Forever and a Day (34 page)

“Xander! Should I do mouth to mouth?” She yelled.

“No, can you keep at it?” Pointing to her hands.

She gave him a nod and he quickly positioned Henry and gave him several mouth to mouths. He felt for a pulse and shook his head. “I’ll be right back; there is only one AED on board.”

She watched him jump up and head to the cockpit. She knew what he needed to ask, it was going to come down to Jorgen or Henry. With as much effort as she could she used everything she had to keep the compressions going.

Teuila came up to her, “Take a break Halo!”

She moved her hands away and Teuila took over compressions. She was panting hard from her exertions and she tried in vain to find Henry’s pulse. Next thing she knew the Captain was slowly kneeling down next to Teuila. He looked like he was in pain as he looked from Henry to her, then to Jorgen.

She watched the Captain check for Henry’s pulse, finding none he moved Teuila’s hands away, leaned over, and listened at Henry’s chest. That is when she noticed the Captain’s shirt was blood stained at his side.

He turned to Teuila and nodded to her; with a sad look, she got up and came back with a red blanket.

The Captain looked at Halo and sighed sadly, “Thank you for your effort Halo. I’ll have Xander check Henry one last time.”

She nodded to him, “Uh where is Xander?”

“He’s flying the plane.”

“Uh what?” She exclaimed with surprise.

Captain Charlie gave her a small smile, “Whoever hired him hit the jackpot, if it wasn’t for him we all would be gone. He explained he was some sort of EMT too, looks like he knows his stuff.”

Halo sat there dumbfounded and managed a meek, “And he’s a pilot too?”

Charlie nodded, “That too. Like I said, jackpot. Ok I have to address the passengers, could you please return to your seat?”

Halo nodded and watched as Teuila covered Henry’s upper half with a red blanket then she helped the Captain to his feet. Halo turned to go to her seat and she saw all eyes were on her, she met JJ’s eyes and gave her a nod. She found her seat and heard the Captain tell them their situation. She heard him tell everyone Xander had just saved all their lives. She spun her head towards Joel as he began yelling at the Captain.

“Who the fuck is flying the plane if the electronics are out?”

“Xander is at the controls…”

Joel’s screeching yell interrupted him, “What! That fucking actor is flying this tub of shit? Get your ass back in there right now!”

“Mr. Miller! Xander is an accomplished pilot,” he lied, “I need Teuila to attend to my injury and unless anyone else is a pilot?” He glared at an agitated Joel.

Halo saw Joel lean forward at the Captain straining his seatbelt, “You need to get this tin can on the ground right now!”

The Captain pointed at Joel and bellowed commandingly, “Mr. Miller, I will land MY plane as soon as I possibly can! You will stay seated and keep your mouth shut! Or, I will take action to make sure you stay in your seat and have you charged with interfering with a flight crew when we do land! Am I clear?”

Joel opened his mouth and thought better of it then turned away to look out of the window as his leg began quickly bouncing up and down.

Halo watched as the Captain and Teuila went back into the cockpit. She turned in time to see JJ sit down next to her.

“Are you ok?” JJ exclaimed as she squeezed Halo’s arm.

Halo grabbed JJ’s hand, “JJ! Oh my! I dreamt this last night!”

JJ’s eyes flew open wide, “What?”

“It was Xander in my dream after all! He was helping me just like he did here! Holy hell, this is all so surreal!”

“Wha—what else did you see?” JJ asked hesitantly.

Halo’s eyes widened and she paused, “I, uh lost him… he was falling and I jumped after him, he wouldn’t take my hand. He was so, so sad…”

“Ok I have the ‘Willies’ now, let’s hope that part is nothing.”

“No kidding! How the hell did he get to me? I think I was blacking out. The next thing I know I’m in my seat and I can breathe and Mystery man is helping me as we are in a dive.” She squeezed JJ’s hand hard, “Get this! After he gets my hair away… he just sits back and gives me a smile as if nothing in the world is wrong. If that shit isn’t the coolest move of the year he goes and saves all of our lives!”

“He must be your good luck charm!”

“No shit! I keep expecting to see a red cape pop out from under his shirt.”

“Crazy shit for sure. Hey what the hell is up with Joel? He doesn’t look very good. When you were doing CPR he was bitching Sarah out, I thought he was going to hit her or something because she was crying.”

“I know, he’s really out of sorts. We are all scared… I’ll try and watch him.” Halo said decisively.

“Be careful! You going to be ok up here alone?”

Halo gave her friend a smile, “I’ll see if my Mystery man will sit next to me.”

JJ stared at her friend for a long moment then patted her hand, “It will probably be the safest place on the plane.”

They hugged and JJ left for her seat leaving Halo alone to contemplate and wait for her Mystery man to come back out.

She did not have to wait long, their eyes met briefly then he kneeled down to Henry’s body and checked him one last time for a pulse. He covered Henry back up with a sigh. He stood up and looked at all the men on the plane then stepped into full view, “Pardon me, Doug? Would you please help me move Henry to the back of the plane please?”

She watched as Doug came up and shook Xander’s hand. Then they were gone with Henry to the back. She watched Xander return and check on Jorgen. She saw him talking to him and rubbing Jorgen’s shoulder. He covered him with his blanket and with a gentle pat he turned and hurried back up to the cockpit.

Joel’s bouncing leg caught her attention and saw a sneer on his face as he too was watching Xander, “Joel? What’s wrong? We are all scared here too!”

He shot her a glare, “I’m not scared of shit!” Then turned back to looking out of his window.

Halo could only stare dumbfounded at Joel’s deteriorating behavior.

Halo saw her Mystery man step out from the galley and hesitate as the clapping from all but Joel met him, she clapped as hard as her hand allowed and watched his face turn an adorable shade of red. She watched as he shyly said thank you. He turned and looked right at her and she felt butterflies come alive in her stomach.

Oh! She thought, he’s coming over. She offered him her best smile as he held out his hand to her, smiling, “Miss Raines, I’m Xander Kostinos. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”

She quickly unbuckled stood up and accepted his hand. She felt his warmth and his gentle grip; he must have seen her bruise she thought. For a long moment she enjoyed his touch, she had the biggest urge to just wrap her arms around him and hug him until he could not breathe. Instead, she brought her other hand over and set it over his and her own hand.

Xander felt the sublime softness of her skin on his hand, it was soft like a rose petal. She is not responding he thought, but he did not mind as his entire body was involved in the enjoyment of feeling her touch. A thought came to mind: He could stand there and stare into those lovely blue eyes, for forever and a day…

“Get a room already!” Doug called out laughing and was cut short by a smack to his arm from JJ.

Xander felt his face go red and saw Halo’s cheeks flushing pink as well. With a final gentle squeeze, she let go of his hand with both of hers.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too Xander, and please call me Halo! Please, if you can? Will you sit with me for a while?”

Xander smiled, “Sure! Let me check Jorgen again, ok?”

“Of course!” Halo said, “Do you need help?”

“I’m good.” He turned red again, “Uh, I got it, thanks.” He mumbled and stepped over and checked on the big man.

As Xander left to check Jorgen, she quickly applied some lip gloss and ran her hands through her hair and then swiftly adjusted her top. She then turned to watch him with Jorgen.

Xander thought Jorgen looked the same and the machine was showing green. Checking his pulse, it still felt rapid but stronger. He glanced back at Doug and got a wink. Xander felt his face get hot again. He turned back and went over to Halo and with as much grace as he could muster; he sat down and buckled up next to one of the most beautiful women on the planet.

Halo set her hand on his arm, “Xander, thank you again for everything you did for me, and us all.”

She squeezed his arm, and all he could see was her soft pink lips, so full and inviting. They were right there; she was leaning so close… a kiss but a heartbeat away. He cleared his throat as the feeling shocked him and without thinking blurted out, “I wasn’t doing much at the time, uh just hanging around. Figured what the heck?” He followed it up with a big smile.

Halo covered her mouth as she giggled. A sense of humor too? She thought, “Well good for us then!” She replied.

God that was stupid he thought to himself, he wanted to say he would have done anything and everything to save her. Maybe he should? What the hell, he decided. He leaned ever so slightly closer to her and looked from those oh, so kissable lips to the deep blue pools of her eyes, “Uh, what I really wanted to say was… uh as long as I’m here I promise I will do everything possible to help you.” He felt himself once again turn red, “I guess what I am trying to say is that you are not alone here.” He groaned, “Ok that really sounded corny…”

She listened as he stumbled out his words to her, so heartfelt and gallant? Yes! Gallant, she thought. A thought struck her heart: He likes me! Her butterflies were swarming in her belly now, “Oh my… not corny at all! Xander thank you, I—I don’t know what to say, I do feel better knowing you are here next to me… and I am having difficulty expressing my gratitude,” She laughed, “and for me being at a loss of words? That’s rare!” She laughed, covering her mouth and watched his green eyes. “Hey, could you do me a favor? Lean forward for a moment, I want to see something.” She replied with a silly grin.

“Oh, sure.” He leaned forward and watched her hand reach out then run up and down his back which sent pleasurable tingles thought out his body. It was difficult to not tremble or moan with pleasure. He then saw her forehead furrow, as if she was expecting something.

“Nope! I don’t see one…” She gently pushed his shoulder back towards the seat.

“See what?” He asked confused. What was she looking for? Although he wished she would look again…

“Oh? I was looking for your red cape, silly!” She giggled. Now that is corny she thought, but what the hell!

It was Xander’s turn to furrow his brow in confusion as he mouthed out the words ‘red cape’ then it hit him—he laughed and slapped his knee, “Red cape! Oh, that’s a good one! Ha! At best I am Clark Kent’s shoe shine boy!”

Teuila came up to them, “Sorry to interrupt… Xander, the Captain would like a word when you have a moment.”

“I’ll be right there Teuila.” Xander replied.

He turned to Halo and caught her staring at him, “Uh… Halo, I know what the Captain is going to tell me. I don’t want to alarm you…” He waited for a response from her and she gave him a serious look then a nod. “I don’t think we are going to make it to dry land. It’s going to be a water landing.” He watched her stiffen and he wanted to reach out to her, but thought it improper. Instead he leaned close to her, “Halo I will be right here next to you. If it is in my power, I promise I will not let anything happen to you. I don’t make promises that I can’t or won’t keep.” He saw her smile just a little and she set her hand on his arm again.

“Xander, thank you. That really does makes me feel better.” If he only knew how much, she thought. She felt him return her pat. She watched him unbuckle and with a nod, he got up and disappeared into the cockpit with Teuila.

She remembered her dream, and him falling into some dark depth, she looked at the Goosebumps standing up on her arm and shivered.

Halo kept peeking around and up towards the cockpit and eventually saw Xander at the controls once again. She watched as the Captain’s head came up from a hatch in the floor behind the pilot’s seats. Teuila leaned over and helped him out of the hatch. His look was grim as he shook his head at Teuila. She saw him speak with Xander and Xander was nodding. The Captain looked back and saw her peeking at him; he gave her a nod and shut the door.

She looked over to Jorgen and saw the light was green on the machine. He still looked very pale and was unconscious. She met JJ’s eyes and smiled at her. She wanted to warn her about what Xander said, but she decided against it, as he might be wrong.

She settled back into her seat and thought about her Mystery man… who was he really? Could it really be that he simply was an actor with some life skills? She recalled his resume and it was to the point. Obviously, he understated his abilities. He moved about like he was in control, she did not see one bit of fear on his face and that made her feel safe. She decided there was more to him that met the eye and if she had the time, she was going to find out all she could.

As soon as she finished that thought, Xander came out of the cockpit and closed the door behind him. As he came close she waved to him he smiled to her and kneeled down in front of the open seat. “Xander um, can you sit for a while?”

“I’d like that Halo. I’ll check on Jorgen then get my things.”

Halo watched him intently as he slid his bag under the seat next to hers; he really was a hot looking guy. His lips were full and looked soft… she realized her heart was hammering in her chest, she took in a deep breath to steady her nerves. Then he looked into her face and smiled with his green eyes sparkling at her.

She quickly recovered and blurted out in a whisper, “Can—can you tell me anything?”

He nodded, “Teuila is going to announce the water landing in a while. I’m to stay by her side, the Captain doesn’t trust Joel. He… uh, he would rather I take Joel out right now and cuff him. I talked him out of it… was it a bad choice?”

She saw the hesitation in his eyes, “I—I’m not sure. He is acting very strangely. What did the Captain want you to do to him?” She watched him sigh and shake his head slightly.

“He wanted me to just knock him out then take him back, gag and cuff him, said he seen people like him lose it. I was afraid I really might damage him, he’s so frail looking.”

Halo eyed him and noticed his well-defined bicep under his short sleeve polo shirt, “I think you made the right choice. Uh, Xander? You don’t seem afraid, aren’t you at least a little bit scared?”

He smiled. Scared shitless, he thought… scared for her and keeping his promise to her. “Sure, but I think the Captain has it well in hand. You seem to be holding up well.”

“I’m trying… you are quite the Mystery man.”

He smiled at her and she thought how sexy he looked. “Just a guy, Halo. Just a regular guy.” He laughed.

She watched him, as he replied and she felt his humility as well as saw it in his eyes. This man was no self-absorbed actor. He was confident but underplayed himself, if nothing else? That was so sexy… “I—I’m sorry I got you into this mess…” She said stumbling over her words.

He met her eyes and without thinking replied, “No place I’d rather be.” He saw her eyes widen and a soft knowing look gazed back at him.

“Xander? I’m ready to give the announcement.”

Xander spun his head to Teuila who was next to his seat, “Yes, right behind you!” He turned to Halo, “Wish us luck.”

“Good luck Mr. Mystery man.”

Halo watched as Xander stood right behind Teuila at the front of the aisle. Teuila began her announcement and Joel’s leg was bouncing rapidly. Halo had a bad feeling in her stomach as she watched from her seat.

Joel pointed his finger and raised his voice, “When is this tub of shit going to land?”

Teuila smiled nervously, “Mr. Miller if you will let me continue, I will explain our situation.” She peered over her shoulder to make sure Xander was close. “The Captain has sustained an injury and he thought it best me and Xander here give you our status.”

“Dammit! I want to see the Captain! This is fucking crazy, we don’t even know who this fucker is! If anyone should be in charge it better be me!”

“Mr. Miller, please let me continue. When I have finished I will see if the Captain can see you.”

“Fine! Hurry the fuck up already.”

Halo noticed Sarah’s body language and she was leaning as far away from Joel as possible. She felt like she should intercede, but she felt it was not her place so she continued to watch the scene unfold.

“Please prepare yourselves as I have bad news… the aircraft will not be able to reach land and we will be performing an emergency water landing within thirty minutes.”

“Nooo!” Joel screamed and Halo was shocked at the shrillness of his scream. He tried to stand up but his seatbelt held him fast and he began struggling with it.

She had enough, “JOEL! Please calm down!”
 

She saw him look at her; his eyes were wild, almost feral as he looked at her. His face was red and he pointed up towards Xander with a shaking finger and screamed, “This is his fault!”

She looked to Xander and saw him switch places with a nervous looking Teuila, “Mr. Miller, please calm down! We need to all work together here!”

Halo held her breath as she saw Joel finally unlatch his belt. Time seemed to slow again as she watched as Xander simply stood there looking relaxed. Joel suddenly lunged and saw his bony fist cock back as he lunged at Xander. She watched in anguished fascination as Joel threw his punch at the unmoving Xander. Her breath caught, sure Joel’s punch was going to connect.