117 - You Got A Friend In Me

Once they arrived in Denver, they all disembarked. This allowed the crew to take a break and the rest of the passengers to spend some extra time together before having to say their goodbyes.  Now, here they were sitting in the VIP’s lounge waiting to board for their trek back to Jersey. The kids were sitting in the corner playing on some sort of electronic device. Carol and John were chatting with Cara while Jon and Matt discussed business. David was busy tinkering on his laptop, and Tico was talking on the phone. Hugh and Bobby had wandered off to who knows where. That left Ariana and Richie to sit and catch up.

 

“So, you and Andi?”

 

“Yeah. Funny, isn’t it? Who knows where it’s going, but for now, it’s going good.”

 

“Don’t rush it, let it ride.”

 

“You know me, I’m good at fucking things up.”

 

“No, you’re not. You just think with the wrong head sometimes.”

 

“Yeah, that too. Pregnancy looks good on you, Bella. It’s nice to see you happy.”

 

“Are you saying I look good fat?” she teased.

 

“No. I’m saying you’re glowing, and it looks good.”

 

“Thanks. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m thrilled this,” she patted her belly. “Happened.”

 

“You will make a wonderful mother. Watching you with Jon’s kids, you look like a pro already.”

 

“Well, I don’t know about that.”

 

“Why not? They all seem to like you and have adjusted. Well, that’s what it looks like from my view.”

 

“Not all of them. Jake and I still need some time. I know he’ll come around when he’s ready. At least, that’s what Jon keeps saying.”

 

“What do I keep saying?” Jon joined their conversation.

 

“We are talking about Jake.” Ariana reached for his hand and stood.

 

“Ah, yes, in time, he will. Speaking of time, it’s time to go.”

 

Standing himself, Richie pulled her in for a hug. “Take care of yourself, Bella.” He kissed the top of her head. “And take care of my niece in there too. I’ll see you soon.”

 

“I will, if you promise to take care of him for me.” She nodded at Jon.

 

“That, my dear, will be harder than you think. You of all people know what a grouch he can be when he doesn’t get....”

 

“Goodbye Uncle Mookie.” Stephanie interrupted them.

 

“Goodbye, Princess. It was good to see you. Behave yourself.”

 

“I will. Goodbye Daddy. Thanks for letting us come spend time with and Ari. I love you.” She hugged her father.

 

“Bye, princess. I’ll call you every day. And be good for your mother, will ya?”

 

“I will. See ya on the plane, Ari.” The young woman turned and left them.

 

“C’mon I’ll walk you to the plane. Be right back, Rich.”

 

“Take your time, man. Ciao Bella.” Richie gave her one last squeeze and left them to their goodbyes.

 

Walking towards the plane Jon rounded up the rest of gang. One by one, he said goodbye, telling each of them how much he loved them and would talk to them every day. When it was Jake’s turn, he pulled him aside so Ariana couldn’t hear them. 

 

“Hey buddy, I need a favor?” He placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder.

 

“Sure, Dad. What?”

 

“It’s a big one and I’m counting on you.”

 

“You can always count on me, Dad. Just tell me.”

 

“You know how Ari is afraid of flying?” the boy frowned. “I need you to make sure she’s okay when you guys’ take-off.”

 

“Why can’t Stephanie or Jesse do it? Better yet, Romeo, he likes her the most.” the boy huffed.

 

“Because I’m asking you. It would mean a lot to me and to Ariana.”

 

Sighing, he shook his head. “She was fine flying here.”

 

“That’s because I was sitting next to her. And she doesn’t like to let people know she's scared.”

 

“I’m not sitting next to her.”

 

“Jacob...”

“Dad! I will watch her, but you can’t make me sit somewhere I don’t want to. It’s all I can promise.” With that the boy started to turn away.

 

“Jake.” Jon reached for his son. “That’s all I’ll ask then. Now come give me a hug.”

 

The boy rolled his eyes at his father and hugged him. Then bounded up the stairs of the plane, leaving his father, Ariana, and his grandparents. Thanking his parents for all that they did, he shook his father’s hand and hugged his mother.  Once they made it safely up the stairs, he turned his attention back to Ariana. Placing both his hands on either side of her belly he gently caressed in small circles.

 

“I’ll miss you two.” 

 

“We’ll miss you too.”

 

“Behave yourself.” He lifted a finger and waggled it at her. “Don’t do too much. And call me from the doctor’s office.”

 

Ariana pressed her lips to his and silenced him. They kissed softly for a moment before both pulling away together. Crossing her pinking over her heart, she held it out, waiting for him to do the same. Locking them together, they both declared their love one last time, one last kiss, he watched as she climbed the stairs. Once she reached the top, she turned to look at him and smiled.

 

“Call me as soon as you land.” he called out to her.

 

“I will.” She turned and disappeared into the plane.

 

♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱

 

From across the aisle, Jake watched Ariana out of the corner of his eye. Her legs rapidly twitched up and down, and she clung to the arms of her seat that he could see her knuckles turning white. Hearing his father's voice over and over in his head, I’m counting on you. He unclasped his seatbelt, crossed the aisle, and took the empty seat next to her.

 

He tapped her shoulder when she didn’t hear him the first time. “Ari.”

 

Removing her headphones, she turned to see Jake was sitting next to her. “Hey.”

 

“Hey.” he whispered. “Is there anything I can do?” he shrugged. “Yanno to help?”

 

“What do you mean?” Her legs had stopped, and she was no longer holding onto the seat arms.

 

“Dad told me.” he smiled. “What does he do to help? Maybe I can do it?”

 

“He sings. And holds my hand. But you don’t have to any of that if you don’t want to.”

 

Hesitantly, he reached for her hand and took it in his. “It’s okay. I want to. Just as long as I don’t have to sing one of his songs.”

 

Ari let out a chuckle that made him smile. “Deal.”

 

Vicky’s voice echoed throughout the cabin as the plane slowly began its descent along the runway. And like he promised her and his father, Jake never let go of her trembling hand. At the sound of the engine's roar, Ariana squeezed her eyes shut and let out a long-bated breath. Leaning back against his seat, Jake moved closer so that she could hear him and began singing the first song that came into his.

 

You’ve got a friend in me

 

At the sound of the young boy’s gentle voice, Ariana opened her eyes and turned her head towards him. Though his song choice was not one she had expected, it made her smile. 

 

You’ve got a friend in me

When the road looks rough ahead

 

She gasped when the plane jumped, but Jake just squeezed her hand tighter and continued to sing for her.

 

And you're miles and miles from your nice warm bed

Just remember what your old pal said

You’ve got a friend in me

Yeah, you’ve got a friend in me.

 

Just as he finished the last chorus, the plane had leveled off and Ariana breathed a sigh of relief. Bringing their joined hands to her lips, Ariana placed a kiss atop of his hand. The boy gave her a puzzling look, slipped his fingers from hers, and rested his hand in his lap.

 

“Thank you, Jake. It really means a lot to me that you did this.”  

 

“You’re welcome. Can I ask you something?”

 

“Sure.”

 

“Are you always afraid?” 

 

“Yup, and I have been for a long time. Mostly on take-off. Though sometimes landing. Depending on the pilot.”

 

“But you fly all over the world.”

 

“I know.  Funny, isn’t it?”

 

“I guess so.” he shrugged.

 

Ariana reached into the bag and withdrew her phone. Curling one leg under the other, she swiped her thumb across its screen. Vicky’s voice told them they could move freely about the cabin, but Jake didn’t move, instead he peered over to see what Ariana was doing. Turning her phone so he could see, he smiled and showed her his.

 

Angry Birds.

 

“You too?” He nodded at her phone.

 

“Oh. God. Yes. I’m addicted.”

 

“Yeah, me too. Dad hates it.”

 

“Yeah, well, he doesn’t know what he’s missing.”

 

The boy chuckled at her response. Could it be that he was wrong about her? Would it be such a bad thing if she turned out to be really cool, and nice? His Dad really loved her, and she loved him. 

 

“Any way’s he wouldn’t be good at it.”

 

“Ain’t that the truth? He doesn’t have the patience.” Shaking her phone, Ariana let out a growl.

 

“Neither do you.”

 

“I do so. It just... I’ve been stuck on this level for like forever.”

 

Jake set his iPod in his lap and held out his hand. “Here let me, see?” He waited for her to hand over her phone. Ariana watched as he calmly made his way through her level, then handed her back her phone.

 

“Thanks.”

 

“No probs.”

 

For the next three hours, the two played and chatted, slowly bonding. Who knew Ariana’s fear of flying and love for Angry Birds would bring them closer together...