One Long Flight 💙

Flight Delay

"Please, I need to get home! Are there any other flights available to London?" The girl with long red hair pleaded at the airline counter.

Chris observed her from behind in the line. The airline representative regretfully informed her that there were no alternative flights to London, which made him realize his own wait in line was now unnecessary. He let out a sigh of resignation and decided to head to the first-class lounge to wait out the delay.

Her heart sank as the representative told her about the three-hour delay. She didn't want to have a meltdown right there, not giving anyone the satisfaction. Pushing back her frustration, she let out a soft groan, grabbed her carry-on, and entered the first-class lounge. But her entrance turned out to be less than graceful as she accidentally bumped into someone, resulting in the front of her shirt getting wet. "Seriously?!" she exclaimed in exasperation, noticing her blouse was now soaked.

"I'm really sorry," the man with striking sky blue eyes apologized sincerely, handing her a handful of napkins.

Already overwhelmed by the day's events and the flight delay, she wasn't ready to accept his apology without resistance. "You better be. Fuck!" She heard him scoff as she grabbed her carry-on and headed straight into the bathroom to clean up and change into a t-shirt. She leaned against the counter of the sink, tears stinging her eyes. She groaned, taking a few minutes to wash her face and pull her hair back out of her face. After composing herself, she returned to the lounge, slumping into a seat just as her phone began ringing.

"Daddy?"

'Aisling, are you on your way? Were you able to catch a flight to London?'

She sighed, "Yes, but it's delayed. I'm doing my best to get there in time."

'Aisling, honey, calm down. You're nervous enough about flying without adding the stress of getting there at a specific time. Just focus on getting home safely. Alright? Tá grá agam dhuit.'

"Tá grá agam dhuit, a Dhaidí."

She noticed the same guy looking at her while she was on the phone. He glanced at his phone as she sighed, put her phone in her pocket, and pulled out a book to read. She sat and listened to his one sided conversation.

"Yes. Megan, I'm making my way there. The flight's only delayed by a few hours. I'll still make it on time."

"Yeah, I understand. Just let them know I'll be on time. I'm trying my best."

"Thanks."

Glancing up, she realized that he was the actor she admired. However, she didn't want to approach him and potentially embarrass herself. She scoffed unintentionally, drawing his attention from across the room as she felt her face turn red and he smirked at her before she returned her attention to her book. Who was she fooling? She was too anxious to read, especially today. Setting the book aside, she approached the bar. "Can I have a whiskey, please?"

The bartender nodded, pouring a small glass from a green bottle.

She smiled, "Thank you." As she turned to head back to her seat, she nearly collided with the same man again. "Seriously?"

He chuckled, "I wanted to apologize once more for spilling my drink on you."

She nodded, "Sure, it's fine. Thanks." Returning to her seat, she felt him take the seat next to her, prompting her to groan, "What now?"

"I'm Chris."

She nodded, "Yeah, I know who you are." 

"This is usually the time you offer up your own name..." he pried gently with an amused smirk.

Although he was more attractive in person, and on any other given day, he wouldn't have had to work so hard. "I'm sorry. I'm not interested. I just want to get to London. That's all."

Chris noticed a mixture of emotions in her emerald eyes, but he sighed, "Alright then. Sorry for bothering you." He walked away, leaving her alone, and returned to his seat. Plugging in his headphones, he tuned out the surroundings, waiting for the boarding announcement.

Feeling guilty for his kindness, she still couldn't bring herself to open up. Right now, all she wanted was to be left alone so she could get home to her family. She hoped she would make it in time. Sighing, she sat in silence until the boarding announcement finally came. Chris was asleep, and she chuckled as she nudged his foot on her way to board. Settling into her seat, she gazed out the window until she sensed someone else sitting next to her. "You've got to be kidding me. Seriously?"

Chris chuckled, taking his seat, "Good to see you too. Ms..."

She groaned, "Delaney, Aisling Delaney." His chuckle continued as she looked back out the window, watching the remaining passengers board. Closing her eyes, she rested her head against the seat, feeling him fumble around in the adjacent seat. She knew the 7-hour flight to London was going to be a long one.