Just the Ticket

Chapter 31

Chapter 31 #jttwbs

"Ladies and gentlemen, DLC Airline welcomes you to Manila as we have just landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The local time is 10:46 AM..."

The butterflies in my stomach almost had my tongue tied. Pero tinatagan ko ang sarili at hindi ipinahalata sa boses. Passenger address is really one of my favorites.

"For your safety and the safety of those around you, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened and keep the aisle clear until we are parked at the gate. Captain De la Corda will then turn off the 'Fasten Seat Belt' sign, indicating it is safe to stand. Please use caution when opening the overhead compartments since your items may have shifted during flight. Thank you."

Magana kong inulit ang announcement sa Filipino language.

Sa ngiti ng senior crew namin pagkatapos ko, halos lumutang na ako sa tuwa. I remember when I was still a rookie, and now... I'm definitely no longer like that.

"Fluent. Eloquent."

I smiled giddily. "Thank you."

Saglit kong inayos ang scarf na nasa leeg ko at pinlantsa ng palad ang skirt. I ambled back into the cabin with poise that we were trained to carry on board.

Pinatawag lang talaga ako at pinagsalita kasi huling flight ko na as Manila airport based. I accepted the quick task with no second thoughts. Paborito ko nga rin kasi!

I really think the reason why it's a favorite is because of what it does to me. Kapag naririnig ko iyong sariling boses ko, nakapaninindig balahibo noong una. Parang dati, hindi ko kayang magsalita nang ganoon. Buo at may tiwala sa sarili.

I stood there and ensured to exude an approachable aura for when anyone needed assistance. Lalo na nang nagsitayo na ang flight passengers upang kumuha ng gamit sa compartments at napuno ang aisle.

Nginitian ko iyong isang mukhang teenager na malapit sa akin at nakamasid. She curiously surveyed my entire fit with burning consideration in her round eyes. Bigla rin siyang kumapit sa katabing ginang.

"Mama. Parang gusto ko na lang talaga maging stewardess. 'Yun na lang talaga ang kukunin ko sa college," aniya na narinig ko.

"Tumigil ka nga. Serbidora nga lang sabi 'yan sila sa eroplano. Mamili ka ng iba."

My sweet smile remained intact. Pero sa loob-loob ko, napasimangot na ako.

It really irks me whenever I hear that sentiment. Hindi ko na rin kasi talaga mabilang kung ilang beses ko nang narinig at nakakasawa na. Iyan na lang lagi ang tingin ng iba sa pangarap ko... o namin ng mga katulad ko.

Inaral namin paano maayos na ihatid ang mga pasahero sa destinasyon nila at ang emergency procedures kung may mangyari man sa himpapawid tapos ila-'lang' lang ng ibang tao na wala namang ambag sa buhay namin ang pangarap namin? Nakakalungkot.

Pero tapos na rin naman talaga akong panghinaan ng loob sa mga ganoon. The mouths where that sentiment comes out are not at all important. Nothing matters but my own perceptions about my dream. I have long realized.

Napagtanto ko... at isinabuhay na rin.

Umayos rin ako nang nawala na sa paningin ko ang ginang. Shortly after, the passengers gingerly deplaned the aircraft and we, cabin crews, ensured their safety as they did.

"Uy. Ganda ng address mo kanina."

"Oo nga, Erisette! I really love your diction!"

"Para ring 'di default o from a script kasi ramdam 'yung connection at genuine care sa passengers."