Monet DaSilva

I walked through the crowded airport, grabbing my luggage and trying to navigate my way through the large groups of people that seemed to be getting away for spring break as well. Everyone was either coupled up or grouped up; bringing attention to the fact that I was here alone.

I quickly slipped into a washroom, bumping into someone on my way in. "I'm so sorry!" I said, and the girl sucked her teeth before brushing past me.

I sighed, "What the hell was I thinking..." I coached myself in the airport washroom, staring in the mirror at myself. I paced back and forth, trying to calm my nerves. People came in and out of the washroom, giving me the side eye but I ignored them and focussed on trying to stop myself from the anxiety attack that I was on the brink of.

I had just made it to my layover in North Carolina and I was already, ready to get back on a returning flight back to Texas. I felt as though, I could've died up in the air. My flight here was horrible, with the most turbulence I had ever experienced; not to mention that they were speaking about the flight to Miami possibly being delayed due to the thunder storm that we were in the midst of. This was a sign from God that I shouldn't be here, I just knew it.

"Is everything alright?" a lady dressed in her security uniform asked, walking up to me, behind her stood another security guard that kept her distance. I snapped out of my trance and looked over to her; forcing a smile.

"Yes, I'm alright. Thanks for asking." I could tell by her facial expression that she didn't exactly care about how I was doing, but by the way she held onto her baton by her side, someone must've sent her over here.

"Ma'am, do you mind grabbing your suitcase and following me into the screening area?"

"Uh, sure? May I ask why?"

"We'll explain everything when we get there, c'mon sweetie." She gestured for me to walk before her and I did, stepping out of the washroom and following the other guard that held the way. I could hear the whispers of people watching me and commenting; trying to figure out what was going on. Shoot; I too, was trying to figure out what the hell was going on.

We made it over to the screening area and I was asked to place my luggage atop of a table, while the border security placed a pair of blue latex gloves on. I did as I was told, and the security zipped it open and began searching through my clothes.

"May I ask why I'm being searched?"

"A red flag was raised, suspicious behaviour in the washroom."

"Suspicious?" I raised my brow, "I was trying to calm my nerves. I'm not used to flying, especially not alone." The guard nodded, but I knew she didn't believe a word I was saying. I folded my arms and shook my head, just my damn luck.

I had called my dad and of course he made sure I was calm throughout the whole process, because God knows I was steaming. They had no reason to be going to the extent that they were going when it came to someone like me.

45 minutes later they were finished ruining my perfectly folded and organized clothes, I was told to put them back in my suitcase. I did just that, then went through another thorough body search in the back office; of course, they found nothing. I was more than annoyed at this point and hungry. The supervisor had to come over to me and apologize as well as explain that they were just doing their job. I wasn't a threat, but I let it go because I realized they were trying to be safe than sorry.

"Dad, I'll call you back later."

"Okay sweetie, let me know when you land."

"I will." I hung up rolled my suitcase back into the waiting area and ignored the glares that I was getting. I hated attention; unless it had to do with me on the track, so this kind of attention... made my skin crawl. I pulled my sunglasses back on, to hide my face.

I stopped at Starbucks to grab myself a well needed caramel Frappuccino and a cake pop that would hold me until I got to Miami. With the knots in my stomach; I knew I couldn't eat too much. Once I finished paying, I found a little corner in the waiting area by the window and got comfortable on the already uncomfortable airport seats, using my suitcase as a foot rest. I took a bite out of my cake pop and connected my phone to the WIFI, finally. I decided I could binge watch some makeup tutorials until they called for my flight.

I dug into my purse for my earphones and my phone began to vibrate constantly. I furrowed my brows and opened it, clicking on an Instagram notification. I had totally forgotten that I posted a picture, mainly because I didn't think I would get this much attention for it. My likes, comment section, follower count was going literally crazy... ghost followers, and new ones coming out of the woodworks. Not to mention how filled my DMs were with guys from my past as well as new ones offering to be my sugar daddy? All of this over one picture? I giggled to myself and liked a few of the comments before I saw someone roll their suitcase up beside mine.

Out of all seats, they chose to come here? I rolled my eyes and continued scrolling through my Instagram, ignoring their presence.

I read through some of my texts; a few from my coach, dad and a couple of girls from my team telling me to enjoy my trip. I also deleted the one's from Zahra and Preston who was just "checking on me."

I took a sip an occasional sip from my drink every now and then, glancing over at the male that sat next to me; his cologne was almost intoxicating mixed with the scent of Irish Spring. I couldn't see his face because he wore his hoodie, but my nosy self was interested in whatever he was writing stuff down in a notebook as he bobbed his head to whatever he was listening to. I watched as he brought his finger to his lips and looked down at the words, the tatt on his hand looked familiar but nowadays; it was such a common tattoo that I didn't want to assume.

The man nodded to himself before shutting it and putting it back into his backpack. Before he caught me staring, I brought my attention back down to my video.

"Flight 3278 to Miami International Airport will be boarding now." I heard over the PA system, and the nerves came over me again.

You can do this Monet...

I gathered my things and noticed the guy that was sitting next to me was now off with the rest of the group, but his scent lingered. I stood to my feet and followed behind the crowd, making my way through all the check points until I was finally going through the tunnel and boarding the plane.

I placed my ticket into the hand of the stewardess, she looked it over then whispered to one of her coworkers. "What now?" I asked, placing my hand on my hip, what more could I go through today?

"Oh, nothing bad. We were told that due to the trouble that was caused you were bumped up to first class. Row 113 Section A, enjoy your flight." She handed me my ticket and reached behind me to help the next guest. While the other stewardess showed me where to go.

Due to it being a trip to Miami, during spring break; first class wasn't really full. I passed about two others before I got to my seat that looked big enough for me and someone else to sit in. I put my carry on up and got settled. I examined my seat, realizing this was the kind of seat that I could turn into a bed if I needed, I had the window seat so it had its own section and a curtain I could draw if need be and that would definitely come in handy since this flight was so late, a nap wouldn't hurt. They really hooked your girl up. Now, I was starting to feel better about being harassed by the airport staff.

I continued to check out the perks when I smelt the scent from the waiting room, followed by the same guy placing his carry on up into the cabin above his seat that just so happened to be across from me. I watched him stretch and finally plop into his seat, he removed his headphones then his hoodie and looked over at me; meeting my glare.

My mouth flew open, and my heart fluttered at the sight... "Myles?"

Myles Thomas

"I'm sorry... but how do you know me?" her hand shook as she removed her sunglasses. I looked her over, she was more than beautiful but I couldn't piece together who she wa... "Monet?" my jaw dropped, and she nodded. I sat up as stiff as a statue, trying to figure out if this was real... or not. I had had a few drinks on the plane earlier, so maybe that is what was getting to me.

Monet sat very still as well, if it weren't for her blinking I would've been worried. I watched as her lips parted and she let out a deep exhale. "Am I dreaming?" we both asked in unison. The girl of my dreams sat next to me, looking like a five-course meal. Those facetime calls and Instagram pictures were nothing compared to her beauty in person. Monet stood to her feet, I followed her lead, we stood in the aisle as wrapped her arms around my body; I did the same. I had imagined this for so long, but never did I think it would happen especially not like this. I placed my head on top of her head and didn't want to let go; if it wasn't for the people that needed to pass I don't think I would've. We cleared the way sitting on the edge of our seats.

"Wh... wh... I don't even know what to say."

"Me neither," she laughed. "How'd they get you out of New York?"

"I should be asking how they got you out of Texas?! Must be a school trip or something."

"Nope, I'm headed to Miami for spring break." My eyes shot opened, and I couldn't help but chuckle. "What's so funny?"

"You? Grandma Mo, is going to Miami for spring break?"

"Yes sir," her smile was breath taking, and her body... was beyond what words could describe. I had to catch myself before I drooled at the sight.

"By yourself? Where's Zahra?"

"Nope, I'm going to meet up with one of my long-lost cousins down there."

"That's different... couldn't have been your idea."

"That's because it wasn't. My dad and I made a deal, he's trying to get me out of the box I've been hiding in."

"And he's doing an amazing job. I... was expecting you to be hiding in a library somewhere for spring break."

"Ideally, that was my plan too." She shrugged.

"And the new hair?"

"My girls from the team persuaded me to try it out," she ran her fingers through it again, "do you like it?"

"I love it..."

"Thank you, but enough about me. Where you off to?"

"Same as you, spring break..."

"Where's Elijah?"

"He went down before me."

"Oh okay," she ran her fingers through her hair. "I really don't know what to say..."

"Me neither... I've dreamy about this moment so many times that I should know what to say." She giggled and let out a light sigh. I continued to size her up, but it didn't feel awkward at all, this felt so magical that a real nigga actually felt fluttering in his stomach. Before I could say another word, we heard the pilot come on the PA along with the seat belt sign, signalling that we were getting ready to take off.

I sat up properly in my seat, getting my seat belt on. Once I was adjusted, I glanced over at Monet who I had caught in mid-yawn; even her yawn was cuter in person. "Oh no." I said squeezing my nose, "please be mindful of the other passengers on this plane please."

"Oh please!" she laughed with an eye roll. We sat in silence again for a while as the flight attendants walked back and forth to make sure everyone was good. After their check there was one last announcement before I felt the plane move and begin it's take off. The lights dimmed, and I couldn't resist the urge to look over at her again.

As we settled in the air she placed her headset on, clicked the button that made the seat turn into a bed. After getting comfortable under the complimentary blanket she pulled her hair into a ponytail then tried to figure out the TV in front of her. I reached into my bag for my notebook and scribbled down a couple a line that came to mind.

Prettier in person

Like in my dreams but a better version.

"New song?" I heard the soft voice next to me ask.

"More like tweaking an old one?"

"Can... I see?"

"Not as yet, it's surprise." I flashed her a smile and tucked the book underneath me. "What you chose to watch?"

"I'll tell you once I figure out how to use it this touch screen with this long ass nails. I'm still getting used to it."

"Such a dork."

"Boy..." she squinted her eyes at me. "Are you going to help or?"

"All you had to do was ask." I unbuckled my seat belt and walked over to her seat, luckily enough she was so petite that I could fit right next to her comfortably. Although I would've liked it more if she had a seat on my l... I shook my head, getting out of my thoughts. I opened up the movie options and looked over at her puzzled expression. "What you wanna watch?"

"Ouu they have Frozen! I want to watch that?"

"Nigga," I looked her directly in her piercing hazel eyes. "You've gotta be kidding me."

"I'm not, can you click it for me please?"

"Are you 12?"

"Myles, please?"

"Fine... but I don't know you." I hit the movie, then hit play.

"You already blocked me on everything anyways," she said with a shrug.

"About ... that."

"Yup about that, because I'd love to hear exactly why I was cut off without warning."

"Are we arguing already?"

"Hell yes we are. I had no one to send memes or funny videos to." She tilted her head to the side and looked me over. "So, get to explaining."

"It's a complicated situation."

"Let's hear it."

"Fine, but you can't judge me when I tell you."

"It's my human nature to judge people, but if it helps I'll keep the thoughts in my head."

"Yes please." I held my pinky finger out and she took it with hers, giving me chills. Fun fact was that Monet took pink swears more serious that anything; she lived by them. Monet sat across my lap, catching me off guard.

"I'm sorry but if it's going to be a long story I gotta get comfortable."

"I understand." I leaned back in her seat, placed my hand on her thigh and began to explain the whole situation from my sister's surgery, to my Karla's involvement (without mentioning her name because I told Monet about Karla, and she wasn't a fan) as well as how long I'd have to be doing it. "And that's why I had to block you."

"So... you're getting pimped out?" she asked, and I hit her with a stale face. "I'm not judging you, but it just sounds like that..." she placed her hand atop of mine, "but I don't blame you for doing this for your sister. You should however, let this girl know that I'm no threat... after all, we decided to be just friends, right?"

"Right...." I lied so good, that I almost believed my own self. I mean that was an agreement, when were halfway across the word from each other. However, now that she sat here in my lap... I don't know if I truly agreed. "And thank you, Leisha's going to be gassed when she hears that I ran into you. So is my mom. Speaking of moms, how's yours."

"She's... alive." She looked down before looking up at me, "and for that I'm grateful." She said forcing a smile. "How's yours?"

"She's good, happy now that we've worked this whole surgery thing out."

"I bet, and your dad?"

"He's... my dad..." I smirked, "you know how that goes..."

"That I do." I looked down realizing her hand hadn't moved, and it was starting to feel comfortable to me. Monet brought her attention back to the TV, leaned into me. Silence fell around us again, but this time it was because she fell asleep... grandma Mo, couldn't hang.

Still in awe, I ran my hand down the small of her back and exhaled deeply, her body so warm and her scent so sweet; I hated to say this but why... did I have to meet her? ... I had plans for this day and this wasn't it especially with the predicament that I was in.

I looked at how peaceful she looked as she slept; I had to admit that apart from her eyes, her lips had to be my next favorite part. So many thoughts ran through my head at this moment; and I had to suppress them because awaiting me was my "girlfriend" who was doing her best to remain faithful, so the most I could do was try to be faithful as well.

But on the other hand we were here ... after so long. What were the odds? I ... couldn't risk loosing this opportunity.

I braced myself before slowly shaking her. Monet's eyes fluttered open and the moment they landed on me was the moment I knew this was right. I stood to me feet and outstretched my hand to her.

Of course she was hesitant at first until soon she took my hand and we walked towards the small bathroom. I shut the door and let out a sigh, "remember when we discussed what would happen the first time I met you?"