Page 51 of Fractured Future
I can just about see the shiny metal ankle joint of his leg sticking out of his trousers. He’s dressed smartly for the big reunion, but the Warner I know is far more at home in sweats or shorts.
“Still overwearing the prosthetic?” I watch him cringe.
“No.”
Hyland catches my eye across the jet and mouths the wordlie.I smirk back at him.
“Saw that,” Warner mutters.
“Don’t lie then, boss.”
“I’ll do as I damn well please.”
When the jet touches down, a seismic judder of nerves rattle through me. This private section of the airport appears quiet, blocked off by huge, slate-grey hangars and ground staff wearing hi-vis jackets.
After the jet finishes taxiing, the guys begin gathering their bags, waving off the attendants who rush to assist them. None of them seem comfortable with the private jet lifestyle. It feels like more of a necessity than a choice.
With nothing to carry, I check that the laces on the brand-new trainers I'm wearing are tight then work on stiffly lifting myself up again. My aching muscles and bruised body are humming with pain.
Familiar dizziness and a dull throbbing in my head accompany me as I slowly follow them to the front. Axel is vibrating with excitement while he waits for steps to be attached.
“First thing’s first, I’m gonna eat twelve of Mary’s bagels,” he announces. “Then take a fifty-hour nap before going back for another twelve bagels.”
“Fifty hours?” Hyland snorts.
“Dude, I was serious about missing my bed. I’m never leaving it again.”
“You have work to do.” Warner lingers behind them so I’m not alone. “I’ll allow you one bagel and a change of clothes.”
“One? That’s a human rights violation!”
“I’ll give you a human rights violation.” Hyland wraps a massive paw around Axel’s neck then squeezes. “Just keep whining like a little bitch.”
“Get off! I’m still on duty. If my knife slips into your ribcage, it’s a workplace accident.”
“Not when the boss overhears you plotting my death it isn’t, pup.”
“For the last time, choose a new fucking nickname!”
“Nah. You like it too much.”
The clank of steps being attached to the jet precedes the hostess opening the door. Hyland pushes past Axel to step out first, carrying two backpacks on his shoulders and a duffel in his hands.
Still grumbling, Axel follows with his laptop tucked under his arm and an equipment bag in hand. When it’s time for me to follow, I can’t seem to get my feet to respond.
Anxiety is worsening my ever-present headache, making me feel weak and unsteady. I don’t know if I’m ready for this. I’m struggling to hold it together.
“Em?”
“What if… He doesn’t recognise me?” I fret.
Warner spares me an assessing look. “You haven’t changed that much. The old hair’s kinda strange, but I’m used to it now.”
“I’m not talking about my appearance.”
“Then what?” Warner urges.
“It’s just… I’m not the same person I used to be. I’ve changed.”
