He grabs my bag and carries it to the gate as I follow him, focusing on my breathing so I don’t give myself a panic attack.
We make our way to our seats, every step making it harder and harder for me to function. I don’t know why I’m so scared, but I can’t seem to talk my way out of it. I’ve never thought about flying since there never was an opportunity to do so, but I had no idea it would affect me this much.
I sit down in the middle seat, and he sits next to me in the aisle. I grip the armrests, breathing in and out, keeping my sight locked forward.
He releases my hold and places his hand in mine. “I had no idea you were this afraid of flying.”
“Me neither,” I am barely able to say.
“Just breathe,” he says in a calming voice.
I nod. “I’m trying.”
His slight laugh doesn’t help, so I eye him, making him laugh more.
“Look at me.”
I turn, still focusing on my breathing.
“Everything is going to be just fine. Look at the flight attendants. They do this every single day.”
I search for one, and she’s preparing stuff in front of us, acting like she doesn’t have a care in the world.
“Yeah, but you run into burning buildings too. What’s the difference?”
The harsh laugh that escapes his lips does calm me slightly.
“Okay, I’ll give you that. This is completely different though. I’m paid to rescue people. They are paid to serve us drinks and make sure the flight goes smoothly.”
I nod and look forward again.
“Just try not to think about it,” he says, continuing to hold my hand and sitting back in his own seat.
Before we know it, we’re pulling away from the gate, and the flight attendant I was keeping my eye on speaks over the intercom, giving us directions as to what would happen if we had to evacuate the airplane.
A new panic arises, and I look at Silas with my eyes wide open in fear.
“They have to tell us just in case something happens.”
“Exactly,” I forcefully whisper, making him laugh.
“It’s okay. I would assume you have a better chance of winning the lottery multiple times over.”
“But there’s still that chance!”
He places his other hand over mine. “Just breathe.”
We drive for a few minutes, making turns and driving more, which is starting to feel like an eternity.
Without warning, the plane accelerates, and I close my eyes, squeezing his hand for dear life.
To my surprise, I feel him place his hand on my cheek as he brings his lips to mine. He doesn’t do anything else but pressthem to mine, breathing in my fear and holding me tight. I feel my body loosen a bit, so he opens his mouth and swipes his tongue against mine. I follow his lead and kiss him back, feeling each movement opening up my airway and calming the panic racing through me. Once he feels my grip on him loosen, he pulls back slightly, placing his forehead on mine.
“Are you better?”
“Much,” I breathe out.
He kisses my forehead just as a ding sounds over us. “That’s a good sign. That’s how the pilot signals to the flight attendants that takeoff was all good.”
