One Up

Chapter 5

"Sam."

My eyes flutter open to the almost too-familiar voice. I'm still in my seat on the airplane but when I turn my head, Rachael is no longer sitting beside me. In her place is...

"J-jordan?"

He beams beside me with his goofy smile, and his blue eyes shine with joy at the sight of me. My heart starts thundering in my chest and tears well up.

"Hey little sis, it's been too long." he greets.

"W-what are you doing here?" I stammer in disbelief. I could only look on in amazement to find my brother beside me. My brother... who's supposed to be dead.

"I came to wish you well with the tournament. You've learned well over the years sis and I'm so proud of you. I must warn you though..." he glances to the side before speaking again. "The road ahead will lead to many uncertainties. Many things will not be as they were told. I can't save you from this..."

Jordan's once heavenly smile fades into sadness. Confusion invades my mind. What is he talking about?

"I don't understand Jordan. What is going to happen?"

His eyes lower to the ground. He shakes his head before looking back into my eyes. "Sis.. I wish I could tell you-"

"No Jordan. That's not fair. Why can't you tell me?" I plead. He turns away.

"If I tell you, you won't be able to carry out your purpose." He says. I want to say more but I know nothing I ask will get a response. A million questions run through my mind. Why is he here? Why isn't he helping me? A tear slips from Jordan's eye.

"Sis, though the road will be tough, but know I'll always be looking out for you. I have to go now but remember, be strong."

I watch in dismay as Jordan turns to rise out of his seat. I quickly try to grab his arm to make him stay but my hand grabs nothing, completely going through him as if he weren't even there.

"Jordan.. please.. don't leave again.." I whimper as tears stream involuntarily down my face. Jordan turns to face me.

"I'm never gone Samantha. When you need me, clutch your heart. I'll always be there." And with that, his form fades.. as if he weren't there at all.

"Samantha!"

A low harsh voice pulls me from my sleep. As my eyes flutter open, I find Rachael staring at me with worry. I touch my face and find tears. I must have been crying in my sleep.

"Are you okay?" she asks. I nod my head.

"Y-yeah, just had a sad dream, that's all," I tell her, giving her a small smile of reassurance. She let's out a breath. "Thank goodness." Her eyes drift about the cabin before resting back on me.

I clear my throat before speaking. "So um.. where are we?"

"We're in Montana right now. We should be in Seattle within an hour."

"That's good, that means that we're so close to ILG." Rachael smiles and nods."Almost girly. I'm so excited!" she whispers in excitement. I smile back. "Me too," I agree.

"It's been almost ten years since I've been in Seattle. I remember the first time I went. My mom took me to see the first ever Starbucks location."

"You mean the one where her um...?"

"Yes, her n*****s were actually showing. I hope we can stop there after the tornament!" she squeaks, then covers her mouth, realizing she was too loud. I giggle silently.

"Yeah," I say in amusement. "We definitely need to go."

Rachael sits back on her chair in thought while I look out the window. Clouds cover every bit of sky around us. I often wondered what it would be like if I could just touch one. Would it disappear into my hands? Would it just reform? It didn't matter. What bothered me most was the dream. Why did my mind come up with such a peculiar scenario?

We sit in silence for what feels like forever, lost in our own thoughts. I hope for Rachael's sake, her's are at least comforting.

Ding "Hello ladies and gentleman of flight 204. We are staring to take our decent towards Seattle Washington. Please remain seated and await further instruction. We will be landing in about thirty minutes. We hope you've enjoyed your ride and once more, thank you for choosing American Airlines!"

My heart starts picking up its pace in anticipation. A buzz starts filling the air as passengers wait. I can sense the growing anticipation as they can't wait to touch the ground again. Feeling the silent buzz in my own legs, I'm anxious for it too.

"Almost there girls!" My mother says cheerfully behind us. Rachael and I glance at each other and giggle. We almost forgot my mother was here too.

The time to decent came quick as I glance out the window to the beautiful lights of Seattle. Rachael leans over my shoulder, pointing to a luminous tower in the distance.

"That's the Space Needle, one of the biggest towers in Seattle. Isn't it awesome?" she asks cheerfully. I smile. "It certainly is," I reply.

I watch as the lights of the runway become closer, until I feel the sudden jolt as the wheels of the plane touch the asphalt of the runway. The plane starts slowing down until it carefully taxis up to the terminals. I wait in careful anticipation. I feel a sure sigh of relief.

The plane connects to the terminal before the Flight Attendant gives us the notion to grab our belongings and exit the plane. Rachel, my mother and I bound down the ramp with our carry-on. Seattle I could tell is filled with all kinds of people. I throw my arms behind me, stretching, taking in the scene before us. Rachael regards the scene with a knowing-look, taking in the familiar sights. My mother throws her arms around our shoulders.

"You girls ready to go?" she asks with a smile, relieved to be off of the plane. We nod, matching her enthusiasm. We slowly make our way towards the front of the airport.

Hailing a taxi, we pile in with our luggage and all, making our way to the Hampton Inn. I couldn't help but stare out the window at the world around me. Oh how I love it; I love being somewhere fresh and new. Every nerve ending in my body felt alive.

In times like these, right here, right now, it was hard to think of anything that could go wrong. Not that I might lose or win. Just to be here made me feel happy.

It made me feel more alive than I've felt in years