Coming Full Circle–Part 2
By Nancy F. Thysell (the Nifty Lady)
* * * * * * * * E! * * * * * * * * *
A-shift that Tuesday went by swiftly and before Johnny even knew it, the shift was over. He jumped into Roy’s sports car eager to get home and go the airport.
"Man, Roy! I am so excited about going to Kansas and meeting Chris’ family. I can’t wait!" Johnny rambled as they headed for his house. His flight wasn’t until 4:54. Roy dropped him off with a promise to return shortly after three to take him to the airport. Johnny waved as his friend pulled out of his drive. He had a few loose ends to tie up before he’d be free to leave for Kansas. He didn’t have many hours so he had to get busy. He wanted the house to be perfect for when he brought his wife home. He grinned at the thought. Wife. It sure had a nice ring to it.
A few hours later and Johnny was getting impatient for Roy to arrive. It was just after three when Roy finally pulled into the driveway. Johnny ran down the steps with his garment bag and a smaller bag. He wore his dress hat on his head instead of carrying it.
"Man! What happened to you?" he complained as he set his things in the rear seat.
"Traffic! I’m sorry Johnny. Everybody must be trying to get a jump start on the holiday," Roy apologized. "I hope I don’t make you late for your flight."
"Well, look, if you just drop me off at the curb, I can probably make it. I’m not checking any luggage so I can head straight for the gate," Johnny determined.
"Okay. I’m really sorry," Roy apologized again.
"Don’t worry about it, Pally. We’ll make it," the dark-haired paramedic told his partner confidently.
With the crunch of holiday traffic at the airport, it was after four by the time they reached United Airways check in. Johnny sprang from the car before Roy barely had a chance to brake. He grabbed his stuff out of the back and shook Roy’s hand.
"Thanks Roy. I’ll see you at the airport tomorrow evening and..." he hesitated to give his friend a lopsided grin, "...don’t be late."
Roy rolled his eyes. "Right Gage. See ya tomorrow. Have a good flight!"
"You too! Bye. See ya," Johnny called as he headed through the automatic doors. He quickly scanned the monitors for his scheduled flight–United Airways Flight 1935. It was departing from Gate A45 at 4:54 On Time the monitor claimed. He checked his watch. If he hurried, he should make it in plenty of time. He threw the garment bag over his shoulder and sprinted for the gate.
Johnny couldn’t believe the crush of people in the airport that day. He finally made it Gate A45 and checked in. There weren’t any available seats in the waiting area so Johnny found a space against a wall to lean on while he waited. A flight attendant made an announcement.
"Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen. United Airways thanks you for choosing us for your travel plans today. Flight 1935 for Kansas City International with connecting flights to Chicago and New York will begin boarding in just a few minutes. We have an extremely crowded flight today and we are over-booked. If there is anyone willing to give up their seat, please see one of the attendants. Right now we will begin boarding our first class passengers and anyone with small children or requiring special assistance."
"Hump!" Johnny said to the guy standing next to him. "Can you imagine giving up your seat?"
"Actually yes," the man responded. "They usually compensate you with a free ticket plus they put you on the next available flight. If I didn’t have to make a connection in KC, I’d do it."
"Hmm? Really?" Johnny thought that was interesting. He walked over to the attendant to get a few more details on what the compensations were.
* * * * * * * * E! * * * * * * * * *
Johnny was definitely tired when they finally called his row number. He handed his ticket to the attendant and headed down the passageway. He couldn’t believe his eyes when the first stewardess on the plane he saw was Pam Forester.
"Hi Pam," he said cordially, flashing his infamous grin.
"Johnny?" Pam was surprised to see him too. She smiled professionally at him. "May I see your seat assignment?"
Johnny showed her the stub.
"You’re about halfway back. Just past the wing section on the right," she informed him.
"Thanks. You working that section?" he asked, wondering if he’d be running into her during the flight.
"No, I’m working first class. But, if I get a chance, I’ll come back," she promised as she encouraged him to move down the aisle. Johnny removed his hat.
"Is there some place I, can hang up my garment bag?" he asked before he moved along. Pam seemed flustered.
"Uh, the stewardess at the next curtain can assist you," she replied.
"Thanks, Pam. See ya later," he said charmingly.
Pam watched as he moved onto the next stewardess. She’d definitely have to find out what was taking John Gage to Kansas City.
* * * * * * * * E! * * * * * * * * *
Johnny stowed his carry on bag and dress hat in the overhead bin. One of the stewardesses for the economy section, Lisa Daniels had taken his garment bag and hung it a center compartment. He took his seat next to the window and frowned as he looked out. The wing virtually blocked anything he’d be able to see out of the window. He leaned back and tired to make his long legs as comfortable as he could in the cramped space. He opened the pocket on the back of the seat in front of him and pulled out the airline’s promotional magazine and flipped through it as he waited for the plane to taxi. He figured it was going to be a long flight and he was anxious to get on with it. He had even tried to call Chris before they departed but all the long distance lines were busy. The recorded message kept saying to try again later. Well, it was much later now and he hadn’t been able to get through. He put the magazine back in the pocket and rubbed his eyes. Maybe they had some other periodicals by the galley. People were still boarding so the aisles were blocked. He’d just have to be patient. Soon a rather heavy gentleman squeezed into the seat beside him. It was going to be a long flight.
* * * * * * * * E! * * * * * * * * *
Sylvia Parsons, a fellow stewardess approached Pam as the last of the passengers came aboard.
"So, who was that tall drink of water I saw you talking to?" she asked as the door was closed and secured.
Pam looked up, puzzled at Sylvia’s question and then she remembered Johnny.
"Oh, that was just a guy I used to date," she replied nonchalantly.
"Used to being the operative words?"
"Uh huh."
"Do tell!" the other woman asked teasingly.
Pam made an impatient face at her coworker.
"Later. We need to get this plane off the ground. We’re running late as it is."
"But you’ll tell me everything, right?"
"Oh Sylvia. There’s nothing to tell, really."
Sylvia made her way into the small galley in the first class section and started a pot of coffee.
"Well, judging from the look on your face when you saw him, I’d say there’s plenty to tell," Sylvia argued. Pam paused and looked at her friend before turning a thoughtful glance toward the economy section. Maybe there was more to tell. She’d definitely have to find time to visit with Johnny before the flight was over. But at this moment, they had to prepare for take off. She pulled out the equipment for the pre-flight safety demonstration. It always frustrated her to give this demonstration because so few of the passengers ever paid any attention to it. A few minutes of their time could make a big difference in an emergency. She figured that at least one person in the economy class understood the importance of these procedures.
* * * * * * * * E! * * * * * * * * *
Dinner had been served and Sylvia had first class under control. Pam figured now might be a good time to go back and see how Johnny was doing. When she passed through the curtain separating the two sections, she spotted Johnny at the rear of the plane talking to one of the other stewardesses, Kim Leighton. She smirked. Well Johnny, I see you haven’t changed a bit. Always hitting on some girl.
She made her way down the narrow aisle to the back of the plane. She could overhear Johnny regaling Kim with one of his paramedic exploits. The door to one of the rear lavatories opened and a passenger stepped out. Johnny quickly stepped in without noticing Pam’s approach. Kim looked up and noted Pam’s appearance with surprise.
"Well, Pam. What brings you down to this end of the plane?" she asked with a laugh.
"I came back to visit an old friend."
"Oh really? Who?" Kim asked as she continued to cleanup items from the dinner service.
"John Gage."
"Who?"
"The guy you were just talking to...The one that’s in the lavatory?" Kim gave her a confused look and then realized whom Pam was talking about.
"Oh him? I really wasn’t listening," Kim admitted. Kim was married and had made a practice of tuning out guys that tried to hit on her. Pam had to smile. She figured Johnny probably didn’t even notice. The door opened and Johnny stepped back into the aisle of the plane. It was a tight squeeze in the small confines of the area.
"Pam! Hi!" he smiled.
"Hi Johnny. What brings you to fly with us?" Pam decided that travel plans would be safe ground to discuss. She couldn't explain it but being this close to Johnny was making her feel a bit flustered.
Gage grinned ear to ear. "I’m on my way to Kansas City to get married!"
Pam wasn’t sure if her jaw dropped open or not but she quickly clenched her teeth.
"Married? Oh! Well, uh, congratulations," she finally said. She felt stunned. Somehow she just couldn’t imagine this bachelor settling down. It was one of the things that had excited her about dating him until that mousy little girl...what was her name...? Johnny interrupted her thoughts.
"Thanks. You remember Chris Martin? Well, we’re getting married on Friday," he was saying with that lopsided grin on his face. Pam looked up into those bedroom eyes of his. Married? Pam suddenly felt warm.
"Yes, I remember her," she responded a bit tersely but then she recovered her composure. "I’m happy for you Johnny. I really am."
"Well thanks Pam. I appreciate that. Hey if you’re going to be in KC Friday, would you like to come to the wedding?"
Pam looked into his eyes with disbelief. Don’t men know anything? She shook her head.
"No, I’ll be on another flight then," she answered evenly. She glanced at her watch. "I guess I’d better get back to my passengers. It was good to see you, Johnny. Best of luck."
"Okay. It was good to see you again too, Pam," Johnny replied as Pam headed back to first class. He stretched out his muscles before he headed back to his seat. It wouldn’t be long now and he’d be with Chris. He was getting anxious for the plane to land.
* * * * * * * * E! * * * * * * * * *
Roy settled down in his recliner in front of the t.v. to relax for the evening. Jennifer crawled in his lap with a book and wanted him to read to her.
"Not now, Jen. When you’re ready for bed, I’ll come read it to you," he informed her gently. Her bottom lip protruded in a perfect pout. He looked at his watch. It was seven thirty. "You’ve only got a half hour before bedtime now. Why don’t you go ahead and get in your pj’s?"
Jennifer slid off his lap. "Okay Daddy," she agreed though reluctantly. Roy leaned back in his chair and pulled up the footrest. He had thirty minutes to find something to watch. He flicked through the channels and settled on a holiday special. He had almost dozed off when Jennifer’s shrill voice called out for him.
"I’m ready Daddy!"
Roy opened his eyes and rubbed them as he put down the footrest. "Coming baby."
He yawned as he stood up. Maybe he’d just go to bed early. JoAnne was busy preparing dishes for their Thanksgiving dinner and would probably be up until the wee hours of the morning. He turned off the t.v. and headed up the stairs to Jennifer’s room.
* * * * * * * * E! * * * * * * * * *
The captain of United’s Flight 1935 began his approach to Kansas City International. With concern he noted a malfunction of the hydraulics affecting the landing gear. His copilot became aware of the problem at the same time. They were less than thirty minutes out from the airport. They began procedure checks and tried to determine if they could override the problem. Precious minutes ticked by and it was becoming apparent that there wasn’t any means to deploy the landing gear. Anxiously he contacted the head flight attendant and told her to prepare the passengers for a crash landing. Rapid transmissions between the captain and control tower began. The runway was cleared of traffic and the airport prepared for the impending disaster.
Moments later, the plane dumped its excess fuel and the captain lined up on the runway. The engines were slowed and the approach was made. As the belly of the plane touched the tarmac, sparks sprayed like a Fourth of July fireworks display. One of the engines caught fire. The plane began to slide and swivel back and forth as the momentum carried it forward without hardly slowing down. Then the aircraft tipped and the right wing was ripped off, spinning the vehicle and causing it to slide sideways before flipping over and breaking in two as it finally came to a stop.
The passengers and crew of the ill-fated flight hung on for dear life as the plane careened down the runway. It seemed to last for an eternity but the entire landing took place in minutes. There was a moment of silence when the plane finally stopped. Then the survivors began to recover. There was crying and moaning heard throughout the remnants of the plane. Dazed and confused passengers made their way out of the plane’s shell, wandering around as the fire trucks and emergency vehicles roared to the wreckage. Many of the dead were found upside down, still strapped to their seats. It was a horrific sight.
* * * * * * * * E! * * * * * * * * *
A few minutes before the crash, Chris and her parents had been waiting at the gate for Johnny’s flight to arrive when an official from the airline made an announcement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, anyone waiting for United Airways’ Flight 1935 is asked to join us in the executive conference room."
"I wonder what this about?" Annie said as they followed the other people that had been waiting at the gate. Chris took her hand.
"I don’t know but I don’t think I like it," she worried.
"Well, I’m sure they’ll tell us soon," Doug Martin commented. They had barely entered the conference room when, even in the confines of the airport, the sound of the screeching metal could be heard.
Distracted by the noise, the official quickly addressed the group. "Ladies and gentlemen, I regret to inform you that Flight 1935 from Los Angeles has developed mechanical difficulties and has been forced to make a crash landing."
An audible gasp from the entire crowd could be heard. Chris gripped her father’s arm and felt the room spin. He grabbed her as she fainted. More than a few people collapsed at the news. Annie fanned her unconscious daughter. This was a nightmare! If only she could wake up from this and know it was only that–a nightmare.
* * * * * * * * E! * * * * * * * * *
It was just after eight p.m. when JoAnne came out of the kitchen to take a break. She eased herself into the comfort of Roy’s recliner and lifted the footrest. She sighed. She needed a break from all the preparations she’d been at most of the day. JoAnne was beginning to wonder if all that work was worth it for a meal that would be over in minutes. One of these years, she was going to insist that Roy take them all out for dinner instead. She picked up the remote and flipped on the t.v. Before she could even figure out what program was on, the show was interrupted by a Special News Bulletin. Roy had just come down the stairs and was crossing the room. They both had their eyes and ears glued to the commentator as he brought them the news of a plane crash. Roy wasn’t even aware he was holding his breath. His blood turned to ice as it was related that the plane was a flight from Los Angeles to Kansas City. He sat down heavily.
"Roy? It can’t be Johnny’s flight? Could it?" JoAnne asked hesitantly. He turned a worried face to his wife.
"It could be. Did they say which airline?"
"Not yet."
They both turned their attention back to the screen to try and get additional information.
"Authorities report that it was United Airways’ Flight 1935 that crash landed at the Kansas City International Airport about fifteen minutes ago. At this time we have been told that there are survivors. We also understand that there were fatalities. Stayed tuned to this station. We will bring you updates as soon as we have them. We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming in progress."
JoAnne looked over at her husband. He had turned white as a sheet.
"Roy?"
"Johnny was on that flight JoAnne. That was his flight number," Roy whispered.
* * * * * * * * E! * * * * * * * * *
THE END OF PART 2–CONTINUED IN PART 3
NOTICE: The layout and graphics on this page are the property of Two Chickies Fan Fiction. They may NOT be used on any other fan fiction site and any such use consitutes HTML theft. We urge you not to support any site that engages in such tactics, and to report any such usage to Marcia or Tangee.