The Next Day (JFK Airport)
"God I hate going through security!" Elaine groaned as they stood in the long line. "They always look at me like I'm some kind of psycho or something."
Like clockwork, she pointed to Jerry's open mouth and smiled. "Not a word, Seinfeld."
"I-I wasn't going to say anything." Jerry said, unable to hide his smile.
"Next!" The TSA agent yelled.
"Here we go..." Jerry muttered.
They hoisted their luggage onto the conveyor belt and removed their jackets and keys.
Once past the metal detector, Jerry watched as their belongings passed through the scanner.
"See, now this is what I don't get..." He pointed to the man who was intently studying the monitor. "What in the hell is he looking for? Can you see anything except for some blurry images? I sure can't."
Once they were past the security gates, Elaine sighed with relief.
"Thank God that's over. Going through airport security is worse than having a root canal."
"Yeah, but at least you don't have to go through a metal detector during a root canal." Jerry quipped.
"Oh man... I just want to get on the plane and sleep." Elaine said.
"Good luck with that." Jerry said.
"Why? What do you mean?" Elaine asked worriedly.
Jerry grinned. "Well, the pilot's gonna want to tell everyone what's happening 'We're going over this... We're going over that...' I mean, how do you suppose he would feel if I knocked on the cockpit door and said "I'm having the peanuts now!"
Elaine laughed out loud, ignoring the stares of travelers around them.
"Flight 256 to Seattle now boarding at Gate 16..."
"Well, that's us." Jerry said, following Elaine to the gate. He couldn't be sure but the doorway seemed to shrink as they made their way onto the plane.
Who the heck designed these doors? The munchkins from The Wizard of Oz?
"Okay, here we are." He said, gesturing to the seat in the second row.
Elaine's eyes widened. "First Class?"
Jerry shrugged. "Well, I still feel bad about making you fly coach the last time, so..."
"God... Don't remind me, please!" Then she looked at him, amazed. "I can't believe you remember that! It was so long ago."
He smiled, watching her sink into the plush leather seat. "God, this is heavenly." She sighed.
Within minutes, the plane took off, heading for Seattle.
"Blanket and pillow?" The flight attendant asked.
"Two please." Jerry said, handing one set to Elaine.
"It's a long flight. Why don't you get some rest?" Gently he slipped the pillow behind her head, and covered her with the blanket.
"Thanks." She snuggled into the seat, falling asleep almost instantly.
He smiled, watching her sleep so soundly. On the other side of the tiny window, the clouds floated by.
With a sigh, he looked at his watch dismayed to find that it had only been an hour since they had taken off.
A soft moan caught his attention and he turned to find Elaine resting her head on his shoulder.
"Elaine, are you okay?" He whispered.
"Mmmm..." She sighed...
He leaned his head against hers, slowly drifting off to sleep...
...Bump... bump... bump...
What in the hell was that?
Jerry's eyes flew open, suddenly aware of the pilot on the intercom announcing that they were encountering some turbulence
Bump... bump...
There it was again...
He'd flown countless times before, but he still became apprehensive whenever the flight wasn't smooth. As the plane shook, he couldn't help but be reminded of their last trip; the disastrous trip to Latham, Massachusetts.
Damn... if they hadn't been so stupid, Elaine wouldn't be going through such a traumatic time right now.
And even though it was ridiculous, Jerry blamed himself.
He closed his eyes, and tried to sleep, doing his best to ignore the swaying of the plane. He had to admit, this was getting really annoying.
He'd had smoother rides on the subway.
Bump... Bump... Bump...
A collective gasp came from First Class as the plane seemed to drop a few feet. Jerry had to admit that he was scared as well. His heart beat rapidly and he gripped the armrests tightly, while giving a silent prayer.
"No... Nooo... Please..."
The voice was so soft, he thought he imagined it. But then he felt her hand on his arm.
Elaine.
God, he couldn't believe that he had forgotten about her...
"Lainey? It's me, Jerry..."
She shook her head rapidly and her breath was staggered. "No... No... Please..."
When the plane dipped slightly, her eyes flew open and she screamed, causing others on board to do the same.
"I-I'm sorry. She's a little stressed out." Jerry explained.
He put his arm around her, causing her to burst into tears. Feeling helpless once more, he pulled her close to him.
"It's okay, it's just some turbulence. It's over now... Everything's all right."
"Th-the prison... It was so c-cold..."
Damn...
She'd been having another nightmare.
He pulled the blanket off of his shoulders and wrapped it around her, alarmed at the way she was shivering.
"Th-thank you." She whispered, snuggling into his chest.
When she'd finally gone back to sleep, he looked out the window, relieved as he realized they were flying over the Seattle skyline.
You'll be okay soon, Lainey. I promise....
