Life of Spike Murdoch

Chapter 11 - Haunted Struggles

It was the beginning of a new week, and the Stonewells packed up their luggage with their essentials as they headed out toward a getaway island for a 7-day vacation. The island was pretty far away, as it was located near the middle of the ocean. Roxie had bought airplane tickets beforehand, and Truck drove his family to the airport. As they arrived, they packed all their bags in a luggage cart and went into the busy building, checking in for the next flight to the island. Truck and Roxie take a seat in the waiting area, as TJ stares at the other airplanes taking off from the airport windows, excited to finally be able to go up in the sky on a plane. Truck had never been on a plane himself, so taking the opportunity to fly was a bit overwhelming for the big bird. He felt a bit of tightness around his stomach, but didn't feel the need to bring it up to his wife.

Roxie remembers taking multiple round trips on many airplanes in her youth, as she, her family and her old friends used to go back and forth between many vacation spots and famous landmarks. This is probably what sparked Roxie's fascination to learn surfing, going to multiple beaches while surfing with her friends. She hasn't been able to get out of the house for a long time when she married Truck and had TJ. This is the first time she properly had a relaxing vacation in many years.

"So, hun, how do you think this trip will go?", asked Truck, catching Roxie daydreaming.
"Huh?", Roxie said, snapping her back to reality. "Oh, hopefully very entertaining and fun, but mostly relaxing."
"Yea. TJ seems stoked for the plane ride there. I just hope he won't be too bored on the way there. It's gonna be a 4-hour flight."
"Oh, I know, but I've taken longer flights before. Four hours is literally nothing to me."
"To you, yes, but to me, that's about as long as it takes to fix up one of my client's vehicles."
"That's what happens when you're a slow worker, hun."
"Hey. I LIKE taking my time with my work, thank you very much."
"Then you have nothing to complain about. TJ has his video game handheld, and I have my book to read. You could possibly get some sleep too. You look tired."
"I'm okay, but yea, I guess you're right. I'm just a bit jumpy is all."
"Relax, big daddy. Flying isn't all that scary."
"Heh. I wish I had your calm nature, darling."
"You'll get the hang of it, don't worry."
"Heh, right."

After putting their luggage on the carousel, the announcement rang out for all the passengers to start boarding the plane. The Stonewells walk aboard the flight and take their assigned seats, awaiting the takeoff. TJ hops in his seat, looking through the window.
"I call dibs on the window seat!" called out TJ.
"Haha, okay, son." replied Roxie. "You'll get a better view of the sky when we are in the air soon."
"Well, hey, now, I want a turn looking out there too!" exclaimed Truck.
"You'll get your turn, hun." said Roxie. "Here, help me get my bag in the storage box above us."
"Yeah, I got it."
Putting his wife's hefty bag in the storage box, Truck sits down and relaxes. Roxie looks at her phone, seeing the time.
"If the plane leaves now, we should make it to the island by 3 o'clock. Oh, I'm so excited to get set up at the hotel! We can even rent a car and drive around all over the island!"
TJ leaps on his father from his seat. "Oooh, I wanna go to that entertainment center! They'll have arcades, restaurants, and a mini-golf course! Can we go, dad?!"
"Goodness, calm down, TJ!" said Truck. "We'll take you there after we get settled in and buy some more stuff for the room. We have the whole week to explore around."
"I know, but still, I'm too excited, dad! And mom, you still have to teach me how to surf as you promised!"
Roxie giggles. "I didn't forget my promise, son. I'm sure by the end of the week, you'll be a pro at surfing in no time."

As the pilot tells the next announcement through the plane intercom for everyone to get seated as they're ready to take off, TJ finally sits down and waits. The plane starts going down the runway and eventually starts to go airborne. TJ and Truck stare at the window as the ground gets further away from their view, and start flying over many buildings and fields. The both of them were in complete awe, and didn't look away from the window for quite some time.