My Fake Reality

The Flight

The next morning, I wake up and Sabrina is already awake. I hate that she doesn't wake me up, but I don't let her know that.
At about ten in the morning, while we are eating our breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and eggs, the doorbell rings. My dad gets up to answer it.
It's Braidy with a suitcase. What does he think he is doing?
"Hello, Mr. Taylor."
"Hi. And what do you want?"
"I was invited to go on the trip."
"I don't think so. Kamri only invited one friend, and I don't even know you."
"I'm Kamri's boyfriend, Braidy."
"I don't think so," he says with a raised voice, "Kamri doesn't have a boyfriend. Wait! Are you the boy Principal Kane was talking about? The one that ran off?"
"Possibly. But I am Kamri's boyfriend."
"Kamri, can you come here?" my father asks.
I walk over to the door.
"Do you know this kid?"
"He looks familiar, but no."
"Well, he claims to be your boyfriend."
"Well, I can assure you he's not."
"But Kamri! We have been dating for several years. I was in your house just two days ago."
"If you are my boyfriend then why do I not even know your name? Or your parents? And where have we been on dates?"
I throw in the last two questions because I know he won't have an answer to those.
"My name is Braidy. You know that. You haven't met my parents because um...I don't have a good explanation for that. I can't even think of their names or picture them. And our first date was to an escape room. We went with Sabrina and some of my friends."
"First off, I haven't even done an escape room, and I think you need some major help. I think you are psycho. How can you forget your parent's names and faces? And how do you even get places?"
"Ok. I can tell you need some alone time. And I need to figure some things out. And so do you. Goodbye."
He steps a little closer and gives me a hug.
"Get away of me!" I scream at him while pushing him away.
He leaves, and we close the door. We all finish eating, and we get all ready for the flight. We all head out for the airport.
Not long after we get there, we hear, "Good afternoon passengers. This is the pre-boarding announcement for flight 172A to Auburn, Maine. We are now inviting those passengers with small children, and any passengers requiring special assistance, to begin boarding at this time. Please have your boarding pass and identification ready. Regular boarding will begin in approximately ten minutes. Thank you."
We wait for about 10 minutes and hear, "This is the regular boarding call for Flight 172A to Auburn, Maine. Please proceed to gate three. Thank you."
As instructed, we proceed to gate three.
Once aboard the flight, Sabrina sits in the middle seat while I sit in the seat closest to the aisle. Henry and my parents sit across the aisle.
Once everyone starts to settle down, we hear a lady say, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard Flight 172A from Salt Lake City to Auburn. We are currently third in line for take-off and are expected to be in the air in approximately seven minutes. We ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and secure all baggage underneath your seat or in the overhead compartments. We also ask that your seats and table trays are in the upright position for take-off. Please turn off all personal electronic devices, including laptops and cellphones. Smoking is prohibited for the duration of the flight. Thank you for choosing Salt Lake International Airlines. Enjoy your flight."
A few minutes later we hear, "Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the crew I ask that you please direct your attention to the monitors above as we review the emergency procedures. There are six emergency exits on this aircraft. Take a minute to locate the exit closest to you. Note that the nearest exit may be behind you. Count the number of rows to this exit. Should the cabin experience sudden pressure loss, stay calm and listen for instructions from the cabin crew. Oxygen masks will drop down from above your seat. Place the mask over your mouth and nose, like this." She shows us how before continuing, "Pull the strap to tighten it. If you are traveling with children, make sure that your own mask is on first before helping your children. In the unlikely event of an emergency landing and evacuation, leave your carry-on items behind. Life rafts are located below your seats and emergency lighting will lead you to your closest exit and slide. We ask that you make sure that all carry-on luggage is stowed away safely during the flight. While we wait for take off, please take a moment to review the safety data card in the seat pocket in front of you."
We do as told, and almost as soon as we lift off, Henry goes to sleep.
Then Sabrina and I start planning out our weekend.
"Ok. So at some time, we have to do manicures and pedicures. I brought a bunch of nail polish," Sabrina starts.
"Awesome. And we have to do hair."
"For sure!"
"I don't know about you, but I have to see the Northern Lights if they are visible."
"Yes! I have always wanted to see them."
"Oh! They are beautiful!"
We continue to talk, but then we go to sleep.
When I wake up, Sabrina is awake reading a book.
Soon after, we hear, "We have arrived at Auburn, Maine. The temperature is 48℉, and it is 6:23 p.m. Thank you for flying with Salt Lake International Airlines."
My parents wake up Henry, and we get off the plane. My dad waited for our luggage while the rest of us use the restroom. It was a four and a half hour flight, after all. We get back right when our luggage comes out. My dad helps us get all the luggage, and then he goes to the bathroom. We go and sit down until he gets out. Then we get a rental car and head to the house.