Betty's First Trip to Rome the Prequel - Chapter 19 – Pink flowers on cupcakes

Gio paced anxiously near the end of the line up for the airline check-in counters. He gripped an unopened bottle of water that Daniel had given him tightly in his hand. He wiped his other hand across his forehead absentmindedly as if to brush away his no longer existing strands of hair.

Daniel stood nearby drinking from his water bottle and chatting with Claire and Daniel Jr. He said to Gio "Relax. Don't worry. There is still time. We were here early so I know it seems like we've been waiting forever but it isn't too late yet."

Daniel had received a call from Hilda and he heard that traffic was moving again. It was moving slowly but they weren't too far away.

Christina appeared out of the crowd and strode up to where they were waiting breathing hard "Hey, I'm glad I didn't miss you! I can't believe how long it took me to get here. Where is Betty? I came to say goodbye to her."

Daniel answered "She's not here yet but she should be soon."

Christina read the flight information on the overhead screen "Oh man, you should have already gone through security by now."

Gio was almost incoherent from worry. He didn't want to miss the flight because then Betty would have another night to reconsider going on the trip. He brushed his forehead again. He said "I know! I know." He couldn't think of anything else to say and resumed brushing his forehead and pacing.

Claire turned to Christina and asked with concern in her voice "How are you?"

Christina, newly comfortable about her relationship with Claire and Daniel, was happy to talk to them about her pregnancy and tell them she was doing well. Claire listened and was sympathetic and caring. Claire offered to give Christina a ride back home.

Justin appeared. He ran up to Daniel and shouted "We're here! They're just getting the luggage out."

Gio let out his breath when he saw Hilda and Ignacio appear with Betty trailing not too far behind them. Betty had been busy and anxious all day and she was tired and worn out. The blouse and skirt she had chosen to wear for the overnight flight were comfortable but they looked dated and frumpy. Her face was red from running and tear stained from crying. She clutched Gio's crumpled handkerchief in her hand. She looked a mess but she was the most beautiful sight in the world to Gio.

They soon finished checking in the luggage and had their boarding passes. The agent urged them to go immediately to the gate.

They all ran straight to the queue for the security checkpoint.

Christina hugged Betty goodbye. In spite of Betty's disheveled appearance Christina insisted on taking pictures and she wanted some with everyone in it so Claire, Daniel Jr., Daniel, Gio, Betty, Hilda, Justin and Ignacio quickly posed for her. Justin and Daniel Jr. held a banner that Justin had made that said 'Bon Voyage to Rome'.

Then Claire hugged Betty. She handed her a small jewelry box.

Betty said "A gift? I don't need a gift!"

Claire replied "I want you to have it. Betty, you have helped me in more ways than you will ever know. I think it is fantastic that you are going on this trip. Take care. Go, have fun!"

Betty slipped the box into her purse and hugged Claire again.

Gio saw Claire give the gift to Betty and smiled at the warm hug between them. Daniel observed Gio smiling as he watched Claire and Betty hug and he smiled too.

Hilda gave Betty a tray with half a dozen cupcakes on it. Papi had made cupcakes for them to eat on the plane. The cupcakes were decorated with a thick layer of pink icing in the shape of flowers. They were Betty's favorite. Hilda retrieved Betty's cell phone from her purse and said "Don't forget your phone!"

Betty said "No. I'm not taking it. It reminds me of work. Daniel, I don't want to hear from you. Don't call. Sorry, but I don't want to think about you or work on this trip. I'll tell you all about it after I get back. I'm going to practice my writing and keep a journal."

Betty kissed Hilda and said "Goodbye. I won't be calling you or Papi either. I'm going to get away from everything and just have fun. I'm going to prove I can manage on my own."

Hilda looked admiringly at Gio who was dressed in a short sleeved t-shirt and perfectly fitted blue jeans and hugged him.

Gio hugged Hilda back and said "Thank you. How will I ever thank you for your help?"

Hilda murmured "Hold me." while she luxuriated in the feel of Gio's strong arms around her.

After a few seconds Gio whispered in her ear "Are you trying to make Daniel jealous? He is right here you know."

Hilda laughed and said "Oh, sorry!" and then reluctantly pushed herself away from Gio.

Ignacio kissed Betty and shook hands with Gio. He gave her carry on bag to him.

Gio said "Heads up!" and tossed his unopened water bottle to Daniel who snatched it from the air.

"Good catch, Papa!" shouted Daniel Jr. gleefully.

Daniel said to Gio "Remember everything I told you, okay?"

Daniel and Gio had talked for many hours over the last few days. Gio had talked a lot with both Hilda and Daniel. Now the plan was entering the last phase. It was the most risky and dangerous part of the plan and Gio would be in the field and on his own.

Daniel said "Are you ready?"

Gio put down the luggage he was holding and straightened up. He looked serious, stood stiffly and touched his right hand to his forehead in a small salute.

Gio said in a crisp voice "Yes sir. Thank you sir!"

Then Gio smiled broadly, relaxed and shook Daniel's hand firmly. Daniel laughed and punched Gio's arm. Gio punched him back and they both laughed.

Daniel felt like he had gained a brother in the last week. He was glad. It had been a long time since his brother Alex had disappeared. Even though Alexis had returned she was a sister now. Daniel missed having a brother and he wanted one. Gio had never had a brother, he only had his two sisters Maria and Antonella, and he was glad to gain a brother too.

Daniel said goodbye to Betty and wished her the best. Betty thanked Daniel profusely for the time off and the gift of the vacation.

When all the goodbyes had been said they were finally ready to go. Gio carried the luggage and Betty held the cupcakes as they walked down the aisle to security. Just as the reached the corner they stopped and waved back to everyone. Ignacio, Hilda, Claire, Daniel, Christina, Daniel Jr. and Justin waved, shouted some more goodbyes and cheered.

Gio lifted his and Betty's carry on bags onto the conveyor belt leading into the x-ray machine. Then Betty put her purse and the cupcakes onto a tray. Gio emptied his pockets of coins into the tray. He took off his watch, his gold chain, his silver bracelet and ring and dropped them into the tray holding Betty's purse, the cupcakes and coins.

Betty went through the screening first. She laughed and smiled at Gio when she got through it easily "Ha! You're right!" and she pointed to her teeth "No problem!"

Gio followed her but he set off the alarm and it beeped. The agent pulled Gio aside. Gio sighed and obediently held his arms out to his side as the agent waved the wand over his body. The beeping continued. The agent asked Gio to remove his belt. Gio gave his belt to Betty and the agent waved the wand again. It beeped again. Gio was already over stressed and he was instantly frustrated and impatient. The agent asked him to remove his shoes. They were a pair of stylish loafers that Daniel had picked out for him. Gio couldn't believe he was getting the third degree from the agent and cursed under his breath. Gio wondered how the worst delays always seemed to happen when you were in the biggest rush. Then Gio remembered he was wearing another chain around his neck, a long one with a cross on it. He always wore it hidden under his shirt. He removed it and dropped it into Betty's tray. Gio finally passed the inspection and he slipped his shoes back on.

Just then an announcement came over the loud speakers "Paging passenger Mister Giovanni Rossi - please report to gate thirty-seven immediately."

This was followed immediately by another announcement "Paging passenger Miss Rosa Suarez - please report to gate thirty-seven immediately."

Gio picked up the carry on bags and looked at Betty. He lifted his eyebrows and said "Rosa?"

Betty picked up her purse and looped the strap over her shoulder. She had Gio's belt in one hand and the tray with the cupcakes, Gio's jewelry and coins in the other. She looked at Gio and said "Hello?"

Gio chuckled and asked "Who are you and what have you done with Betty?"

Betty giggled. She held the belt and tray out and said seriously "Um, I'll explain it later. Can we get going please?"

Gio said "Just dump it all in your purse and we will sort it out on the plane."

They collected everything and ran to the gate where the attendant checked their passports and boarding passes. Betty followed after Gio as he sprinted down the gangway ramp and onto the plane.

As Gio stepped over the threshold into the cabin he was met by the pilot and a flight attendant. Gio handed their boarding passes to the attendant.

The pilot said sternly "Well, there you are. You're the last ones. Do you want to go to Rome tonight?"

Gio was startled and answered "I do." He looked behind him to see where Betty was.

Betty stepped over the threshold breathing hard, her face red and sweaty from exertion and said "Yes, I do too."

The pilot smiled and said "Good, because that's where we're going now that you two are finally here."

Betty held out the tray of cupcakes and said apologetically "Sorry we're late, um, do you want a cupcake?"

The pilot laughed and said "Sure, thanks!"

He took one and returned to the cockpit while the flight attendant led them to their seats.

At last they were safely on their way.