Chapter Three – Visions
Las Vegas seems busier than normal this evening, or it could just be that you are not normally in such a rush to reach your destination. Stationary in yet another queue, you glance uneasily at your watch, and it occurs to you that she may also be stuck in traffic. So your eyes scan the sea of cars hoping that you will see hers, but it is fruitless, and, realistically, you knew it would be.
One minute seems like an hour, and sitting here waiting like this your mind can do nothing but relive the scene in your office. You had a chance to ask her not to go. It seemed like she was asking you to ask her not to go, but you let that pass, like every other moment the two of you have shared in the two decades that you've known each other… Because you were too blind to see that you're in love, obviously. And now, unless this traffic suddenly clears, she will get on that plane and start the new life she talked about, without ever knowing how you felt.
Visions of you running into the airport; stopping her at check-in; pledging your eternal devotion, flash into your thoughts. You take hold of her hands – perhaps on some level to prevent her from slapping you again – and stare into her watering eyes, as you ask softly: "Please don't go?"
Eyes are on you from every person within earshot, and it is only as you feel their anticipation mingling with yours that you realise this isn't just the hallucination of someone sitting impatiently in traffic. This is real. You have your chance to tell her that you will love her for the rest of your lives, and beyond. Perhaps now would be a good time.
TBC…