***A Few Months Later***
''Okay, babe. I'm just getting ready to board the plane now, so I'll text you when I've landed, okay?'' I say to Sophie on the phone as my flight is called and people around get up and prepare to board the plane.
''Okay, Gaz. You'll text me as soon as you land, won't you?'' Sophie says back to me softly, concern lacing the words as they pass through the phone.
Chuckling to myself on the inside, I take a few seconds before answering her question.
''Of course, I will. You know I always do, yeah? Nothing changes this time, babe'' I smile back as I reply down the phone.
''Listen, the line is almost back to me now, sweetheart. I have to get on the plane now otherwise I'll lose you. I love you too, babe. See you later tonight. Bye''
Hanging up the phone, I breathe a sigh of almost exasperation at what can only mean that I'm on the way home. Handing my passport and boarding card to the lady behind the counter, she gives me a wink and a smile to help get me over the finish line.
''You seem to have a worried partner there, sir. You're in the lucky half'' she smiles at me handing me back my documents.
''Yeah, I guess you're right. I'm the lucky one, I know. Nearly home to her now. Thanks, luv'' I smile back at her as I make my way down the corridor and on to the plane.
I get on the plane after being handed back my boarding card and I head off to find my seat in the first class section. Good old British Airways. Looking forward to a cup of tea and some kip before I land back in London. A killer ten and a half hour flight to get me back from Los Angeles after a wicked recording trip as I enter the final weeks of preparation for the tour that begins at the end of March.
After getting settled in my chair - seat 3B by the window - I grab my headphones and book and properly settle down for the journey of a lifetime. I mean, I have done this flight countless times now at this stage in my life, but I am still not the greatest flyer so the longer the flight, the slightly more anxious I am when I'm getting ready to take off. I'm perfectly sound when we're up in the air. It's the takeoff and the landing that rattles me slightly. Anyway, I'm sure British Airways wouldn't intentionally do anything to harm any of us.
*****
The light for the seatbelt warning goes off about 45 minutes after takeoff and I know that the first wave of goodies from the trolley will be coming any minute now. I know that in first class, I can request anything I like at any time, but I'm not that fussy about it really. I take out my phone and turn it back on. Once loaded, I quickly switch it to Airplane Mode and take out my headphones. Selecting the new Coldplay album, I hit the shuffle button and let the music fill the space around me.
Once the music is keeping me nice and settled, I decide to send Sophie a quick message to let her know that I am on my way back to her and that I'll be soon.
Recipient: Sophie xxx
22:57
'Hi, beautiful. Hope you're not missing me too much! I'm up in the air and I'm homeward bound. Can't wait to see you. Lots of love. G xx'
Hitting send, I put the phone on mute and close my eyes to try and get some sleep. It's a long 10-hour flight, so the more sleep I can get on the plane, the better. Even if it is not the comfiest of places!
*****
I'm woken by the vibrations in my pocket a couple of hours later. I check my phone and see that I have received a few emails and texts. I will deal with the emails when I get home but I see that one of the texts is from my darling girlfriend, Sophie;
Sender: Sophie xxx
01:43
'Hey, baby. Glad to know that you're onboard safely and on your way home to me. I cannot wait for a kiss and a cuddle. I've missed you more than I thought I would these last 10 days. I'll try and stay awake for when you come home but don't be shocked if you find me asleep when you get in. Text when you've landed safely, please. Love you loads, Sophie xx'
The smile on my face could take some work being removed as it breaks out across every single point of my face. She is beyond adorable and I love her so much. I quickly write back a reply as I see one of the air stewardesses begin to head down the plane to see if any of us would like any drinks.
Recipient: Sophie xxx
01:46
'Hi, beautiful. Good to know that you've been missing me. It will make my return even more special ;) I will of course text you when I land. Don't be silly. You go to sleep whenever you want. I'll be home before you know it, Soph. Love you too, baby. G xx'
Hitting send, I smile like a lovesick teenager who is talking to their first crush. I don't care how soppy it sounds, but I've gone through all my life looking to meet the perfect girl in the perfect scenario and then I happen to meet the most amazing and beyond-perfect girl in the most abnormal of places; on a stone wall outside Burlington Arcade in London after a one hour training session in Hyde Park!
Out of the corner of my eye, I see the stewardess approach me to take my order.
''Evening, sir. What can I get for you this evening? Coffee? Champagne?'' she says to me softly with a broad smile.
''Evening, love. Would you possibly any tea onboard? I would love a good cuppa'' I say in a now slightly tired voice.
''I'm sure we do, sir. Let me just double check it for you though. One moment'' she says as she goes through a couple of drawers before she locates the box of teabags.
''Seems you're in luck. We have some British tea here. Is it just the tea you would like?''
''If you have a few biscuits also, that would be fantastic''
''I'll try and rustle up from the back for you, sir. I'll be back in a few minutes with your tea'' she smiles at me one last time before turning on her heel and heads back towards the top of the plane.
People think that just because I'm flying first class that I'll constantly be having champagne and caviar and all that shit. Nope. Not me. I'm a simple lad from the north of England at the end of the day and there is nothing better sometimes than having a good, hot cup of tea. A few minutes later, the stewardess is back beside me with my tea and a small plate of biscuits.
''Ah, fantastic. Thank you very much''
''You're more than welcome, sir. If there is anything else you need during the remainder of the flight, please just let me know''
''I will do, of course. Thanks again!'' I smile at her as I settle back down in my seat with a steaming cup of tea and a few bickies to tuck into!

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