In Flight

The heavy rumbling of the powerful engines reverberated through the brightly lit interior of the plane. Gazing out of the window, she noticed the beautiful midnight sky. They would be taking off in the cover of darkness, like an incandescent wand cutting through black velvet cloth, only to land in the brightness of day. If she thought about that too much, her mind would simply become a jumble of philosophical constructs. Instead, she chose to enjoy the pink and blue lights of the cabin and contemplate her arrival.

Her mind drifted to their meeting at Heathrow airport the first time. The enthusiasm shattered all nervousness that was supposed to be present within her. Bounding up to him, like a hyperactive fox, she immediately hugged him.

“I’m here,” was his simple response as his dark eyes beamed at her. Laughing to herself, she pondered, who would have thought that a simple message two years ago would lead to such a strong connection between them both? He was special. She was his.

Her mind’s eye envisioned the twirling of the merry-go-round, smiling as the cold and icy wind hit her face as she spun the teacup in a circle. December was always accompanied by shining lights, and these brightly lit decorations reflected in every shop window. As the rumbling engines steadily vibrated under her feet, she envisioned running to him once again.

Almost together, she wistfully thought , as the plane continued its climb into the heavens.

The loud and melodic hum of the aircraft engines began slowly lulling her to sleep, but every time she closed her eyes, adrenaline surged through her body, leaving her somewhere between hyper and exhausted. It was weeks before the traditional rush of vacations would cram even the largest and most luxurious airplanes full of merry travellers, screaming toddlers, and overworked flight attendants. The timing of her trip made her current surroundings serine, and the only audible human sounds were from the women in red, pushing large carts of beverages and food.

As her sight fixated to the dark, calming, and mysterious night, she abandoned the thought of sleep. Perhaps some coffee would elevate her out of this hybrid state of sleep and energy, she thought, as she asked the women in the red business suit for the familiar hot liquid.

“My lovely, I am out of disposable coffee cups, but I will get you some coffee,” promised the friendly attendant as she headed to the front of the plane. Moments later, she returned with hot liquid in a decorative, large ceramic cup.

Studying her passenger’s face for a while, the flight attendant stated with somewhat of a knowing smile, “You look so happy!”

Taking a small sip of the hot brew, she replied, “Thank you for the coffee.” She continued with her eyes glowing brightly as if they contained the secrets of the very universe, “I am beyond excited right now,” she replied as her heart fluttered.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to have you in flight,” stated the woman with a knowing smile. She continued, “We will be landing soon. Look out the window, my lovely, the sunrise is gorgeous.”

Confused for a moment, she gazed at the sky. Once the darkest black only a few seconds ago, it was now turning vibrant shades of pink and orange. How did that happen so quickly, she pondered to herself.

As the huge aircraft descended from the brightly colored tapestry, she thought only of embracing him again. Giggling out loud, she contemplated, even the flight attendant knows. It looks like I do wear my heart on my sleeve.

Feeling a slight jolt as the huge aircraft's wheels collided with the runway, Isabella heard voices mumbling in unison as people slowly woke up. The familiar sound of the overhead compartments springing open assaulted her ears as her fellow passengers fought to take their place in the tiny isle. We will be standing here for hours, thought Isabella with some frustration.

As the throng of individuals slowly meandered to the front of the plane, Isabella’s heart raced in excitement. She was here, she happily thought as she contemplated bounding off of the plane towards her Raven. Stepping from the plane to the expansive Heathrow lobby, she looked at the signs with all of the hyper exuberance of a fox despite her sleep deprivation.

Waiting in the line for the standard airport security check seemed to take an eternity. In a hurry, she slipped off her black leather boots, placed them in the tray, and watched as they slid through the imaging device. Approaching the customs official, she politely smiled as her mind filled with thoughts of him.

The grey-haired security guard narrowed his green eyes at her, making the wrinkles on his forehead seem more pronounced, as he asked, “Is this trip for business or pleasure?”

Isabella ignored the slight nervousness that trickled throughout her body. People in authority always tended to make her anxious even though there was absolutely no reason for those emotions to swell inside of her.

Envisioning the loving expression of her Raven’s face, she responded in a manner meant to make her seem braver than she felt at the moment, “To England for a few hours until I can get the bus ride to Wales.” She paused before adding, “I am meeting someone who lives here,” with a smile.

The older gentleman’s expression relaxed as he nodded a slight affirmation of her statement; “Welcome to the United Kingdom, My Love. Please enjoy your stay.”

A smile overtook Isabella’s face as she hurried through the checkpoint, feeling the well-hidden anxiety release from her body. Catching a glimpse of him at the railing, she ran to him, reaching over the metal bars to embrace him. Walking to the open area of the lobby, she bounded into his arms as her breath rushed out of her in one long sigh of contentment.