CHAPTER ONE; STRANGER ON A PLANE

[ Y / N ] walked fastly through the airport, dragging the luggage behind her and following 3 of her best friends. They were all looking for the right gate, walking back to back, trying to pass the strangers, around them.

They were coming back from their summer holiday trip to Croatia. It was the first serious trip they've been on together and hopefully not the last one. All four girls loved every second of it. [ Y / N ] already missed the feeling of swimming in the warm sea, sunbathing on the beach when the sun reached its full glory, looking for shells, walking happily around the town, visiting museums, and looking at the wonderful landscape of mountains being so close to the sea.

At least that's what they were doing in the daytime.

At night, however, they changed their personalities and appearance completely. All of them looking stunning in pretty, shiny dresses, dancing and partying like there was no tomorrow. But tomorrow always came, just to find them sleeping toughly on their beds. It woke them up gently, with a little help from the sun rays.

Yes, these memories were blissful and [ Y / N ] wanted nothing more, then find herself in their cozy hotel room, not at the crowded airport.

[ Y / N ] didn't like airports. She didn't like the nervous atmosphere. Think about it. You're in an enormous building, filled with hundreds of people. People that look tense, because they're scared of missing their plane. And when you miss a plane, you don't know when it's the next one. You had bought a ticket for your flight, but now it's gone. Even if you buy a new one are there going to be any free seats left?

There is also another scenario. For example, going on a wrong plane and stepping out of it in a completely different country.

So yeah, [ Y / N ] didn't like airports. The stress that these people held was affecting her and she certainly wasn't enjoying it. She felt her stomach curling into a ball and she caught herself biting her lip ever so often. She slowly started to think about what would her "PLAN B" look like, when she heard a familiar voice.

"It's right there!"

[ Y / N ] raised her head to see Lakeshia waving her hand and pointing it to the right gate.

Our savior she thought to herself and smiled a little as she began to walk in her direction.

She surely was their savior. Lakeshia was the oldest and probably the most rational from their group. She could predict what might happen and what may not. In serious situations, she examined details to find the best way out. That's exactly what [ Y / N ] admired about her.

Lakeshia was sort of a "leader" of their group. She came from a large family and grew up taking care of her 4 siblings. Lakeshia being the oldest was always there to help them. She was the one that woke them up in the morning and helped them dress up properly. She packed them lunch that had been prepared for them. She was picking them up from kindergarten and primary school. The young girl helped them with their homework and made sure to always read them a bedtime story before they fell asleep.

You may ask 'Where are the parents then? She shouldn't have kept the whole family on her shoulders!'

Well, let me tell you.

Lakeshia's mother died soon after she gave birth to her last child. She lost lots of blood and the transfusion wasn't conducted fast enough.
Back then Lakeshia was 13 years old and left to live with her dad and 4 siblings. Her dad sometimes worked 3 jobs a day and as hard as he could to make sure they all had everything they needed. Lakeshia in the meanwhile took care of her siblings. She loved doing that and had nothing against it.

Lakeshia was a responsible human. She also liked to save money and collect magnets from the places she's visited. She had a plan for everything.

[ Y / N ] met the girl at her first job in a coffee shop, near her home almost 2 years ago. She was serving drinks and accidentally tripped over and splashed them on Lakeshia's shirt. [ Y / N ] stared apologizing and saying sorry over and over and Lakeshia...well

Lakeshia being Lakeshia was always prepared for accidents and pulled out a new shirt from her bag. She genuinely smiled at [ Y / N ] and said:

"If having younger siblings taught me something, then it's the fact that you always need to be prepared for accidents. Kids are messy sometimes, you know?"

And so from there, they met each other almost every day. Lakeshia liked to stop at the cafe from time to time. [ Y / N ] dropped her job there, since serving drinks just wasn't for her. She'd randomly mess up the order and the client's harsh comments about her constantly having "the head in the clouds" made her truly upset by the end of the day. When she did that, they moved their meeting places to a park.

"It's right there, see? Gate 51."

All 4 girls walked past the gate, and then proceed to walk through a long corridor with windows on its sides. You could see the airport staff pushing a basket with a bunch of people's luggage.

"Say goodbye to your luggage. You won't probably see it in good condition anymore" said Naomi.

"Hey, maybe they will treat it nice-..." - Bianca cut herself off when she saw a man from the service throwing some luggage with force on one another
"... or maybe not." - she finished, furrowing her eyebrows.

[ Y / N ] took out the Boarding Pass from her small bag and held it close to herself.

"What seats do you have?" - Naomi asked them, while also taking out her Pass.

[ Y / N ] thought for a moment how she's been asking them this question from the moment they booked their flights back. But this is how Naomi was. A very kind-hearted girl with an artistic soul but not so good memory. She loved to create and that's why she's chosen to study at an Art College. Naomi was a free soul, definitely spontaneous and sometimes too energetic. [ Y / N ] met her by Bianca and she charmed her with her charisma. From now on they've been keeping in with each other.

"Mine is 14D" - Bianca showed her Pass just in case her friend would ask again.

"I've got 14F and what I believe you have a 14E, right?" - Lakeshia responded.

Naomi just nodded and smiled. Lakeshia raised her eyebrow with amusement on how carefree she was and looked at [ Y / N ].

"What about you? What's your seat's number"

[Y/N] sighed. Since the airplane only has 3 seats next to each other she had chosen the first free seat she saw. Which was...

"28D"

"Oh god damn it, I hoped that we would sit a least close to each other." - Bianca said disappointed.

[ Y / N ] shrugged. She didn't like the idea of being away from her best friends too. She wondered who would be the people sitting next to her for at least four to five hours. She just hoped they wouldn't turn out to be a woman with a little kid or a man in his 50's.

Considering these two options, she concluded that she preferred the first one. Sadly, like many women, she had unpleasant experiences on the buses when a grown-ass man sat next to her and slowly started to invade her personal space by moving closer and closer. [ Y / N ] knew what to do in situations like this. She always changed the seats or proceed to step out on the closest bus stop.

She won't have this opportunity on a plane tho.

But she wasn't afraid to scream or get physical with a potential predator.

The girls got their Passes checked one more time and they finally stepped on the plane. Lakeshia, Naomi sat comfortably in their seats. [ Y / N ] went behind them until she felt a light squeeze on her shoulder. She turned around to see Bianca's concerned, blue eyes.

"I'm sorry that you have to sit so far away. It's going to be four hours flight, so just remember, watch out for yourself."

[ Y / N ]'s heart warmed at her words. She was certainly worried about her safety even if the plane was filled with people, that would quickly notice that something wasn't okay. But Bianca liked to worry about [ Y / N ]. They've known each other from high school and at this point, they didn't need verbal communication to sense that something is bothering the other one. Besides [ Y / N ] and Bianca were honest with each other. If you told one of them a secret, be aware that the other one knows it too. But you've got no need to worry! It's safe with them.

Bianca was one of the girls that you could vibe with no matter if you had or hadn't known her before. That's why it was so easy for her, to attract people. It was all about her personality. She'd always found a subject to talk about, even if the conversation was boring as hell. It was like a special talent of hers. Knowing what to ask or say to make a person open to her. Maybe that's why she knew all of [ Y / N ]'s secrets. Even the dark ones. For example the stories about creepy guys on buses.

"Don't worry, I will." - answered [ Y / N ] and gave her friend a little smile.

Bianca nodded and then settled down next to her friends. [ Y / N ] kept going, looking for her seat number. She was, on the back of a plane. She continued seeking until she found it. She looked down at the seats to find a man sitting right next to a window.

Okay...at least he doesn't have a kid...and he's not over 50 [ Y / N ] thought before she sat down on her seat.

She always chose seats that were the first ones out. Mostly, because if she'd need to go to the toilet, she didn't have to squeeze other passengers.

Between the strangers, there was one seat left. She's been trying to avoid eye contact with him. Also, she couldn't see his face, because he kept it held down and his hair covered it. [ Y / N ] realized that he was probably listening to music. Not that she minded. She patiently waited for the second passager that would take a free place between them. To her surprise, the passager didn't appear. No-one stopped next to her, to ask if she would move her legs a bit. People passed them, sat in the beginning, back, or on the next side. When everyone was settled comfortably, the stewardess announced the basic safety rules and how to act in any case of danger. [ Y / N ] put her phone on Airplane Mode and waited for the plane to rise.

She felt the plane moving a bit, positioning itself on the right airstrip. The girl looked on her left and started to examine strangers. She often did that, practically for no reason at all. [ Y / N ] enjoyed thinking about their lives. What're their names, interests? Age? Where they're working? Are they pleased with their lives? Have they got any children?
What's their sexuality? Are they married? How long? She also visualized some of the aspects of their lives. She wasn't intrusive. It was just genuine curiosity.

The plane finally lifted. [ Y / N ] gripped the arm of the seat. It began trembling and the girl's ears started to clog up.  She grabbed the pack of gums, picked one, and started chewing on it. It helped her relieve stress and made her ears unplug.

The plane was moving smoothly through the clouds. [ Y / N ] began to think about the people around her again. Her thoughts started to spin around the stranger sitting right next to her. She couldn't help but take a quick glare at the man. He was wearing black trousers and a black T-shirt with some yellow words written on it. He also had a grey sweatshirt with a zipper. On top of his head, there was a blue cap. It was covering his dark, curly hair. He was surely listing to music while scrolling on his phone. [ Y / N ] couldn't define his age but definitely, he wasn't old. Maybe closely to her age. She turned her glare in front of her to not get caught. She also noticed that he was tall. She could tell it by the way his legs had a hard time fitting into the small space between him and the chair in front.

She took out her phone to see that she received a few messages from her friend Bianca.

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
i miss you already

fuckkkk i hate the turbulence!!!!!

how are you hanging there?

are you alive?

bitch?

[ Y / N ]
i'm alive!!

and yes, i'm fine

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
well, i'm glad

[  Y /  N ]
how's the rest?

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
Naomi's been sleeping since we got on the plane

and Lakeshia is reading

who are you sitting with?

[ Y / N ]
some  guy

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
a normal one?

[ Y / N ]
yea

he's probably around our age

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
ooOooOooOOo

is he nice looking?

[ Y / N ]
idk, his cap and hair are covering his face

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
a mysterious guy on a plane😏

talk to him

[ Y / N ]
I THINK THE FUCK NOT

about what? idk him

i don't have qualities for that big man

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
try maybe??

[ Y / N ]
i'm not you, yk?

sorry to inform you but no

i won't talk to him

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
ok loser

describe him to me

[ Y / N ]
for what?

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
so i can find and stalk him???

[ Y / N ]
fbi mode, huh?

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
yes😎

[ Y / N ]
well as i said before i can't see his face

but he's wearing black pants, a black T-shirt with some yellow words, a grey sweatshirt with a zipper

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
is he Black, white, Asian, Hispanic?

[ Y / N ]
white

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
what type of hair?

[ Y / N ]
dark, curly

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
he's a skater for sure

[ Y / N ]
just because he's got curly hair? ok sherlock

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
is he tall?

[ Y / N ]
yes

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
"oooOoOooO his dick is big"

"i know it! i know it's big!"

[ Y / N ]
LMFAOOOOO

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
😂😂😂

[ Y / N ]
have you found him?

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
not yet

"wHo tHE fUcK aRE yOU???"

[ Y / N ]
"WhO yOu iSssS????"

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
"WHo YoU bBeeeEe??"

[ Y / N ]
maybe he is a......

TIMOTHEEEEE  CHALAMETTTTT

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
LMFAOOooOoo

if he is then damn bitch you're lucky

[ Y / N ]
you'd like to sit with Timo☕️?

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
yes, i'd like to sit with Timo🌳

Timo3

[ Y / N ]
Timo☕️3🌳HEE-HEE

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
STOOOooOPPPP LMAOOOOOO

[ Y / N ] knew she was looking like a complete idiot but she couldn't stop smiling at her phone. Little did she know that her friend was trying her best not to bust out laughing.

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
i don't want to sound rude but i'd like to rest. is that ok?

[ Y / N ]
no

jk, of course, it's ok

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
i'll text you when i'm up

[ Y / N ]
ok, sweet dreams🌛

What am I supposed to do now?

This question was on spot. [ Y / N ] still had quite some time till she gets home - to Toronto.
Yes, Toronto. She's been living there since she can remember. But officially she was born in Vancouver. Her parents moved soon after her birth. That's where she went to kindergarten, primary school, high school, and now college. She's studying at a fashion university. It all started when she was 7 or 8 years old. A very young [ Y / N ] was sitting in front of the TV watching a runway. She watched the models gracefully waking, being dresses in the newest collections of that time. Her eyes followed them in awe, seeing how confident and bossy they were. From that day she decided that one day she'll dress up the models and make them present what she's been working on for countless hours, but in the end, it'd be worth it. She thought about all the applause and compliments she'd receive. And the money of course.

But to afford her dreams she had to work. The girl's been constantly working wherever she could. By the age of 21, she has already worked in restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, pubs and bars, and even as a nanny and maid once. Unfortunately, she always dropped everything. Was there a specific reason? Yes, but also no.

[ Y / N ] got bored with them quickly. That wasn't the main reason but surely was there. Sometimes it was the fault of the co-workers, sometimes her own. Clients weren't always polite and they liked to complain about foolish reasons. For example, getting their order late or coffee too cold.

When she was a nanny she was taking care of a girl, that parents were in the middle of a divorce. They didn't have time to give their daughter attention, since they were having different problems. [ Y / N ] was a nanny only for 2 months. After they regulated everything they announced that she isn't needed anymore, so she left. She only pitted the girl, that didn't deserve to go through all of this. And money. She had been making quite a lot back then.

After scrolling through all of the media she could, [ Y / N ] decided to go in Lakeshia's steps and took out the book from her bag. It was "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tart. It was the girl's favorite book. She's already read it about 6 or 7 times, but she adored it. She opened it where the bookmark was and started reading. She giggled if she founded some line or situation funny. That's why she loved this book. All the memories of her awkward, silly teenage years coming back, as she continued to flip the pages.

"The Goldfinch. Am I correct?"

[ Y / N ] froze. The voice was coming from her right, next to the window.

Shit! He probably heard me

The girl turned her head in the stranger's direction.

"Yes, you are right. It's one of my favorites."

[ Y / N ] gave him a little smile and started to examine his face. As she thought, he was around her age, maybe a bit older. His face was covered by dark curls that rested slightly on his left, brown eye. The stranger was pale but had a sprinkle of freckles on his nose and cheeks. And talking about his cheeks they were prominent. His nose was big and a little hooked but it fitted him. [ Y / N ] guessed that he might have some Jewish ancestry. His lips were plump, pink, and kinda chapped.
Yeah, the mysterious stranger on a plane was certainly attractive.

"Oh really? I've read it once too. I enjoyed it." - the man turned his head from the girl. She could see his gorgeously defined jawline.

Is he flexing his handsomeness or what?

Man turned his head to her direction again.

"Hey, I'm aware that it was a stupid way of starting a conversation but we're sitting next to each other so I just wanted to say something."

[ Y / N ] smiled again. She thought that he could use some of Bianca's tricks.

"Thanks for being honest. At first, I wanted to say something but I thought it might get awkward." - he nodded.

"So you waited for me to look like an idiot?"

"Exactly."

[ Y / N ] felt bad for him. He just wanted to be friendly. She thought about what she could ask him.

"What kinds of books do you read?"

"Mostly the ones that talk about music."

"Interesting. Do you play any instruments?" - the stranger's brown eyes shined a little. [ Y / N ] knew that she properly took this discussion.

"Yes, actually I've been playing bass since I turned 8. Then I picked up the guitar. Occasionally I play drums and harmonica too."

"So you're musically talented?" - the passenger gave her a chuckle.

"It's flattering really. But I had to learn it tho. It didn't come because I snapped my fingers. It took a lot of practice. Can you play any instruments?" - [ Y / N ] shook her head for a no.

"Not really. I tried to, but I think it's not for me."

"Everyone says that at first. Understanding an instrument is tough and requires time. No one knows that they're doing at first." - he explained and then added:

"Well if you happen to be a music god then maybe it comes naturally, but I haven't met anyone could be one." - [ Y / N ] nodded, agreeing to his words. She started to feel more comfortable around him. At least they had something to talk about.

"What books do you enjoy the most?"

Now it was her time to shine.

"I like most of the genres. Thillers and fantasy are the ones I go for the most. Sometimes horrors. Psychological books are very intriguing. However, I despise science articles. The ones that describe physics and math. They're boring in my opinion. Also if you don't understand the subject you won't understand what's written on the paper."

"I get it truly. I was never good at chemistry at school. I had this crazy teacher. She couldn't educate students at all. Most of the class ended up having to take private lessons and pay for them."

"Well, I see that we both had unpleasant experiences with logical subjects."

The two went quiet for a moment. Not knowing why [ Y / N ] felt brave enough to ask him another question.

"Where do you stop?"

"You want me out already?" - the girl furrowed her eyebrows at his question, but she relaxed her face as she saw him smiling.

Yes, but no, dear stranger

"I stop in Toronto and then I take a bus to Vancouver. You?"

"Only in Toronto. You're from Vancouver?"

"Yea."

"I was born there but my parents moved when I was little. I occasionally visit my grandparents. They live near the seaside."

"Cool. Any favorites places?" - [ Y / N ] thought for a moment. She hasn't done any serious sightseeing but from the places, she's seen it would be...

"Tofino. I've got good memories from there. How about you?"

"Oh Brohm Lake for sure. For the first time, I went there when I was 10 and since then it's my favorite."

"I've never been there but I've heard it's beautiful. I'd like to see it one day."

They went quiet. [ Y / N ] realized that it's probably the end of the discussion for now. Normally she would try to maintain the conversation. That's what Bianca taught her. But she didn't feel a need to. She felt pretty well with the silence between them. The girl knew that there's nothing more she could ask him about. Instead, she politely told him this.

"I enjoyed our little chat but if you don't mind I'd like to continue reading my book." - [ Y / N ] smiled at the man. He's been very nice to her. Nicer than she expected at first when she sat in her seat. The stranger smiled at her back.

"No problem at all. I liked it too."

With that being said [ Y / N ] went back to her lecture but this time she tried to contain her chuckles. She instantly got into it again. The fact that she was reading it for the eighth time didn't matter.
She liked reading. The girl got this preference from her mother. When she was 12 years old they made a game called "Time for a Brain". The game, for a surprise, was about reading. They created it on some autumn evening when boredom overtook their lives. It began at 5 o'clock and continued till her eyes were too tired to read. It was a good way to spend her free time since back then she had too much of it. When she got older it happened to be a pleasant way to reset her brain from all the thoughts and stress that came with the school.

Something that [ Y / N ] and Lakeshia had in common was their compassion for books. Lakeshia preferred romantic and horror ones. [ Y / N ] liked fantasy and thrillers. She didn't have a problem with reading other literary genres but these were the ones she picked up from libraries the most. The girls created a special bond with each other just by sharing novels. Who would have thought that these stories written by some people can hold this much power?

[ Y / N ] was aware of this "book power" and how time-consuming it can be. She hadn't realized how long she's reading until she felt her eyes hurting a bit from tiredness. She checked her phone to see that she had an hour and a half left till landing in Toronto. Turning her head right she saw that her passenger has taken a nap. His head was resting on the seat, eyes closed mouth was slightly open, breathing slowly and steadily. [ Y / N ] caught herself thinking that he kinda looked cute in that position. She realized that she might need some rest too. The girl regulated her seat and leaned back. She let her sleepy thoughts overtook her mind. Her eyes slowly started to become heavier and heavier until she fell into blissful darkness.

___________________________________

[ Y / N ] woke up about the right time to do so. She rubbed her eyes and checked the time on her phone. It was 4:26. Soon she'll land in Toronto, pick her luggage, and proceed to go with her 3 best friends home for a hot meal. Joyful plan. The girl turned her head to the man sitting next to her. He was awoken, scrolling on his phone.

What if I looked ugly while sleeping?

It wasn't the smartest thought but, if she had to be honest she's never been the prettiest sleeper. She ignored this as she received a text from Bianca.

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
u ok?

[ Y / N ]
yes, i'm good. had a good nap?

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
not the best, but not the worst one

have you talked to him?👀

[ Y / N ]
yes

he's cool

he plays lots of instruments and is from Vancouver. we talked about our favorite places we've visited.

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
BOOoOooRrrRIiIInNNGGgGG

i'm going to boooo you so badly

[ Y / N ]
whatever, we had a nice conversation

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
tell me that you've at least gotten his name

[ Y / N ]
no, i haven't

She realized she hasn't asked him for his name. But now it would just be uncomfortable if she turned to him and asked "Hey, what's your name?".

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
i'm ✨disappointed✨

[ Y / N ]
sorry teacher, it won't happen again

are the girls up?

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
yes

i can't wait till we get home

i'm starving

[ Y / N ]
same

is sushi ok for lunch?

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
YESS! the rest also agrees

The plane started to shake slightly. It was coming down to its airstrip. Knowing that her best friend hated turbulence, she decided to mess with her a bit. Smiling at her phone she typed:

[ Y / N ]
oh no, i guess we're going to crash😱

if you die i'm taking all of your stuff😌

then i'll change it a bit, sell it and become the best fashion designer in the world

i'll make your gravestone look ✨fancy✨

of course, i'm joking

partly

wait for me next to the plane when we land, ok?

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
FIRST OF ALL DON'T JOKE ABOUT CASHING OMGGG

[ Y / N ]
😂

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
second of all ok, i'll wait

[ Y / N ]
ok, see you in heaven👋

BIANCA❤️🤪🦋✨
[ Y / N ]!!!!

there is no way you're going to heaven

[ Y / N ]
in hell then lol

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
why am i going to hell?

[ Y / N ]
you want me to get bored there? wherever I go you're coming with me

BIANCA❤️🤪✨🦋
true

because "all the good girls go to hell"😈

[ Y / N ]
yes, indeed

She slipped her phone into her bag and waited for the plane to land. While it was happening her ears began to hurt badly again. She knew it was because of the sudden change of atmospheric pressure. [ Y / N ] picked a piece of gum and started chewing on it. It certainly was the best way to unclog your ears. She turned her head right to see that her passenger had a painful, facial expression. It was because of the same reason as hers. She tapped his shoulder gently and handed him a pack of gums.

"It helps with the pain. Trust me."

"Really? I'll take one then." - the curly-headed men grabbed one and started to chew. It wasn't even 10 seconds when he said - "It does help! Thank you so much."

"No problem."

[ Y / N ] put the pack in her bag and waited for the plane to settle down. For a moment she was wondering if she should ask the stranger for his name. Why not? There's nothing that could go wrong. Besides, Bianca would have something to stalk him. [ Y / N ] never knew how her best friend could find anyone just by hair color, height, nationally, race, or name and she kinda didn't want to. The fewer things you're aware of, the better you sleep. She thought back to her high school days where she tried to help Bianca by getting information about some guys for girls that had terrible crushes on them. Bianca was always a sweet person so others naturally trusted her. Bianca feeling accountable, almost like on a mission often tried to help them. Not only by stalking. She was teaching them how to talk to them, attract them, make them curious. And she was great at it.

Bianca was also a glamorous girl. With her blue eyes, wavy, black hair, plump lips, white, straight teeth, good posture, and nice figure she intrigued many boys from school. She received notes from them, that we're stuffed in her locker. As she grew the compliments didn't stop. The men on the streets picked their interests in her too. Some of them introducing themselves as photographers. The two best friends often chatted about their futures. [ Y / N ] imagined herself making a wonderful collection and dressing Bianca as her model to present it to others. Being rich with your bestie was absolutely an incredible plan right?

It might be weird to some folks but Bianca's never seen herself as a model. She had a pretty face but she's never asked for the attention she's been getting because of it. She often complained about how hard is it to find somebody to love her because of her, not her face or body, and [ Y / N ] understood that.

If someone would ask her if she ever felt jealous due to Bianca being beautiful, she'd say yes without any doubt. The girl had felt that way occasionally when some random dude begged her for her friend's phone number, but she constantly kept in mind what Bianca shared with her once.

She explained to her that she's aware of [ Y / N ] feeling left out and if she could change her appearance she would. Bianca cared so much for [ Y / N ] and poured all of her emotions while explaining her solicitude to her best friend. By the end of the conversation, the girls were holding each other in their arms and crying. Both of them being so grateful for having one another in their lives.

So [ Y / N ] wanting Bianca to be proud of her turned her head to the stranger to ask his name. He started at her as the girl was opening her mouth to speak.

"Hey, I-"

"Dear ladies and gentlemen, we are so grateful that you chose our airlines. Before you step out of a plane, please make sure that you took everything that belongs to you. We would also like to thank our pilots that made sure all of us land safely."

There was clapping on the plane and some warm words. [ Y / N ] looked again at the curly-headed man. He had a raised eyebrows, waiting for her to say something. The girl lost her bravery and covered her question with a new one.

"...I wish you a safe drive to Vancouver!" - she said it cheerfully and made him smile a bit. He simply thanked her.

[ Y / N ] got off her seat, feeling the weird pressure in her legs from sitting in one position for a few hours. The stranger stood up too. She could finally see him in his full posture and it surprised her how tall he was. When she first saw him, it didn't escape her attention that he had long legs, but she hasn't realized how big he would turn out.

The girl walked to the beginning of a plane and had thanked the pilots before stepping out of it. When she did she took a deep breath. She was finally in Toronto. Her home.

Well not fully. She still had to take a taxi to drive her to the metro. But to get it she needed her luggage and her best friends.

She looked around trying to find familiar faces. She was mostly looking for Bianca since she had said that she will wait for her. [ Y / N ] walked around, starting to feel a little worried. Many people were passing her by, making it hard to find the right ones. She was taking her phone out when she heard a voice. The voice that she'll always recognize no matter what.

"Hey, [ Y / N ]! I'm right here!"

The feeling of relief she felt when she saw Lakeshia waving her hand was exactly what she needed. She walked in her direction fastly. [ Y / N ] couldn't help but admire her friend's beauty. Since it was an afternoon, the sun began to go down. Lakeshia was one of the lucky people that got adorned with marvelous, golden light. It made her black skin glow and her coily, dark hair seem on fire. She looked like a goddess. When [ Y / N ] got to her she had to blink twice to stop being so mesmerized.

"Found you." - Lakeshia gave the girl a quick hug. - "Bianca and Naomi went to take our luggage so we could find a free taxi."

[ Y / N ] and her friend walked through the parking lot, looking for a free and big taxi that could fit all four of them. Eventually, they did. Lakeshia called the two girls, telling them exactly where they were. Soon Naomi and Bianca came with their baggage. While stuffing it in the tunk [ Y / N ] heard Bianca's whisper.

"I think I've seen him. He was walking to the gate. He's tall. I mean like really, really fucking tall." - [ Y/ N] laughed at her comment.

"Yes, that was probably him."

"But you know, it's not that it's bad when a guy's tall. It's even better."

The four of them got in the taxi and told the driver to take them to the metro station. While driving [ Y / N ] mostly looked through the window. Her mind was still spinning around this curly-headed man on a plane. She didn't know why he took such a big part in her thoughts. He wasn't unique from any other passenger that could have sat next to her. Also, he was a stranger to her and she will probably never meet him again. [ Y / N ] closed her eyes, trying to erase this man from her mind. She had other things to worry about that might happen soon. Meeting him again, was certainly not one of them.

She couldn't have been more wrong