Chapter Text
The gymnasium was filled. Nicole shifted in her seat as the boys soccer team ran out, she wasn’t all that interested in them. Not only had they failed in getting to nationals, but one of the boys had tried to trip her up earlier that day.
“Now, our next act needs no introduction. So let’s all just make some noise for your New Jersey State Girls’ soccer champions!” Music started playing as the team jogged into the room. She clapped along with it, cheering with the crowd. Honestly, she was super proud of the girls and her older brother for getting this far. “Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!” Her eye caught Ben’s and she grinned at him. Growing up, he had become more of a parent to her than their actual mother and father. She knew he needed this win. He had gone to every swimming competition she had ever been in, supporting her. Now it was her turn to support him.
The next day was flight day. Ben had driven by to pick her up early in the morning. She had barely slept last night, packing and unpacking her bags until her arms were sore. At six she was waiting on the front doorstep, pink and purple backpack sitting on top of her sticker covered case. Nicole didn’t eat breakfast in her excitement. Leaving New Jersey was a dream come true, even if it was for a short time.
Ben pulled up at around seven. He helped Nicole get her suitcase in the back of the car, and had handed her a protein bar as soon as she had her seatbelt in. “I’m not hungry.”
“Have you had any breakfast? Dinner?”
“I had…uhm, toast last night before bed.” He exhaled with a smile and dropped the bar on her lap. “You need to eat, Nicky.”
“Yes coach.” The siblings laughed together as the car started moving towards the airport.
Apparently Lottie’s dad was rich. Nicole shuffled to the side as she looked around with wide eyes. Her only thought was ‘whoa’. Ben took her backpack and shoved it in the overhead storage next to his bag. “I can’t believe your dad paid for a private plane.” Van commented, passing by Nicole. “It’s pretty much his only form of parenting. I guess I’ll take it.” Lottie replied, voice light. The pilot started talking as the team got comfy in their seats.
Nicole had been on a plane only once before to visit her grandparents, and that was at least seven years ago. She had been a child, distracted with colouring books when the plane started to move. This time there were no colouring books. Just her, Ben, and a bunch of people she didn’t really know. The team started to cheer as the plane began to move. Nicole joined in, nervously looking out the window as the ground became further away.
When the plane dropped, she thought it was normal. Turbulence was a very real and harmless thing, the pilot had mentioned storms earlier. But then it happened again. She twisted around in her seat to see if any of the girls were worried. Some seemed a bit confused, but most of them were asleep. Then the plane tilted downwards, and she knew something was wrong. They sped up, lights starting to flash as people woke up. There was screaming. Ben was trying to get the girl’s safe. Nicole reached up and pulled on an oxygen mask. Her breathing was growing erratic as she dared glance outside her window. Trees. Just trees. Trees getting closer and closer until-
Boom.