Last Missed Flight #CupidStrikesonNewYear

I straightened up on the fancy leather couch along the airport. Sitting there made me realize how busy airports really were; speakers went on and on to call flights. I became dizzy watching so I walked towards the restroom. It was a little packed with ladies lining up with their baggages.

I glanced at my watch 17:30; I still had 30 minutes before boarding so I lined as well just to do my thing and kill the time. When I got out of the restroom, I cursed louder than I expected. The time in my watch didn't change so I rushed to the front desk, dragging my luggage. In the screen, I saw the status of my flight, SAV 1271 was "Taking off".

"Thank you. Happy New Year." The staff said to the lady from counter next to me and turned towards me even though I wasn't on the proper line. "Excuse me, ma'am, can I help you?" She smiled welcomingly.

I asked if there's a chance to go in since it was still in the airport. She asked for my ticket and checked something in the computer. "I'm sorry, Miss Valdez, your plane is already leaving and no other seats are available for your destination tonight."

"When is the earliest flight?" I asked in desperation.

She checked her computer again and said, "The earliest flight is tomorrow, 6:00."

I sighed and nodded. "Okay, I'll take that."

She nodded but pointed towards the line. I pulled my luggage and myself towards there. I was so disappointed that I wouldn't be able to celebrate this new year with my family. I called them with overseas rate. "Hey Aly! What time will you arrive?"

A tear almost escaped my eye. I haven't seen them in half a year, since I became busier than ever with my Post-Graduate term and a part-time job as a Science Instructor in East High. I told them that I wouldn't be able to come for New Year's Eve dinner. I felt the sadness from the other end of the line but my dad took the phone and said "It's okay, sweetie, let's have dinner tomorrow. It will still be new year."

"Missed flight?" I was startled when someone slipped beside me and spoke right after I turned the phone down.

I nodded. He was carrying a single duffel bag. Other than that, he had nothing but his cap and shades on, matching his local souvenir shirt. He seemed familiar but I couldn't quite figure out. It might be weird to stare at him too long until I remember, so I just stood there while he followed me in the line.

"You don't remember me, do you?" I looked at him in a confused way and shook my head. He chuckled and removed his shades and cap.

"Hey!" If I wasn't just in the airport and he wasn't physically there, that would have been a gasping sound instead of an exciting hey. "How are you, Skye?" After more than eigth years, a lot had changed from him. He had his teeth aligned, skin tanned, body built, but still kept his perky personality. Another thing for sure that didn't change: our surnames, we're both Valdez.

"Well, pretty good I guess. I'm working as intern in a great lawfirm and I was just here to have a vacation." He smiled. I never thought of his smile for years now, I hated the way I was thinking about him there. I mentally punched my brain for it to stop thinking he's... well... hotter than ever.

"So, a great lawyer wears shorts and t-shirt with shades and cap?" I almost cut my lips and grabbed my eyes out when I said that because I literally looked at him -- every part of him -- from head to toe. I made a mental note to myself: He's the same guy who made you lock yourself up in your room, crying. Don't make those sacrifices be thrown to waste. It can't happen again.

"I'm off-duty, I can wear anything I want." He smirked. "What about you, Miss Valdez? Still Miss Valdez?" We used to call each other that especially when we're still together.