C9 LEAVING

Annette checked her watch nervously, her things packed and ready by the door. She looked out the window, scouring the street for any sign of Jane's arrival. The minutes passed by, and her uneasiness rose with each passing second. She took a long breath, attempting to calm her beating heart because if Jane didn't arrive soon, she was going to be late, and she wasn't in the mood to argue with Mr McKenney.

A few minutes later a familiar figure dashed around the corner, waving when she saw Annette through the window, causing Annette's face to light up with relief as she ran to the door and flung it open just as Jane arrived at the front steps.

"Jane, you're late!" Annette exclaimed as she drew Jane into a tight hug.

"I'm sorry I was held back at work," Jane said with a smile, warmly reciprocating the hug. "I would've been there longer, but George said he'd cover for me so I could see you off."

"I love that man," Annette murmured, taking a step back and smiling from ear to ear.

"He is God's gift to earth," Jane added, taking one of Annette's bags in her hand to assist her in carrying it to the car.

"I can't believe it's actually happening. I'm actually leaving for Greece with my boss to be his escort."

Jane extended her hand and gripped Annette's. "I don't know what to say to make you feel less nervous, but it's going to be okay."

"Even if I'm nervous, it's not like I have a choice on if I want to go or not," Annette replied, a disappointed sigh leaving her lips.

"I know he's a gentleman to some extent, but if he tries anything, you can always kick him in the balls and give me a call so I can get you a ticket to come back," Jane said, her wicked glint dancing in her eyes.

"You're crazy," Annette chuckled at Jane's suggestion

"You love me regardless."

"Of course I do, and I can't thank you enough for looking after Cassie:

"It's not a problem; I adore that kid and would go to great lengths for the two of you," Jane remarked, a tiny smile on her lips.

Annette, overcome with emotion, smiled and said, "I'm going to miss you guys."

Jane squeezed Annette's hand again, soothing her. "And I'll miss you as well, so remember to text us every day and bring back some souvenirs."

"I will," Annette murmured gently as she pulled Jane in for another hug. After a few seconds, they moved away from each other, and Jane stepped out of the home, luggage in hand, saying, "Let's get you in that car, we don't want you to miss your flight." Annette laughed, her tension easing a bit.

Together, they carried the bags to the waiting car outside. As they loaded the luggage into the trunk,

Annette turned to Jane one last time.

"Thank you for being here, Jane. I couldn't have asked for a better friend."

Jane smiled warmly. "Safe travels, Annette. And despite the circumstances, I want you to enjoy yourself."

"I will try." Annette said as she gave Jane one final hug and a misty-eyed goodbye, Annette climbed into the car. As it pulled away from the curb, she looked back one more time to see Jane waving, a bittersweet smile on her face. As the cityscape faded in the distance, Annette felt a surge of anticipation and uneasiness for the trip she was going on with Mr McKenney.

Annette's heart raced as she stepped out of the car and entered the busy airport. She looked around nervously, looking for Mr. McKenney, but the driver informed her that they weren't flying business class, so he led her to the airport's first class section.

Annette forced a smile as they approached Mr McKenney, who was standing near the gate with a bunch of flowers in hand.

"Goldielocks!" As he approached her with a huge smile on his face, Mr. McKenney's voice carried over the gathering. He extended the bouquet, and she gratefully received it, the tightness in her shoulders increasing with each passing minute she was close to him.

"Thank you very much, Mr. McKenney. "It's great to see you," she murmured, her voice tinged with eagerness and trepidation.

He leaned in and kissed Annette on the cheek, which stunned her at first, but she didn't pull away. After all, it was part of the arrangement. "Please call me Hudson. I'm pleased that you arrived on time."

Annette's heart rate increased again as they approached the gate. She'd never liked flying, and this trip was no exception. She considered whether or not to share her fear with Hudson.

He seemed to perceive her anxiety at that precise moment. "Is everything alright, Annette?"

She paused for a beat before summoning the strength to speak. "I actually have a fear of flying, Hudson. I'm a little worried about the flight."

Hudson's expression softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on her arm. "Don't worry, Annette. I've got you covered. Flying can be intimidating, but I promise it's not as bad as it seems."

As they settled into their seats on the plane, Hudson continued to talk to her, distracting her from the anxiety creeping in which made her quite anxious. Why was he being so nice to her? Annette thought as she continued to listen to him. He shared funny anecdotes, talked about their destination, and even cracked a few light-hearted jokes. Annette found herself laughing, her fear slowly dissipating with each passing minute.

As the plane taxied down the runway, Annette's grip on the armrest tightened, and Hudson reached over to hold her hand. "Hey, look out the window. See those fluffy clouds? They're like a cosy blanket for the sky."

Annette peeked out and managed a small smile. "That's a nice way to think about it."

Before she knew it, the plane had levelled off, and the captain announced they were cruising at their flight level. Annette turned to Hudson, surprise in her eyes. "I... I actually feel better. Thank you for distracting me."

Hudson squeezed her hand and said, "You did great, Annette."