On the rails

*Nina*

I find myself perched on the back of his motorcycle again, my mind racing as we speed toward an unfamiliar destination. The roar of the engine drowns out my thoughts until he suddenly veers into a private airport, the sprawling tarmac unfolding before us. He steers the bike directly into a hangar, the massive doors closing behind us with a resounding thud.

As I dismount, I yank off my helmet, shaking my hair free. “Your meeting is in an airplane hangar? Are you seriously considering buying a plane or something?”

He chuckles, unfazed, and replies, “My meeting is in Zihuatanejo... I’m thinking about buying an island there.” The casual nonchalance in his tone makes it sound like he’s discussing the weather.

“Wait, what?” I blink, needing to confirm that my ears haven’t betrayed me. “An island?”

He turns to face me, his eyes bright with excitement. “An island... near Zihuatanejo... it’s in Mexico.”

“I know where it is! But you can’t expect me to go.” My voice wavers slightly, betraying the shock that courses through me. I had pictured a meeting downtown, maybe over coffee… not a spontaneous trip across the border.

“Why not? You said you were free.” He studies me with a puzzled expression, as if the concept of not jumping at this opportunity is utterly foreign to him.

I throw my hands up in frustration. “Yeah, when I thought we were going to down town or something! I can't just hop on a plane to Mexico… I don’t even have my passport!”

With a grin that’s both charming and infuriating, he replies, “I promise you, no one will be checking your passport. Come on, Amelia Earhart.” He gives that famous cheeky smile,. “Let’s go on an adventure!”

He strides confidently toward the waiting private plane, his enthusiasm infectious. My mind whirls, thoughts colliding as I stand frozen, torn between reason and the thrill of the unexpected. Just as I contemplate turning back, he glances over his shoulder, a lopsided smile on his face. “Are you coming?”

This is not normal, this is not my world… but damn it. How can I possibly say no?

*Silas*

I pull up to the Institute, my heart heavy with concern as I exit the car and make my way inside. I nod to the familiar faces I pass, but my mind is preoccupied… Elijah’s antics are starting to weigh on me again, and I fear he might be on the verge of causing trouble once more. I wish he was more easily controlled.

Just then, a striking young woman with blonde hair approaches me. “Mr. Cross? I was hoping I could ask you a question.”

“Alexa,” I read from her stick-on name tag, a small smile forming on my lips. “Are you enjoying the workshop?”

“Oh, so much!” she replies, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “I totally see it now… how past experiences can be barriers between us and our better selves. But I’m wondering if my inexperience is a bigger obstacle for me.”

I pause, studying her earnest expression. “Where are you from, Alexa?”

“Cedar Rapids,” she answers readily.

“Well, I think it’s time we remove those false externals standing in your way.” I peel off the name tag, the adhesive pulling slightly as I lift it away. “How does that feel?”

She beams, the brightness of her smile infectious. “Lighter... Thank you!”

“Inexperience is a gift,” I reply, but as I speak, I catch sight of my wife watching me from across the room. I offer Alexa one last encouraging smile before making my way toward Cassandra.

“I just had a lovely conversation with you-know-who’s legal team,” she informs me as I approach.

I place a hand gently on her lower back as we start walking, fully aware that she’s referring to Bianca, Elijah’s ex-fiancée. “Oh great,” I mutter, my tone laced with sarcasm.

“They’re worried Elijah will do something inappropriate in Venice,” she explains, her voice low. “And they’re threatening to leak Bianca’s version of the breakup if he does.”

I shake my head in disbelief. “I can’t believe we let that woman have such control over us. What a mess that was.”

Cassandra rolls her eyes. “She’s paranoid. Nothing is going to happen in Venice.”

“Really?” I raise an eyebrow, glancing at her. “Elijah isn’t in a good place right now. He just took some nobody actress to Mexico after an audition and a taco.”

“So?” She settles onto one of the couches, crossing her legs casually.

I roll my eyes, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “So it’s regressive. I looked into her background… she’s an orphan. Her father left when she was a baby, and her mother died of cancer while she was in college.”

Cassandra sighs, her tone dismissive. “That sounds like... life.”

“Yeah, but life comes with issues,” I counter. “She dropped out of NYU and vanished… didn’t use credit cards, no social media, nothing. It’s unsettling.”

“Silas, her mom died. You don’t think it’s normal for someone to unplug after that?” she replies, exasperation creeping into her voice.

“No, not for four months. That’s not normal.” I shake my head, my worry deepening. “This girl could be destabilizing in all kinds of ways, and Elijah seems to forget that his actions reflect back on us.”

“For what it’s worth,” Cassandra interjects, her tone softening, “my gut tells me that Nina Blake is great for him.”

I gaze out the window, the weight of my thoughts pressing down. “Well, I thought Bianca was great too. That’s not the point. I don’t want to clean up another train wreck.”

“Okay,” she nods, determination flickering in her eyes. “Then let's make sure this one stays on the rails.”