INNOCENT ADVENTURE

CHAPTER THREE

“As you already know, your mother and I have decided to let you go to the big city. We had initially thought of letting you stay with a cousin but her work entails lots of traveling and it wouldn't help to have you around. So we asked Gwen and she agreed to have you join her.” Dad narrated

My heart that had sank at the beginning immediately begun to leap in excitement. I'm finally going to be with my sister; 'finally'!

Dad continued – “But we have a condition”

My leaping heart sank back down. ‘this can't be good.’ I thought to myself.

“Emerald” mother called

“Yes mother” I responded

“You're not going to go to the big city and be a burden to your sister who is working very hard. We just want you to go and see if being there would help you decide on what you want to do the rest of your life since you've never really shown interest in anything.”

Dad sat beside her bopping his head back and forth showing his agreement to what mother said.

“We won't rush this on you just yet. If you really want to go to the big city, I need you to think about this very carefully. We will allow you to be there for 3 months after which you’ll return hopefully with what you'd want to do with your future. Go back to your room and think about this very carefully, come back with your answer.” Dad continued.

I swallowed hard. I knew the question of what I would do with my future would come soon but I had no idea it would be this soon. If I'm able to make the decision, I can continue to be in the big city if what I decide to do is based there or anywhere else; that should keep me away from this town for a while. But if not, I’ll have to go with whatever they decide for me; I could end up right back here.

I looked up to see my parents’ expectant faces. Even though I already knew what my answer was (an adventure driven answer of course), I didn't want it to seem as though I was too excited. So I replied,

“Ok. I'll give it some thought and give you an answer tomorrow. Good night dad, mother.”

“Good night” they chorused

I got up and went back to my room; I headed straight for the bed. I was expecting that I’d spend most of the night pondering over the conversation with my parents, but nope. I drifted off to sleep almost immediately as though I had no worry in the world.

I woke up bright and early the next day full of excitement. I went about my chores so swiftly with list of energy, took a quick shower and came back to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. During breakfast, I was so impatient but my parents were as calm as ever. After breakfast, dad asked that we move to the living area. We sat down in the same places that we did yesterday. Dad went straight to the point.

“Em, I believe you have something to tell us?”

“Yes Dad, I do. I thought about the conditions you and mother gave me yesterday and I agree. I agree. I will use the given three months in the city to figure out what to do with my future and I promise not to be a burden to Gwen.” I pledged.

Mother and dad shared a look and she nodded. Dad turned back to me and said

“That's fine then. You'll be going in a week's time so you can have time to properly prepare. I will go with you to the airport and your sister will meet you when you arrive.”

I couldn’t help but rush to dad and mother send have them a hug and planted a wet kiss on dad’s cheeks. I didn’t try it with mother but she actually hugged me back. I was surprised momentarily but my excitement wouldn't let me dwell on it too much.

"Thank you Dad, thank you Mother" I said once the hug was over.

Dad - "You're welcome"

Mother - "Welcome"

They both said at the same time. Dad got up, picked up his car keys that he had left on the coffee table beside their chair and turned to me

"Want to go get some things for my car with me, Em? Your mother will be going to visit a friend"

Mother and I looked at each other and seemed to share a look that said 'that old car again?'. I smiled looked away. This is a rare occurrance.

"Your Aunt Nilda is unwell and I'm going to visit her. I won't be around for lunch but I should be back in time for dinner."

Mother said as she was making her way up the stairs. Dad and I also left after that.

One week at this point felt like forever. I used the period to pack, double park, check if I've left anything out, then check again. I was so anxious and couldn't keep calm. Even though I still hadn’t spoken to my sister, I was still so excited to see her after such a long time.

Finally, the day came. My train departure time was 10am for a one and half hours journey and plane boarding was at 1:15pm and departure was 2:15pm for a three hours journey I could have gone with the train all the way but Dad said it will take forever to arrive. I woke up very early and still did my chores. I quickly prepared breakfast for dad and mother (I clearly did not feel like eating because I was full with the excitement) and after informing them that breakfast was ready, I went back to my room to get ready. When I came out of the shower, I stood beside my bed and looked at the clothes I had laid down; I had 2 sets of clothes. I will wear a blue jeans trouser with black and white sneakers and a black shirt. Dad said I could have another set of clothes so I can change on the plane just before landing to feel fresh after a long day of traveling. So, I decided to go with an almost knee-length flared skirt with spaghetti straps sundress that will show a little knee and a lot of legs the attendant from the dress shop suggested. I want to be as presentable as possible when I meet Gwen and then I'll go back to my old jeans trouser wearing self.

At about 9am, I placed my luggage in the back seat of the car, said my goodbye to mother and dad drove us to the train station. Dad parked his car at a car park not very far from the train station where he can go back for it because he will go with me on the train to the city where the airport is to see me off. During the past week, dad and mother had taken time to give me various lessons about flying for the first time. Yes, this is my first time flying and I am so very anxious because I have a fear of height. But I hope I can get past it and enjoy this first one.

When we got to the train station, we still had a few minutes to spare so we sat down at the waiting area and since dad had already bought the tickets beforehand, we had nothing to worry about. When we sat down, dad asked if I wanted something to eat because he realised I wasn’t in for breakfast earlier.

“I'm fine, Dad. I not hungry yet.” I replied.

“Is it from the excitement or the pending phobia?” dad asked again with a knowing smile.

“I think it's both.” I replied

“You’ll be fine. Oh – I almost forgot.” Dad said while fishing inside his little bag that he brings with him everywhere and brought out a box that he handed to me.

“Your mother and I got this for you for easier communication.” Dad said

I recognised the box immediately and squealed excitedly. I hugged dad with my hands around his neck.

“Thank you! Thank you Dad. Please thank mother for me as well.”

“We're welcome darling. But now that you have a phone, you can call her.” Dad said

"Ok" I said

I started clumsily opening the box and finally brought out my brand new smart phone.“It has already been set up so you can start using it immediately.” Dad said

“Thanks Dad”

I had started exploring my new phone when the train arrived; at exactly 10am. We quickly boarded, found our seats and settled down. After a few minutes of waiting, the train slowly headed out of the station. A conductor came around after a while to check our tickets, I looked out the window with excitement bubbling in my stomach... finally.

Dad must have seen this as he didn't say anything else and brought out the day's newspaper that he brought with him from the bag he took the box out of earlier. The train made stops in different towns along the way for more passengers. I would watch as people got down and others got on. This went on till finally, at 11:30 am, we arrived at our destination, the city; ‘next stop, the big city'. We got down and with me dragging my luggage behind me, we made it to the road where dad hailed an approaching cab. We got in after the cab driver helped me place my luggage in the booth of the car, dad told the him where we were going and he drove off.

At the airport, we still had a few minutes before boarding. Dad couldn't go all the way with me but he promised to wait till my plane takes off. I checked in my luggage, went through the security checking point and straight to the waiting lounge since I was not going overseas. My new phone vibrated and I took it out and saw I had a new message; it was from dad. I taped on the notification and the message opened.

Dad: Hey Em. Are you settled in the waiting area?

Me: Hi Dad. Yes, I am.

Dad: That's great. So there are shops around the waiting area. If you're hungry, get something to eat. If not, you could eat on the plane.

Me: Yes Dad. Don't worry, I'm fine.

Dad: Ok. If you sat so. I'm right here till you take off, ok.

Me: Ok Dad. Thank you.

I looked around at the shops available but none of the food joints piqued my appetite. I looked around and saw other people also seated waiting for their flights. I wonder if we're all going to onto the same plane. I took my phone and continued exploring.

I was so lost in my new device that I didn't realise how much time had passed. I was brought back to my senses by the PA system announcing the boarding of my flight. I sent a message to Dad letting him know I was boarding then took out my ticket and necessary documents and joined queuing at the boarding entrance. There wasn't a lot of people ahead of me so I was able to go almost as soon as I joined the queue. I found my seat number and went to look for the washroom so I wouldn't have to be looking for it later then returned to my seat and sat down; I got the window lane. I settled down and waited for the moment I've been waiting for these past couple of weeks or so. Two other people joined my lane; a very handsome young man looking about 25ish and later a somewhat middle-aged looking woman. They both greeted when they sat down and we all proceeded to minding our own businesses. After the boarding time had ended, passengers were asked to fasten their seatbelts and switch off all electronic devices. I quickly sent a 'bye' to dad and switched off my phone. The hosts and hostesses took us through important safety and other stuff and a whole lot and then the plane started moving. I tried to relax and calm my nerves but all that was in vain when I felt plane taking off. I closed my eyes and felt around for something to hold and I found it. I held on as tightly as I possibly could. My heart felt like it would explode any moment; it felt as though I was going to throw up then pass out. I tried to control my breath to keep me from emptying my already empty stomach all over the myself.

After what seems like forever, I felt the plane 'stabilise' but the feeling didn't go away for me. I still kept grabbing the thing and my stomach was still upset so I still felt like throwing up; I still hadn't opened my eyes yet. Some time passed when I heard a very deep manly voice ask from beside me

"Is this your first time?"

I didn't open my eyes but I replied with another question.

"Is it that obvious?"

I heard a laughter (perhaps the most beautiful laughter I've ever heard followed by a reply

"Well, first you look green and second you're death gripping my arm."

My eyes immediately flew open and they followed the length of my arm to find my hand tightly gripped to his arm and from my hand, up the rest of his arm to his face to find a beautiful smile plastered on his face while I felt mine burning red. Is this the most handsome man I've ever seen or what? Jet black hair, grey blue eyes, a well chiseled jaw with a manly kinda beautiful face. 'DAMN! I shook my head and very quickly but carefully peeled my hand off him, tried to straighten the party of his long sleeve that I crumbled all the while apologizing and waiting to be scolded by this nice but beautiful man.

"I'm very sorry Sir. I didn't mean to be so careless and to crumble your sleeve. Did I hurt you? I didn't know what I was doing, I was-"

"It's ok. I totally understand. You didn't disrespect or offend me and you didn't hurt me either. I hope my arm gave you the comfort you were looking for." He calmly said with a smile

My face must have turned a darker shade of red or something from the embarrassment because he burst out laughing really hard.

"Your face sure changes colours. But it's really ok" he said the latter part much calmly

"So you're not mad?" I asked

"Not at all. I could even hold your hand during landing if you'd want" he replied

"Thank you" I said gratefully

"Adrien Hansen. Nice to meet you."