To Ruth, my dear friend whom i miss dearly...
I was traveling from Atlanta to Los Angeles for business and my trip did not get off to the best of starts. To begin then handle on my suitcase, the telescopic type, fell apart and I had to carry the suitcase from my car to the ticketing counter. Then to top it off, I happened to stand in line next to this annoying young girl who felt the need to tell me her life story. He introduced himself as Dawn and talked and talked and talked. I immediately noticed that she smelled a little as if she had been wearing the clothes she had on for a while. Eventually, another female got into line on the other side of me and I saw an opportunity to strike up a conversation with her so this girl would leave me alone. However she proved more persistent that I had hoped and somehow managed to join our conversation. I received a reprieve when she got called to the next agent, which actually made me feel relieved. As I was waiting my turn I continued my discussion with Mary, whom I learned was also on her way to Los Angeles to visit family and that we were on the same flight. I also learned that she was married with a little girl who she just gushed over.
In way of descriptions, I am a 26-year-old female, 5'9" blonde hair blue eyes, with an athletic build. I was dressed in a shirt that ended just above my knee; a blouse and pumps. Mary was 27 and was around 5'6" with black hair, brown eyes, also very athletic in appearance. She was dressed in denim shorts, a t-shirt, socks and running shoes. Dawn, 18, was around 5'7', brown hair, brown eyes and was very thin and had a slight acne issue. She was wearing a Goth type get up with black jeans, t-shirt, socks and boots. I am probably not being fair to her, but she bothered me from the first hello.
When I was called up I asked if Mary wanted to go up with me to see if we could get seats next to each other. I was enjoying her company and it actually took my mind of my earlier trials. She readily accepted and we managed to get adjoining seats. As we left the counter, our new friend was waiting for us. She must have overheard our discussion with the attendant, as she was pleased to announce that she was also on her way to Los Angeles. I cringed and had a hard time imagining the 90-minute wait with her constantly talking. The only rest we received was during our time going through security. I secretly hoped they would pull her aside for inspection and I could make my escape. Unfortunately my bad luck held and we made our way to the gate with Dawn in tow.
Once there we (she) continued to talk to us. Once we got comfortable she pulled out a sliver pen and started to spin in over her thumb and caught it. I was momentarily impressed with her ability to do it. I watched her fingers and pen trying to see how it was done. When I looked up at her I noticed that she was actually not talking but was smiling at me. She handed me the pen and asked me to try. I laughed and tried to deflect her attempt to win me over a little. She requested again telling me how easy it was and that she could teach me in a minute of two. Mary encouraged me to try and so I reluctantly did. Much to my disappointment I could not duplicate her seemingly easy success.
I handed back the pen a little frustrated. She told me to watch what she does with her fingers and I will get it. She flipped it around with ease, talking to us about everyday things. I was growing bored and increasingly annoyed when I noticed that Mary was intently watching this so I refocused on the pen. She encouraged us to focus on her fingers and how they moved, then to focus on the pen to see how it spins. After a minute or so of this I think I was drifting off because I thought I heard her say something about submitting, but that made no sense. Suddenly I seemed to refocus on where I was and felt slightly light headed as I excused myself to go to the ladies room. I was hoping that Mary would accompany me, but she was still looking at how Dawn was spinning the pen.
I still felt slightly in a fog as I returned from the ladies room, and immediately noticed Mary seemed to be very focused on the pen. I asked if she had tried yet and she shook her head no. She did not come across bubbly as she had previously been. As we sat there I interjected comments watching her and her focus on the pen. Inevitably my eyes were drawn to the pen and its constant spinning. I glanced up at Dawn again and she was just smiling at me. She then suggested I continue to watch the pen and my eyes immediately dropped to the pen.
When it was time for boarding Dawn pulled me from my dreamy state by gently shaking me and stating that it was "time to board baby." Normally being called that by someone, other than a bf, would have upset me but I shook it off and we lined up to board the plane. I was first, with Mary behind me then Dawn. We got our tickets scanned and then had to line up in the line leading to the door to the plane. I could vaguely hear Dawn talking to Mary then felt her lean into me. She quickly backup up and stammered an apology for bumping into me. After a minute I felt her lean in close to me and heard her moan, as I started to turn around to her causing her to quickly perk back up.
Eventually we got to our seats and after placing my bag in the overhead I quickly slid in to my seat. Mary was setting her bag in the overhead when she noticed that Dawn was a couple of rows ahead of us. As she sat down I could see obvious disappointment on her face. For myself I was mildly relieved, but also felt a little disappointed though not sure why. Eventually the individual sitting next to her in the aisle seat showed up and Mary immediately asked if they would be willing to switch with Dawn. The individual agreed, as she seemed pleased to be closer to the exit and a door seat with more leg room.