CHAPTER 1: AND THE JOURNEY STARTS

                                    

                                          
(SKY)
(AT THE AIRPORT)
"I should leave now."
"Do not talk to strangers. If they give you something to eat, don't eat. Don't rely much on fast food. You got it? -"
I hugged my mother.
"Mom-mom-mom, calm down. I will be okay."
This was the twenty-fourth time she had repeated these instructions on what all to do and whatnot as we made our way from home to the airport. Her voice is so drilled into my mind that I could probably repeat these instructions while sleeping, even down to the exact tone she used when she said 'You got it?'
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I've never stayed away from my family, never travelled to another city alone and now I must face America alone. I was lost in my trance until my mother pulled herself back from the hug.
"Take care of yourself, dear." She smiled while tearing up.
"I will, you also please take care of yourself while I'm away. I've to leave now. Bye, I'll miss you, mom."
"Have a safe journey, sweetie."
A smile crept on my face as I headed towards the entrance. I chose not to look back, as farewells are rather awkwardly emotional. I don't want to cry. Without further delay, I stepped into the plane. A lovely flight attendant greeted me with a beaming smile.
"Good evening, Welcome to Emirates."
I smiled back to her and went ahead. Though I had travelled in an aircraft before, yet the sight of the extravagant aircraft left me dumbfounded and uneasy. I could not deny the lavish grandeur of this plane felt quite intimidating and unfamiliar to me.
In which direction I have to go? Where the hell is 23A, where is my seat? My mind was left to wonder as I wandered aimlessly down the passageway. I felt quite embarrassed as I searched for the direction I should go.
"Hello mam, do you need any help." The same attendant from before approached me.
"Yes, uh- 23A my seat no. is-. Wh-where-?" I stuttered. I can't seem to get the words out of my mouth. Seriously Sky, can't even talk now.
"It's okay. Can you show me your boarding pass?"
"Sure."
"Ah, I see. Your seat is 23A. It's just a few rows down on the left side of the plane, ma'am. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask."
"No, it's fine. Thank you"
"You're Welcome. Enjoy your flight." She smiled and walked away.
As I traversed the passageway, my seat came into view and offered some relief. There it is. Whew, finally I made it. *Plops down onto the seat* Guess what, I lucked out with a window seat on this plane. As I remember, it was always my younger sister who got to sit next to the window in the air plane. This would be the first time for me, and I would have it all to myself. As the plane made its final preparations for departure, my attention remained fixated on the magnificent beauty of the sunset. Slowly, the plane began to glide down the runway, and I felt a tinge of excitement was coursing through my veins. The plane continued to gain speed and gradually lifted off into the sky. I felt my pulse quickened as the plane soared above the clouds, and I practically felt the heat of the sun that was beaming down upon me. Woahhhh, that breathtaking sunset, with hues of pink, orange and gold painted the sky like a magical canvas. It was like a masterpiece unfolding before my eyes. It was as if heaven had descended to earth to grant me that spectacular sight. While I remained gazing out of the window with my attention captured, I heard the faint sound of someone settling into their seat beside me. Gradually, a subtle fragrance filled my nostrils and prompted me to turn my attention towards the other side. A smile was spread across my lips as I glanced over the other side. There was a super good-looking guy sitting next to me, looking like stepped right out of a fictional novel. He was wearing a cool headphone and his eyes were closed like he was lost in his own world. I couldn't help but wonder what he was vibing to. His muscles were accentuated by the tight-fitting black shirt covering his body. A sparkling black ring shimmered on his finger and a luxuriantly engraved watch covered his wrist. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a strange detail about him. On his left hand, there was a small tattoo resembling the same design as his ring. I managed to catch a glimpse of another small tattoo peeping out from under his shirt's collar, making me wonder what else was hidden beneath that mysterious black attire.