Jules loaded away my and her carryon bags. I looked around. The plane had some empty seats, I noticed as we sat down. I had the window seat and glanced out. We chatted exited for a while, but soon Jules fell asleep. I was going to stay awake the entire journey. I stretched my arms above my head. I felt something weird, something scratching me, in the back of my shirt. I climbed over Jules and headed to the loo in the back. I took my shirt off and a picture floated to the ground. I picked it up. It was Joe, on the pitch. He was juggling a football, in a move I could barely attempt, let alone succeed. He had a look of adorable concentration on his chiseled features and his head was angled towards the camera, but it seemed like he didn't know the picture was being taken of him. Must have been one of his mates. I put my shirt back on and took the photo back to my seat. It was a wallet-size photo, and I slid it into my passport, alongside my photo.
I touched my lips absent-mindedly. Joe's lips were here, a couple of hours ago. I can still feel his tongue…No! Jesminder, you should not be thinking like that! But it's Joe. Half of my mind, the obedient Indian daughter, warned me against ever seeing Joe again, but the other half, the female footballer from London, made me pull out the journal Pinky had given me after her wedding and start writing. To Joe.
9/25
Joe-
You know, planes have a different appeal when you're sitting next to your best friend. The trip seems shorter. Unless she's sleeping nearly the entire time. Jules has a skill for sleeping in positions that look so uncomfortable. I miss you. I shouldn't, but, Joe, I do. I miss you. Thanks for the photograph. I really want to know how you slipped in my shirt. Was it in the hug? Or when your hand was on my back? I can't tell. America awaits, Joe. I can't promise I'll still like you when I return home, but I'll try. Keep the girl's side in shape and fighting!
Jess
9/27
Joe-
I'll just send these two letters together. Jules and I arrived safe, we unpacked, don't worry, your picture flew safely across the pond, as did our luggage. Unfortunately, I forgot my Beckham jersey. Can you ask my parents to mail it to me? The address will be on this envelope. Or you could mail it. I hope you enjoy the enclosed. When I mentioned wanting to give you a photo, Jules gave me one and I chose the other. She gave me the one of me her father took during our final and Pinky gave me the photograph of me in my sari. Thank you. The Yanks are actually friendly.
Jess