Soul Searching

Reunion

Gabi's brother - above

"Mademoiselle, Mademoiselle," a warm hand was shaking me gently. I groaned and opened my eyes groggily, staring straight into the most gorgeous pair of brown eyes. The handsome face of a stranger was observing at me curiously. I sat up awkwardly.

"Uh, why are you sitting next to me." I ask lamely. Good job Gabi, I chastised myself. He probably came after you fell asleep.

"I am so sorry." He exclaimed, his French accent and worried expression made me smile. He looked at me pleadingly, but I sat there patiently waiting for him to explain. He sighed.

"Well," he cleared his throat and continued. "Like yourself I wanted to get some sleep considering the long flight ahead, but unfortunately I got stuck sitting next to a very large man, who snores louder than my grandmother and she has breathing issues. I tried everything to block out the horrible sound, watching movies, listening to music even covering my head with a pillow, but nothing worked. Eventually I got up and went to the toilet to give my ears a rest. On my way, I happened to notice the seat open next to you and you were sleeping like a baby, so I asked the flight attendant if it would be possible to change seats and after observing the situation she agreed, warning not to try anything funny. I assured her I would harm a hair on your head. I didn't have to chance to either because as soon as my head hit the pillow I was out like a light." He rambles on looking up every now again, I was only half paying attention because his French accent and gorgeous face was a wee bit of a distraction. After a minute of silence, I released I was waiting for me to respond.

"Uh... So why'd you wake me up." I ask, blushing for no apparent reason. At this he smiles, visibly relaxing.

"Considering the fact that you were fast asleep when I sat next to you and still fast asleep when I woke up, I figured that you might need a knight in shining armour to wake you up from your 100-year slumber. Don't worry I didn't try to kiss you" Mr French laughs lightly, my frown obviously amusing him. I look outside and notice that we are indeed, no longer moving.

"I'm Jaquez" Mr French finally introduces himself properly, holding out his large hand.

"Gabi" I respond with a smile, taking his hand and giving it a firm shake.

30 minutes later, I'm on way to the departure lounge for a domestic flight to Melbourne from Sydney. Jaquez, chatted to me the whole way to the check in desk where we exchanged contact info which he insisted upon in case of an "emergency". I just smiled and handed him a slip of paper with my face book name because I still needed to sort out an Australian number and what not. He gave a me a surprise hug he headed of to collect his bags and I watched him with a stupid grin on my face. Hopefully most of the Australians will be as friendly as Jaquez.

As we advance steadily towards Melbourne, it hits me like a ton of bricks. I am about to see my father and brother again. Never mind seeing them, I was going to live with them. What if they didn't like me, what if I am burden to them? Oh what have I got myself into. Snap out of it Gabi, they are your family, they should at least be happy to see you.

With that, I shove my head phones on and play some classical music, relaxing instantly as the soothing tones calmed my nerves, I laid my head against the window and closed my eyes. Too soon I was woken, unfortunately not by Jaquez, but by a stern looking flight attendant who ushered me out into the airport. After collecting my suitcase, I headed towards the glass doors that lead towards the waiting lounge, the lounge where my dad and hopefully Alex would be waiting.

Alex. At the thought of him, my eyes filled with tears, quickly wiping them away I didn't waste another second and pushed open the doors that separated me from my long lost twin.