Moth to a Flame

Due| Unregistered Number

AVIATRICE

Magkasalubong ang kilay ko habang nakatingin sa tower. Kung nakakasunog lang ang mga tingin ko ay malamang kanina pa tinutupok ng apoy ang ATC tower dahil sa sama ng tingin ko rito. 

"Why didn't they give us the clearance yet?" Inip na inip kong atugal habang magkakrus ang braso. 

Nat scratched his nape as he cluelessly looked at me. Napabuga na lang ako ng malalim na hininga. Looking at the runway, we could've been cleared for take-off. There could be air traffic and all, but we've been delayed for over thirty minutes. 

Distaunce is not purposely delaying just to piss me off, does he? 

I took the VHF radio to call for the tower. Delayed flights are common and cannot be avoided but they usually give us a reason for that. I can't wait for ages. 

"Fiumicino Tower, SA 455 to the Philippines, Runway 27, requesting for clearance." I tilted my head when I heard a five-second dead air before someone answered. 

"SA 455, Runway 27, departure on hold. We're trying to clear a rabbit in the runway." I scoffed upon hearing Distaunce's command. 

We're on hold because of a damn rabbit? 

"I swear to God if you're doing this on purpose—" 

"Woah, sister chill! I know it's absurd, the QR team are taking care of it." Narinig ko pa ang mapang-asar nitong tawa na tila ba tuwang-tuwa sa irita kong tono ng pananalita.

Hindi talaga mabubuo ang araw niya kung hindi niya ako babadtripin sa umaga. I don't even know why the hell he became an ATC as soon as I decided to be a commercial plane pilot. When I was an Air Force pilot, he was in the Navy. 

I used to piss him off by throwing baby rockets in the Navy ship he captained. He always finds it unfair that I can dominate in the sky above him. Now he's taking the chance to be an air traffic controller because that way, he can bully and command me around. 

"SA 455, Runway 27, departure on hold, wait in line for instructions."  Madiin nitong wika at nakakasigurado akong malawak itong nakangisi. When the radio line ended I narrowed my eyes in the tower across the runway.

Sana tamaan ka ng kidlat, bwiset. 

"Am I hearing it, right? A wabit in the runway?" Hindi makapaniwalang sambit ni Nat habang umiiling, kapagkuwan ay mahina na rin itong natawa.

How can there be a rabbit on the runway? It's nothing near their vegetation. 

I rolled my eyes and clicked my tongue. Maybe one of the crazy owners accidentally released their pet. Napahinga na lang ako ng malalim habang sinusubukang pakalmahin ang sarili ko. I cleared my throat and took the radio connecting to the passengers in the aircraft.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. This is your captain speaking. I regret to inform you that Flight SA 455  has experienced a minor delay due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. We apologize sincerely for any inconvenience caused and assure you that every effort is being made to resolve the issue promptly. Please do not hesitate to speak with any of the cabin crew if you have any questions or concerns. They would be pleased to help you further." I announced. 

I bit my lower lip as I gazed at the cockpit windshield just to see five people running around on the runway probably chasing a rabbit. Para silang mga tangang nagtatakbuhan at nakikipagpatentero rito. Napahilot na lang ako ng sentido. 

"It's odd to see you wearing a scarf despite the hot weather, Cha." Dinig kong komento ni Greece na nakaupo jumpseat habang kinakalikot ang phone niya.