Here's the understatement of the century: I do not enjoy flying.
I don't like anything about it.
I don't like having to get to the airport two hours early just to wait around. I don't like checking bags. I don't like going through security. (My belt ALWAYS sets off the alarm.) I hate sitting in the terminal with the huddled masses. The disorganized boarding procedure drives me crazy. I don't like getting on the plane and being greeted by a pilot who looks like he just got his learner's permit. And my seat is ALWAYS next to a large, fragrant person that either wants to be my best friend or snores the whole trip.
Needless to say, I am not in the best of moods when I board the plane.
I should also add that the weather is HORRIBLE. Howling winds, sideways rain, crashing lightning, rumbling thunder. You might think I'm exaggerating but it's like a trailer for the latest "Twister" movie outside. Even on the best of days I'm a "nervous flyer" and this is definitely NOT the best of days.
There is one positive development; it's a Red Eye flight so the plane is only about a third full and there is nobody on my row when I get to my Business Class seat.
I stow my carry-on in the overhead bin, take my seat and strap in. On the aisle, of course. I reach over and pull the shade down on the window just so I won't see an old pick-up truck go sailing by - although I can't stop thinking about how rough this flight is going to be.
I try to remain calm and distract myself with the In-Flight magazine but I can't focus on the high-end luggage and cologne ads. A very nice flight attendant comes by and asks me if I need anything. I get the distinct impression that she understands exactly how nervous I am. She gives me a smile and reassures me that everything will be fine.
But she's paid to say that.
As I'm sitting there sweating, awash in my misery, I feel a soft hand on my shoulder. I look up into the dark, green eyes of a stunningly pretty lady. She has long, dark, wavy hair cascading over the shoulders of her silky, off-white, button-up blouse. Her eyes are painted in smoky shades and her lips are full, red, and soaking wet. She is wearing a plum colored wrap-around skirt that comes to her knees over dark, silky hose and shiny, black pumps. Even though my mouth is open I may have forgotten to breathe.
"Mind if I ooch by you, hun?" She has a very cute southern accent.
"Of course!" In my haste to stand I dump the magazine on the floor and bump my head on the seat back in front of me while trying to retrieve it. Then I forget I'm buckled in which causes a bit of discomfort when I try again to stand.
Cue the circus music.
When I finally get loose of everything binding me I step into the aisle to give her room to get to her seat. Seeing that she has a small bag I offer to stow it for her, proving that I can be a semi-functioning human at times.
"Well, aren't you sweet." Her voice is like molasses and my biscuits melt like butter.
She settles into the window seat and I try not to make it too obvious that I am checking out her legs as her skirt pulls up slightly.
I've always been a sucker for a pretty girl with an accent and I pride myself on my ability to recognize them so I take a bit of a risk.
"Texas?"
She looks at me with her pretty eyes wide and says, "That's right, sweetie! Where y'all from?"
"California, " I answer.
"Nice to meet you, Cal." She holds her hand out to me.
"Nice to meet you, Texas." I take her cool, smooth hand in mine and we lock eyes for a heartbeat or two.
"It's such a beautiful night, isn't it?" She reaches up and raises the window shade. Hard rain beats on the glass and the sky flashes. I can feel the airplane rock and we haven't even pulled from the gate yet. I swear I see an old lady pedal her bicycle by the window with a scraggly dog in the basket.
"I guess..." I buckle my seat belt and pull it as tight as possible. I give the armrests a white-knuckled grip, close my eyes and take a deep breath.
"What's the matter, sugar? Are you afraid to fly?" I sense real concern, not just amusement at my plight.
"No," I answer. "I'm not afraid to fly. I'm afraid to crash to the earth in a ball of flame."
"I'm sorry, darlin'." She closes the shade again. "It'll be okay."
"I know it will be okay. They call it an irrational fear for a reason." I try to smile but it is forced.
"Well, bless your heart." She buckles her belt and the attendants prepare for departure. I try to remain calm as we taxi to the runway. Take-off is a horrifying experience. My eyes are screwed shut and I nearly break the armrests. I just know we are sliding down the wet runway completely sideways and will soon plow into the terminal. It doesn't get any better once we are airborne. The plane dips and skids. I try to concentrate on taking deep breaths but all I can think about is the impression I am going to make on the city below.
I feel Texas lay her soft hand on my arm. "Keep breathing, honey. It'll smooth out soon," she says softly, attempting to calm my fears. She may be stunningly attractive but she is a lousy weather forecaster. If anything, it gets worse as the airplane claws for altitude.
After a short lifetime of mind-numbing fear the captain comes on the intercom to apologize for the rough take-off. He assures us that the flight will settle down once we reach cruising altitude in a few minutes.