Chapter 30
Chapter Thirty
A s it turned out my small steps, big strides took me as far as the first flight attendant before my steps became distorted and my legs turned to jelly. I must have looked like I was going to faint because she reached out her arm and grabbed mine before another one appeared next to me to guide me aside.
I was stood at the entrance; you know, the bit between the end of the tunnel and the actual doors of the plane? That bit. I knew once I stepped inside that would be it, I’d have to sit down and wait and it would be harder to get up and run, especially once they’d shut the doors.
‘Are you OK?’ the stewardess asked, her face full of concern but not a crinkle in sight. She couldn’t have been much older than me but somehow her skin was flawless, not a line or wrinkle or crease anywhere. ‘Can I get you a glass of water?’
‘Is it too late to get off?’ I asked.
She looked at me with a frown. At least I think it was.
‘Off the plane?’
‘Yes.’
‘Have you forgotten something?’
‘No.’
‘Is there a problem?’
‘Yes. I’ve changed my mind and want to get off.’
‘OK.’ She smiled softly but her face still didn’t move. ‘Are you afraid of flying?’
‘No, yes, um, I am, but it’s not that.’
‘We can make you comfortable, get you a drink, set you up with a film to distract you?’
I was aware of the people boarding the plane, their eyes darting to me before carrying on into the carriage. I hadn’t had much time to think about whether or not I was afraid of flying, it had been so long since I’d even been on a plane.
‘Do you have a window seat?’ She looked down at my ticket. ‘You do. Would you like me to ask the passenger next to you if they’d swap? Would that make you feel more comfortable?’
‘No, it’s not that. I like looking out of windows.’
I thought of being at school.
‘Right. Would you like a glass of water?’ She asked again.
‘No, thank you, I think I just need to get off.’
‘Would you like to take five minutes to see how you feel?’
‘No, I think I’ve just made a mistake that’s all. I shouldn’t be going.’
‘Are you travelling or on holiday?’
‘A bit of both,’ I said. ‘I’m going to New Zealand to see a man.’
‘Ah, holiday romance?’ She winked and I thought I saw a crinkle.
‘Something like that, he doesn’t know I’m coming.’
‘How romantic!’ She beamed. ‘You get to do some sight-seeing too, New Zealand is beautiful.’
‘Is it?’
‘Oh yes, my favourite destination, actually. Are you doing both islands?’
‘Both islands?’
‘North and South.’
‘Um, I don’t know. He’s from the North?’ I said it like a question and I’m not sure why.
‘Try and go to the South Island if you can, you can get a ferry across. Do you like mountains?’
I thought of Slievenamon and then of Fionn and his fair maidens.
‘Yes.’
‘Climb Roy’s Peak, the views are amazing.’
‘Roy’s Peak?’
‘That’s the one. You’ll love it. Please don’t get off the plane.’
Even though there was no emotion on her face because it couldn’t move, there was in her voice. And I didn’t know whether it was the lure of Fionn telling me I should do it, or just her persuasive eyes – but I changed my mind and made my way to my seat.