Minding Grace

7: And live while we're young.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking," a voice crackled through the overhead speakers, "we will soon be starting our descent into Melbourne Airport. We ask that you please upright your seats, stow away any loose items in the overhead lockers or under your seat and lock your tray tables. The seatbelt sign will soon be on, letting you know it's time to fasten your seatbelts. The current temperature in Melbourne is 12 degrees and the expected forecast for today is a pleasant 28 degrees. We sincerely hope you've enjoyed your flight with us and on behalf of myself and your cabin crew, we thank you for choosing to fly with British Airways."

The pilots monotone voice finished transmitting through the cabin and Harry stretched and yawned as he looked out the window.

He couldn't be more thankful for being able to afford a first-class ticket, considering how long the flight had been.

It was still dark outside as Harry rubbed his hand over his face, excitement and nervous anticipation took over.

The flight attendant pushed the food and beverage trolley past Harry, smiling at him as she took his rubbish off his tray table. She'd paid extra attention to him during the course of the flight, waking him up when she placed a blanket over him and tucked it in which he was perfectly capable of doing, especially around his hips.

He probably could have joined the mile-high club but he had shuddered at the thought of knowing he obviously wasn't her first for that.

He quickly buckled his seatbelt in case she tried to come back and help him out with that.

Harry felt the plane start to descend quite quickly and the lights that dotted the darkened ground soon became closer until he could make out the rows of houses and streetlights.

He braced himself as he saw the runway lights next to his window as the plane touched down and sped down the runway before the pilot applied the brakes.

He looked eagerly out the window even though all he could see were other planes and the airport building.

Eventually the plane slowed and taxied round to its designated area before coming to a complete stop. Harry unbuckled his seatbelt and jumped up to grab his bag from the overhead locker and headed for the exit.

He followed the signs to the luggage claim area and found carousel 8 and waited for his suitcase. Fortunately, they didn't lose his suitcase and, with it firmly in hand, he headed towards customs.

"Everything seems to be in order," the officer behind the counter said as he stamped Harry's passport, "enjoy your time here in Australia," he said as he passed Harry's documentation back to him.

"Thank you," he said, letting out a breath he didn't realise he was holding in and continued through customs until the sliding doors parted and he walked out.

There were quite a few people standing there, holding up small signs as his fellow passengers followed him out. He looked around until he spotted a man dressed in a black suit and cap, holding a sign with his name on it.

He almost wanted to take his phone out and snap a picture to send to his mum.

Instead he walked over to him.

"Mac?" he asked, hoping he remembered his name correctly.

"Mr. Styles?" he replied.

"Yep," he said, "nice to meet you."

"And you Sir," Mac replied, "can I take your bag?" he asked.

"Um, no it's okay, I've got it," Harry assured him, knowing he was perfectly capable and didn't need the man to do that for him, even if it was in his job description.