Ellie

Flight 95, Skies above Europe

01:43AM } July 22, 2014

I honestly didn't know how to process what I saw.

Looking back, I...! I think it was safe to say that the two halves of my brain were pretty much hurling verbal insults at each other. One half was telling me to suck it up and be happy that Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria, the two monkeys and those—! And those darn penguins would be sent back to the zoo in one piece. Though then again, there was a chance that the staff would have metal railing built around their pens - which... probably wouldn't be fun for them, especially Marty. Ugh... As much as I hate to say this, I remember having a slight feeling that the aforementioned scenario would have taught him and the penguins a lesson or two.

Lesson 1: You can't get to Antarctica on foot. And lesson 2: the world outside the zoo is dangerous. It stank that they had to find that out the way they did...

Mom would agree, as well.

The other half of my head was overwhelmed with anxiety over the knowledge that the animals were most likely going to be transferred. I'll admit that I didn't know much about the term, initially. All I knew was that there would be a possibility they were going someplace else. Only... where, actually? Another zoo? A zoo in a different county like, I don't know, Los Angeles for example? Or... would they be transferred to Africa? Who knows? Though...! Though whatever the scenario was, I remember hoping that they'd be okay. And yeah, that might sound a bit weird coming from an initial acquaintance who was scared to strike up a conversation.

But their well-being should be important, right? The same goes to every other animal out there to—

"El?" My mother's worried voice influenced me to turn my head towards her direction. "Ellie, I know you're scared for them. I am, too. But regardless of what happens, I'm sure they'll be safe," She then briefly faced our acquaintance. "Right?" A sheepish chuckle. "Um, I apologise for asking, but what's your name?"

The attendant smiled. "No, no apologies necessary," She held out her hand. "And, er, my name's Maria, Mrs Knight,"

"Oh, please call me Tess," Mom said kindly, accepting her gesture. "It's nice to meet you,"

"Yeah, you too," The blonde responded, before addressing me in a friendly manner. "Ellie, right?"

"Mmhmm," I shakily nodded.

A brief grimace. "Um, I can't think of anything that hasn't already been said - but Tess does have a point," Cue a reassuring smile. "Their safety is the zoo's top priority, so we'll see what happens," Her brows then knitted curiously. "If you don't mind me asking, what is it about Alex that you like so much?" Wait, what?

Despite my visible confusion, I innocently shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I..." Gosh darn it, Ellie. "I hope this doesn't sound weird? But I guess I just feel a bit of a connection with him, even though he can be a bit of a show-off," Annnnd maybe another reason why is because I'm also actually a lio— Nope! Don't even go there!

Maria chuckled. "You mean, his circus act?"

"Yep," Mom chimed in amusedly. "It's, uh, it's quite funny how she tries to look unimpressed with him when it's clearly the opposite," Ooookay? "Marty's noticed it too,"

Our new friend raised an intrigued eyebrow. "Hm, sounds like you and the King of New York have an interesting relationship, Ellie," Uuuuuuh, what does that mean exactly? I mean, I've never even spoke to him! "In any case, I have to go. It's part of the job checking on everyone here and some cases less pleasant than others, unfortunately," Oh no! Cue a kind smile. "Is there anything I can get for you both in the meantime?"

"Uh, no, I'm okay, thank you," I replied politely.

"Same here," My mother said. "I'm good for now,"

"Very well," The attendant responded. "If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask, okay?" Sure, no problem.

The two of us thanked her before she left us to it, stopping to check on the other passengers aboard. Meanwhile, I decided to briefly glance at our surroundings and I'll admit that the plane appeared simple enough. White walls, blue carpet and dark seats. Bonus points also went to the decent hospitality, as evident by our conversation with Maria - as well as how nice her colleagues seemed to be. Flight rating so far? Maaaaybe a seven out of ten? Yeah! It wasn't so bad!

Famous last words.

"Are you okay, El?" Mom caught my attention.

"S-Slightly," I stammered, whilst rubbing my eyes. Don't get emotional. Get right back in there, tears. "Could be better,"

"Oh, I'm sorry," The woman apologised in a sympathetic manner. Don't be. It's not you, Mom. I'm just worried about the animals back home... "Do you think getting some sleep could help?" Oh god.

"Maybe, but, um," A nervous gulp. "What about the... you know," Cue me stretching my fingers out like a feline's claws about to strike and pointing at the aforementioned gesture. "That?"

"Have you felt anything start?"

"No,"

"Oh!" Her brows furrowed. "That's a bit weird,"

"Yeah," I agreed solemnly. "I—! I'm surprised nothing's happened yet," A slow breath to calm my nerves. "And, er, I wish I'd know what to do when it does," Plus, why aren't animals allowed on airplanes?!

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," My mother reassured me, gently placing a hand on my shoulder. "Why don't you try to get some sleep for now, okay? I'll wake you up if something happens,"

"T-Thank you," I smiled appreciatively, before allowing myself to slowly drift off...

Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria? I hope you guys are okay...