“I'm gonna miss you chica.” Madison hugs me for like the eighth time. She and Aiden volunteered to drop me off at the airport this morning.

“I'm gonna miss you guys too.” I pout as I pull back from the hug. “Promise to come visit me in California this summer?” I question with a raised brow.

“Yeah no.” Madison shakes her head. “I'm not really a sunshine and sand type of girl.”

“Boo you Madison, you have to come. Even if it's only for a week.”

“We'll be there Spence.” Aiden speaks up, getting a sideways glance from his girlfriend.

“I didn't ask you to speak for me.” She snaps at him. He smiles.

“Yeah, but you're being a total bitch to your best friend right now.” Aiden retorts, not missing a beat. These two are so perfect for each other.

“I'm from New York, it's what we do.” Madison shrugs at Aiden then turns back to me. “We'll come for the fourth of July or something.” She throws out as she pulls me into another hug.

“Yay.” I say as we pull back, clapping my hands together. “You'll get to meet my parents, my brothers....and Lexy.”

“You're pushing it Spence.” Aiden chimes in. I chuckle because I know he's right. Lexy is the main reason Madison doesn't want to go to California. She's definitely the jealous type. She hates sharing.

“Fine.” I say and chuckle. “I love you guys. Don't have too much fun while I'm gone.” I tell them, pulling them both into another hug.

“All this hugging is making me feel like a total chick right now.” Aiden says, squirming out of my grasp.

“Aw, you love it.” I pull him back in.

“You should go before we kidnap you and you miss your plane.” Madison says in a serious tone. Yeah, she's not joking right now.

“Okay, okay.” I say quickly. Giving them both a chaste kiss on the cheek and scurrying off into the airport.

“We love you!” They shout to my retreating figure, causing people to turn and stare at them. I shake my head and giggle and them.

–

“Fancy seeing you here.” A raspy voice says, causing me to look up from my book.

“Oh my God, um... Ashley right?” I stand and smile as she nods.

“Spencer.” She points and returns the smile.

“What are you...” I trail off, realizing the question I was about to ask her was none of my business.

“The gig we had tonight got canceled so we're heading back early.” She answers anyway.

“Cool.” I reply nodding.

“Um... I think that's my seat.” She points to the seat on the side of me next to the window.

“No way.” I shake my head and smile as she shows me her ticket.

“13B.” She reads the ticket. “Must be fate.” She adds, putting her suitcase in the bin above us before squeezing in next to me.

“Must be.” I mumble as she sits down.

“So, Spencer.” She pauses, grabbing my book out of my hand. “The Great Gatsby.” She reads the cover page and smiles as she looks back up at me.

“It's a classic.” I shrug and take it back from her.

“I bet.” She nods.

“It was either this or my visual photography book and I'm so tired of school right now that--”

“Say no more.” She throws up a hand, cutting me off. “It's the end of the year, summer time. Are you going back to California to live it up, Spencer?” She asks, staring at me intently.

“Not really.” I chuckle and shake my head. “Visiting family and friends.”

“Oh! So you're a Cali girl then?” I nod. “I should have known.” She says with narrowed eyes.

“And why's that?” I question with a raised brow.

“You're more laid back then all the other people I met at that party last night... And a lot tanner.” She adds after a moment.

“I um...” I trial off trying to hide my flushed cheeks.

“It's a compliment Spencer.” She smiles. “Just go with it.” She adds.

“Where's your band?” I ask looking around us.

“They're coming on a later flight. I had some things to take care of in California.” She explains as I turn back to face her. “You afraid to be alone with me Spencer?” She questions with a raised brow and a smirk.

“Technically we're not alone.” I retort with a smile.

“Right.” She nods, turning around in her seat. “Well, I promise I won't bite.” She says as the flight attendant begins to speak on the microphone. “You know...” She adds after a moment. “Unless you want me to.” My eyes widen a bit as I turn my head slightly to face her. I can see the smirk on her face, but she keeps her eyes forward.

I bite the corner of my lip as I ferociously think of something to talk to her about. What are the odds of her being on the same flight, in the seat right next to mine? Okay it may just be coincidence but really, the circumstances are a bit too far fetch to allow me to think this. I lick my lips in search for words. Devastated at my lack of vocabulary when it comes to this perfect stranger I remain silent.

“So the Gatsby, is he really great?”

I snort out a laugh then internally berate myself for snorting. Think of something clever Spencer, you can do this.

I clear my throat and nod. “Yup, the greatest.”

Fail.

Really? Really Spencer?

The sound of her laughter eases my embarrassment and I can’t help but smile at the look she’s giving me. I nervously rub the back of my neck as we sit in the extremely lovable awkward silence. Her raspy chuckle causes my eyes to snap in her direction.

“You’re really bad at this.”

I tilt my head a little confused. “Bad at what?”

“Keeping conversation.”

I put on my best face as I try to act cool. Imperative word...try. “Maybe I just don’t want to talk to you.”

“Oh, you want to talk to me.” She replies quickly and smoothly. A smirk appears at her lips as I shrink a little in my seat. Did she get closer or are these airplane seats getting smaller?

“How can you be so sure?”

All my words trip over each other as I stare into her dark brown eyes. She’s right, I am bad at this.

I need to shake this off. I clear my throat and readjust myself. Preparing myself to counter anything she comes at me with.

She shrugs nonchalantly. I watch as she licks her lips and it has to be the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. Focus Spencer!

“Do you normally remember people you don’t want to talk to?”

I smirk as I lean closer. She freezes and it seems my new found confidence has caught her off guard.

“Well I guess you got me there but can you blame me? You’re pretty unforgettable.”

She chuckles and looks away for a minute. I take this as my chance to continue to turn up my charm.

“Seriously.” The tone of my voice gets a little huskier and it grabs her attention quick. “The second I laid my eyes on you…” I close my eyes purse my lips blowing out a soft stream of air and gently shake my head to emphasize my astonishment.

Once I open my eyes I see her arched eyebrow and soft smirk.

“I’m waiting.”

I chuckle lightly at the fact that she seems unfazed by my attempt to be smooth.

“Don’t worry I’m worth it.”

“I’m sure you are.”

“This is your Captain speaking, ladies and gentleman, welcome aboard flight 327 to California.” The Captain comes on the intercom, breaking up the staring contest we were having. “We are looking at clear skies and temperatures right around 72 degrees. The flight will be approximately five hours and forty four minutes. Let's see if we can get you there in five and a half. Flight attendants please take your seats for take-off. We're second in line and will off the ground in about two minutes.

As the plane rolls into position for take off, I inadvertently grab a hold of Ashley's hand thinking it was the arm rest.

“Sorry.” I duck my head, immediately pulling away my hand.

“If you wanted to hold my hand, all you had to do was say so.” She tells me with a smirk, grabbing my hand in hers. My breath hitches as I try desperately to contain myself. I know she can feel how clammy my hands are and that only adds to my embarrassment. “You don't fly much, do you?” She turns and asks with a smile.

“No.” I shake my head, returning the smile.

“It's okay.” She nods, tightening the grip on my hand. “There's only like a tenth of a percent of a chance that we'll crash.” She shrugs and turns back around in her seat.

“Yeah...” I pause and shake my head. “Nope, that doesn't make me feel better.” I add and she chuckles.

“I tried.” She laughs with me.

“We are now ready for take off.” The Captain comes on the intercom once more and says. I take a deep breath, preparing myself for what was about to happen. No matter how many times I fly, I can never get used to it.

“It's gonna be fine, Spencer.” Ashley leans over and whispers in my ear. Yeah, if that was supposed to calm me down...it didn't work. The raspy tone of her voice and her breath tickling my ear only sent shivers down my spine, making my heart beat even faster. “I'm right here and I promise I won't let anything happen to you.” She adds and oddly, I find comfort in her words. My heart slows as I finally release the breath I was holding.

“We are now cruising at maximum altitude.” Is announced over the intercom. Ashley finally releases my hand, much to my dismay.

“Thank you.” I turn to her and say softly.

She shrugs as a smile appears at her lips, “My pleasure.”

“So, how long have you been into music?” I turn to her and ask. I can tell she's taken aback by my question, not because of the nature of the question but because I asked it in the first place.

“Look at you.” She tilts her head in my direction, hardly able to contain her smile. “Fast learner aren't we?”

I shrug. “I guess.” I reply with a smile.

“Since I can remember.” She replies nonchalantly as she stares out the window. “I can't remember a time when I didn't love music. What about you?” She turns back to me and asks. “When'd you get into photography.” She nods her head towards the camera on the floor in front of me. A small smile escapes my lips as I reminisce in the memory of my first camera. The first picture I ever took. “I was twelve years when I got my first camera. It was a little cheap disposable camera but I loved it. I used up all my film within the first thirty minutes of having it.” I chuckle at the thought. She smiles, completely drawn to my story and I can tell she wants me to continue. “When my parents took me to get the film developed they realized how good the pictures were and um... I guess the rest is history.” I shrug.

“Wow.” She breathes out. I nod and smile.

“When you learn to play the guitar?”

“Seven.” She replies quickly. “I'm a fast learner too.” She adds with a smile.

–

“It was nice sitting next to you Spencer.” Ashley says as we exit the plane.

“Likewise.” I reply with a smile. “Did you wanna walk out together?”

“I would love to but I have some stuff I need to do first and I don't wanna hold you up.”

“Okay cool.” I nod and turn to walk away.

“Wait Spencer.” She stops me.

“Yeah?” I turn back to her.

“You dropped this.” She picks up my book, handing it to me with a smile. Not exactly what I was hoping for.

“Thanks.” I reply, forcing a smile.

“Maybe I'll see you around.” She says before walking away in the opposite direction. I sigh as I stuff my book in my bag and head to the baggage claim to grab my other two bags. After grabbing my bags I headed to pick up to meet with Lexy.

“Oh my God bitch. I feel like it's been forever.” Lexy says as she pulls me into a hug.

“Hey Lex.” I smile and hug her back. “I missed you too.”

“Next year we are not doing this. You're coming home for at least one holiday, got dammit.” She says firmly as she takes one of my suitcases from me, lifting up the handle to roll it.

“Okay mom.” I reply sarcastically, shaking my head at my friend as we exit the airport.

“Looks like you're gonna get to meet my girlfriend tonight after all.” Lexy says as she replies to a text message on her phone.

“I thought you said she had a gig out of town or something.”

“I guess they finished early or something, either way she's coming to my house later and I want you to meet her, end of story.”

“How come you've never told me her name Lex?” I turn to her and ask, wondering why I've never pondered this before.

“It adds to the mystery that is her.” She replies with a shrug.

“You're such a weirdo.” I shake my head and chuckle at my friend as we head to her car.

We drive the short trip to my house and I'm immediately greeted by both my brothers as I exit Lexy's car.

“Spencer!” Glen shouts as he scoops me up in his arms. “I'm missed you little sis.” He says, spinning me around.

“I missed you too, Glen.” I chuckle as he puts me on the ground.

“Hey there Spence.” My brother Clay decides on a more appropriate greeting for a twenty-two year old boy.

“Hey, Clay.” I smile and hug him.

“Let's not go another nine months without a visit, okay?” He says as he pulls back.

“Preach Clay!” Lexy throws her hands towards the sky and says. We all chuckle at her as we head into the house.

“Where's mom and dad?” I question, flopping down on the couch. That plane ride really wiped me out.

“You know mom...” Glen trails off with a shrug.

“Working then.” I finish his sentence.

“She wanted to take off Spence, but she just couldn't the hospital was swamped today.” Clay defends her.

“And dad?” I question.

“He's coming back in town later tonight.”

“Great.” I sigh, putting my feet up on the table.

“You don't think you're sitting in the house all night do you?” Lexy asks, hoping over the back of the couch, taking a seat between Glen and I.

“What?” I whine out. I really just wanna lay in my bed all night.

“You are not spending your first night back in California cooped up in your room all night Spencer, I refuse to allow it.” Lexy shakes her head.

“Lex, I really don't feel li--”

“Glen talk some sense into your sister please.” Lexy throws out. I go to stand, but she pulls me back down.

“Leeeex.” I whine out. I really just wanna have amazing, mind blowing, earth shattering...sleep... in my bed right now.

“Come on, I'm taking you out.” Lex says, getting up and pulling me up with her.

“I seriously just wanna go lay down.” I tell her with a unamused look on my face.

“Well that's seriously too damn bad.” She says pulling me towards the door. “We're going to In and Out.” She throws back over her shoulder to my brothers. They both quickly follow behind us.

“In and Out?” I turn to her and ask as I perk up, now supporting my own body weight.

“Mhm.” She nods and smiles. She knows how I feel about In and Out. It's my guilty pleasure.

I'm not so sleepy anymore.

--

Chapter title- 2pac - California Love