Page 135 of Taeja

“It’ll be fine!” Nyla yelled so Damon and Taeja could hear her over the helicopter’s loud throttling. “Standing beside me is Javoy.”

Javoy waved his hand. “Hello, everyone.”

“You never got to meet him earlier because he was in the office. Anyway, Austin, your pilot, has fifteen years of experience and so many hours of flight time, we’ll never get started on the tour if I say the number. Now, we have you booked for an hour-long tour starting at six thirty. This is my favorite time slot because you get to see the sunset,thenthe stars. It’s going to be so beautiful, you’ll be begging Austin to make the tour longer.”

Taeja smiled. “You’re helping me to feel less nervous.”

Nyla smiled. “I’m so happy to hear that! Now, Javoy will go over the safety precautions with you, then we’ll introduce you to Austin.”

“Okay,” Taeja replied, looking at Javoy as he started talking. She hooked on to every word he said, and Javoy teased her about it as he walked them to the helicopter.

“First-timer nerves are completely normal. You said you’ve been on a plane before?” Javoy asked, and Taeja nodded.

“Then imagine you’re on a plane,” Nyla said. “But the doors are open and the breeze is hitting you from every direction. It’ll be fun, I promise.”

“I’m trusting you, Nyla,” Taeja said as Damon helped her into the helicopter.

Nyla chuckled as she watched Damon and Taeja strap themselves into the seat. “The only person you should trust now is Austin. Safe flight, guys.”

After Austin introduced himself, the helicopter started its ascent.

“Sas Crise!” Taeja swore, grabbing Damon’s hand. “Doh let mi go.”

“You’re fine,” Damon said, stroking his thumb over her knuckles.

“Why is it shaking like this?”

“It’ll be a smooth ride once we’re in the air,” Austin yelled from the front.

Taeja didn’t believe him. Lowering her voice so Damon could hear despite all the surrounding noise, Taeja said, “If I die, I want my ashes sprinkled—”

“Let’s not talk about death,” Damon interrupted. “Relax, gorgeous. Just close your eyes, and I’ll tell you when you can open them.”

Taeja nodded, using her free hand to adjust the earmuffs over her ears while closing her eyes tightly. The wind whipped her from every direction. Her body felt somewhat weightless as the altitude raised until finally… stillness.

“You can open them now,” Damon said.

Looking through the door to her right side, Taeja’s mouth dropped. “Wow.”

“Loving the view?” Austin asked.

“Yes!” Taeja squealed, her fear vanishing.

Austin chuckled. “Awesome. Relax and enjoy the ride.”

Taeja nodded, engrossed by the view below her. As the city dozed off, its breathtaking beauty became more apparent, setting the stage for the lively nightlife that was about to unfold. The trees appeared greener and more vibrant. The flickering lights seemed to extend infinitely, captivating Taeja’s attention with their ethereal glow. In this great big world, Taeja was so small.

“Do you want to put your feet out?” Damon asked.

“We can do that?” Taeja asked, smiling as they passed over the semi-circle-shaped hotel. Construction started before her summer break, and it was almost finished already. She couldn’t wait to visit.

“Yes,” Damon said. “Do you want to?”

Taeja looked at him. “I will if you sit with me.”

Damon smirked. “Is my fearless Taeja scared?”

She laughed and swatted at him. “Gweh nuh.”

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