his. 'No problem.'