Let The Journey Begin

Aron and Ashley arrive at the airport and Ashley sees Aron but doesn’t say a word and sits two seats across from Aaron. Aron sees all this but also doesn’t say anything. Professor Murphy arrives 2 minutes later with their passports and tickets in his hand. Professor Murphy is going to be the one taking care of the two of them throughout the trip.

“Here you go guys, one for you and one for you. All done. Now listen, don’t lose your passport anywhere. If you loose it, you won’t be able to get back,” Professor Murphy explains everything to them as it’s their first time traveling alone.

“Don’t worry Professor Murphy, we’ll keep them safe,” Ashley says in excitement.

“Good! Now let’s go we don’t have much time. They gave every professor business class seat but don’t worry whenever you need me, just come to me right away,” Professor Murphy says as their walking towards the security booth.

“Thank you Professor,” Aron speaks for the first time since they’ve arrived. Professor Murphy has been teaching in law school for 25 years now. He may be old but his teaching techniques are better than any of the teachers there. Everyone loves him as he’s humble and takes care of his students without discrimination. Aron and Ashley are happy as Professor Murphy is the one going with them as he’s funny and they’ll be comfortable with him.

They board on the plane and Professor Murphy waves them goodbye as he goes into the business class. Aron and Ashley wave him back and then they start to find their seats. The airhostess asks their seat numbers as they couldn’t find it. She takes them to their seats and when they realize that they have to sit together, Ashley’s jaw drops and she stares at the air hostess for a moment. Ashley specifically asked Professor Murphy to book a seat far from Aron as he already knew about their dispute but Professor Murphy thought it would be fun for them to sit together and enjoy their journey and talk about things they’ve never talked before. Aron knew Professor Murphy would do something like this so he just smiles and stands there looking at Ashley being all confused and baffled. As the airhostess is leaving, Ashley speaks,

“Umm excuse me! Is there any chance…” Ashley thinks for a second and then continues, “Never mind. Thank you!”

Ashley didn’t want to sit with Aron but she also didn’t want to bother Professor Murphy. Aron moves aside and makes way for Ashley to sit on the window seat as he knows Ashley love window seats. Even in high school, she would be the first one to get on the bus just to secure her window seat. The announcement is made that flight would take off in a few minutes. They buckle up their belts and were ready to take off. Aron notices Ashley’s shaking hands.

“Nervous?” Aron asks Ashley.

“No, I’m not! You’re just saying this to hide your own nervousness,” Ashley replies.

“Here, eat this. It will calm your nerves,” Aron speaks as he takes out the chocolate bar from his pocket. Ashley hesitates at first but takes it anyway as she is actually nervous and Aron was right. She just didn’t want him to see her weak side.

After twelve hours of long flight, they finally arrive at Singapore airport. They’re tired but it didn’t stop Ashley from admiring everything around her.

“How was the flight?” Professor Murphy asks them as soon as they meet. Professor Murphy wanted to know if they still fought throughout the flight but was relieved to know that Ashley mostly slept along the way.

Ashley excuses herself as she needs to wash up because she thinks she looks like a zombie after twelve hours of long flight. On the other hand, Aron and Professor Murphy are discussing about the seminar held tomorrow. But Aron’s caught off guard when Professor Murphy asks him to take care of Ashley.

“She’s clumsy and no matter how smart she think she is, she’s still naive and can easily be manipulated. So just take care of her as long as we’re on this trip,” Professor Murphy speaks with concern.

“Don’t worry Professor, I will keep her safe,” Aron replies and Professor is glad to have him on this trip.

They take their luggage with them and head outside the arrivals gate. They see a guy holding a sign with Professor Murphy’s name written on it. Professor introduces himself to him and the guy tells him that he was sent to take them to the hotel where everyone else is staying. They place their luggage carefully and get in the car as well. They’re surprised to see all the greenery on their way. It’s colorful everywhere. The guy tells them that Singapore is famous among tourists and they’ll love it here. They arrive at the hotel and Professor Murphy checks in and takes the keys to their rooms from the reception.

“Let’s just have something to eat first and then you two can rest as much as you want. I know you’re tired and jet-lagged,” Professor Murphy says as he hands them the keys. They go to their respective rooms to wash up and come back to eat something. They have their brunch at the hotel.

“You okay?” Aron asks Ashley as they’re making their way back to the rooms. He can see Ashley trying hard to keep her eyes open.

“Yup! Just a little sleepy,” Ashley replies. Aron knows that Ashley has a bright personality and everyone loves her for that but when she’s tired, she just can’t hide it and she needs to recharge herself by taking a nap. They arrive at their rooms and Ashley after some struggling with the door finally opens the door and gets inside. Aron sees her and lets out a chuckle. For Aron, Ashley is his muse. Aron has known her since childhood and he knows that Ashley’s a kind girl except the fact that she’s never kind to him because she has always considered Aron as her rival. She does not want anyone to worry about her so she pretends to be strong but she’s afraid of many things and that is what makes Aron want to protect her.