July 12th

t w o

| Chapter Two - Ten Bucks Says I Have The Third Biggest Black Santa Collection |

Dawson had assumed that because her parents had already sent one daughter off to college it'd be easy for them to send off Dawson.

Turns out, it was even more difficult this time. Her mother started going on and on about how Dawson was her little baby and sending her off was much too difficult.

"But Dawson, you're a 5-hour plane ride away! I can't deal with that. At least your sister was a few hours away."

"It's 4 hours and 35 minutes."

"Dawson." She said, her tone of voice implying annoyance but her smile hinting at comfort.

"Mum. You have to let me go." She said, adjusting her backpack strap. She glanced down at her watch. 2:34 AM. She only had a half hour to get through security. "Seriously mum, I'm running late."

"Oh god, okay, okay. I love you so much, Dolly." She said pressing a kiss to Dawson's cheek. She cringed at the use of her long retired nickname. It was a little difficult to make an acceptable nickname from 'Dawson'. Dawson-ie? Daw? Son? Daws? Yeah, how about no.

"I love you too, mum. I'll call you the moment I land."

Her dad had been rather silent the entire time. He came up to Dawson and gave her a long hug. It would always be Dawson's little secret, she loved being daddy's little girl (ew not like that, perv).

"Wow, champ, you're leaving us, huh?" He said. Dawson could see the tears pooling in the corners of his eyes.

She laughed, her own eyes watering. She couldn't help it, whenever someone's eyes watered, her own began to water. "Can't get away fast enough." She said, her voice quivering.

Her dad pulled out a small box and placed it in her palm. "Open it when you get to the big city."

She bit her lip. "Bye, guys. I love you so much." She said, taking in a large breath.

"Bye, Dolly." They said in unison.

Cree-py. Dolls and talking in unison? Sammy, get the salt.

She waved one last time and walked away.

As she was waiting in line, she saw her parents just standing there.

"Oh, fuck it." She muttered. She placed her bag by a bench and ran to them, giving them one more hug.

"As much as it pains me to say it, I'll miss y'all."

They laughed and sent her away.

Away.

**

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are now boarding Air Canada flight AC459. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Pearson International Airport." The voice paused and then continued. "Mesdammes et Monsieurs, nous embarquons maintenant le vol Air Canada AC-quatre-cinq-neuf. Aéroport International Seattle-Tacoma à Aéroport International Pearson."

Dawson groaned, she had fallen asleep on one of the rather uncomfortable airport seats. Who in their right mind books a flight at 4 AM? She thought to herself. She straightened up checking her carry on (an ex school bag) for gum. She sighed happily upon seeing that her Dentyne Fire gum was stored safely in a pocket.

"Economy class is now boarding. Classe Économique embarque maintenant."

Dawson got up and prepared herself for the death trap.

As she creeped towards the back of the 747. Her eyebrows furrowed with envy as she passed the first class and business class passengers. Those rich asses.