La Rosa de San Juan

The Flight

     The flight to Miami was only an hour and ten minutes from Columbia, which was quicker than what Leighanna was expecting. There was an hour and a half layover in Miami before she was set to board her next plane for a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico. When she landed in Miami, she called her family to let them know she made it there safely, what time her next flight was set to leave, and how the flight went. While she had a little extra time, she grabbed her favorite drink from Starbucks and her favorite sandwich from Panera Bread. She decided to take a little nap while she was waiting for her next plane to start boarding.

     "Attention passengers: The time is now 12:10 am. Flight 387 Miami to San Juan is ready to board. If you do not have a seating arrangement, please make your way to the ticket counter now to get that situated and fixed. We will start boarding Group A. If you are not in Group A, please remain seated until your group is called." The attendee announced through the intercom.

     Leighanna made her way to the gate and showed them her ticket and passport. After they stamped her passport, she went to board the plane. There was a second where her stomach started to churn, a time where she wanted to turn around and go back home, but she knew it was just her anxiety and continued down the hallway to the plane. The flight attendants greeted her, helped her with her bags, and showed her to her seat. She put her earbuds in and decided to listen to music to calm her down before she fell asleep. For a few moments she felt like someone was staring at her, but she ignored the feeling until she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. It startled her to the point she almost jumped out of her skin.

     "I'm sorry, miss. I hate to disturb you, but I was wondering if I could sit here. Everywhere else is full." A young man maybe in his early 20s asked politely.

     "Oh, no you're fine," Leighanna chuckled as she pulled her earbud out. "Yeah, of course you can sit here." She motioned to the seat beside of her. She put her pocketbook and bookbag in the floor at her feet so the man would have enough room to sit comfortably.

     "I'm Antonio. And you are?" The stranger extended his hand. He was a good-looking young man. Curly black hair with blonde highlights throughout, gorgeous deep brown eyes, and caramel complected skin felt smooth like Tennessee whiskey.

     "Leighanna Grace, but you can call me Leigha. Nice to meet you." Her ocean blue eyes sparkled as she shook his hand. Her strawberry blonde hair was pulled up by a little bow that had her initials monogrammed on it. Her fair skin sported a farmer's tan that caught Antonio's eye.

     "The pleasure's all mine. So, you're going to Puerto Rico too?" He pointed at the ticket in her hand that she forgot to put into her backpack.

     "Oh yeah. I am. I take it you are too?" She giggled a little and she put her ticket inside of her backpack as a smile formed across Antonio's face.

     "Yeah, I am. I'm going back for college. They always bring us in early, so we have time to get to know our professors and get our supplies before classes start." He explained.

     "I'm going there for college as well!" Leigha's face lit up like a whole vault of diamonds had been opened up. She got excited knowing they'll be in the same town. "What school are you going to if you don't mind me asking of course?" She wasn't prepared for the answer she was about to receive.

     "The University of Puerto Rico en San Juan. And you?"

     "I am too." She was too stunned to speak. Her heart skipped a few beats but soon regulated itself. "I just got my letter a few days ago, so I'm really excited but really nervous, ya know?" She tried to explain without over explaining everything.