Chapter 15

Once pre-flight engine run-up and instrument adjustments were made, I call the tower, identify my aircraft and said.

"Echo Charlie GreySteele "Ready for take off."

There is no other traffic waiting but us, once all the traffic lines were cleared out, the tower said

"Aircraft Echo Charlie GreySteele cleared to taxi into position and hold."

I responded with

"Roger Echo Charlie GreySteele taxiing into position."

"Echo Charlie GreySteele cleared for takeoff. Straight out departure approved. Have a good flight Pilot GreySteele."

"Aircraft Echo Charlie GreySteele, Roger, Straight out departure. Thank you, Sir. Have a good day." Over and out."

"Wow butterfly that was so hot. The way you were talking and flipping switches and pressing buttons. You are a natural. You become so focused its very cool to watch."

"Fuck off Elliot for the first comment. And thank you for the rest. Yes it just came you me so naturally. I'm grateful for that."

The flight was to take 6 hours. At least the weather was good so we had no turbulence. After 2 hours of flying I was exhausted. I actually forgot how peaceful it makes me feel to be in the air again. It was also very nice been served by my boys. "

"Butterfly you are so incredible. I'm in awe of you, Elliot says."

"Thank you"

"I'm going to swop with Alex for a while and get some shut eye if you don't mind?"

"Not at all, see you just now."

"Hi Alex. Are you enjoying the flight?" I ask giggling.

"Yes Doctor it's been most pleasant with those two sexy blondes in the back."

"Oh yuck Alex I didn't need to know that. Fuck off you distracting the pilot."

And we both have a good laugh.

After another 2 hours I needed a break so I called in to Seattle tower.

"Seattle tower's this is GreySteele, do you copy me?"

"We copy you GreySteele what is your request."

"This is Echo Charlie GreySteele requesting permission to autopilot over and out."

"This is Seattle tower's, Permission to GreySteele to go into autopilot granted. You are authorized for the duration of 2 hours on autopilot mode, then back to you regular flight plan over and out"

"Thank you Seattle tower, I copy that. Over and out"

We go into the lounge and instead of resting they are busy playing cards and having drinks around a large boardroom table.

"You left me in there to come party in the back?" I ask.

He knows I shouldn't have alcohol around me because of the cravings and here he is drinking. This just breaks my heart that he could be so insensitive toward me. I actual feel like I need a drink now. But Alex realizes it and stops me from making the biggest mistake in my life.

Elliot stands up and says,

"Little lady if you and Alex are here who the Fuck is flying this plane?"

The look of complete fear showing on their faces causes Alex and I to both bend over with the biggest laughter there is. We were laughing so hard we couldn't even speak. Which made him get even more worked up because he wanted answers.

Elliot slowly came over to me put both hands on my shoulders with a painful grip he shook me so hard, I stopped laughing and stared into his eyes. His eyes were so cold and angry it frightened me, and tears sprung to my eyes instantly. I have never seen this side of him. He has never once shouted at me nor had he ever laid his hands on me. The two hostesses disappeared into the kitchen.

With teeth clenched tight he growled at me "Butterfly, I'm not going to fucking ask you again. Who is flying this fucking plane if you here?"

I was shaking in my boots I've never seen Elliot like this before he is so angry I could feel his fingers digging into my skin causing me to wince in pain. The tone of voice is so cold and angry.

"Elliot Please you are hurting me please let me go."

As soon as I said that he realized what he did and he immediately let me go I dropped to the ground on my knees and sobbed in to my hands.

When I composed myself somewhat I got up and went back into the cockpit by myself and locked the door. I just sat there in the chair and let myself relax. When I pull my shirt down his fingerprints have mad purple bruises already on my shoulders

"Elliot what the fuck is wrong with you?" Alex bellowed to him. The plain is on fucking autopilot for the next 2 hours. Seattle towers gave her permission to do it. Do you really think butterfly is that careless to leave the plain to fly by itself? What the fuck is going on with you? You promised to keep her safe and here you are screaming at her and man handling her. You actually physically hurt her out of anger and most probably left bruises on her shoulders.

Without even a thought Alex's right fist made perfect contact with Elliot's jaw sending him flying into the one of the plane walls.

"I know you Elliot; this has got nothing to do with the plain or who is fucking flying it. Do you even realize butterfly was looking at the drinks on the table with so much longing I had to stop her from reaching out and downing it? What the fuck would you have done with a drunk pilot mid air? You are taking your frustration about those pricks that we left back on the runway, out on her. You can't do that. Pull yourself together. You really hurt and scared her just now. You are going to have to go over there and talk to her and hope that she will listen to you.

After and hour I heard a soft rap on the door followed by Elliot asking permission to come in and talk. I opened the door and there stood my best friend totally broken, tears running down his face, and a purple bruise on his jaw. I took him into my arms and closed the door we both sunk to the floor and sobbed into each other's arms.

"Echo Charlie GreySteele This is Seattle tower come in please."

I shot off the floor and positioned myself back in my chair and put my cans back on. I motioned for Elliot to do the same. He looked like a kid seeing snow for the first time, total amazement.

"Seattle tower, this is Echo Charlie GreySteele reporting"

"GreySteele we need you to take control of you jet now. Disengage your autopilot. You are entering into Seattle airspace."

"Yes Sir, autopilot is disengaged and we are ready to land."

"All is clear for GreySteele to land at SEATAC immediately. Safe landing ma'am,"

"Thank you sir, we are getting into position to land at SEATAC sir over and out"

"You ready Elliot to help me land this baby?"

He is stunned he just nods his head. "

Can you see that red button in front of you? That is to cut off button for all the engines. When I tell you to press that button you do it ok? I'll bring her down smoothly after that understood?"

Once again, no words. Just another head nod. Making me giggle.

"That's the best sound in the world," Elliot says.

"Thank you Mr Grey."

Alex came in to check if all was ok and I told him we are coming in to land.

"Alex If you are planning to stay and watch us land this plane you need to buckle up. Against the back wall is a pull out chair, strap yourself in there and you will be able to watch the show."

It was effortless landing the plain the best part was watching Elliot press the button to cut the engines off. He was so happy. The plain came to a perfect stop in the hanger and I let out a deep breath I didn't even know I was holding.

I announced over the intercom

" Ladies, Gentlemen and drunks we have safely arrived at SEATAC airport you may now remove your seatbelts and make your way over to the nearest exit. Thank you for a pleasant flight."

Causing a round of clapping and laughing. This made me happy.

We exited onto the tarmac and it was such an emotional feeling of relieve.