Short Stories + Contest Entries

Friend Reunion

Dedicated to a friend who builds me up when I'm down. Someone who comforts and supports like a true friend should.

most_bay this is for you!!

Finally!

My legs scream for some movement after being confined on a plane seat for what seems to be a thousand hours. Tiny seats, screaming babies, and grumpy old men are droning and infuriating my nerves. Needless to say, my brain almost combusted into tiny pieces and melted my eyes off! The only comfort I could afford on the planes were my cozy work out pants, a pink top, my girly black and rose sneakers and an extremely soft blanket that never fails to keep me warm. It was a struggle, but at least I was content.

But now the dragging wait is over! After three planes, one being nine hours long, I have arrived!

Cairo, Egypt; once a dream in my head, now right in front of my face. This is a trip I've been waiting for since the words  Egypt could take shape on my lips. A place too elegant for a lesser praise. Home to ancient figures and historical artifacts that are recorded in many ways than one. My jubilance level has gone through the roof!

The glossy shine of the airport tiles magically directs me to my glory and my imagination's constant flame of fascination bursts at the seam. Exquisite figures and shapes caress the ceiling in all directions with a weaving pattern that breathlessly encompass the calming of the sea. In comparison, the scattered palm trees and the fresh scent of linen take my mind to a peaceful place filled with luxury. Since I was just a little girl, visiting Egypt has been at the top of my bucket list, and now that this fantasy has become my reality, I can't contain my upbeat excitement and the unlimited amount of glee for this alien, yet exotic place.

To top it all off, the most imperative reason for this blessed trip is to see my friend Mosta, my best buddy, face to face for the first time ever.

I follow the crowds of people and signs that guide me to the Baggage Claim area. My purple backpack with swirling flowers straps around my arms and the rose purse my sister surprised me with before my adventure is to my side, safe and secure.

Without delay, I find my fingers tapping the capture button on my iPhone rapidly. Many passing humans and miserable workers must think I'm some silly tourist on a sugar rush, and they wouldn't be totally wrong! My snack choices are not what some call healthy, and did, in fact, contain more sugar than anything else. Yes, I'm sure I'll be visited by jet lack very shortly after this high on sweets.

The beginning of my trip starts with me waiting a good ten minutes for the carousel to erupt in motion. When it does shake the monster awaken bags of all sorts and sizes lay flat and exposed as the carousel makes its rounds.

Without a second glance, I spy a rainbow polka dotted luggage following the turns of the joyride, and I eagerly reach for it. My fingers wrap the handle and I pull with all my might to bring it to safety, but nothing happens.

Oh, you've got to be kidding me?!

I frantically pull and tug my luggage to come off, my body now trespassing into other party's and their personal space, when a super force brings it off the ride and next to my wobbly feet.

Wow, did I become stronger in a matter of seconds?

"No, ma'am you didn't, but I must say that is quite a heavy luggage. You hibernating for the summer, or what?"

I adjust my glasses and swipe my bangs to look straight up at a tall figure with thick rims for eyewear. His olive skin and tinted brown eyes are warm with kindness, and his casual yet long button-down shirt is just as I imagined, not to mention his adorable accent. Though his hair is longer than I thought, kissing his ears and coiling around his lobe, this does seem to be my dear friend.