Holy City
Cecilia Kavanagh
Holy City
Copyright © 2009 by Cecilia Kavanagh
All rights reserved.
Illustration: Copyright © 2009 by Cecilia Kavanagh
All rights reserved
Cover design by Cecilia Kavanagh
Author’s Notes: I wanted to thank you personally for purchasing or downloading this e-book. It means so much to me that someone would want to read my words, whether or not you bought it, downloaded it for free, or had it given to you by a friend as a recommendation. That last one especially makes me grateful. This short story is for anyone who has encouraged my writing, whether it was verbally or by doing something that made me want to write. I love you all!
Holy City
“I'm Shane.” He had been watching the shaking girl next to him for a good 20 minutes. She didn't respond, but continued to tap the chair's armrest with her nails anxiously. He paused―had she not heard him? But how could that have been? He had spoken in a perfectly clear voice, hadn't he? He cleared his throat and tried again. “I'm Shane.”
Her emerald eyes jumped to his. “Oh.” She commented blankly, startled and unaware that he had been talking to her the first time. His mouth crinkled into a small smile and he waited expectantly, but for what, she didn't know. Oh! It dawned on her―her name. “I'm not supposed to talk to strangers.” She lied primly. Now, he threw his head back and laughed―a full and loud sound. She crossed her arms, not seeing the humor in the situation.
“Which explains why you're on a plane, all by yourself.” He stated, not even bothering to pose it as a question as he folded his hands under his chin to watch her studiously. She shifted under his intense stare. “I told you my name was Shane. We're not strangers. Or at least, I'm not a stranger. You, however, have yet to give me your name, which makes you the stranger in this scenario.” He pointed out.
She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. “Avareigh.” She snapped grudgingly. He raised one eyebrow. “My name is Avareigh.” She bit out, clearly not happy with the situation, and he nodded in comprehension. Shane settled back in his seat, somewhat satisfied with her answer.
“We're not strangers anymore Avareigh. Why are you going to Boston?” He asked curiously. It was her turn to raise an eyebrow.
“Oh, is that where I'm going? I didn't know.” Shane thought she might have been being facetious, but her face held no mocking note nor did her eyes have that glint that others had when they were being sarcastic, no, her expression was blank.
“How do you get on a plane and not even know where you're heading?” He asked incredulously. She shrugged, recalling how she had tripped into the airport terminal, tears streaming down her face and demanding a ticket to anywhere.
“I'm sure plenty of people do it when they don't care where they end up.” She said coolly, shrugging again. Shane shook his head in disbelief. “I don't care where I end up as long as it's not here.” She added bitterly.