It's all just memories

First time for everything

"Come on Claire-bear! You're going to miss your flight!" My dad called from downstairs. I can't believe I slept in, my flight's in a few hours! A great way to start my internship. Punctuality is key, and at the moment I'm for from it. I hate, repeat hate being late. I was always the person who would turn up 10 minutes early and run to class even though I'd look ridiculous. And it was against the rules. That's another thing I hate, breaking the rules. Punctual, rule follower Claire. That's me. But now I can tell that I'm slowly drifting away, I can feel that this internship is pulling everything I used to know and be away. Maybe it's a good thing? Maybe not, considering where I'm going.

With all these thoughts floating in my mind, I quickly finish doing my hair, grab my bag and run downstairs. After a 2 second breakfast it's time to go. As my dad loads my suitcases into the car, Karen hugs me for what seems like an eternity. I know she's proud of me, but I know she doesn't want me to go to, how did she phrase it: to an island in the middle of nowhere full of things that can eat you. I know it's the truth (mostly) but I've explained this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and how only 12 people were chosen. She finally breaks away and I get into the car, waving goodbye to her and everything I knew. Can j say I'm totally prepared for what I'm going to do? Not at all. Yes I know my facts and everything, but actually observing real life dinosaurs? It  totally brings out the inner kid in me. I remember chasing Karen around the garden pretending I was a T-Rex. It was a monumental change for me when I was told about the first park and then the T-Rex in San Diego. Now actually getting to be there, with them, things anyone can only imagine, it's... a miracle.

~~~

With my head full of thoughts once again, we finally arrive at the airport. My dad follows me all the way to the security check in and hugs me for a long time - just like Karen. "Have you double checked everything?" My dad asked.
"Yes dad." My family can be so overprotective, I know they mean well, but now I  just want to go. No more questions about the past, I want to move  on with my future.
"I'm so proud of you Claire-bear. And remember to do everything the adults tell you, and do you remember all the things you learnt in girl scouts?"
"Of course I do!" I was such a dedicated girl scout. It was one of the best times of my life.
"I'll let you go. Have fun." He says giving me one last hug. I let go and make my way, ready for this new journey.

~~~

I finally take my seat on the plane, after what seemed like forever. I had everything I needed for the journey, and all I want now is to get there. To be honest, I had no idea is I was going to actually going to go. I had applied to several other internships, but I chose to go on this one. My parents would've rather and me do something more practical and closer to home, but there was just something that made me choose this one. I don't know what... yet. I know it'll be worth it.

We're about to take of but then j hear someone apologising for being late and I look up to see what's going on. "Sorry, excuse me." I looked up to see a boy, around my age, trying to get passed everyone until he stops at the empty seat next to me. "Hi," he says as he sits down, "I promise I won't take up all the space." He jokes. To be honest I'm surprised at how thoughtful he is... and cute.
"No problem," I smile back to him, "I'm Claire, by the way."
"Owen, nice to meet you. You a nervous flyer?"
I guess he could see how nervous I was as I looked out the window. "I'm not too good with heights." I admit. If it's not heights it's being on a ferry. My seasickness, not good at all.

As we taxi out into the runway, my breathing becomes deeper, my pathetic excuse of trying to calm myself down; I've never been able to. I tense up so much as we lift off and and I can't help but grip on to the armrests. As the plane stops ascending, it takes me a while to realise that I'd been gripping on to Owen's hand the entire time. Feeling extremely embarrassed, I move my hand away as quickly as possible. "Sorry..." I say rather sheepishly. I can feel my face going bright red. But I'm surprised he didn't say anything, and strangely it calmed me down. It's never happened before.
"It's fine. I get it if you're nervous." He smiles at me. I smile back and forth back to getting my reading material out of my bag.