The frustration behind my words echoes throughout the room and throughout the cabin, leaving a deafening quiet in its path. All that remains is the heaviness of my breath and the shock in both Eric and Joey's eyes. They stare at me, frozen, as if trying to see if I actually said that. Maybe they're hoping I'll take it back.
But I won't, and I don't. In fact, I reiterate it, just to skip the potential questioning that such a statement was ever said at all.
"I'm not your Mate."
They blink as one, as if unlocked from a game of freeze tag. However, instead of excitement at the freedom and liberty such a game would induce, there is only sorrow and pain.
"Why would you say that, Ali?"
"Because it's the truth, Eric," I respond, slowly turning towards him.
"But you are. These marks prove you
