EPISODE ONE—
FLIGHTS & QUESTIONS

1996

It was the day were they would leave for nationals. Josette was actually very glad now she hadn't had a lot to drink at the party last night. Lucia on the other hand... Complained to Josie on it the whole ride to the airport. Now they were all getting on the plane.

Lottie's father had also apparently payed for a private airplane for them. Josette had never meant the man. But she only ever heard bad things. She knew how he treated Lottie. It was enough for her to hate him.

"Wicked." She heard Nat whisper as she walked in to to the plane behind the blonde. "I can't believe your dad paid for a private plane!" Van half yelled, with a smile. Josie couldn't believe it either. "It's pretty much his only form of parenting. I guess I'll take it."

Josie sent a smile to Lottie at that, not wanting her to feel horrible now the whole flight. Lottie returned the smile at that. "Well, thank you, Mr. Matthews!" Van giggled after saying her words.

Everyone soon got into there seats. Josie would have gone to sit with Jackie– but, even though Jackie apologized, she was still slightly pissed because she never minded her business. Plus she was sitting next to Shauna.

She would sit next to Lottie, but she didn't want to bother her. Also Lucia would have to sit alone then. Josette also wanted to question her on what  Lucia had said last night. So, she went over to where Lucia was sitting and sat in the seat next to her. "Holy shit. Your face."

Was the first thing Lucia commented on when she saw Josie sit down. Which reminded Josie that where Shauna had slapped her, had bruised. "Well you know Shauna, she can hit really hard." It was the truth. When Shauna wanted to– she could make you bruise and bleed. It didn't matter if she was drunk. "Are you okay? I mean, does it hurt?"

"No. I'm fine, great even. Now, let's talk about you." Josie watched as Lucia's eyes furrowed, her eyes going into a could of confusion. "What about me..?" Josie figured she would be confused. Lucia was really drunk and high last night. "About what you said on Jackie. You know... How you asked if I think she would date you or maybe I took it the wrong way– just, were you being serious?"

"What?" Lucia questioned, "Josie, no. I don't like Jackie like that I'm–" I'm not gay. She wanted to say it so badly. But she couldn't bring herself. "She's your sister." was what she settled for. "That'd be weird. Right? Me liking your sister like that. I mean, especially because she's dating Jeff."

She settled for a small nod, a sympathetic smile. All those words pained josie. She knew Lucia was lying. Because she had been there. With Van. It was horrible, so horrible. She felt horrible for Lucia, so badly. She wanted to tell Lucia it wouldn't be weird, because she related to her on it. But she couldn't. She couldn't because she wasn't ready.

Lottie wasn't ready.

2021

Shauna had asked them to meet up at a dinner. Josette had been sitting with Shauna for a bit because Tai was late. She didn't like sitting with Shauna alone. Seeing her on Jackie's birthday every year was enough for her.

Unlike with Shauna, Josette didn't have any problems with Tai. She didn't mind seeing her after being rescued even though she didn't want to see them. So, when she saw Tai walking up to the booth they were sitting in. She sent a small smile, which Tai returned. "Sorry I'm late."

She told the two after sitting next to Josette. And Shauna slide the card over, "A reporter approached me today. She approached Josette too. She said she was with the local paper, but I googled her and she wasn't credited in any bylines anywhere." That was the truth.

Shauna had explained all that to Josette before Tai arrived."These people come out of the woodwork every few years, on some anniversary or another. You know that. There's no reason to think this is any different. " But it was different this time. It felt different. Josette couldn't keep quiet on it.

"No. No, it was different this time. This reporter, or whatever she is. Seemed like she only wanted to know about Jackie. And sure, most reporters ask me on her but, she brought up Jackie and wouldn't let it go. It's different this time. We agreed to stay quiet. Stay out of the public, and you're over here running for fucking state senator."

She didn't bring up how the reporter also left her a card. And that she still had it."Josette." Tai warned her, just before Shauna spoke up. "If someone's digging, we are all fucked. Take care of it." She slide the card back over and then turned to a waitress who was filling Shauna's cup. "Thank you," A smile was given before the waitress walked away.

Once the waitress was out of earshot, Josette spoke. "Have you talked to Natalie recently..?" Josette did cut her off, but she still cared for the woman. "She's in rehab. Again." No matter what, Tai always made sure Nat had help. "And there's still... no sign of the others?"

Josette hadn't seen any from them. Absolutely none. And she was fine with that. She didn't want to hear from them. She only kept in contact with Shauna and Tai if something like this happened. "No. Not for months."

"Okay. Then we're fine." Shauna reached for Tai's hand, before pulling away.

"So long as nobody does anything crazy... we have nothing to worry about."

1996

Lucia had fell asleep just before it happened. And Josie was trying to shake her awake during the turbulence. "Lucia!" She yelled at the dark haired girl in a panic. As everyone's piercing screams ran through the plane.

Josie shook Lucia again, trying to get her to wake. And then saw the girl slowly open her eyes and realize what was happening. Panic running through her eyes.

Then everything went black.

END OF EPISODE ONE.