The pilot just finished announcing that we would be arriving at Miami International Airport in about 20 minutes and for all passengers to prepare for the landing. The flight attendants scurried about, picking up any remaining beverage containers and food trays.
I was nervous, and hadn't eaten a thing. I just drank alot of soda and made alot of trips to the bahroom. It felt like a thousand butterflies had taken flight in my tummy. Was this for real and for true? Was I finally going to meet Juan after all these months of online chatting and hours of phone calls? As I looked out my window, I realized that yes, it was true. He was down there somewhere and I wondered if he was as anxious as I was. So many things were going through my mind, so many questions. Who would be the first to speak? What would I say? What would he say? Would we hug? Would he shake my hand? I had no idea. All I knew was that I was scared.
The plane landed with no problems. I was going mad inside. I nearly ran to the baggage pick-up area and could hardly control my panic while I waited for my luggage to appear on the carousel. I'm glad I told Juan not to pick me up. I would certainly hate for him to see me so nervous and sweaty in my anticipation. Plus, after 5 hours (it seemed longer) of sitting in an airplane seat, I was no sight for sore eyes. Ugh... I so needed a bath and fresh clothes!
I was to phone him when I got to my room, and I was nearly there. Limo's seemed to be the same in every city. I felt a sudden urge to raid the mini bar. Oh my God, was I ready for this? NO! Did I bring the right clothes? What if this was a bad hair day? Was that a twinge of p.m.s. I felt coming on? What if he found me vile and disgusting? Stop it, Carrie!
I checked into my room, drew the curtains shut, and sat on the bed, staring at nothing in the darkness. I can't do this. He's going to hate me. Maybe I won't call him for awhile, and then later say I missed my flight. No, he'll know I'm lying. He knows I'm here already, he can feel my presence. His evil temptress has arrived and he knows it.
I picked up the phone and dialed his number. As always, my heart melted when I heard his voice. I told him I had arrived safely at my hotel, and was about to take a bath. We spoke for about 15 minutes and made plans for him to meet me in my room in about 2 hours. He didn't sound nervous at all. He was probably dreading it and kicking himself for allowing me to come. I, on the other hand, was about to have a quickie with the toilet. Yes, I was going to puke. Everything was spinning and seemed so uneven. I knew it was all in my head and that I just needed to chill.
I don't know how it happened, but I awoke in the bath, and looked at the time and realized I had only 30 minutes before he arrived. I can't believe I fell asleep! The next 20 minutes were a blur - me quickly drying off, clothes flying here and there, drying my hair, trying to apply my makeup over the sweat that was beading up on my face. Damn that bath!
Ok. I was as ready as I thought I could be. I wasn't sure where we would be going for dinner, but I thought I looked halfway presentable, regardless of where we went. I chose to wear my blue/black plaid mini skirt with my thigh high platform boots, and I topped it off with a rather snug, black short sleeved blouse. I left a few of the top buttons undone, as I wondered about the evening Miami heat. I looked myself over in the mirror and cringed as ususal, but thought, "Ok, this is me. I can be nothing more." Blahhh. I turned away from my own sight and walked to the window where I drew open the curtains. A whole new world appeared before my eyes. His world. As I daydreamed about fitting into this new world...
The shrill ring of the telephone jarred me back to reality. He was here. I told him my room number and waited...
Finally, after what seemed like days, I heard a soft rap at the door. Fear found it's vicious way into my head, my throat, my spine, my entire being. I froze, unable to breathe. He rapped again. I felt myself becoming lightheaded and fought for breath, but it wouldn't come. I reached out until my hand met the wall, to brace myself, and then forced my tongue between my teeth and bit down hard. Here I am, back in this moment called reality once again, and this time there is pain - lots of pain. I heard his voice through the door, asking me if I was alright. "No," I thought to myself. "No, I'm not." And I made my way to the door.