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Liam's Pov
Mom and I wheeled my luggage into the lounge she'd reserved, the soft lighting and quiet hum of conversation a welcome contrast to the airport's usual chaos.
Plush chairs and low tables made the space feel more like a private living room than a terminal.
Once we settled in, I began recounting my recent visit to my brothers. "Yesterday, I met Alan and his family… and also Charlie," I said, letting out a small chuckle. "You know how he is."
Mom tilted her head, her expression amused, but pointed. "Oh, yes. Alan—always so serious, like he's auditioning for the role of 'perpetually anxious guy.' and Charlie—well, your dear brother, probably thinks charm and liquor can replace common sense."
I nodded silently, choosing not to respond.
She leaned back, her tone shifting between playful and mock-exasperated, just like a classic sitcom beat. "And here I thought I was the one who cared about manners and proper upbringing. They? Alan, Charlie… they barely noticed me. No concern, no check-ins, nothing! Honestly, it's like I'm the punchline, and the rest are the audience laughing at themselves!"
I let a small smile escape. She was exaggerating and I knew my mother had always treated me differently.
Mom's voice softened slightly but kept that sardonic edge. "But you, Liam—always polite, smart, and not hopeless like the others. I suppose some things really do turn out as they should."
I just nodded, sipping my coffee. No rebuttal was necessary. I understood the dynamics—my mother's favoritism wasn't news, and Charlie and Alan… well, they were a story of their own.
She sighed, finishing her point with perfect comedic timing. "Really, it's a wonder any of you survived childhood. But you… you might actually have a chance at adulthood without completely embarrassing yourselves. Bravo, Liam. Bravo."
I chuckled quietly, shaking my head. Mom always knew how to deliver a moment like it was straight from the sitcom script of our lives.
It was time and I turned to my mom.
She gave me a warm smile, her eyes reflecting pride and a hint of worry—always that mix she carried when it came to me.
"Take care of yourself, Liam," she said softly, her hand brushing mine for a moment longer than necessary.
I smiled back. "I will, Mom. Thanks for everything this weekend."
She nodded, then straightened, giving me a gentle squeeze before stepping back.
I raised my hand in a final wave. "See you soon!"
She waved back. I took a deep breath and walked toward the terminal entrance. The sliding glass doors parted automatically, and I stepped into the hum of the airport—the blend of rolling suitcases, distant announcements, and hurried footsteps.
For a moment, the world felt like it was moving faster than I was, yet I felt ready for it all.
I sank into the waiting area chair, my luggage tucked neatly beside me and leaned back in my seat, letting the faint hum of the terminal wash over me.
The weekend replayed in my mind—every moment, every interaction—like a highlight reel.
Eve's voice broke through quietly.
[Liam… are you alright?] she asked, calm but perceptive.
I shrugged lightly, keeping my expression casual. "Yeah… I'm fine."
But my face probably betrayed me—a subtle lift at the corner of my mouth, a spark in my eyes. I couldn't hide it entirely. Tomorrow, everything would change.
Tomorrow, I'd start at the DA's office, finally putting my skills to the test. The thought of practicing law, standing in court, making decisions, and proving myself… it was energizing.
[You seem… excited] Eve noted, her tone teasing just enough to draw it out.
I allowed a small smile. "I am. Tomorrow's the beginning of a new chapter. I've worked hard for this. It's time to step in, practice law, and show what I'm capable of."
She didn't comment further but her faint hum of approval made me smirk internally. It wasn't just the job—it was everything I'd experienced this weekend: family, friends, lessons learned. Each moment had subtly prepared me for this next step.
I leaned back further, taking a deep breath, feeling that rare mix of anticipation and confidence. Yes, tomorrow was going to be something else.
Eve's soft voice cut in again. [Just remember, Liam… excitement is good, but focus will carry you further.]
I nodded. "I know, Eve. Don't worry—I'll channel it. This is my second chance."
And for the first time in a while, I let myself quietly relish the feeling: ready, capable, and more than prepared for what tomorrow would bring.
The boarding call echoed through the terminal: business class passengers first.
I held up my boarding pass, and the pretty flight attendant gave me a polite smile, guiding me down the aisle toward my seat.
The business class cabin was spacious, with deep leather seats in a rich caramel color, each with wide armrests, ample legroom, and personal entertainment screens.
The soft ambient lighting gave it a calm, almost luxurious feel.
I handed my carry-on to the flight attendant, who efficiently tucked it into the overhead storage as I slid into my seat, loosened my jacket, and placed it neatly beside me.
Sliding the window shade open, my gaze wandered to the runway and beyond, the planes moving like mechanical birds against the evening sky.
As the plane taxied, the flight attendant approached with the drinks and dinner menu. I chose a glass of red wine and the chicken.
Settling back into the plush seat, I felt the engines hum beneath me as the aircraft lifted gracefully into the air.
Emma's text pinged on my phone: "Borded? Flight time?"
I typed back quickly: "Borded. Landing @ 6.am."
Once at cruising altitude, the flight attendant brought my dinner.
The chicken was perfectly cooked, tender and seasoned just right, paired with a side of roasted vegetables.
I sipped the wine between bites, enjoying the gentle hum of the cabin and the view of the little lights in the night, through the window.
'Quite a comfortable flight, huh, Eve?' I thought, leaning back in my seat.
Eve's voice chimed softly in my head. [Comfortable indeed. Your vitals indicate minimal stress, even with the flight you're enjoying the wine?]
I chuckled. 'Yeah, it's good. Helps me relax a little after the weekend.'
[You seem pleased with how everything went] she commented, almost like a friend noticing a small change in mood.
'I am,' I admitted. 'Meeting everyone, catching up with Alan and Charlie, dinner with Mom… meeting Penny and others. It was fun, hectic, but… good.'
[Good is a suitable assessment] Eve replied. [Do you feel prepared for tomorrow?]
I let out a quiet chuckle. 'I've been waiting for this. First day at the DA's office. It's going to be… something else.'
[Something else can also be considered very good] she said, gently teasing. [Sleep now. You'll need your focus tomorrow.]
Finished with the last bite of dinner and the remaining wine, I reclined, letting the hum of the engines lull me. My dinner plate and wine glass were cleared.
The seat adjusted perfectly, almost like it was made for me, and I drifted off with Eve's quiet, friendly presence lingering in my mind.
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Advanced chapters at:
patreon.com/Dreamwalker1