Challenges

Part I

*** 2015***

The plane banked west as it made its final approach to the Albuquerque International Airport. Beneath the plane Justin Leary saw the Rio Grande snake through the Bosque on its way south. He always loved flying into this airport for the view it offered.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are making our final approach. Please have all seats and trays in their upright position and have any trash ready for pick up by the cabin crew." The stewardess made the announcement as the other two stewards walked down the aisle. The plane was not full, which was nice since Justin got to sit by himself. It was also nice because he had the opportunity to talk to one of the stewards: Jason Hill. 

Over the course of the trip from Seattle, Washington they were able to have a bit of chit chat about life. He seemed like a nice guy, and even wanted to chat with him again. He had asked how long he would be in New Mexico, and if he had the chance to call him when he got back to Seattle.

"Any trash?" Jason broke Justin's train of thought and pulled him from the window. 

"No." Justin grinned. The man was highly attractive, which was odd as he was not his type. He had the 'California surfer boy' look to him. "Thanks."

Jason smiled back and walked the next set of people behind him. Justin sighed sharply and turned his attention back to the window. They were slowly getting closer to the ground. He did not like landing as it always scared him. He looked up towards the front of the plan and saw the female steward buckle into her chair. It must have sucked to have to face backwards on a plane. 

20 minutes later the plane had landed and was at the gate. Justin took his time getting his things together as he wanted to take his time to get off. He wanted to see if he could say bye to Jason. 

"You going to get off?" Jason came up teasing him. 

"I will." Justin laughed. For some reason he liked talking to Jason and he had a good personality.

"I was hoping to say bye first."

"Aww." Jason slugged him a bit on the shoulder. "Thanks." He picked up the luggage that was sitting on the chair. "Let me help you."

"Thanks." They walked to the front of the plane where the captain had opened the door and was visiting with the other stewards. He glanced up and saw Justin and Jason heading up front. He smiled at both of them but kept talking.

"I usually work these flights from Seattle to Albuquerque, so maybe I will see you on the way home." Jason said hopefully. "If not, call me when you get home."

"I will." Justin wanted to hug the man but thought better. A bit awkward with the rest of the crew standing there, and he wasn't sure if Jason was that type of guy. 

After taking his luggage from Jason, Justin walked down the gangway.

As he exited into the terminal he made his way to the rental car area and pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

"Hey mom. I landed." He said as his mother picked up. "Yes. It was a good flight. No, I should be there in an hour or so." He said his goodbyes and hung up. 

After he picked up the keys to his rental he made his way out and onto the interstate to head south. His home town was a small city 70 miles to the south. He grew up there, but after high school he left the town and went to college, and then moved to Seattle to work. He liked coming home when he could, but his mother tended to be on the not-so-supportive side of his life. 

This trip was a bit different too. An old romance he had, contacted him several weeks ago as he was planning to come home. The email he received stated that he had heard that he was heading to town and wanted to see him as he had some important news to give. Justin did not email him back as he was not sure he wanted to open that wound again.