I’m flying home for Thanksgiving.
I sit in the airport waiting area…
Trying not think about what’s ahead…
When my eyes land on a handsome guy.
He’s sitting right across from me.
He has wavy black hair and kind brown eyes.
Ours eyes meet and then skitter away.
He can’t possibly think I’m cute…
I just happen to be in his line of sight.
I didn’t sleep at all last night…
I was too worried to sleep.
I was hoping there would be a flight delay—
Or maybe even a cancellation.
The flight is right on time.
When the gate agent announces that Zone 2 is boarding…
I get up and grab my carry-on.
So does the guy across from me.
Somehow, he ends up right behind me in line.
Guy
Going home for Thanksgiving?
Ashley
Yeah, but I wish I weren’t.
It’s called small talk, Ashley—
No need to be brutally honest in the boarding line!
Guy
I was kind of hoping the flight would be canceled.
Guy
Because when I get home…
Guy
I’m going to have to tell my parents that my engagement is off.
At this, he blushes to the roots of his gorgeous black hair.
Guy
Oh god…I shouldn’t have said that.
Guy
It’s too much to dump on a stranger…
Ashley
It’s good you’re talking about it.
Ashley
I feel for you…that’s going to be hard.
Guy
Yeah, the venue was booked and everything.
There’s a pause as we shuffle ahead in line.
Guy
If you don’t mind me asking…
Guy
Why don’t YOU want to go home?
Ashley
It’s not BEING home that I’m afraid of…
Ashley
It’s GETTING there.
Ashley
I’m afraid of flying.
Ashley
Terrified, actually.
He smiles and seems about to laugh…
But when he sees the expression on my face…
And lightly touches my arm.
Guy
Don’t worry. You’ve got this.
Guy
My name is Marco by the way.
He extends his hand for a shake.
Marco
Nice to meet you, Ashley!
I give him my hand and a weak smile…
Then shuffle toward the plane.
My stomach is clenching tighter the closer we get to it.
I can still make a run for it!
Marco
You can do this, Ashley!
I can’t even smile at him this time.
I enter the plane and sit down in seat 16A.
Marco is seated 5 rows in front of me.
He turns around and gives me a wink…
Just as a stern old businessman takes the seat next to mine.
This man is just going to love witnessing my panic attack!
Suddenly, Marco gets up from his seat…
And approaches the businessman.
Marco
I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind switching seats…
Marco
So I can sit with my fiancée.
Marco
I’m sitting 5 rows up…
Marco
You’ll get to leave the plane sooner.
The man grumbles a bit but agrees.
As Marco settles into the seat next to mine…
I feel my nervousness easing.
His voice is so deep and soothing.
But as the plane taxis down the runway and prepares for liftoff…
Marco
And hang onto me if you need to.
The plane takes off with a shudder…
And my anxiety skyrockets along with it.
How can this metal behemoth possibly stay in the air?!
Leaving 4 red crescents from my fingernails on his skin.
Marco
At least there isn’t any blood!
By this point, the plane has leveled and is flying smoothly.
Marco
We’re in the air and on our way.
I heave a sigh of relief.
Marco
You’re lucky in a way.
Marco
Once we land, you’ll be fine…
Marco
Whereas I’ll still have to break the terrible news to my parents.
Curiosity gets the best of me.
Ashley
I don’t mean to pry, but…
Ashley
What happened with your engagement?
Marco
Our parents set us up.
Marco
They were thrilled when we started dating.
Marco
And we wanted to make them happy.
Marco
We looked great on paper.
Marco
But there just wasn’t any…
Marco
And what about you?
Marco
Are you…involved with anyone?
Then I turn shyly towards the window.
During my nap, my head has lolled onto Marco’s shoulder.
It fits so perfectly there.
So I pretend to keep sleeping…
Ashley
What’s happening?!
Marco
It’s just some turbulence.
Marco
Happens all the time.
It’s another 2 hours until we land.
I try to breathe, but suddenly—
Pilot
Please return to your seats immediately.
Pilot
Flight attendants, please take your seats.
As the flight attendants strap themselves in…
Then the plane starts falling…
Even the flight attendants look terrified.
Ashley
Marco, this is bad.
Ashley
We’re going to die!
Marco
We’re not going to die.
I thread my fingers through his.
Marco
We’ll get through this together.
The pilot’s voice crackles over the loudspeaker again.
Pilot
Folks, we’ve lost an engine.
Pilot
We’re going to have to make an emergency landing.
There’s even more screaming in the cabin.
Ashley
Marco, I’m so scared.
For the first time, Marco looks scared, too.
Marco
Ashley, in case we don’t make it…
Marco
Do you mind if I kiss you?
My look gives him his answer.
He kisses me with the passion of a first, last, and best kiss…
We’re interrupted by a flight attendant on the loudspeaker.
Flight attendant
Please place your heads in your laps and BRACE.
Flight attendant
We’re about to land.
As the plane makes a hard, metallic, and very bumpy landing.
Then the plane erupts in applause.
Marco and I sit up and fall into each other’s arms.
This time it’s slower and sweeter—
Once we leave the aircraft and enter the waiting area…
We see the businessman who gave his seat to Marco.
He no longer looks so stern.
Man
That was quite a ride, wasn’t it?
Man
An experience like that….
Man
Makes you realize what’s really important.
He looks at the two of us.
Man
So, when are you two getting married?
Our mouths gape in confusion.
Marco told him I was his fiancée!
Marco
Um, we haven’t set a date yet.
Marco
But one thing’s for sure.
Marco
We both have a lot to be thankful for today.
