Jacksepticeye: I'll Always Be With You

Chapter Two: The Terminal

        I paced nervously back and forth in front of the gates leading to my plane. Boarding would begin in just under thirty minutes. I had told my sister and roommate most of the truth; that I was going to Ireland for a convention, and that I should be back in a week or two. The previous two days had passed in a blurr, and now that the day of my departure had finally arrived, my nerves were getting the better of me.

        At long last, they began to call for passengers to board the plane. It took all of my concentration and focus not to pass out as I boarded. As the last few people filtered in, the flight attendants began their pre-flight routines, reminding us of our emergency exist locations and that we could use our seats as floatation devices. I had collapsed into the seat, and as I swiped a handacross my sweaty brow, my neighboring passenger gave me a concerned look.

        "First time, or just a nervous flyer?" She asked with a warm and concerned smile.

        "Neither," I replied, grinning half-heartedly. "It's more that I'm nervous for what comes after the flight." She must have sensed that I didn't want to talk about it, because she didn't ask, and instead offered me some over-the-counter anxiety pills.

        "Thanks." I took a few and popped them into my mouth. The flight attendents took their seats in the back of the plane as the pilots began to take off. Soon after, I was allowed to take my electronic devices out, and I took my iPod out straight away, plugged in my headphones, and let the music flow through my veins. I gazed idly out the window as the vast farmland flew by beneath us. I was on my way, at long last, out of the Midwestern United States, off to Ireland.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        "Ladies and gentleman, at this time we will be beginning our final decent into Dublin. We ask that you please turn off all electronic devices and return your seats and trays to their full and upright positions. Thank you and we hope you enjoy your time in Ireland." I sighed and pulled my headphones out of my ears, powering down my iPod and shoving it back into my pocket. I grabbed my bag from beneath the seat in front of me and pulled out the paper that had my hotel reservation on it, checking it for what must have been the hundredth time. I closed my eyes as the the descent began. Almost there.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        I stepped out of the cab and handed the driver his money, taking in the surroundings as I did so. I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply through my nose, my brain registering all the new sounds and smells. This is it, no turning back now. I thought as I hauled my luggage into the lobby. I presented the woman at the front desk with my paper, and she handed me a key and pointed me in the direction of my room, a single on the fifth floor, with a beautiful city view and a balcony.

        As I settled into the room, unpacking my belongings and the like, I couldn't help but think of the week to come. My excitement was tinged with a nagging apprehension, an overall feeling of dread and anxiety, like I knew something terrible was awaiting me. I pushed the thoughts away, telling myself I was being silly. Maybe it was a mistake.