December 29

Emily’s POV

I plopped down in my uncomfortable couch seat. Luckily I got a spot against the window. The last thing I wanted, was someone climbing over my legs every hour to go to the bathroom. I knew that I could afford a First-Class ticket but I liked feeling like a normal person.

Even though I've done it so many times, flying wasn't my favorite method of travel. It was uncomfortable to think that you’re in a metal box, speeding through the air. Of course, there are many mechanics behind it but still, the thought of knowing that the plane could fall at any given moment wasn’t something that put my heart at ease.

An older gentleman pushed a bag into the bin above my head and then sat down in the aisles seat. I did do one thing that most normal people wouldn’t do and that was booking the middle seat as well. This would give me more space to place my pillow and the book I’m reading, on. It also gave me moving space so I wouldn’t hit the person next to me with my elbow every time I moved.

I was in the middle area of the plane and could see the flight attendants well enough to listen without trouble. I was about to place my headphones on my ears when I saw one of the flight attendants on the announcement phone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Craig and I'm your chief flight attendant. On behalf of Captain Zayn, Co-Captain Louis, and the entire crew, welcome aboard Air France non-stop service from London, Heathrow Airport to Moscow, Sheremetyevo. Our flight time will be 3 hours and 50 minutes. We will be flying at an altitude of 39 000 feet at a ground speed of 575 miles per hour."

He placed the phone down and I decided to skip the headphones until we were in the air. I looked around me to see who I would be sharing this flight. There were a couple of families and here and there some single-seated people. After I spent a few minutes of people watching I opened my book, 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving A Fuck' by 'Mark Manson'

It’s not a self-help book, but rather a book that explained a counterintuitive approach to living a good life. Mark argues that life’s struggles give it meaning and that the mindless positivity of typical self-help books is neither practical nor helpful.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Captain has turned on the Fasten Seat Belt sign. If you haven't done so, please stow your carry-on luggage underneath the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin. Please take your seat and fasten your seat belt. And also make sure folding trays are closed and your seat is back in its full upright position."

I closed the book after barely reading 2 pages and waited for the plane to ascend. "Cabin Crew, please prepare for gate departure." The cabin crew was walking up and down the aisles, making sure that all seats were up and trays were put away.

"Cabin Crew, doors on automatic, cross-check and report. Thank You." Each checked their doors and then switched. It was always fascinating to watch the crew do their checks. They moved down the aisles once again and started with the safety precautions. I knew each of them by heart as I’ve been traveling for a few years now.

I've been traveling for over 5 years, my parents were fairly rich and I had a trust fund. No not one of those with billions. But one with enough money that I could travel to America and Europe, living in small hotels and seeing the world. I also had an extra income with me being travel promoter and blogger.

My thoughts were broken when Mr. Craig spoke again.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned off the Fasten Seat Belt sign, and you may now move around the cabin. However, we always recommend keeping your seat belt fastened while you're seated. In a few moments, the flight attendants will be passing around the cabin to offer you hot or cold drinks, as well as dinner."

I ordered a coke and opened my book once again. This time I hoped to read at least a few chapters before I got bored or fell asleep. Eating kept me awake for another hour and I created a new record of reading 7 chapters before my eyes started growing heavy.

« • x • x • x • »

My eyes blinked open in the middle of the announcement from Craig. "... make sure your seat belt is securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. Thank you"

I rubbed my tired eyes and glanced at the window. London was beautiful but Moscow was winning by far with the pink-orange sky and the beautiful snow-covered roads and slow-moving cars. Before an attendant could tell me what to do I stowed away my pillow and novel.

"Cabin Crew, prepare for landing please."

We hit turbulence on our way down but nothing too bad and my eyes stayed stuck on the beautiful scene of Moscow. It helped me not think about that video I once watched where the plane busted into flames just before landing. A small snowflake landed on my window and a smile crossed my lips. The view was over way too fast for my liking as the plane landed on the runway.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Sheremetyevo Airport. Local time is 06h24 and the temperature is -5° for your safety and comfort please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the captain turns off the fasten seat belt sign. This will indicate that we have parked at the gate and that it is safe for you to move about."

While we are waiting. Let me quickly explain who I am. My name is Emily and I'm 28 years old. I've been traveling for about 5 years and this is my last trip before my arranged marriage to one of my best friends. No, we don't love each other but this is what's best for our family businesses. After all, according to my family, a woman can't be the sole face of a business.

**Copyright © 2020 by Grace Write**