SEBASTIAN
I gazed out of my window, admiring the white candyfloss-like clouds that surrounded us. The soft humming of the aeroplane's engines could be heard underneath the small talk of the students held within this giant metal contraption.
We currently sat on a private jet, set on its journey to the Parkinson's Rehabilitation Centre. The air around us was filled with the excitement of what's to come. Everyone expects nothing but the best, it is a Parkinson's Cooperative branch after all.
Despite everything that is happening around me, one thing, in particular, caught my attention.
"Dude! Can you cut it out?" I complain, roughly nudging Marcus' knee.
"What? I do it when I'm nervous okay?" He argued, returning the gesture.
"What the heck are you nervous about? You've been on a plane many times, and you don't get motion sickness so what could make you so nervous you rattle your leg like a maraca for the past half an hour?" I countered.
"Nothing," he replied instantly, "there's no reason."
"You wanna talk about it? Is it something at home?" I worried.
"No, it's," he looked around before facing me again, "it's nothing. Don't worry, okay?"
"You know you can talk about it anytime, I'm here fo- hey the stewardess is coming back." I slapped his arm.
"Aww yeah, time to get some cashew nuts," he sang, throwing a fist in the air.
I shook my head, chuckling quietly, "what is it with you and cashew nuts?"
"You don't understand, they're like...so good," he moaned, popping a handful into his mouth, and yeah, you heard me, a handful.
There was a small 'ding' to alert us as the stewardess gave an announcement, interrupting the many different conversations on this plane, and the chess game that I'm pretty sure I saw a group of people playing just a few minutes ago on my way to the bathroom.
"So you made up with Rachel. How is she?" he queried, finishing off the packet of cashew nuts.
"She's fine, she's on this trip too," I answered half-heartedly.
"And what about...Audrey?" he asked cautiously.
Time to put my acting skills to the test, "We broke up. She couldn't cope with everything. She had university, family issues and, having to look after me? That's a lot to handle."
Before he could say anything else, we were told to buckle up for landing. Thankfully he didn't ask me afterwards.
LIBBY
I watched Audrey pacing around her room, muttering to herself. She's been pacing for the past half hour and now I'm genuinely starting to get concerned.
"Audrey, I think you need to chill out. Yes, Sebastian's gonna be here but he knows he's not allowed to interact with you, the case has been over for quite a while, he's probably gotten over it by now," I pipe in, hoping to settle her nerves.
"Although I will add, the case ended rather abruptly when he received the letter, it must have been really sudden," Margo acknowledged, "completely unrelated but what's up with the lighting out there, what was dad thinking?"
"Yeah, not a good move for recuperating patients but maybe they all enjoy the sun, I don't know," I shrugged, "look, Audrey, you are stressing out over nothing. If he does approach you go somewhere private and explain to him. We have our shadows on this trip to inform any inquisitive people that you both have broken up."
She stopped pacing and stood by the window overlooking the resort. This place looked like a magical combination of relaxing spa and energised water park, how they came up with the idea I have no idea.
She sighed, crossing her arms, "I just don't know what to expect. I'm afraid of what's going to happen, one thing Rachel and Sebastian have in common is their determination."
Margo got up from the bed (she was previously sprawled across like a starfish) and stood by Audrey at the window, placing a hand on Audrey's shoulder. "If he is determined to ask questions, then you can provide him with answers. That's one thing you are incredibly gifted at, answering questions. Look, if you're really worried, I'll be there with you. I would say the same about Libby but she's probably going to be with James."
"That's not true! I'll be right by Audrey's side like the amazing best friend that I am," I defended.
"Okay. Audrey, Libby and I will be at your side - and so will James since he comes in a package deal when you purchase a Libby." At this Audrey chuckled, dropping her arms to her side.
"I feel so nervous. Darn! This is why I don't get directly involved in cases."
"Cases? You can barely get directly involved in life, nevermind cases," Margo joked, "and besides, think of it like the nerves you feel before a test or an exam. You'll be fine Audrey, I promise."
"I'm afraid that's not a promise you can make. It's not a guarantee -"
"Oh, will you stop talking like a businesswoman for one second! You are months, maybe even weeks from having to take over your family's company, this is the only time you can relax and have fun, so let yourself go for a while," I interrupted, joining them by the window.
"So have fun with us, alright?" Margo wrapped her arm around Audrey's waist and leaned her head against her shoulder, I opted to do the same.
"Guys, I love you, but you need to stop. Personal space? Ever heard of it?" She replied.
"Nah." Margo and I replied in unison.
We stayed like this for a while until we were informed that the students have arrived. We made our way down to the dining hall where we found a horde of grumpy students. We joined the rest of the Cupid's Database in the back, watching Amir York - the manager of this branch of Parkinson Cooperative - make his way on stage to give a welcoming speech. After Amir left the stage, the students all made their way to their rooms and settled in for the night, we (unfortunately) were no different.
Hearing a 'plink' from my phone on the nightstand, I reach over and grab it, a fumbling mess in the dark. The glare of the bright light is blinding as I squint my eyes to try and read the message.
'Hey Libby,
I know you're probably drained of energy and I'm sorry if I woke you up, oh gosh I am so sorry if I have and I promise to make it up to you. I hope you had a safe flight here, I just wanted to text you to say goodnight and that I love you very much.
Sweet dreams, love you,
James'
I smiled to myself like a maniac before shutting my phone off and going back to bed like a giddy baby. With a feeling like that, I'm surprised that sleep would come so soon.