Bittersweet Honey

16. Down Under

Toni.

"He just smiled and gave me
a Vegemite sandwich.
And he said:
I come from a land down under."

-Men at Work

"I just don't understand why you swerved him like that, Antonia Scott. He is so nice, and a total knock-out." Alex lectures as we start unloading our bags from the cab at Heathrow. It was a crowded ride, since we all packed for a couple months of traveling.

"Can we just...ignore that it happened, at least until we are in our seats, please? We'll all be trapped in the same plane for twenty hours. I'm sure that's enough time to get your daily dose of gossip, Alex." I say, my voice a bit raspy from exhaustion and the slight hang-over I'm feeling.

Ren is the most hung-over of the three, she's not even speaking and she walks inside the airport with sunglasses on.

Last night I kept to myself as I removed my makeup, washed my face and got into bed, trying to rest as much as possible but it was no use. I stayed up replaying everything that happened at Déjà Vu in my head. Every touch, every word, every look. I'm screwed. But Alex and Ren are obsessed with my private life now. Maybe because for the first time since we've been friends, there's actually something going on in my private life.

I spot Eleanor in line for check-in, and she looks so polished and put-together as always. Unlike us, who still reek of tequila and look a mess.

"Good morning, rough night?" She asks almost without any eye contact as we stand beside her.

"No, not at all." Alex lies. "Love your coat, Eleanor. Très chic."

If there's something about Alex is that he's always honest, specially about his compliments. He doesn't do it to suck up to the team's leader who is Eleanor, he really means it and it makes her smile like she rarely does.

"Thanks. I guess I'll see you on the plane. Remember, when we get to the hotel we'll have a quick meeting, but you already know what to do I hope." She instructs, and we all nod in agreement. She walks towards the counter with her bags and checks in.

Then we all do, one by one. My heart is beating out of my chest because I'm so excited for this journey that begins today. A year ago I wouldn't have imagined something like this would happen to me.

We go past security and into the boarding area. Thankfully I packed some snacks, I have my music with me and a couple of books, but I honestly think I could sleep for at least twelve hours straight.

"I think I'm old now guys, this hang-over at twenty-six feels nothing like a hang-over at twenty-five." I complain as I drink some water.

"I know, that happened to me too. And I wish I could tell you it gets better, but no. It doesn't." Ren groans.

"Well damn." I sigh. Just as I'm about to take out my tablet to go through some things from work, we get called for boarding. And I'm thrilled, but I'm also nervous about having to talk about my feelings with Ren and Alex for hours, and also feeling a bit nauseous for at least half the flight.

We are lucky enough to work at a great company that buys us business class seats. I'm not picky, but it would be torture to spend such a long flight back in economy. The seats are much wider and comfortable, and we have plenty of leg room. This is a huge plane, so Ren, Alex and I end up sitting together in the middle row. At least the flight won't be boring.

I can't help but think of Daniel, and how he and his friends are most definitely flying on a private jet all to themselves with champagne and fancy treats.