Something Beautiful

Chapter 2

    Earlier, Isabella had wondered if Michael really wanted to come on this trip, or if he was just coming for her. Now she knew she was wrong. Sure, Michael probably hadn’t slept since the last time she saw him, but he looked very excited nonetheless.

            “Wow, girls do pack a lot!”

            “Yes, Michael, but I am planning on giving most of it away.” She was proud of her defense.

            “Hmm, that was a good idea, maybe after I wear my clothes I can wash them and give them away.” Isabella laughed, but she doubted it would matter to the people receiving them.

            “Flight 227 to Israel is now boarding, again, that is flight 227, boarding.” The loud speaker announced their flight at last. They got up; they would be flying to Israel and staying a night, because there wasn’t a straight flight to Calcutta. They would still have to stop in Mumbai before taking a private Cessna to Calcutta. They were getting to ride first class all the way there, because both of their churches had given money to them. Isabella hadn’t got much sleep so she was hoping to get some sleep on the plane. That is, only if she can get off the ground without getting sick! She had never been on a plane. So, Michael laughed as she squeezed his hand when the engine started. The plane got faster and faster as it gained speed for lift off, and Michael stopped laughing as Isabella crushed his hand in hers. Before they were leveled out Michael was cringing, but not for the same reason as Isabella.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, take-off is complete you may now unbuckle your seat belts Thank you, and have a comfortable flight.” Only when they were sure take-off was over, did Isabella actually let go of Michael.

            “Owe! Geez, Izzy, was it really that bad?? “ Michael mumbled under his breath as he turned his hand over and over.

            “I am really sorry! I was just really nervous.” Isabella took his hand, gently this time, and examined the damage.

“Well, as long as you will let me buy you something else to crush, I will be fine.” Michael then said to himself sarcastically, “I wonder if it will bruise, maybe it will turn permanently purple.”

    Isabella hit him on the shoulder and said, “Don’t exaggerate things. It’s not that bad!” they both laughed.

            Within the next hour Isabella fell asleep leaning on Michael’s shoulder. Two hours later, Michael was getting good sleep. Just eight or nine more hours and they would be landing in Jerusalem, Israel!

“Ladies and gentlemen we are now preparing for landing, please gather your thing and buckle up your seat belts.”

            Isabella shook Michael awake, “this is even worse than take-off isn’t it? Give me something or it will be your other hand!” Michael quickly tightened the cap on a water bottle and handed it over to her. The decent was worse. Still, it wasn’t as bad as Isabella assumed it would be mainly because things that were in her stomach were staying there.

Michael deposited the crushed bottle in the trash as they exited the airport. They headed to a hotel nearby. Thankfully most people spoke English, so getting directions wasn’t so bad.

            “Hey Izzy, are you tired, hungry, or what?”

            “I don’t know we could eat, then maybe get some souvenirs,” Isabella laughed as Michael tripped over her bags. He ended up on the floor next to the bedside table. She cracked up.

            “What? I was just, uh, looking to see if they had a Bible.” Michael opened the drawer, “yep, they have the Bible, Torah, and the Quran. Impressive.” This time they both cracked up as Michael spit out his excuse.