Torn [SHAWN MENDES]

~75~

Taryn got up from her seat at O'Hare airport. "I'm going to go grab a coffee. Can I get you anything?"

"A hot tea would be lovely. One sugar," Patricia replied.

As she navigated her way out of the gate, frowning faces were everywhere. It definitely stunk to be snowed in at an airport, but she was optimistic that they'd be on their way again in the next couple hours. It had been pretty upsetting when the pilot came over the loudspeaker to share they were making an emergency stop in Chicago, but it was better than trying to fly in dangerous conditions. So many people started booing at the announcement, which she found ridiculous.

"Large coffee extra cream and extra sugar and a hot black tea with one sugar, please," she told the Starbucks barista after waiting in line for twenty-five minutes. The airport was swarming with waylaid travelers and caffeine was in high demand.

Once she was back at their gate, she sat down next to Tricia who was reading on her kindle. Taryn pulled out her phone which was down to twenty percent battery life. Every charging station and outlet was occupied, so she closed it out of fear of having it die. "I'm going to go buy a magazine or a book at one of the shops."

"But you just came back from getting your coffee," her mom said.

"I know, but I need something to do. Sitting here is making the time pass even slower."

"You can watch the snow fall outside. It's very pretty."

Taryn looked out the huge window. "That snow means we're stuck here awhile, which is all the more reason to get some reading material. Do you want me to grab something for you?"

"I can't think of anything I need. If we're still here at dinner time, I want to try some Chicago style pizza. Think they have it here?"

"I'll look around, which will give me something to do. If you get any news about our flight while I'm gone, text me," Taryn said before leaving.

She walked through the terminal taking sips of her coffee as she went. She found a place called Reggio's that claimed to have authentic Chicago deep dish pizza, though she hoped by the evening they'd be flying over the middle of the United States instead of eating at the airport. She decided to keep strolling since it was a good alternative to sitting, and after a half an hour she popped into a small shop and picked out two magazines. One had a picture of Shawn and Yasmin on the cover with the headline, "It's official! Shawn Mendes and Yasmin Fields have signed their divorce papers!" Taryn was curious to see what the article revealed, though she suspected the only information they had was whatever they found in the public records. There was no way Shawn would willingly share anything.

At the register, Taryn grabbed two candy bars and paid for her purchases. The cashier was overwhelmed and had undoubtedly been dealing with grouchy people ever since the flights were grounded. "Hopefully they'll send all of us on our way soon," she told her. "I know this is hard on everyone who works here."

"Between us, I might snap if another person takes their frustration out on me," the young woman whispered.

Taryn started back to where she and Tricia had camped out, though she paused to hear an announcement over the speakers.

"We regret to inform you that all flights are delayed at least another two hours. The airline customer service desks are available to make changes for connecting flights. We ask that you be patient and understanding."

The silver lining to all this was that they didn't have a connection to make, so presumably once they got on the plane, they'd be in good shape. She walked over to a trash can to throw away her empty coffee cup when a happy child's voice drew her attention.