14. Chapter 13
Chapter 13
SHYLOH
“I think this will be amazing! I called yesterday and got it all set up for you. The lady on the phone said the retreat is designed to help you strengthen your mind and body,” Lenna explained to me while I took a bite of my burger.
“Fine, but I don’t need any help with my mental state.”
She scowled at me. “Your mother has been calling you every thirty minutes to check on you, Shy. You need to go do this.”
I knew Lenna was right. It had been months since the accident, and I was finally able to walk and do basic life skills again. Yet, everything about me was different. It was as if this dark luminous cloud hovered over me all the time. I couldn’t play football. I could barely watch any sports since the accident. My whole life's work ended with one play.
“Okay, Lenna. What time is my flight and what do I need to bring?”
She smiled, clapping her hands and eyeing her husband on the couch. “We already packed all your things, and your flight leaves tonight.”
I dropped my burger. “I’m sorry—you said tonight? It’s one o’clock in the afternoon.”
Conrad looked over at me and smirked. “Yeah, so when you’re done eating, we’re gonna take you to the airport.”
“Wait a damn minute. Just—just wait. You both scheduled this, prepped everything and now I’m being forced on a plane to go?”
Lenna stood and leaned over the table, pointing her finger at me. “Yes, now get your ass up and let’s go. You have a plane to catch.”
“But—I’m not even finished eating!”
“Don’t be a crybaby. You can eat a snack when you get there.”
***
The announcer came over the intercom saying, “Boarding flight 227 to Las Vegas.”
“I can’t believe this,” I groaned out loud to no one in particular as I sat in a chair at my gate. Lenna and Conrad had booked a mental health retreat for me because I was ‘too depressed.’ Could you blame me for being a little sad and not wanting to do anything?
I knew I wouldn’t get out of this, so I just sucked it up.
Last call for flight 227 to Las Vegas.
I looked at the gate and took one last breath before I trudged onto the plane. I had a few people who did a double take as I walked onto the plane, but I looked slightly different since the accident. My facial hair had grown out, my hair was longer, and I boasted a few scars around my neck from the surgery. But if you looked at me close enough, you could tell it was me.
I looked at the last available seat next to an older woman. “Excuse me, is this seat taken?”
She smiled and shook her head. “Nope. It’s reserved for you.”
I chuckled, placing my bag in the overhead bin before sitting down next to her.
“Hi, I’m Shyloh,” I said to her.
She reached out her hand and shook mine. “Donna. Nice to meet you.”
I leaned back in the chair, buckling my seatbelt and listening to the flight attendant’s instructions.
“So, what is bringing you to Las Vegas? Big party trip?” she asked me, and I laughed, turning to look at her. She had bright white hair pulled back with a clip, and soft blue eyes with wrinkles bunched around when she smiled. I was willing to bet that she has had an amazing life.
“Well. Long story short, my friends thought I was too sad, so they booked me a retreat to hike the Grand Canyon.”
Her mouth dropped open. “No way. I am, too! Relaxed and Renewed?”
I giggled. “Yep! That’s the one. ”
She clapped her hands together and beamed. “Oh, this is going to be such a great trip. I went on one a few months ago and I just had to come back. The woman that leads the retreat is just an absolute gem.”
“That’s good to know. I need someone who can be nice to me, I’m around way too many assholes back home.”
Donna smirked. “Oh no. Becca is one of the sweetest humans I have ever met, and she’s been through so much.”
Was I hallucinating or did she just say Becca?
“I’m sorry, did you say Becca?” I asked. There was no way it could be the same Becca.…right?
She looked at me in confusion. “Yeah! Her name is Becca Dawson. Why? Do you know her?”
Oh my God. My friends are insane.
I laughed nervously. “Nope. Never heard of her.”
This was going to be so much fun…