Three Against Three: Chaos in New York
Arc Three: Airport Craziness
Part 1: Chaos at O'Hare
McCallister House-Peter and Kate's Room
December 21, 1991-8:00 A.M.
(Kate's PoV:)
The sound of the doorbell chiming throughout the house awakens me from the wonderful dream of watching my oldest daughter getting married. I wonder who could be ringing the doorbell at such an early hour… I roll over to check the clock. A feeling of dread overtakes me, once I notice the alarm clock blinking "12:00" repeatedly. I check my watch to see that it reads "8:00 A.M.".
"8:00 A.M…. Peter, we overslept again!" I scream at him, as we both quickly shoot out of bed. Peter is banging on doors to get everyone up, while I zoom down the hall towards the attic door. There's no chance in hell Kevin is going to be left alone again this year, and Christine isn't missing this trip. "Kevin, Christine, wake up, now! The airport vans are here!" I shout, banging loudly on the door. "There's not going to be any repeat of last year, leaving you behind, Kevin!"
"Kevin and I are awake and just got finished getting ready to go, Mom," Christine replies, poking her head through the door.
Feeling relieved, I reply, "Christine, can you deal with the airport drivers and help them with the luggage? Your Dad placed it all in the foyer last night, while everyone was sleep. The rest of the family will meet up with you shortly,"
"Sure, Mom," Christine nods, as I quickly rush back towards Peter and I's room to get ready…
McCallister House-Foyer/Airport Vans
December 21, 1991-8:06 A.M.
(Christine's PoV:)
The house is in total chaos, with family members quickly scatting about, trying to get ready. Kevin and I quickly make our way downstairs and open the front door to greet the annoyed airport van driver, who is standing on the front porch. The weather is cold and cloudy. I'm keeping Kevin very close to me, to ensure no mistakes happen again.
I speak, "Before you say a word, I know we're late. We're just having a minor inconvenience, at the moment, but, I assure you, the rest of my family are going as fast as they can to get ready, and not be late for the plane. The luggage is in the foyer, ready to be carried out. I'm here to help. Well, let's get to work," The van driver looks at me, wondering what just happened. Lost time is made up, as I help the two airport drivers load the luggage into the vans.
Kevin is sitting up front in the first van with the driver. I sit in the middle seat, checking that I have everything in my leather backpack. The rest of the family are soon scrambling out the front door. I have to withhold the urge to laugh, as I watch Dad fight to restrain an excited Fred with his leash, while Mom locks up the house. Hopefully, the neighborhood can get some peace and quiet this year, and not have to deal with any stupid burglars, like last year, with the Wet Bandits.
"We're in the first van!" I hear Mom yell to my Dad and siblings, as they quickly approach the van. I watch Uncle Frank and his family run over to the second van.
"We're making good time, Mom," I smile, as the family climbs into the van. Buzz, Jeff, and Linnie are in the far backseat, while Mom, Megan, Fred, and Dad join me in the middle. Megan and Linnie both show some discomfort, having to sit apart, as Dad shuts the van door.
"I just hope we're not late. We came close to missing the plane last year," Mom replies, as she begins handing out everyone's assigned plane tickets. "Buzz, Linnie, Jeff, Peter, Megan, Fred (which Mom holds on to), Christine…" I feel a strange fuzzy, warm feeling in my gut, when Mom hands me my ticket. "Kevin… Uh, where's Kevin? Oh my god… Not again!" Mom panics, not realizing that Kevin is sitting up front. He's most-likely listening to music loudly on his Talkboy. I quickly kick the back of Kevin's seat to get his attention.
"Hey, who's the wise as-guy…" Kevin quickly corrects himself. "... hitting my seat?" Kevin notices Mom's glare, before she sighs in relief that Kevin isn't left behind. Kevin himself is craning his head around, looking curious.
"We're just making sure we didn't leave you behind, son, like last year," Dad tells Kevin, while sending an amused glance my way.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that. Christine has been watching me like an old Mother Hen all morning," Kevin replies. Mom smiles at me, while I glare at Kevin for being called old.
"I'll still be keeping an eye on you, Kevin, until we're safely on the plan," I add, to Mom's approval.
Kevin rolls his eyes. He takes his ticket and goes back to listening to his music. Dad signals the driver to go, as I quickly hand him the weather forecast for Miami that I got from work. 'Goodbye, Windy City… Here we come, Miami!' I think to myself, feeling excited.
I watch the scenery speed by, while Megan questions Mom about flying on a different airline. Mom answers that Fred is the reason for flying on a different airline. The rest of the trip is quiet, but tense. Mom worriedly glances at Kevin and I during the entire trip to the airport…
O'Hare Airport-Terminal C
Chicago
December 21, 1991-8:34 A.M.
(Christine's PoV:)
I'm in awe, seeing 747's airliners take off and fly over from an up-close perspective. This is my first time, visiting an airport, and this will be my first time, flying on an airplane. It has me feeling kind of nervous. The vans pull off to the side of the curb, right in front of the terminal building. Plus, we're cutting it close to how much time before our flight departs.
"What's the gate number, Dad?" I ask, dropping off my suitcase, and getting a boarding pass from the curbside clerk.
"Gate 19, Christine," Dad replies, as Kevin nags him for batteries. "They're in my travel bag, Kevin. I'll give them to you on the plane."
"Christine, Kevin, you two stay close together, no matter what," Mom hugs us. She then checks in her luggage, and makes sure Fred is all settled in his transport carrier, before it's loaded into the plane's cargo area. "See you both on the plane." Mom gives Kevin and I one last glance, before leaving.
"We will," I promise Mom.
Mom leads the charge into the terminal, with Buzz and Jeff beside her. The family makes a running sprint for the gate. Aunt Leslie, Uncle Frank, and their kids follow behind her. Dad, the twins, Kevin, and I are carrying the rear of this insane family, running like mad through a crowded airport. Trying to navigate through these crowds of people, and keeping an eye on Kevin, at the same time, is playing Hell with my anxiety. I hope it's not much further to the gate…
(Kevin's PoV:)
I'm trying to keep up with Christine and the rest of my family, but these crowds, and not being the most athletic family member, is making it hard. Plus, I'm trying to find batteries in Dad's travel bag that he asked me to carry for him. I suddenly find myself landing face-first on the carpet, as if someone tripped me. I hope someone realizes what happened, or it's going to be last year all over again. Only, this time, in the airport. I suddenly feel scared at that thought. I get back up onto my feet and begin searching for my family, but not before stuffing Dad's bag into my backpack…
(Christine's PoV:)
A nagging feeling screams at me to look back, to see that Kevin isn't anywhere in sight. "Oh my god… Kevin!" I panic, as I stop and head back the other way to find him. I'm making my way through the crowds of people. I scream out Kevin's full name, while trying to find him…
(Linnie's PoV:)
'I wonder what Christine is going back the other way for?' I wonder, looking back. I decide to follow Christine, while achingly watching Megan continue running with the rest of the family towards the gate…
(Kevin's PoV:)
"Christine! Mom! Dad! Uncle Frank!" I holler out, feeling scared. I'm fighting the urge to cry, while trying to find my family in this large crowd of people.
"Kevin Patrick McCallister, where are you?! I can hear you, but I can't see you!" I suddenly hear Christine call out.
I suddenly feel less scared, knowing my big sister is closeby. How do I make it easier for her to find me? That's when it hits me… I'm going to regret doing this, but it's the only thing I can think of that would make it easier for Christine to find me. "Christine, your boyfriend, Will, is such a pill…"
(Christine's PoV:)
Kevin is closeby, because I hear him, but finding him in these crowds, is like finding a needle in a haystack. That's when I hear it, "Will is such a pill!" It's being sung, repeatedly. That's Kevin singing, and he cleverly turned an old insult as a way to make it easier to find him. "Kevin, just stay where you are and keep singing! I'm coming for you, sweetheart!" I follow the sound of Kevin's voice…
(Kevin's PoV:)
My plan works, because of what Christine just said. I continue to sing. That's when I see her come through the crowds of people. "Christine!" I holler out, running towards her.
"Thank God, you're OK, Kevin!" I hear Christine cry, pulling me into a hug. "You OK?"
"I'm fine. I just somehow tripped, and, before you ask, I'm not hurt," I tell her, feeling safe in Christine's embrace.
"I'm sorry for not keeping a better eye on you. I feel like I broke my promise to Mom," Christine sobs.
"You didn't break your promise to Mom. We're still together," I counter.
"But, we're going to miss the plane," Christine replies, becoming pessimistic.
"No, we won't. We still have a chance, but we have to run like Hell. So, let's go!" I tell her, trying to be positive.
"Yeah, let's haul ass, little brother!" Christine replies, determined. She grabs my hand, and we take off, running…
(Christine's PoV:)
Kevin and I are continuing our hustle towards the terminal. That's when an unexpected voice suddenly speaks, "Christine, Kevin, wait up!"
I turn around to see who it is. Kevin and I are surprised it's Linnie. "Melinda McCallister, what in the hell are you doing by yourself?! You should still be with the family!" I scold, surprised at Linnie's recklessness; especially after what happened with Kevin last year.
"I was following you! What's your reason?!" Linnie fires back.
"Kevin got separated from the rest of the family, and I went to find him, like any reasonable adult would do. But, as for you, Melinda, I'm very disappointed in you. A bright girl like you should've known it was careless of you to follow me, especially in a place like this. Something could've happened to you, and none of the family would've known, until it was too late. Mom and Dad are going to be informed of your reckless actions, once we reach Miami. Speaking of which, we'd better get moving, before the plane leaves without us," I finish my lecture. Linnie looks down in shame, before the three of us hustle towards what we think is Gate 19. Our fortunes turn brighter, when we see, who we think is, our Dad. "Hey, guys! I think I see the gate! We'd better hustle! It looks like they're about to close up!" I announce, seeing Dad give the clerk his ticket and board the plane.
"Hey, Dad, wait for us!" Kevin yells, breaking away from me. He runs toward the female airline clerk.
"Kevin, slow down, or you're going to run right into the clerk!" I yell. Linnie and I are following Kevin from behind. Kevin slams into the clerk, knocking her to the ground. The boarding passes are sent flying everywhere.
Linnie helps up Kevin, while I help the clerk back to her feet. "I'm sorry about my brother bumping into you, Ma'am," I apologize.
"It's OK. You three on this flight?" she asks, brushing herself off. Kevin, Linnie, and I help her pick up the boarding passes, handing her ours. She doesn't bother checking them to see if they're for the correct flight. She just places them with the rest of the passes.
"Yes," I reply. "Our Dad just went through the gate a while ago." I explain.
"We can't afford to miss it, either, or Christmas will be messed up again, like last year," Kevin chimes in.
"What's the hold up? The plane is ready to take off," asks the male clerk, who's coming from the gate.
"These three are supposed to be on the flight. Their Father just boarded the plane a while ago," the lady clerk explains to him.
"Did they have their boarding passes?" the male clerk asks.
"Yes," The female clerk nods.
"Board them, but make sure they find their father, before you leave them," the male clerk explains.
"Well, come on, you three," The female clerk waves at us, while the male clerk cleans up the rest of the boarding passes.
The female clerk escorts us across the jet bridge, onto the plane. "Do you see your Father?" she asks.
"That's him over there," Kevin points out. Linnie and I nod in agreement.
"OK. Well, you three find an empty seat, and have a merry Christmas," the clerk tells us, before departing.
"Merry Christmas to you, as well, Ma'am. Thank you for all your help," I reply.
The clerk just smiles. "My pleasure," She then departs.
"Well, let's find ourselves a seat, shall we?" I tell my siblings, heading for the coach section of the plane.
"You know, the seat configurations look way different on this airline, compared to the one the family flew on last year," Linnie comments. She points out that each row of seats have four seats, two on each side, facing each other.
We find three empty seats, right in the middle of the coach section. They look roomy and wide, with lots of legroom. An older man, dressed in a fancy business suit, is occupying one of the window seats.
"Mind if we sit here?" I politely ask the older man.
The older man doesn't say anything, but from the look in his eyes, he wants us to, because he's lonely. It kind of reminds me of Mr. Marley, who's spending the holidays with his son's family in Canada this year.
Linnie takes the other window seat across from the man, Kevin sits next to him, while I sit across from Kevin. I'm happy that I no longer have to wear this backpack, which contains my purse, Walkman, my prescription eyeglasses, medications, some things to keep me from being bored, etc…
"So, have you ever been to Florida before?" Kevin asks the older man.
Linnie quickly perks up, when the older man starts speaking to Kevin in a foreign language that I can't understand, but have heard Linnie speak before, ("I have not. This is my first time visiting the United States. I don't understand English very well, and I'm not perfect speaking it. I am looking forward to seeing this country. I'm Jean-Luc, from Paris. So, what are yours and your companions' names?")
Kevin is looking confused, which I can't blame him for, since I can't understand what the guy is saying, either. Linnie, however, looks like she understood, and starts jabbing away in the language the older man was speaking, to his delight. He looks impressed, too. Hell, I'm impressed that Linnie is talking to someone in a different language!
("Please pardon my younger brother and older sister. They don't understand any French. Secondly, welcome to the United States of America, Jean-Luc. You're going to enjoy the sights and scenery this country has to offer. My name is Melinda, but I go by Linnie for short. This is my sister, Christine, and that's my brother, Kevin. We're from Chicago. I spent Christmas last year in Paris, since my Uncle lives there…") Linnie jabbers on, as Jean Luc nods at Kevin and I. She does, however, tell Kevin and I that the older man's name is Jean-Luc, he's from France, and that it's his first time in America.
Kevin and I both put on our earphones, and we begin listening to our music. Linnie continues to talk to Jean-Luc. All three of us are unaware that this plane is destined for New York City and big trouble, as it prepares to lift off…
(Kate's PoV:)
I just stare out the window, watching the clouds pass by, as the plane makes its journey towards Miami. I have this bad feeling nagging me. It feels a lot like the one I had last year, when Kevin was left home alone, which disturbs me.
"Katie, are you OK, sweetheart? I see you have that look again, that we forgot something," Peter says, interrupting my thoughts.
I smile, turning to look at Peter. "You know me so well, and you're right. I'm having that feeling that we left something behind… Three things, but we couldn't have, right?" I start doubting myself.
Peter just smiles. "We didn't forget anything. It's just bad memories. I personally think it's the fact that our oldest daughter is going on vacation with us this year, something we never expected to happen again,"
"You're right," A linger of doubt is still there.
"I'm glad that's settled," Peter smiles, before putting on his glasses. He then looks over the weather forecast Christine gave him, while I just close my eyes…
END