I check in my luggage and then wait in the boarding area for the majority of passengers to board the plane before I join the line. I can’t stop thinking about everything that has happened over the last month. It feels like ages since I was sitting in my dorm room waiting for my exams to begin. Now, I’m on my way to Switzerland, hoping like hell that this experimental treatment for Max is going to work.
Sitting down in my seat, I smile at the elderly woman next to me. She smiles back and reaches for my hand, giving it a squeeze.
“I don’t like flying either, dear. Try not to think about crashing to the ground in an explosive ball of flames. That’s what my husband used to say to me every time we were about to board a plane.”
I can’t help but chuckle. “He sounds very supportive.”
“Oh, he was,” she says affectionately, a distant look in her eyes. “He’s been gone nearly twenty years now. They say you heal as time passes, but I’m still waiting.”
Would I heal if I lost Max? I can’t imagine it.
“What’s taking you to Bern?” she asks.
“My brother is having treatment. He has cancer,” I explain, swallowing past the lump in my throat.
“Oh, dear. You’re a good sister to go over to be with him,” she says.
I shrug. “He
would do the same for me. Hopefully it works. If it doesn’t, then…” My voice trails off and she nods, understanding where I was headed. “I’m not good with letting people get close to me.” I laugh, even though inside I feel like bursting into tears.
“Is there a boyfriend?”
“As of a week ago, yes,” I smile. “But who knows how long I’ll be away for.”
“If it’s meant to be, then it will be.” She turns to look out the window as the plane lurches forward to begin it’s take off, leaving me to ponder her words. Of all the things I have to worry about right now, Drew shouldn’t be one of them. But he is. I’m not someone who lets others in easily, and when I do, I’m just waiting for them to let me down. Maybe this time will be different, but in the back of my mind, I can’t let myself believe it. That’s the thing about disappointment. If you learn to accept it, then it doesn’t hurt as much.
It will be fine. Jacey will keep everyone in line and Max and I will be back there in no time. I laugh to myself, thinking about my awkward, funny friend. I wish I could be a fly on the wall for those dance sessions. God help whichever guy she decides to sink her teeth into.
I settle back into my seat and close my eyes. Everything is going to work out. Max will get better, we’ll go back to Australia, where Drew and I will resume where we left off.
If it’s meant to be, then it will be.