Don't Be Late

Chad Myers closed his eyes as the plane began it's decent down the runway. He listened as the turbines grew in pitch until they fell into a harmonious hum as the 747 rushed forward. He took a deep breath when he felt the plane lift off and arch towards the sky. When he opened his eyes he felt a sensation of triumph and victory. He gazed across the aisles of the plane and observed the passengers on board. Most were dressed in Hawaiian shirts, shorts, and sandals. Myers himself was sporting the traditional Polynesian wear. Underneath his Tommy Bahama shirt he wore a souvenir that he purchased during his first visit to the Hawaiian Islands; a hand carved tiki necklace made from black hardened lava. Myers had only leafed though a few pages of a Sky Mall catalogue when the pleasant voice of a flight attendant spoke through the overhead speakers of the cabin. "You may now remove your seat belts and are free to move about the plane. Thank you for your cooperation and for choosing Aloha Airlines." Myers removed his seatbelt, pulled out his phone, and clicked on his Hawaiian favorites play list. He was interrupted shortly after when a flight attendant rolled a beverage cart along side of him. "A rum and coke please," he said "extra ice."

Myers took a sip and closed his eyes. He dozed off for a moment as warm sunlight flooded the cabin through the plane windows. I doesn't get any better than this he thought. Subconsciously, he began to tap his foot as Don Ho's Little Grass Shack began to flow through his headphones like the gentle waves of Maui. He took another sip as images of cascading waterfalls and long tropical sunsets washed his cares away.

The trip across the Pacific Ocean was smooth and the plane landed with ease on the island of Hawaii. When Myers left the plane he was greeted with a bombardment of Alohas. After picking up his luggage, he made his way outside. As he stepped out into the Hawaiian sunlight, a shiver ran up his back and he felt the warm sensations of youth stir in his veins as he took a shuttle to the car rental office.

"Can I help you sir," a slightly overweight man asked as Myers approached the Classic Auto Rentals counter. Myers gave the man his name and the desk clerk's fingers ran across a keyboard. "Yes, the 1966 Mustang," the clerk said, "I'll need to see your driver's license please." Myers handed over his credentials and walked over to the window. Outside an elderly couple walked to a sedan and Myers watched as the man opened the passenger door and helped the woman inside. The older man paused when the rumbling Mustang rolled past and parked in front of the rental office. "She's a beauty," the desk clerk said. "Certainly is," Myers replied as he retrieved his license and paperwork, "I bought one back in 65, their second year in production. There wasn't anything comparable at the time." The man behind the counter eyed Myers suspiciously while he signed the receipts. During his observation he caught a glimpse of of the necklace beneath Myers' shirt and the hairs on his neck stood on end. Several signatures later, Myers pushed the paperwork forward and placed the pen on the counter. "Enjoy your stay in Hawaii Mr. Myers," the clerk mumbled as he handed over the keys. Myers laughed, "I most certainly will Phil", he replied reading the man's name tag, "Mahalo".

Myers dropped the convertible top of the Mustang and cruised north up Highway 19. The wind felt good racing through his hair as he gaze across the crescent moon shape of Hilo Bay. He had reservations at The Bird Of Paradise; a new five star hotel that was praised for its exotic atmosphere. It was a pleasant drive along the Hawaiian coastline and Myers was all smiles as he pulled up the hotel drive and parked outside the entrance. A valet attendant rushed to the car and Myers handed the man his keys while another attendant pulled the luggage from the trunk.

Inside the lobby, rain fell inside a large terrarium filled with foliage and blossoms native to South America. A bright wisp of light flashed behind the glass, followed by the rumble of artificial thunder. "Good afternoon," the desk clerk greeted as Myers neared, "Welcome to the Bird of Paradise." Myers handed over his credit card. "Yes Mr. Myers, we've been expecting you," the receptionist said while another crash of thunder echoed across the lobby. After checking in the clerk handed Myers his key cards. "Don't hesitate to call if you need anything," he said. Myers nodded and followed the bellhop to the elevator while giving a pair of women a look over and a smile.