Home Away From Home

Chapter Two

After a layover in Toronto, a delayed take off due to a passenger with health-related issues, and some massive turbulance, I finally landed in Sydney. 

Being a fairly passive-aggressive person, there are two sides of myself that often conflict. My more aggressive side urged to get out of my seat immediately, grabbing my things, and getting off that plane. But my more passive side, my more pursuasive side, got the best of me. I was nearly the last person off the plane because I didn't want to be in anyone's way as I gathered my things. 

It wasn't a terrible thing though. I was glad to give myself an extra few minutes before I needed to leave to live with strangers for two months. 

I pulled my camel-colored backpack out from under the seat in front of me and retrieved my blue and white polkadotted duffled from the carry-on space overhead. I thanked the flight attendants on my way out, and walked in step with a pilot who was on my flight. (He wasn't the pilot of my flight, though.)

I always feel incredibly insignificant when I'm near pilots and people of like careers because I just feel like they are so important. I felt the tension of an impending conversation between us, and I figured he did too. Travelling gives me an excuse to to things out of character, like, say, starting a conversation with a stranger. 

"Flying anywhere interesting soon?" I asked, looking up in near-awe at the older, albeit, handsome gentleman pilot.

"Well, I'll be in Sydney for about three days visiting my brother and his family before jetting off to Prague. I won't get to stay there for much more than a few hours, though." He smiled, hopefully pleased with me.

I made note of his pun, but I didn't laugh because I didn't know if it was intentional or not. My eyes grew wide as I relished in the thought of going to Prague. It's on my list. "Wow. That's exciting. I'm sure it gets to be annoying, though. I know I wouldn't like being able to go so many places but rarely ever get to go to any place." 

He shrugged his shoulders and looked down into my eyes. I prepared myself for a life-altering statement from this important man. "I'm not much for travel; I just like flying." 

My face fell, and I felt my entire being deflate a little bit. "Oh..." I pursed my lips and looked away, trying to figure a way out of this conversation. "Well, I guess you're in the right business."

He laughed heartily. "I guess I am." 

We walked our separate ways-- he going to his temporary place of residence with relatives, me going to my temporary place of residence with strangers. 

I guess that was the difference between us: he stayed places he knew out of convenience, while I stayed in strange places out of curiousity.

I sighed, unsatisfied with the pilot and continued my journey deeper into the airport. I picked up my giant purple rolling suitcase and got through customs without any hastles. My stomach rumbled as I walked through the food court, but I wasn't sure if I should get something now or if I would be eating later. In all honesty, I didn't really even know what time or day it was because I didn't trust my phone. It has lead me wrong too many times. 

I finally left the area full of discombobulated passengers traveling to and fro and made it to another crowded area, but this time the crowds were of welcoming parties. Having only seen pictures of my new "family", I wasn't sure who or what to look for, but as sure as all cliches, I found them holding a sign with my name written in all capital letters.

DAY ONE

I swallowed hard, making and breaking eye contact as I slowly pushed my way toward them. "Are you Mrs. Hemmings?"