..And Then All At Once

Interesting Flights and the Human Barbie

Interesting Flights and the Human Barbie.

Oh god. Here come the waterworks.

Everything was black, mostly because my mother's hair was crowding my face, her hot tears dripping down my back as she held me tight. It was still pretty dark out, and we were the only people, aside from maybe 12 other small families, in the large airport building. Everything was eerily quiet, too, except my mom who wouldn't shush her obnoxious sobs and the low murmurs of others.

"I can't believe how grown up you are, already off to college. I remember when you were so littl-"

"Yes, Emma, she's grown up lots. She also has a flight to catch, so can we get moving?" My father (thankfully) pressed. I pulled away from her tight grip long enough to give a thankful look to dad before I was sucked back in by her embrace.

"You're just so... old, and so beautiful" she sobbed once more, barely making out the last word.

"Okay, mom," I tried to sound as sweet as possible, "I get it, I'm old, I'm beautiful, I grew up fast, now I realllly need to get going."

I was finally able to pry her arms off of me before treading over to my favorite man like my feet weighed a hundred pounds. Immediately, he wrapped his strong arms around my small frame. I breathed in his fatherly scent for the last time in probably a few months.

Growing up a 'daddy's girl' all my life, this is tough. He's always spoiled me rotten, from the time I was a newborn to about 2 hours ago when he bought me a Happy Meal from Mcdonald's.

Luckily, he was able to meet us at the airport before he had to leave back to work. If he were unable to come, I'd be unable to breathe, basically. I'd be dead, physically, mentally, and metaphorically.

"I love you, Kiddo," he whispered into my red locks before pulling away with red misty eyes. I, too, had tears running down my face. At this point, I could give a shit less. This was a beautiful family moment.

"I love you, dad," I beamed up at him with precious, innocent orbs like the first time I laid eyes on him as a newborn. The look of admiration I knew I had at that moment, and as a baby.

The lady at the front desk called my flight and all dread washed over me. I didn't want to go, but I had to. I can't be too attached to home or I won't get anywhere, I knew that.

"I guess this is it. Stay safe. We love you," dad spoke for both him and mom; she was still sobbing and showing no intent on stopping it. "Goodbye, Viviana."

"Nah, goodbyes are forever," I smiled at them both, recalling memories from last night. "More like, 'see ya later'."

~~~~~~~

This is absolute hell. From the child kicking my seat from behind me, the waling newborn about 2 rows in front, and the over-weight, snoring, sweaty man beside me, I was positive I'd be going insane in about

3...

2...-

"Hi, I'm Michael," a boy, looking about 18, interrupted my countdown to insanity. "But you can call me Mike. Or Mikey works too," with a friendly grin on his face, he stuck out a rather large hand for me to shake. He had some kind of accent, Australian I believe. His tousled hair was a strange bright green color, definitely not something usual, making me a little iffy about him.

But damn, I really do need to learn how to 'not judge a book by it's cover'. Michael ended up being the most entertaining guy on the plane, making the flight at least a little enjoyable. By enjoyable, I mean interesting.

"Ya know, you never really did tell me your name," Mikey told me as we were waiting for our belongings at the baggage claim.

"I'm Viviana, but you can call me Viv. Or Vivi works too." I mocked him and he lightly shoved my shoulder with a childish giggle.