CHAPTER 2 - A FLIGHT TO REMEMBER

Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 2:45 PM ET

Elizabeth checked her watch for the umpteenth time, the digital display mocking her with its unwavering march toward disaster. "We're never going to make it. Where are you, Rosemary?" she muttered under her breath, her eyes scanning the chaotic scene at Massachusetts General Hospital. Thankfully, her relief arrived an hour ago so she could give the pass down. A Coworker had called in sick, so she stayed to cover. They should have left for the airport thirty minutes ago. Maybe she should go in her scrubs. But then she recalled her suitcase was in Lee's car. Before she could dwell on her current dilemma, there was a commotion from the ER Bay doors. Looking over, she sighed in relief as Rosemary ran through them.

"I'm here," Rosemary said, skidding to a halt. "Change fast. Lee is waiting for us right outside in an ambulance bay. The snow is already piling up again." Rosemary shouted over the din of the bustling ER, tossing a duffel bag towards her. "You've got your passport, right?"

Elizabeth nodded, catching the bag. She ducked into a nearby locker room and quickly shed her stained scrubs for a more travel-appropriate outfit. Her mind was racing with the logistics of beating the storm and what awaited her in Sydney. She couldn't wait to see her family and spend Christmas in Australia.

"Here! Put your scrubs in this bio bag, and I'll make sure they get laundered." Rosemary demanded.

"Elizabeth, hurry up! You're going to miss your flight!" Lee's voice echoed down the hallway as they emerged from the locker room. He stood by the door with keys in hand. As she drew close, he bowed and motioned to the door with a flourish. "Your chariot awaits, my lady. But you owe me for this one," he quipped, leading the way to his all-wheel-drive SUV, the only vehicle in the parking lot that might stand a chance against the incoming blizzard.

The first snowflakes danced in the air as they piled in. With his usual enthusiasm, Lee maneuvered the vehicle through the increasingly congested Boston traffic, the wipers on high speed. The traffic was a testament to Boston's love-hate relationship with snow: cars barely moving, drivers honking in frustration. Lee navigated like a pro, focusing on the road and allowing Elizabeth to gather her thoughts.

The flight is delayed thirty minutes, so you haven't lost time." Rosemary said, checking her phone. "But they are predicting airport closure and flight cancellations."

The drive to Logan International Airport was nothing short of a white-knuckle adventure. Snowflakes had begun their dance, twirling madly in the wind. Elizabeth clenched the grab handle above her door, her other hand gripping her phone as she texted Julie:

After updating her on the current weather conditions and the possibility of being stranded, she added:

With this weather, I'm liable to get rerouted and spend Christmas with the penguins in Antarctica instead. Maybe I should stay here and try to come after Christmas.

Julie's reply was almost instant:

Dramatic much? You're coming, don't you dare miss it. By the way, EVERYONE is excited about meeting you.

Something about how she capitalized EVERYONE seemed full of meaning and out of place. Then she had a hunch her sister was planning to do some matchmaking. Elizabeth glanced at Rosemary, who was trying to lighten the mood by singing along to "Jingle Bell Rock."

Elizabeth turned her phone towards her friend. "Rosemary read this text from Julie. Do you think she will try to set me up with one of her or Scott's single friends?"

Rosemary looked at it and laughed. "Oh, definitely. Your sister thinks it's time you got your own Scott'."

Before she could respond, they arrived at the airport, where the scene was chaotic. Travelers were loading and unloading at a frantic speed. Those being dropped off were scrambling as the announcement of the incoming blizzard and the danger of cancellations and closures caused a flurry of activity.

Elizabeth dashed to the check-in counter, her luggage bouncing at her side. Rosemary was on her heels while Lee circled around in the jeep.

"Elizabeth Thatcher for flight 318," she announced, her voice a mix of desperation and hope. The airline attendant, perhaps sensing the urgency, processed her quickly.

"Okay, TSA next," Elizabeth said, her eyes scanning the crowd. After ensuring that the plane was still scheduled to leave, she said goodbye to Rosemary. Then, she began to weave through the lines with a combination of politeness and urgency, Elizabeth's medical ID helping to bypass some of the usual security checks.

"Delta Flight 318 to Los Angeles, boarding now, Gate 12," the loudspeaker announced, the words like a starter pistol to Elizabeth's race against time.

"Ma'am, you really need to hurry," an officer said, handing back her bag.

With a laugh and a wave, Elizabeth sprinted towards her gate. The plane was the last in the lineup, its engines already humming. She handed her ticket to the gate crew, who gave her a knowing look.

"Cutting it close, aren't we?" the flight attendant commented as Elizabeth quickly made her way onto the plane.

"Just a little." After placing her carry-on into the overhead bin, she collapsed into her seat, finally taking a deep breath. As the plane began its taxi, Elizabeth peered out the window. The snow was falling in earnest now, blanketing the tarmac. She felt a pang of relief and excitement as the aircraft lifted off, leaving the storm behind. Settling back in her seat, she pulled out her phone to message Julie: I made it. See you soon. And Julie, if you have any matchmaking plots in the works, CANCEL THEM! Love you!

The response was a simple emoji of a winking face with a heart, confirming Elizabeth's suspicions. As the aircraft ascended, leaving the snowstorm behind, Elizabeth couldn't help but smile. Maybe this Christmas wouldn't just be about escaping a storm but running headfirst into the chaos of love, family, and the unexpected. Something about facing the unexpected was thrilling, and that frightened her.

Elizabeth arrived at LAX, the hustle of travelers swirling around her, but her focus was on the digital departure boards. Her flight to Sydney had been delayed 20 minutes, and she used the extra time to pick up a sandwich and a bag of chips from a small shop near her gate. The sandwich was simple: turkey with avocado, while the chips promised a spicy kick, both comforting thoughts for the long flight ahead.

As she approached the gate, she could see the planes taxiing under the California sun through the large windows. She took a moment to appreciate the stark difference from the snowy scenes she'd left behind in Boston six and a half hours ago. The gate was bustling with the usual pre-flight chaos, but it was all just white noise to her. She just found a place to sit and charge her phone while waiting.

Finally, the announcement for boarding came through the intercom, crisp and clear over the airport's din. She gathered her jacket, carry-on, and a backpack filled with essentials for the long journey, her sandwich and chips now safely stowed away, and made her way to the gate, ready to embark on her journey to see her family.

The flight attendant greeted her warmly before taking Elizabeth's coat to stow in the nearby closet, then directed her to her seat in first class. It was a small luxury she had splurged on for the comfort of a long flight. Elizabeth settled into her seat, the leather cool against her back, and began to relax as passengers continued to board. Feeling exhaustion threatening to overwhelm her, all Elizabeth wanted was to close her eyes and drift off to sleep, dreaming of spending the holidays with her family in Australia.

However, her plans for a peaceful flight were soon disrupted by the arrival of her seatmate. Rob McConnell, a tall, charismatic man with a smile that seemed a bit too practiced, took the seat next to her. His accent was distinctly Australian, and he wore it like a badge of honor. She quickly surmised that he appeared to be only in his early twenties, perhaps 22 or 23.

"G'day, beautiful. I'm Rob McConnell." He flashed her a big smile and extended his hand.

Taken aback by the forward introduction, Elizabeth managed a polite smile and briefly shook his hand. "Elizabeth Thatcher."

"Hmm! You're not from Sydney, I can tell. But you look like you belong there," he said, looking her up and down.

She looked down at her sweater, jeans, and boots before turning to face him. "I highly doubt that, considering it is summer in Australia right now."

"Oi, that's true. So, where are you from, sweetheart?"

"Boston." She retorted. "Which is why I'm dressed like this."

"Really? That's one of my favorite places to visit. Must be fate." Rob's voice was enthusiastic, his eyes twinkling with what he believed was charm.

Elizabeth nodded, hoping her lack of enthusiasm would communicate her desire for solitude. When he went to comment, she interrupted him, struggling to maintain her calm. "I'm actually quite tired, and I was hoping to catch up on some sleep."

"Oh, come on, Liz, sleep can wait! We've got hours ahead of us. Let's make this journey fun," Rob insisted, leaning in a little too close for comfort. "So, what brings you to my neck of the woods? A special someone waiting for you?"

Elizabeth sighed inwardly, realizing that Rob wasn't going to be deterred easily. "Just family," she replied, closing her eyes, hoping he would get the hint.

"Family, huh? Well, you're in luck; I'm great with families," Rob chuckled, his voice still overly animated. "You know, they say that meeting someone on a plane is like a sign. Maybe this is our sign."

Elizabeth opened one eye, trying to decide between laughter and irritation. "I think it's more a sign of the airline's seat allocation algorithm," she quipped, hoping to lighten the mood while also setting a boundary.

Rob laughed, taking it as encouragement. "Ah, you're funny too! I love a woman with a sense of humor. And those eyes, they're telling me a story. What's the story, Elizabeth?"

"The story is, I'm exhausted, Rob. Maybe we can chat later?" Elizabeth's voice was polite but firm. She placed her travel pillow against the window, signaling her desire to end the conversation.

However, Rob, interpreting this as playing hard to get, leaned back with a grin. "All right, sleeping beauty. But when you wake up, I'll be here, ready and waiting to be your inflight entertainment."

Elizabeth couldn't help but smile at his persistence, though she was more amused than interested. "I'd rather have a root canal without Novocain, " she thought.

Seeing that she wouldn't budge on getting some sleep, he changed tactics. Feigning hurt, he said, "All right, all right. But as I said, I'm here if you need someone to talk to. Or if you need someone to... He paused as if looking for the right word, then added ... "keep you awake."

Motioning toward the lavatory, he leered at her and said, "I could even be your personal tour guide to a certain club," while waggling his eyebrows. "Maybe get the Christmas Party started early, yeah?"

Elizabeth felt nauseated by what he was daring to suggest. Being a nurse, she knew just how unsanitary an airplane lavatory was and shuddered involuntarily. There was no way she would ever consider engaging in that particular club. 'That would be a big no, Romeo,' She thought, wishing they were already descending into Sydney. Unfortunately, her 16-hour flight had only just begun, with Casanova right next to her for the whole journey.

"Thanks, Rob. But for now, I'll take the sleep, thank you."

Rob just nodded. "Your loss, but my gain when you wake up refreshed and ready to chat, eh?"

Too tired to argue, she turned her face to the window and leaned as far away from him as possible. "We'll see about that, Rob. We'll see," she murmured, already half-asleep. Closing her eyes, she allowed the hum of the plane's engines to lull her towards sleep. Despite her annoyance, something was amusing about Rob's relentless optimism about romance in the air.

However, just when she finally thought she had shut him up, he leaned over to whisper, "Sweet dreams, Elizabeth. And if you dream of me, don't be shy about telling me all about it when you wake up."

As she drifted off, Elizabeth thought about the absurdity of it all, the bad luck of meeting someone like Rob on a flight to spend Christmas with her family. Maybe, just maybe, his story would be one to laugh about with her family over the Christmas turkey. But for now, she cherished the quiet victory of sleep, the one true escape from the flamboyant Rob McConnell and his self-proclaimed status as a ladies' man.

Sometime later, though it seemed like minutes, she woke up feeling a bit hungover. According to her watch, she slept for 9 hours, but they weren't restful. Throughout that time, she had been drifting lightly in and out but kept her eyes closed and was aware of most of what had gone on.

Part of the reason was the general noise of passengers getting up and down or the myriad conversations that were taking place around her. However, one voice remained constant and loud. Apparently, since Elizabeth wasn't willing to provide entertainment, Rob had begun conversing with the two ladies across the aisle. She had heard him order four cocktails while she slept.

When she heard him get up and move toward the lavatory, she risked peeking and saw three of the flight attendants directing looks of disgust and anger his way as he passed. She couldn't blame them because he insisted on addressing them as a stewardess, baby doll, sweetie, and other similar names, even though he was corrected multiple times. From the looks of it, they seemed to be trying to choose between locking him in the lavatory or throwing him out of the plane.

She had heard him talking about being on a business trip to Los Angeles but that he wasn't allowed to say more. The way he kept emphasizing secrets, Elizabeth wondered if he wasn't trying to create an illusion that he was a spy like the actor Bill Paxton played in True Lies. But as she listened, he told the young, blonde, beautiful coeds that it was business with a big Hollywood producer, but he couldn't say more. He also told them they should consider modeling or acting. Every time they would ask more about the producer, he would start to give something away but then say I'd better not because it's really top secret. They were buying what he was selling hook, line, and sinker if the giggles and simpering were any indication.

Interest caught, Elizabeth feigned sleep and continued listening. Just before he got up, he asked for their contact info and promised to put them in touch with his extensive contacts. "You can't make this stuff up' Elizabeth thought.

When one of the young coeds, Elizabeth, called Mandy said she hoped she wasn't talking his ear off, Rob quickly reassured her with the cheesy line, "No worries, love, you're like a good playlist: I could listen to you forever."

Then, when the other coed, she nicknamed Candy, asked, "Do you really think we could become models, Rob?"

"Of course, Darlin. If you were an Instagram filter, I'd choose you every time." He had said, affecting a bit of a southern twang to his Aussie accent.

Elizabeth almost got caught when she struggled to hold back a chuckle at that one. She must have managed to fall asleep again because an hour later, she was awakened by a bit of turbulence and saw Rob grinning at her.

Grabbing her hand tightly, he added, "I wondered when you were finally going to wake up. I was starting to get lonely. Did you dream of me?"

Elizabeth chuckled and removed her hand from his. "Not unless you wear red and drive a sleigh pulled by reindeer."

He laughed, pulled up the middle armrest, and leaned closer to her. Elizabeth went to protest and put it back down, but he plowed on. "You know, Elizabeth, I've got this theory." Leaning closer, he added, "People who meet on flights are either meant to be lifelong friends or, you know, something more."

Rolling her eyes, Elizabeth gave up trying to sleep. "Oh really? And which one do you think we're going to be?"

Rob grinned confidently. "Well, I'm hoping for the latter. But I'll settle for friends if that's all you're offering".

Elizabeth snickered. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I really don't know you well enough to offer either one. Since you're in Sydney and I live in Boston, I can't see how either scenario would work out in your favor."

Unwilling to take a hint, he grinned and ran a finger over her arm. "Anything is possible, especially for someone as charming as me."

"Charming? Is that what they're calling it these days?"

"Absolutely. And I've got references. Here, let me show you, " he retorted, pulling his phone out and furiously scrolling through pictures.

Elizabeth groaned inwardly. The last thing she wanted to see was references. "That's okay."

But finally finding what he had sought, he held the screen for her. "See this? That's me with Sheila from Melbourne. We met on a bus, not a plane, but the same principle applies."

Looking at the photo with a raised eyebrow, her curiosity got the best of her. "So, how long did that last?"

Rob paused before giving a Cheshire cat grin. Leaning close, he whispered. "Let's just say she enjoyed the journey... if you catch my drift."

Catching on to his implication right away, she chose to ignore it and not give him the reaction he had hoped for. Instead, she said, "I see. So, you're the 'journey' man, not the 'destination' one.

"Exactly! Life's about the ride, Elizabeth." Rob said proudly, giving her a flirtatious wink. Then, gesturing around the plane added. "And we are on one heck of a ride right now!"

"If you say so. Hey, how about we watch a movie? My treat?" Elizabeth said, reaching for the in-flight entertainment information packet.

Before he could answer, he was again distracted by Candy and Mandy seeking his attention. Elizabeth could tell by their glares that they didn't like her hogging him. Loving the attention, Rob continued to shower them with his devotion for the next four hours of the flight. During those four hours of peace, the three had more cocktails, which the ladies bought for him. At one point, Mandy changed seats with him so he could sit close between them. Well, as close as possible as one could get with an aisle between you in Mandy's case.

None of them even spared her a glance, which suited her just fine. Elizabeth wanted to jump for joy because it allowed her to eat the sandwich and chips she had bought while enjoying a movie. She also carried protein bars in her bag just in case because when it came to the airline's idea of a meal, it always left her feeling underwhelmed.

She was deep into the plot of a mystery movie when she felt a shift next to her and the smell of cheap cologne. She could feel Rob trying to lift the armrest she was currently hogging as he asked her if she had missed him. Then he added that she didn't need to be jealous because there was plenty of him to go around.

Elizabeth laughed and looked at him with amusement. By this point in the flight, she was too tired to be offended. Thankfully, the captain made an announcement that spared her any further conversation.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We have a medical emergency onboard. If there is a doctor or any medical personnel on the flight, please make yourself known to the cabin crew immediately."

The urgency in the captain's voice was palpable, and Elizabeth felt her professional instincts kick in. She quickly unbuckled her seatbelt, her heart rate increasing not from fear but from the adrenaline of emergency response.

"I'm a trauma nurse," she informed the nearest flight attendant, who looked visibly relieved. The attendant, a young woman named Mia, quickly led Elizabeth through the narrow aisle to the economy section, where a small crowd had gathered.

There, amidst concerned whispers, was Sarah, a 32-week pregnant woman, her face etched with pain and anxiety. Her friend Kelly was beside her, her face pale, trying to comfort her.

"Sarah hasn't been feeling well," Kelly explained, her voice trembling. "She's been having headaches, and now these contractions. And she hasn't eaten since breakfast."

Elizabeth immediately assessed Sarah; her skin was clammy, her breathing shallow, and her pulse was indeed rapid. "Do you have any medical problems or issues with your pregnancy? Elizabeth asked, taking the small blood pressure cuff the attendant handed her.

"No," Sarah said shakily. "It's been a textbook pregnancy until now."

Elizabeth nodded and noted it currently read 150 over 100.

"When we checked ten minutes ago, it was the same," Mia responded, her voice laced with worry.

"That's concerning," Elizabeth murmured, more to herself than anyone else. She knew the signs of pre-eclampsia well: high blood pressure, headaches, and now contractions. "We need to keep her as calm as possible and hydrated."

Elizabeth glanced at Sarah's belly, then gently touched it, noting the contractions. "Sarah, I need you to try and relax. We're going to look after you. Kelly, can you talk to her and keep her calm? Here," she handed Kelly a bottle of water another flight attendant had brought. "Make sure she sips on this because she is probably dehydrated. I'll be right back."

After ensuring Sarah was as stable as possible, Elizabeth followed Mia to the front so she could speak to the captain. Mia knocked gently on the door, and the captain stepped out.

"Captain, I wanted to fill you in on the medical situation," Elizabeth started, her voice calm but firm. "The passenger is experiencing symptoms of pre-eclampsia. It's a serious condition, especially given her stage of pregnancy. She needs immediate medical attention upon landing."

"We land in 2 hours. Can we make it to Sydney, or do we need to divert?"

"I don't think there's a need for that. Her contractions are mild and 10 minutes apart. She will rest easier if she is home."

The captain, a seasoned man with grey at his temples, nodded solemnly. "What do we need to do?"

"We'll need an ambulance waiting when we land. She'll have to be transported to the hospital as soon as possible. It might be best to keep the passengers seated until she's off the plane to avoid any unnecessary movement or delays."

"Consider it done. I'll notify ground staff immediately," the captain replied, his face showing relief at having a clear plan. "Thank you, Nurse...?"

"Thatcher," she provided. "But please just call me Elizabeth.

"Thank you, Elizabeth. Your intervention is invaluable."

Elizabeth gladly swapped seats with the gentleman in their row to the annoyance of Rob, who could be heard protesting loudly. To everyone's relief, the man who took her seat was built like a linebacker, who quickly put Rob in his place and shut him up for the rest of the trip. Mia then handed Elizabeth her backpack and told her to push the call button if anything changed or if she needed something.

Elizabeth returned her focus to Sarah, gently talking her through breathing techniques to manage the pain and keep her calm. "You're doing great, Sarah. Just keep breathing with me. We're going to get through this together."

She closely monitored Sarah's condition for the next two hours, adjusting her position when necessary, ensuring she drank enough water, and using her nursing skills to keep Sarah and Kelly calm. She decided against trying to get Sarah to eat in case there was a need for surgical intervention. The cabin crew, informed and supportive, continued checking in with Elizabeth and keeping her updated on what was happening at the airport.

As the plane descended into Sydney, Elizabeth felt a wave of relief. Sarah's condition had stabilized somewhat, though the situation remained precarious. The plane touched down smoothly, but the atmosphere was tense with concern. Over the intercom, the captain's voice came through again, "Ladies and gentlemen, due to the medical emergency, please remain seated until we've safely disembarked the passenger in need. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

Elizabeth placed her hand reassuringly on Sarah's shoulder as the paramedics boarded with a narrow stretcher chair, efficient in their movements.

"Sarah, I'm with the paramedics. We're going to take good care of you," one of them said, his voice calm and professional.

Elizabeth helped them maneuver the chair around Sarah, explaining as they worked, "She's been having contractions about every ten minutes, blood pressure was high at 150 over 100, and she's been experiencing headaches. She's 32 weeks pregnant. She finished drinking a bottle of water an hour ago. There are no known medical conditions, and pregnancy thus far has been textbook. The last appointment with her OB was 2 weeks ago."

The paramedic nodded, "Thank you for your help. We'll take it from here."

As they prepared to move, Sarah, one of the flight attendants, Mia, approached with Elizabeth's coat, carry-on, and backpack. "Here you go, Elizabeth. And thank you again."

The captain also made his way to Elizabeth, offering a firm handshake. "You turned a potentially tragic situation into something we can manage. On behalf of the crew and passengers, thank you."

Elizabeth smiled modestly, accepting his hand. "Just doing my job, Captain."

Once Sarah was safely on her way to the hospital, Elizabeth turned towards the terminal, her steps heavy but purposeful. As she approached baggage claim, she decided to keep the extraordinary events of the flight a secret for now. The ordeal was intense, but it reaffirmed her love for her profession. Helping others, even at 35,000 feet, was where she belonged and further cemented her decision to seek a job as a flight nurse.