Chapter 7

Sabrina peered through the casement as the last remnants of home vanished, and second thoughts persisted. By coincidence, Tatum often traveled, and unlike Sabrina, enjoyed flying. More importantly, her parents had backed the decision to attend school abroad, and she didn't want to disappoint.

In the meantime, they eased anxieties by getting better acquainted. Unknowingly, Sabrina was cognitively and physically stout, but with Julia's guidance, had learned to conceal symptoms of the ascension. Otherwise, despite brief moments of clarity, she felt alone. In light of that, Sabrina frequently gazed into the tainted night, seeking the spirit that'd enveloped every thought. Whatever the case, Jennifer wouldn't disappoint, and honored her promise.

"How are we making out?"

"Not bad, all things considered." Sabrina countered.

"You know each other?" Tatum questioned.

"Kind of..." Jennifer returned, gazing upon Sabrina. "Can I get you anything?"

"Scotch neat." Tatum requested, giggling.

"And for you?"

Blushing, Sabrina chuckled.

"The same."

"I'll be right back." Jennifer asserted, crossing the aisle.

"She's an inquisitive one, isn't she?" Tatum declared.

"What are you talking about?"

Of course, she snickered.

"The eyes never lie."

On the spot, Sabrina laughed.

"Now, you sound like my father."

Soon after, Tatum acutely observed as Jennifer arranged a ruffled napkin under Sabrina's glass. In contrast, she didn't look initially and placed it on the armrest, so Tatum became curious and impatient.

"What are you doing?"

"What?" Sabrina wondered.

"Open it, and see what it says."

Instantly, she sat stunned as Tatum drew the napkin, and examined it.

"I bet there's a message."

Promptly, Sabrina reclaimed the serviette and returned it to the backrest. Then, sampling the drink, lips pursed and eyes squinted.

"Not a drinker, are you?" Tatum joked.

"Not actually."

Before long, Tatum retrieved a bag from the overhead compartment and opened it.

"In that case, why'd you order it?"

Sluggishly, Sabrina slumped deeper into the seat.

"I thought I'd feel older."

Slowly, Tatum twisted.

"Older...?" she expressed. "You can't be more than nineteen, twenty tops."

That said, she giggled and fixed.

"Thanks for the compliment."

Gradually, Tatum's eyes widened.

"How old are you?"

In mere moments, Sabrina chucked the last of the cocktail.

"Seventeen."

Again, Tatum stood shocked.

"Do you think the stewardess knows?"

Sabrina shrugged.

For the time being, she'd stand intrigued by Jennifer's mystique, though often perceived something more. On that premise, Sabrina seized the napkin and unfolded it.

"What's it say?" Tatum inquired, leaning in.

In no time, she'd peer towards the front of the cabin.

"See through the lies; truth is everywhere..." Tatum whispered, peering. "What does that mean?"

"It's something my mother often says..." Sabrina admitted. "But, how could she have known?"

"Strange way to make friends, don't you think?" she joked.

In time, Sabrina settled, but soon observed a bulky manila envelope protruding from Tatum's purse.

"What's this?"

Then and there, she slouched and displayed several documents.

"Admissions paperwork for Imperial University."

Lamenting, Sabrina gaped at the ceiling.

"That's why you're going overseas?"

"Yeah..." Tatum acknowledged. "To study Criminal Justice, why?"

"Marketing and Accounting."

Anxiously, she grinned.

"You're also attending Imperial?"

One after the other, she'd unveil identical forms.

"You could say that."

"Well..." Tatum continued, grouping papers. "Let's see what else we have in common."

Without haste, Sabrina leaned in and observed.

"No way...!" she announced. "Looks like we're going to be roommates!"

More and more, Sabrina eased and considered the arrangement.

"Seems like we're fated to meet, huh?"

Steadily, Tatum silently agreed.