Manifest: The Other Stone

Chapter 1-Pilot

April 7, 2013

No one can explain what happened to us on April 7, 2013. Some people called it impossible. Others called it a miracle. All I know is that it was the day my life changed forever. If you'd seen us that afternoon, you probably would have thought we looked like a typical American family returning home from vacation. My brother, Ben, and his wife, Grace, are still in love after 15 years. Their eldest, Jordan, works hard, so she goes to an Ivy League College. Their twins, Olive and Cal, who always bicker like an old married couple. And the real old married couple my parents. Still in perfect health, still trying to run my life.

"It's not just about you, this family needs something to celebrate," Grandma Stone says

"Ok, That's a pretty backward reason for a wedding," Michaela says as Ben looks at her as Grandpa Stone says

"How is this for a reason Jared loves you." as Grandma Stone says

"And I know you love him."

"Typical, right? But what you can't see is that Jordan still hadn't told her parents about what really happened that night and she still had nightmares about it while Cal's leukemia wasn't responding to treatment or that Ben and Grace were desperately struggling to find a cure or that I still had nightmares about the car accident."

"Michaela Beth, even people that have made mistakes deserve happiness." She scoffs "You know my favorite verse 'All things work together for good.'"

"I don't believe that anymore, Mom."

Jordan is working on something for school on her laptop. When her dad looks at her and says

"Hey, you okay?"

"Yea I just need to get this done."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"I told you; I'm fine"

"So when I got that chance to stay away from home for just a few more hours, I jumped at it."

One of the flight attendants comes up and says

"All passengers for Flight 537 to New York, John F. Kennedy Airport, your attention, please. This flight is oversold. We are offering travel vouchers in the amount of $400 for anyone willing to take a later flight."

"Yes. That's me."

"No," Grace says

"It's $400 per person. That's our next trip down to the Mayo Clinic."

"I'll go. I need time to work on this paper."

"I'll also stay with Dad."

"There you go. Man time and some father-daughter time."

Everybody else packs up their stuff they all give each other hugs all Grace asks Jordan something

"Are you okay Jor?"

"Yea I'm just stressed and tired."

"If you're sure, and Tomorrow when you get back, You don't have to go to school. Then we'll go to your appointment."

"Thanks, Mom. Love you"

"Love you too," Grace says as She kisses Jordan on the check

So Grace and Olive and my folks took the first flight home while Ben, Cal, Jordan and I waited for Flight 828. Funny how one little decision can ruin your life. But also save it.

On 828 now Cal, Ben, and Michaela are sitting in the same seats with Jordan across the aisle. Jordan is typing madly trying to finish this essay when the flight attendant comes by and says