The Dawn of Evil

Chapter 2.1

Chris watched the passengers as they filed onto the plane from his seat. They passed by the first-class section and headed to, what he considered to be, the steerage compartment. As he locked eyes with some of the travelers, he could see resentment on their faces. He marveled at the jealousy and greed of humans.

We pretend to be civilized, but it's only a façade, he said to himself. If society were to break down, even for a moment, there would be no end to the killing, thievery, or rape that would ensue. We really are an evil species, he mused.

Finally, the seemingly endless flow of passengers was stemmed and the doors to the aircraft were pulled shut.

The pilot's smooth voice emanated from the overhead speakers. "Ladies and Gentleman, we'll be departing shortly. The flight will take approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, so just sit back and relax. As always, thank you for choosing Boundless Air: Your number one source for direct, fast travel."

A flight attendant walked down the aisle, offering beverages to the first-class passengers before takeoff. After a few minutes, she was standing adjacent to Chris.

"Sir, may I get you anything?"

Chris thought for a moment. His headache was, thankfully, gone, so he decided that a drink wouldn't hurt.

"Just a glass of champagne, please," Chris requested. Nodding, the flight attendant left to fetch him his drink.

Chris settled into his plush seat and closed his eyes. The apprehension he felt about the meeting was forcing its way to the forefront of his mind. He'd been able to stifle it most of the day, focusing instead on how terrible he was feeling. But now, the gravity of the situation was becoming abundantly clear. Having another drink or two is probably the best idea you've had all day, Chris teased himself.

"Excuse me, Sir," the flight attendant spoke with well-practiced, bubbly enthusiasm.

Opening his eyes and sitting up, he reached for the flute of champagne that she was holding out to him.

"Thanks," Chris nodded as he took a sip.

"No problem, Sir. Let me know if you'd like anything else after take-off." With that, she moved on to the next row.

Chris took another sip of champagne and relished the effervescent wine. He typically avoided champagne because of the memories it tended to evoke. Memories that he had worked savagely to purge from his mind. While most people associate champagne with celebration, his first experience with it took place on one of the darkest days of his life. Chris tried to push out the memories, but it was too late. His eyes started brimming with tears as he pictured her face.

"Nadia," he whispered, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to overtake him.

He could picture her vividly. She was sitting on his bedroom floor, holding a disposable cup full of champagne. Her long black, wavy hair fell over her shoulders and swayed gracefully, midway down her back.

"Your stemware is simply divine, good Sir," she giggled as she gulped down her cooking quality champagne.

"Only the finest for my lady," he proclaimed, beaming. She scooted closer to him and took his hands in her own.

"All joking aside, Chris, this is really sweet. The candles and the homemade spaghetti were an excellent touch."

She leaned over and placed her hand on the back of his head, pulling him into a deep kiss. He breathed in her scent, a light bouquet of roses and jasmine. Nadia finally pulled back and took another sip of champagne.