Dead Flight

Delta 1378

*Emily pictured above*

"Goodbye Emily." My brother hugged me one last time before I went through the metal detecting arches.

"Bye David," I whispered as the tall brunette disappeared from my view. The bright lights of the machine swirled around me as I stood barefooted on the footprints that were painted on the mat below me. I bit my cheeks holding back the tears. Who knew when I'd be able to see him again? He wouldn't be allowed home for Christmas or anytime soon because of his job. I grabbed my backpack from the tray after it went through another metal detecting machine. Quickly, I slid my shoes back on my feet.

I walked down the long hallway, passing the different Terminals till I reached Terminal E. The rest of the world continued on as if this was all normal. As if the ones they were leaving behind would be seen in just a few short days, weeks, or even months. But I knew it'd be years before I get to see David again.

The Terminal was already full of dozens of different people. A little boy, about 4, clung to his mother's leg screaming for a toy she had already put away in their carry on. An elderly couple sat together on a bench holding hands, while they spoke of their fantastic trip to Virginia Beach. A man in his early twenties sat arguing over the phone with God knows who. It smelled faintly like a mixture of body odor and greasy fast food. Which made me long for the fresh air outside. The crowded room and awful smell nauseates me. I think I might get sick.

I was new to all of this, and I had to do it alone. I knew nobody here and knew nothing about airplanes or airports. And I was honestly scared shitless. Glancing around, I looked for someone who looked nice enough to follow around, or even just sit by till the plane started to let people on. An older woman, who seemed to be about my mother's age, caught my eye. She had brown shoulder length hair that was a shade lighter than mine with streaks of gray here and there. She was sitting alone flipping through the pages of a magazine she must've brought with her, with her legs crossed. I slowly walked over and sat in the empty seat next to her. She never looked up, so we sat in silence. I pulled out my phone and sent my mom a quick text.

Me: I'm at the Terminal thing now. I won't be able to text you from the plane so I will let you know when I land in Atlanta.

Mom: ok have a nice flight... Good luck! please do not forget to text me. I love you so much... <3

Me: I love you too! :)

Delta 1378 Norfolk to Atlanta: First class passengers may board the plane at this time. The monotone voice over the intercom said.

The woman glanced up from her magazine, noticed me sitting there and jumped.

"Oh my lord. I'm sorry, I didn't realize that someone sat next to me! I'm Gail." She held out her small hand.

"I'm sorry for scaring you." I placed my hand in hers and gently shook it. "I'm Emily." I awkwardly dropped my hand from hers.

"It is very nice to meet you Emily. You seem too young to be getting on a plane by yourself. Where is your family?" She generally looked concerned for me. I quickly turned off my phone and answered.

"I'm actually 21. I was just visiting my brother for a couple weeks here."

"Oh I see! Does he live here in Norfolk, Virginia Beach or..." Gail trailed off waiting for an answer.

"N-no he lives in Newport News." Why'd I stutter? God I'm lame. "He doesn't get much opportunities to come home, so my parents let me come visit him before school starts up."

"That's nice." She smiled warmly at me. "Have you ever been on a plane before?"

"No I haven't." I looked away shyly. Social interaction has never been my thing. I usually get really nervous unless I am talking to my family or some friends.