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10| Identities and Information (pt. 2)
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Witness 11| Flight (pt. 1)
Here's the thing about the witness protection program that I didn't think about prior. You get your documents and a new identity, but you still look the same. Sure, they gave me some highlights and a new style, but essentially I still looked like Emery Starr, and that's why I felt a constant pang of paranoia. I was confused at first why we didn't take a private plane, but Jaxon assured me that they used commercial flights to blend in. We had new ID's and nobody would be looking for a Skyler Finley or a Mason Walker. I was fine with all of this, and despite my paranoia I felt calm as we made our way through security and onto our plane.However, the minute Jaxon left my side to go to his seat near the back of the plane, I felt eyes on me. It was probably nothing, but I kept thinking about Chief's words. The line of followers that this particular mob leader had created was extensive, and they could be anywhere. Comforting, right? I settled down into my window seat and waited anxiously
Witness 12| Flight (pt. 2)
Finally, the flight attendant's voice flooded the cabin and Jaxon immediately released my hand. They went through their safety demonstration as we began taxing towards the runway. I didn't have it in me to pay attention even though I didn't fly often— I had too much on my mind and felt like I could fall asleep at any moment. Jaxon and I remained seated in comfortable silence until we were in the air. I was staring out the window, looking at the city structures become smaller and smaller; my old life becoming farther and farther away. "I know you're probably tired, but let's review some of our information quick for when we get off the plane. At least the basics," Jaxon stated, breaking me away from my somber thoughts. We were speaking so quietly nobody would hear us even if they tried to listen in. I nodded, "That’s a good idea." Although I agreed, my mind felt fried and I doubted I'd be able to cover a lot before actually falling asleep. "What's your name?" Jaxon started on the q
Witness 13| New Normal (pt. 1)
Grabbing our luggage and making it to campus was a smooth process. Jaxon had ordered me to stay close to him at all times— a relief because the perv from the plane tried to stand by me at baggage claim until he took note of Jaxon. He was quick to step between us, acting as a wall so that Brennan wouldn't be able to see me behind his large frame. It was nice to see Jaxon in action, not that Brennan was anything like the people I needed real protecting from.I felt a little bad that Jaxon had to grab most of the suitcases since my arm was in a sling, but again, he was a huge guy so I figured he'd be fine.Our trip from the airport was mostly silent, as the only conversation that happened was when Jaxon would bark orders at me or fill me in on safety protocols. I tried my best to understand everything he was saying, but I really only got it after he broke it all down. I didn't need to know all of the technical aspects of it anyway. I was thinking about everything Jaxon told me as we ma
Witness 14| New Normal (pt. 2)
I opened up my suitcase and sorted out my new clothes into piles. I knew hanging my clothes up would be a task because of my sling, and making my bed would be almost impossible. Still, I figured I could get Hannah to help me when she got home from work. I had just started attempting to rip open my comforter set when there was a knock on my door.I turned to see Jaxon standing in my doorway. His brow furrowed as he took in my surroundings. "You know you really should keep your door locked."Shit. I completely forgot to lock it after Hannah left. "Did you need something?" I asked with a sniff. I didn't mean to be rude to him, I just didn't have the energy to hide how I was feeling."No, I actually came to see if you needed some help unpacking, given that your arm is injured. I can leave though if you want me to," he started to shut the door. "No wait!" I called. He stopped immediately. "I could use some help with my bed." It was true, I definitely did need help making my bed, but I al
Witness 15| Whiplash
Waking up the next morning, I felt a lot of things. I was still scared and emotionally taxed from the events of the last two days, I was physically sore from the whiplash and gunshot wound, I was nervous about beginning my new life, I missed my dad and friends, and surprisingly, I was excited to see Jax again. I looked over to Hannah's lofted bed, noting she was still sleeping. I pulled my phone out from under my pillow and lit up my screen.God, my body hurt so bad. I felt like I got hit by a truck. I didn't know how easily I'd be able to get down from my bed when I could barely even move my arm. I figured it would probably loosen up throughout the day like it did yesterday, but as of now, I felt absolutely terrible. Just then, before I could send anything, my phone lit up with a text from Jax: Mason: what's your plan for today? Well good morning to you too, I thought. Skyler: I think Hannah wanted to show me around campus- she mentioned last night maybe going to a coffee shop?
Witness 16| Coffee Bean
When I entered my room again, I saw Hannah sitting up on her bed. "Good morning," I greeted. "Morning roomie!" She replied, stretching out her arms. "Was someone else in here? I thought I heard whispering." "Oh um... yeah. Mason came over for a second to bring me some ibuprofen." She nodded in understanding. "Well that was nice of him; Is it for your arm?"I just nodded, contemplating offering up information, but I chose not to unless she asked."Can I ask what happened?" She pressed.I was so grateful to have asked Jaxon what to tell her. "Old sports injury. I just had surgery to correct it but I'm feeling super sore today." I made my way over to the futon, sitting down since I couldn't get back up on my bed. "Oh gottcha. Are you still up to seeing the campus today? I can show you where your classes are and the coffee shop- nothing too crazy today since you don't feel well." "That sounds great! Would you mind if Mason and his roommate Blake tag along? He's new here too and ment
Witness 17| Moving Forward
The rest of the campus tour was okay. Hannah had done a nice job of showing us the ins and outs of this place, and I felt confident that Jax and I would be able to find our classes with ease tomorrow. Besides, we had the same class schedule so if I forgot, I was sure Jax would be able to get us there. As the tour progressed, I found myself opening up a little more to Blake and Hannah; they were both nice and outgoing, which made it easy for me to make small talk with them. Jaxon, on the other hand, remained silent. I wasn't sure what killed his mood, but he really wasn't being very social, and I found myself growing irritated by him.Hannah had said that she had an assignment she wanted to finish up, so she dipped from the tour early and headed to the library while Blake, Jax, and I walked back to our dorm. It felt kind of awkward with the three of us after Hannah left, and I really didn't like it. It was like cold, professional Jaxon was here for no reason after he was being so nic
Witness 18| First Days
The first few days went by without a hitch. Jaxon and I were actually becoming fairly good friends. I found out that he really wasn't the hard-ass that I had made him out to be in the beginning, and he actually could be pretty funny when he wanted to be.Hannah and I also were becoming closer. We hadn't yet had a weekend together, but we sat together during class and we did have the occasional movie night in our dorm. I hadn't really seen too much of Blake since the coffee shop, and I was okay with it. Don't get me wrong, I liked Blake a lot but I also didn't want any more awkward tension with Jax and I because of the whole "you can't date my roommate" conversation.I also was learning that although my situation was pretty awful, I did have a lot to be thankful for. First of all, California was gorgeous, and each day walking the beautiful campus provided me with more things to love about the school. In addition, thus far, I was actually feeling like I would enjoy my classes... with t
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