Anticipation
I glanced at the clock, noticing I was already running behind; I huffed as I ran around my bedroom, grabbing clothes. Stuffing them into my bag, I ran to the bathroom to grab my bathing items along with my toothbrush and, of course, my makeup. I hope I grabbed everything I need, yet who knows?
This year, it is Beth's year to choose where we go on vacation. Of course, when it's her turn, she never tells me where we are off to. She always tries to pick places off the beaten track and away from large crowds. She's a touch anti-social, but she'll never admit it.
Grabbing my bag and running for the front door, I looked at the coat hook beside the door, wondering if I should bring one in case. I snagged one, tossing it over my arm as I grabbed my keys. I have locked myself out of my house on multiple occasions on these trips. Grinning, I ran out of the door, making sure I locked the door, considering I don't live in the best of places.
Taking a deep breath, trying to prepare myself for anything, I climbed into my car. I began driving to the airport and feeling excited to finally go away on vacation from the stresses of work and the demanding clients. I turned my music up while I rushed towards the airport, knowing Beth would be waiting for me.
Finally arriving and getting myself and my baggage into the airport, I looked around, wondering where Beth was. Suddenly, I heard her voice from behind me.
"Cleo, I thought you were going to miss the flight! Talk about cutting it close, geez." She laughed.
"So, will you tell me where we are going now?" I asked curiously.
"Nope!" She replied.
She really can be frustrating; I have been looking forward to this vacation for months. To be blocked from knowing where we were flying was unnerving, but I trusted Beth. Following her to the checkpoints, all of my items were checked, as well as my person. Security has gotten tighter, I thought. Beth held onto our tickets with a death hold as I shook my head. She is something else, especially when she wants to surprise you with something.
I tossed my bag on the cold plastic seat while I sat next to it; I wondered how long before our plane would board. Beth squealed excitedly as she chattered to me, not that I was paying much attention. My mind wandered, trying to picture the place she was taking me to.
My imagination ran wild, picturing a place with tall palm trees, lush white sand beaches, and tons of stunning men walking around in the tiniest swimsuits possible. A girl can dream, I thought to myself. I smirked as none of Beth's words reached me. I turned my head to glance at her. Her eyebrow was raised, knowing I hadn't heard a word she said. She grinned and shook her head.
"Imagining what the place will be like again, I see?" She laughed.
I nodded to her, knowing she busts me whenever she plans the trip; I always do the same thing.
"You know I am! I do the same thing every time you plan it! Come on, tell me something about where we are going," I pleaded.
"Fine! It's surrounded by water; there you go," She said with a sarcastic grin.
Alright, that tells me it's an island, so that means beaches, and I surely hope the men are included. I nodded to her as I bit my tongue for a moment until I couldn't hold my snide comment in any longer.
"Oh, aren't you so forthcoming with information, surrounded by water, that's all I am getting? You bitch!" I laughed.
Beth smirked, knowing I was frustrated with her answer, yet she had no intentions of relenting any further details. I wanted to bitch slap her for her sheer secrecy, but I love her like a sister and couldn't do that to her. Yet I can think it, I laughed to myself.
Beth smirked, knowing I was frustrated with her answer, yet she had no intentions of relenting any further details. I wanted to bitch slap her for her sheer secrecy, but I love her like a sister and couldn't do that to her. Yet I can think it, I laughed to myself.
A woman came over the loudspeaker announcing that flight 192 had arrived and would begin loading. Beth stood up, nodding to me to follow her; I followed behind her now, knowing this must be our flight. As we got onto the plane, I noticed the stewardess directing people towards their seats in front of us. She waived Beth and me to the first class section, which I hadn't expected. Beth must have gotten us first class this year, which, after last year, I am thankful for.
As I was about to stuff my carry-on bag into the upper bin, the stewardess walked to me, accepted the bag, turned, and walked towards the private section. I sat in the seat closest to the window as Beth fears heights, which I find amusing, considering she always wants to fly for our vacations instead of driving. She is doing this for us, so I will not argue. I looked out the window and saw the runway bustling with other planes landing and taking off.
As everyone entered the aircraft, the flight attendants gave their usual spiel about seatbelts, not getting up, and, of course, no smoking. I buckled in; my patience was beginning to wane as I wanted to enjoy our vacation already. I was thankful when the plane started to ferry onto the runway. We should be in the air within a few moments, and then I can close my eyes and imagine what this new place may be like.
I finally was worry-free outside of the minor nagging sensation, knowing a massive storm front would be in our path at some point. I hope we avoid it so there are no mishaps. Thankfully, Beth got us tickets from a good airline with a good reputation. It may seem petty to think of things like that, but it is part of who I am. As our plane grew higher and higher into the sky, I sighed contently.
I closed my eyes, knowing Beth would get us both drinks and it would be waiting for me when I woke. I yawned as sleep pulled me under. I felt the stresses of my everyday life wash away from me. It's a marvelous sensation to relax the way I have been anticipating finally.
Waking to loud chatter in the plane, along with Beth shaking me frantically, I opened my eyes to see the fear washed over her normally cheerful face. Blinking my eyes as I attempted to clear the sleep from them, her words finally made sense to me.
"Cleo, please wake up! We flew in a storm, and the plane has been jarred every which way. I'm scared!" She rambles out in fear.
My heart dropped, knowing this could be the last vacation I ever take!
