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That won’t happen…I don’t think. Plus, we’ll be at the conference a lot, so we’ll be separated then. It should be fine.
My palms are sweating when the guys finally pull up in a sleek black car. John gets out of the back seat and helps carry my bags.
“Wow,” he says, shocked. “You pack normally. I’m glad you didn’t bring six suitcases.”
I laugh. “That’s not me. I like to keep things simple.”
“That’s one of the many things I like about you,” he whispers. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah. Let’s go. I can’t wait!”
We chat as we drive to the airport. After the driver drops us off, we check our bags before getting in the security line. It’s intimidating, but we get through it. I’m glad I have two experienced travelers with me to help me through the process. I’d be lost without them.
By the time our flight starts to board, I’m ready to go.
Until it takes off.
I’ve never flown in a plane before.
Every vacation I’ve taken has been a road trip. I like traveling by car. It feels a lot safer than careening through the sky in a giant metal tube.
Of course, the problem with driving is that I get car sick. I usually have to take medicine if I’m not the one driving. And since I’m a city girl with not much experience behind the wheel, I’m rarely driving.
I thought flying would be different since being in a plane isn’t like being in a car. I assumed my stomach would be fine.
Unfortunately, my stomach didn’t get the memo.
“Are you okay?” Mark asks, concerned.
I clench my clammy fists. They offered me the window seat, but I opted to sit in the middle between the two of them. I doubt being by the window would’ve helped my nausea, but I’m kind of wishing now that I had an aisle seat in case I need to run to the bathroom.
“I’m fine.”
Mark eyes me suspiciously. I don’t need a mirror to know my face is pale right now. There may be hints of green as well.
The plane hits a spot of turbulence, and my stomach turns. I cover my mouth with my fist, willing my breakfast to stay down.
“You’re not fine. You should’ve told us you get motion sickness!”
The man in front of us turns around in disgust. If I do throw up, I’m aiming for him. It’s not my fault my body doesn’t like moving this fast!
“I didn’t think it would be a problem.”
John puts his arm around my shoulders. “You poor thing. Tell me what you need, and I’ll make it happen.”
“Ginger ale and crackers might help. But I doubt they…”
Before I can finish my sentence, John is flagging down a flight attendant. He tells her my order, and she immediately goes to get it.
This must be one of the many perks of business class. I told the guys that coach would be fine for me, but they insisted on having me up here with them. I feel so out of place with the men in suits and the women in dresses I can’t afford to look at, let alone buy. However, right this second, I’m glad to be with the guys. If I were alone in coach, I’d be extra miserable right now.
“Here you are,” the flight attendant murmurs sympathetically when she returns. “I brought a motion sickness pill as well, just in case.”
“Thank you so much,” John replies. He hands me the soda, crackers, and tiny pill packet.
“How much is left of the flight?”
“Five hours. You should take that pill to settle your stomach.”
I bite my lip. “It’ll make me really tired, though, and I won’t be able to explore when we get there.”
“Oh, I see what you mean. But we can always explore tomorrow.”
“I don’t want to waste any of our time together sleeping off a pill. The ginger ale and crackers will help. I might try to sleep now, too. That’s what I sometimes do in the car, and it keeps me from getting sick.”
My stomach starts to settle immediately with the crackers and ginger. When I’ve finished both, I lean back in my seat to sleep.
“You can use my shoulder,” Mark offers. “That headrest hardly looks comfortable.”
I grin at him and lean my head against his shoulder. That’s definitely more comfortable than trying to balance myself sitting up. After a few minutes, my eyes flutter closed, and I slowly drift off to sleep.
“Mari, wake up. We’re about to land.”
My eyes open slowly at the sound of John’s voice. I feel groggy, but at least I’m not nauseous anymore. I should be good to explore Alaska.
Alaska! I can’t believe I’m on the opposite side of the country right now. This is insane!
My parents were on edge when I told them my plan. I didn’t mention I was going to Alaska with my boyfriends. I just said it was a huge conference and that it would be a great opportunity for me. I also told them I’d won a scholarship to attend. That’s what had solidified it for them. I feel bad for lying to my parents, but I didn’t want them to try and stop me from going!
