Bee dreaded the plane ride to Africa; it was going to be a long flight. Jay, one of her travel companions, promised to sit beside her to keep her company. She wondered if flying made him a little uncomfortable, and she was his distraction. In case he fell asleep, she'd brought a book, a writing notebook, and a magazine to occupy her time.
Hoping to lessen their travel time, Bee and her four companions stayed at the airport hotel the night before their departure. The goal was to get rest for their early flight. The crowded hotel had limited availability, and Bee ended up sharing a room with Jay and Jerry, who slept in one bed while she had a bed all to herself. Nicholas shared the second room with his brother, Daniel, far away from Jerry's snoring.
Their excitement kept Bee and Jay from sleeping. Instead, they spent the night talking while the rest of their companions slept. During their conversations, they discovered they had a lot in common: they were both big dreamers, desired to visit Africa, calling to help abused and homeless children, and writing. Having their work published in several poetry books was something else they had in common. Jay's were more well known; his poems turned into songs, were performed by his band.
"We should write something together the next time we can spare a few minutes," Jay suggested, yawning.
"I am looking forward to it," Bee mirrored his yawn.
Tired but unable to sleep, they found multiple subjects to keep their discussion flowing: their desire for adventure, family, and sports. Jerry slept through their laughter and occasionally raised voices. Lost in their conversation, they were surprised when morning arrived, and it was time to head to the terminal.
Even though he slept, Jerry was slow waking up and getting himself organized. Even after eating a rushed breakfast, they were late reaching their terminal. A line had already started forming, and they were near the back; they expected the best seats to be filled by passengers who boarded before them. Boarding the plane, Jay spied four seats together in the end and two near the front.
"There aren't enough empty seats for the five of us to sit together as a group," Jay called over his shoulder.
"It's okay. Sit with your friends," Bee encouraged him.
"No, I promised to keep you company," Jay said, leaving the seats in the back of the plane for the rest of their companions.
"Sitting upfront together, we will be free to talk and write without interruptions from the rest of the group." Jay scooted into the inside seat, patting the seat beside his for Bee to join him. She slid in beside him, freeing the lane for their travel companions.
Laughing and chatting loudly, their friends passed them as they walked to the back of the plane to take three of the four empty seats. They walked passed their friends without noticing where they were seated.
"Jay, we have a seat for you back here," Jerry called, waving to him after he stood to put Bee's carry on luggage in the overhead department.
"Come on!" Nicholas stood next to Jerry, waiting for Jay's reply.
"I'm sitting by the window." Daniel didn't wait; he took his seat, anxious to be on his way.
Jay shifted his weight from one foot to the other, the gears turning in his head, then he glanced at Bee.
"What's the holdup?" Jerry persisted.
"I told Bee, I would keep her company during the flight." Jerry stared at him with arched eyebrows. Nicholas threw his hands up, and Jay took his seat before they could try to change his mind.
Waiting at the end of their row, Bee smiled, waving to their companions before taking her place beside him. Disappointed, Jerry halfheartedly waved back to her before sitting in the seat next to Daniel.
