Heaving a sigh I fought my way to the front of the queue for the luggage carrousel, eyeing my suitcase with determined eyes I grabbed at the worn handle dragging it off the belt. The tiny plastic wheels clattered to the floor; there was a quick snap as I clicked the handle into place, now content that my belongings were safely back in my supervision - and not off on their own holiday half way around the world - I made my way to the pick-up point of Seattle International Air Port.
I don't know about you, but I always feel a thousand times calmer once I've safely landed and got my suitcase back in my own hands. With and air of satisfaction about me I strode through the airport with my faithful Zebra print suitcase shushing along the floor behind me.
I spied my rowdy group of friends waiting near the glass sliding doors that would soon lead us out into the wonderful thing I liked to call, Fresh Air.
"Jesus! About time!" James shouted as I made my way over to them.
Rolling my eyes I replied "Haven't you learned yet? Never rush a woman!" Looking me up and down James appraised my efforts.
"And there was us wondering what the hell was taking you so long in the bathroom" he gestured at me.
Feigning exasperation, I narrowed my eyes at him "I did my best with the limited resources I had okay! Its hard to imitate a shower in an Aeroplane toilet y'know" Pinching the baggy sleeve of his Superman hoodie i chided him "Some of us like to make an effort"
"Ever the skill full one Red" grinning he bumped his shoulder with mine "you look amazing no matter what, your just lucky you have someone to make an effort for"
Swatting him on the arm I laughed off his comment, now was not the time to launch into a discussion about James Morgan's Tragic Love Life, the never ending Saga. In fact not even after about two bottles of wine was it time to even approach the topic.
I immediately felt the butterflies that I had been fighting, return with a vengeance. They must have known that now time had run out, there were no more journeys to be made, no more hours to wait I was finally back in Seattle. All I had to do was walk through the glass doors and he would be there, waiting for me like all the times before. He would take me in his arms, lift me off the floor and swing me around while he showered me with kisses.
My stomach lurched at the thought. The butterflies seemed more like a swarm of wasps this time because, this time would be different. Well different for me at least, this time I was hiding something. My face flushed at the guilt, would he be able to sense it? I hoped not. I felt my palms start to sweat and become slippery against the handle of my bag.
Maddie's commanding voice pierced through my haze of guilt "They're here, finally! Let's go gang!"
Together all nine of us made our way out of the exit, towards the parking lot. The heavy doors slid open and immediately I could smell the change in the air, my smile returned as I saw who was waiting for me, leaning against his truck idling in the mid-day sun. I was determined that my secret would not ruin our sweet reunion, even if there were eight other crazy people here to share it with us.
Stepping out onto the ash plant I felt the sun warm my cool skin and I welcomed it, it was a relief to be free of the air-conditioned hell. Squaring my shoulders I shook the thoughts that had been bothering me, imaging them flying back into the hustle and bustle of the airport where they were to stay.
If only it would be that simple.