Lost and Found
Chapter 16 - Jet Setting
Daniel stood in the large tunnel of corrugated metal, patiently queuing behind his fellow passengers, backpack slung over his shoulder as they waited to board the large, sleek plane that would carry them on their long journey. He was both nervous and excited as this would be the first time he had traveled outside of the country alone and this was hardly a little day trip to Dublin. A trip across that would include staying in Japan for a couple of weeks before a stop in Thailand for a few days on his way back home. He had always dreamed of such a trip and after being encouraged by his parents, Candy and Louise, he'd finally bitten the bullet and decided to go. He had been surprised with an envelope from Frank and Denise for his excellent University results, inside of which was several hundred pounds he could use to fund his dream holiday. A few days later Candy had also transferred him some money, ensuring he would be able to fully enjoy his travels without any financial worries. Candy's business had only gone from strength to strength in the past few weeks and now she was living comfortably and independently, although missing Daniel terribly.
As the line gradually made its way forwards, the plane finally came into view, its huge mechanical door wide open with two immaculately presented stewardesses smiling widely and greeting their customers for the flight. Not a hair was out of place, combed back neatly, classy make-up highlighting their feminine features, neat uniforms pressed to perfection, the image of professionalism. The younger stewardess was probably only a couple of years older than Daniel, with short blonde hair, warm, kind blue eyes and cute little dimples when she smiled. Her navy blue pencil skirt, matching jacket and white buttoned shirt showed off her slender frame beautifully and Daniel assumed she must have to deal with regular flirting from the passengers, especially those that had indulged in a few pre-flight drinks. Her name badge read 'Luna,' an appropriately pretty name for such a pretty girl Daniel thought to himself. As he approached her, their eyes met and Daniel felt a tingle in his loins as he offered his ticket for her to inspect, their hands briefly coming into contact as she checked it. "Row E," she said politely, indicating towards the front of the plane, "seat 4, by the window sir."
He wasn't used to being called sir due to still being a young man, but he liked the way it sounded in her soft, slightly posh southern voice. "Thank you miss," Daniel replied with a wide, dashing smile as he looked down at the petite stewardess, causing the young woman to blush ever so slightly as he tucked the ticket safely back into the pocket of his zip-up hoodie.
"Have a nice flight sir," she commented as Daniel made his way inside the aircraft behind the other passengers, feeling her gaze burning into his back as he went, a small smile at the edge of his lips as he went. Quickly locating his row near the front of the plane, he opened the overhead compartment and stowed away his bag for the journey, which was filled with a sleep mask and neck pillow, a couple of books and a handheld games console which would keep him entertained on the flight. He was happy to see he had a window seat and took his place while the other passengers continued to board the plane. He quickly tapped out text messages to his loved ones to let him know he was aboard and would get in touch again when he landed. With the messages sent off to his parents, Candy and Louise, he turned on airplane mode for the duration of the flight and started getting comfortable in his chair. It was going to be a long flight and he was glad he had been able to spend the extra money to upgrade to business class. The extra leg room would be a life saver by the time he arrived in Japan. His mind raced as he thought about his trip and all the possibilities it would hold, but he was knocked out of his revelry by a woman approaching him with a designer bag slung over her shoulder.
"Hey sweetie, looks like I'm going to be your travel buddy for this flight," she drawled in an American accent with a strong Texan twang, smiling widely at him with her perfect white teeth. She was a larger lady with wide, child bearing hips, dressed comfortably in a pair of joggers and a vibrant tracksuit top, her pristine ebony skin was blemishless and smooth, with her long dark hair up in a messy bun, held in place with a large golden clasp. The zipper on her top was pulled down a little, showing off her ample bosom which Daniel took a couple of seconds glancing at before responding to her.
"Nice to meet you ma'am, I'm Daniel," he introduced himself warmly as he stood up from his seat, hoping that she would be a good travel companion for the journey.
She kissed her teeth before responding, "None of that ma'am nonsense young man, that's what you say to old ladies, and I sure as hell ain't old!" she explained in a kind voice that let him know she was only teasing him. Placing her large brown handbag down on the chair, she turned back to him, offering her hand to be shaken, "you can call me Shantelle, Shantelle Jackson."
Taking her hand, Daniel shook it, finding that she had a firm grip and soft, warm skin as they both smiled at each other. "It's a pleasure Shantelle," Daniel said as a momentary silence hung in the air while he decided what to say next. Small talk had never exactly been his strong suit and his skills in that department were certainly going to be tested today. "So is your trip for business or pleasure?" he eventually settled on asking her.
"Business I'm afraid, although I hope to get up to some fun while I'm in the land of the rising sun!" she answered, chuckling softly and flashing him a cheeky little wink.
"Hey, that rhymed!" Daniel commented with a laugh.
"It did! I'm a poet and I didn't know it," she replied, returning his laugh, her eyes sparkling as she chuckled. "I'm guessing it's your first trip?" she asked as she took her seat, Daniel following her lead.
"Spot on Shantelle," Daniel replied with a smile, he did look pretty young, it was hardly much of a leap to come to that conclusion. "I've always wanted to go and once I finished at University, I finally could, so here I am."
"Well that's wonderful darling," Shantelle replied, her intoxicatingly soft southern voice already slipping Daniel into somewhat of a trance as he listened to her lilting tone. She sighed reflectively as she looked towards the window and to the runways stretching far off into the distance, "it's been a long time since I finished my studies you were probably still a baby back then," she mused contemplatively. Reaching out, she placed her hand on top of his, which was laying on the arm rest, giving it a little squeeze, "enjoy your youth while it lasts sweetie, because it's over in the blink of an eye!" He hadn't expected her to touch him like this, but it was in a warm, reassuring, almost motherly way and Daniel found himself at ease with her already despite them having only just met.
"That's some good advice, you seem like a wise woman Shantelle," Daniel replied gratefully as they both set about getting comfortable for the long journey ahead of them.
"Well, when you've lived as much life as I have and seen the things I've seen, you get wise pretty quick!" Shantelle answered in a jolly manner, but Daniel could tell there was some sadness behind her words, maybe reflecting on bad memories. As they were in business class there were only two seats on each side of the aisle, allowing much more room for its occupants. Daniel could certainly have done worse when it came to his neighbor for the flight and they continued to chat away before the flight began its take off procedure.
Luna walked through the curtain separating business class from the rest of the passengers, ready to run through the pre-flight safety checks and Daniel perked up as soon as he laid eyes on her again. While he couldn't be certain, he was sure that she kept glancing over at him more than was natural, a small smile creeping across the edge of her lips whenever she did. Shantelle noticed the glances shared between the two, eyes flicking back and forth between the youngsters, but she held her tongue, grinning ever so slightly to herself as she realized this flight may be more interesting than she had foreseen. Once Luna was finished running through the safety announcements she made her way to the front of the plane and to the stewardesses area where she would sit during takeoff and where all the food, snacks and other essential items were stored. As she walked past Daniel, their eyes met again goosebumps forming on Daniel's skin as he felt a connection between them despite having only exchanged a few words with her.
The in flight speakers crackled into life and the Captain's voice came over the internal tannoy system. He sounded like he was in his fifties or possibly even older, with a thick brummie accent which made him sound approachable and kind. He spoke with the confidence of a man that had done this hundreds, if not thousands of times before, which helped to put Daniel at ease. "Welcome to today's flight to Tokyo, Japan, I'm Captain Over and joining me today is my co-pilot, Captain Dunne and our colleague, Captain Unger who will be assisting us during today's flight. The flight should take around eleven hours and we will touch down in Tokyo at approximately 6:30 am local time. The weather looks clear, although we may experience a little turbulence. On behalf of all the staff on board today, we hope you have a pleasant flight, we will be taking off shortly."
Daniel gripped onto the arm of his seat tightly as he prepared for take off, Shantelle glancing over as he stared directly ahead of himself taking deep, measured breaths. "Are you a nervous flier honey?" she asked sympathetically, placing her hand on his knee.
"You could say that," Daniel replied, laughing gently, "I've only flown once before, when I was a toddler, so I don't remember it."
"Well don't worry Daniel, I'm right here and I can hold your hand if you need me to, okay?" Daniel nodded in response, feeling a little more at ease as he flashed her an appreciative smile. "I have to fly all the time in my line of work and trust me you'll be fine." Mere moments after they finished speaking the plane's engines rumbled into life and it started moving forwards as it taxi'd to the runway. Instinctively Daniel reached out and took Shantelles hand, fingers interlocked, gripping on tightly for support. His stomach sank as the plane picked up speed and he felt the tires leaving the tarmac, squeezing Shantelle's hand hard as he did his best to try and remain composed. It must have been painful for her, but she didn't even bat an eye, continuing to reassure him gently as the flight made its ascent before leveling out at which point Daniel finally relaxed and released his grip.
"Sorry about that, Shantelle," he offered, a little sheepishly.
"Don't you worry child. Want to know a secret?" she asked, leaning forwards as if she was about to unleash an enormous hidden truth, covering her mouth in preparation to speak as Daniel nodded.
"Sure, tell me."
"I used to be terrified of flying," she whispered before giggling warmly.
"Well, I couldn't tell," Daniel replied cheerily, "you come across as an absolute pro."
"That's awfully nice of you to say honey, but it took me a lot of flights and a lot of years to get over it! Now it's the easiest thing in the world to me! Like riding a bike"
"That must be nice," Daniel replied, "getting to see the world on someone's else's dollar."
"It has its positives and negatives to be honest, I've gotten to visit a lot of places a girl born and raised in Abeline Texas never have any business going to, but I've seen a lot of countries entirely through the windows of taxis and offices, you know?"
"Yeah, that makes sense," Daniel replied, "hopefully the scenery is pretty at least."
