The Flight Connection

As both Cynthia and Mason each think about how much each of them have learned about each other, they both are amazed at how quickly this flight flew by. 

Both seemed sad and awkwardly quite.

What does a person do after something like this?

Cynthia knew her statement in the beginning was, “We will never see each other again anyway.” 

That statement did not give her the same feeling it did now.  It did not bring her comfort.  She now wanted to see him again and often.  She hoped to see him again and again and again.

And as Mason watched her prepare for landing, he realized he knew more about her than most of the people in his life.

In just these nine or so hours, she had shared so much of her life with him and he did the same.

How could he just say goodbye to her?  How could she just say goodbye to him?

He felt emptiness and sadness as if he was losing or saying goodbye to a dear friend.  One that he knew he would never see again.

This was crazy and unbelievably ridiculous.  He did not want to let her go.

He never thought he could ever be close to another woman again and here he was…In Love?  Maybe not in love, but he knew he loved her.

In just nine hours?  How can that be?  Is it even possible?

He watched her every move, cherishing every moment.  He knew he would never see her again.  It was almost unbearable.

It reminded him a little of what he felt when he said his last goodbye to Lilly.

He needed to get a hold of himself.

Cynthia turned to him and smiled, “well this is it”,   she said.

Time just flew by.  This was definitely the shortest trip she ever experienced.

She tried to ignore the sadness she saw on his face.  He looked like she felt.

He finally smiled back, as if he realized she was reading his heart.

The Captain’s voice came over the speaker system, “Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to London.  We are slightly behind schedule and there may be a slight delay at our Gate.  We will be landing shortly, please stay seated and make sure your seatbelts are securely fastened.”

Cynthia’s connection was tight.  She took the chance against her better judgment when she purchased her ticket.

As long as the wait for the gate is not too long she should make it, she thought to herself.

Mason wasn’t worried about delays.

He always intentionally bought flights with long layovers, even next day departures if the stop was near a known antique dealer.  He had a five and a half hour layover in London on this flight.  

He wasn’t sure whether he would venture out this time as he was a little tired from the trip.  He really didn’t sleep as much as he usually does.  He didn’t mind it at all though.  He enjoyed the time he spent swapping stories with Cynthia and getting to know her. 

“I sure hope you don’t miss your connection, said Mason.

“Me too,” Cynthia replied, but if I do I sure hope they can get me on another flight today.  I really do need to be at the office tomorrow morning.” 

“I’m fine with my connection,” Mason said.  I was thinking of going antique shopping, but I’m pretty drained.  I think I will just freshen up, go find something to eat and then find a cozy spot to wait for my flight.”

“Ladies and Gentlemen we are now beginning our final descent into London Heathrow, the time is 11:25am,” the Captain announced.  

The plane hit the tarmac firmly and raced down the runway.  They have reached their final destination together.  Cynthia felt so lonely.  She would miss Mason very much.

Mason didn’t even want to look toward Cynthia as the plane came to a stop.  All he could think of was that he was losing his best friend.  He was going to miss her immensely. He wanted to know so much more about her.