As we stood there in the congested airport saying our final
farewells a booming voice fell over the loud speakers and the last call for
flight 407 to Washington, DC was announced.
“Well, I guess this is it.”
I said looking into my father’s eyes.
I could see the tears being held back in the corner of his eyes. “I’m gonna miss you so much, daddy.”
“I’m going to miss you too, sweetheart.” And with that he let go
of those tears and embraced me one last time before we had to part for the next
eight months.
“Oh c’mon, Isabelle. Lets
board the plane before you guys get me to start crying again.” Angelina said with a laugh. She had already said good-bye to her dad and
stepmom before leaving her house. My
dad had given us a ride to the airport.
“Ok, ok, I’m coming,” I said letting go of my daddy’s tight grip
around me.
“Goodbye, Eric.” Angelina
said to my dad. “Don’t worry…we’ll
behave like angels.” she said winking at him.
My dad could do nothing but laugh at how silly we were being. Though I knew deep down inside he was
worried about us leaving home.
As we gave our tickets for the red eye flight to the attendant at
the door, I mouthed one final I love you to my dad and boarded the plane.
I could see the anticipation on my friend’s face as we made our
way to our seats in first class.
Angelina’s bright eyes glittered with so much excitement. They were lined with thick black mascara,
which made her blue eyes even bluer.
Her straight, dirty blonde hair came down to her shoulders, and
flattered her face impeccably. Angelina
features couldn’t have been more flawless. Her nose seemed to be chiseled by an
artist perfectly onto her face, and she had incredible full lips. Her high cheekbones only added to her
beauty. She could have easily been
mistaken for a super model, if it wasn’t for her height. She stood at 5’2”. But don’t discard her body, her chest was abundant, and her
figure was well formed.
I on the other hand I was not much taller than her at 5’4”. My long light brown hair fell to my waist,
and complimented my large but soft brown eyes.
My nose was small, but far from perfect, and my lips full and painfully
scarlet compared to my fair complexion.
My cheeks were ample making me look much younger than I actually
was. My bust was a good deal slighter
than Angelina’s, but my outline was attractive. I was pleased with myself.
Our personalities completely clashed with each other. Angelina was the most loud and outgoing
person I had ever met, while though I wasn’t necessarily shy, I tended to be
quieter than she. We were complete
opposites. Maybe that’s what made us
such good friend.
“Can you believe this,
Isa? First Class! I’m so excited these are going to be the
most meaningful eight months of our lives.”
“It is pretty amazing. I
can’t believe this is finally happening.” I told Angelina not hiding the echo
of excitement in my voice.
“Well you deserve it Lina and I am happy for you.”
“Can I get you two anything to drink before we take off?” One of the permanently cheerful flight
attendants asked, giving us one of those service with a smile grins.
“Thank you, a coke would be nice.” I said, turning to Angelina nudging her out of her daydream “Do
you want anything, Lina?” She had been so
overcome with the vision outside her window that she didn’t even notice the
flight attendant. I tried to see what
was so interesting, but nothing caught my eye.
“Huh? Oh yeah, thank you.
A Strawberry Daiquiri please, and do you have some of those
complementary peanuts, cause they are like the best.” She said to the attendant with an air of coolness.
Unfortunately, the ever-pleased to serve attendant didn’t fall for
it and asked Angelina to show her some sort of ID that proved she was over
twenty one in order to get the alcoholic drink. And of course she couldn’t produce any. We were both under age.
With a smirk on her face, Angelina looked up at her, and
said. “Uh…just make it a virgin
Daiquiri.”
“Sure Ma’am. I can bring
you that.” And with that she left to get us our drinks.
Angelina just looked at me.
“What?” she mused at the half smile spread across my face. “…It was worth a shot.” And we both burst out in laughter as the
plane ascended into the beautiful, powder blue sky.
As I stirred in my chair trying to shift my weight off my now numb
leg, I realize that I had slept through two hours of our plane ride. We still have three more to go. Reaching for my baby blue Jansport on top of
my seat, I get the weird feeling, that I am being watched. I discreetly look around, and just about the
entire first class is out cold in a slumber of sleep, including Angelina who is
sitting next to me. But I notice no one
staring back at me so I brush off the feeling.
I take out my scrapbook, which is withered and torn from excessive use,
for I’ve had it since I was 14. Daddy
gave it to me as a birthday present. It
was a fairly small, black leather, spiral binding notebook. It was my most prized possession, and it
kept my most delicate thoughts, and that is why I kept it with me at all times.
“Please…why not. Don’t
throw it all away.” Came a mumble from Angelina, which took me away from
concentrated writing in my journal.
“Did you say something, Lina?”
I asked. But she was just
talking in her sleep. She was dreaming;
or was it another nightmare… either way she wasn’t conscious.
Even before I met Angelina, she’s been having those horrid
dreams. Because of those dreams, is why
we met. My dad was hired by Angelina’s
stepmom to relieve her of the dreams.
He is a child psychologist and specializes in dreams, well more
appropriately nightmares. He would have
never taken a case like Angelina’s because she was 15 years old at the time we
met her, but as a favor to her stepmom, he took her in. And so we relocated from New York City, to
Canada to live near her family.
Angelina wouldn’t go to see any other psychologist, and it took a while
before she fully trusted my dad. But I guess after she and I bonded, and saw he
only wanted to help she opened up to him.
With the aid of my dad her dreams have become more tranquil, but on
occasion they still keep coming back.
Thanks to him, she’s gotten her life in order, and found a hidden
talent none of us new she had. Angelina
had an astonishing voice. And once she
found the courage inside her to share it with the rest of the world, she began
to sing in her church choir, and in school plays. But it was in the Spring Crystal Festival that is held in
Montreal every year that she was discovered by a talent scout. He was taken aback by her voice, and not to
mention, her exquisite beauty. Talent
and good looks, two things the entertainment business feeds on and not
necessarily in that order. Anyway, the
scout referred her to a couple of managers, and in a short time, she was signed
to The Firm Management. And with the
help of Mrs. Yvonne Holden, her personal manager and a few demo tapes, they
were able to get Angelina the sweetest deal with one of the largest recording
company in the business. Sony Records.
And that leads us to the present.
After all the paper work, legal acts, and parental convincing, Angelina
Mayfield was on her plane ride to stardom as the opening act for the “Into the
Millennium Tour” staring the Backstreet Boys.
And me, well, I guess you
can say Angelina brought me along for moral support and a reminder of home,
though her family and my dad wanted me here for other reasons.
Once again I looked up from my journal and scanned to see who was
staring at me. This eerie feeling can’t
just be my imagination; as I am about to once again discard the creepy feeling,
I notice a set of piercing blue eyes staring back at me. As our gaze locked, they quickly shifted
forward, and I was unable to see who it was.
I wondered if I should confront the person, maybe they needed help or
something. But that was what the flight
attendants were there for. So I decided to let it go.
Though, I wish I hadn’t.
This continued for the remainder of the flight. I’d feel an uncomfortable watch over me, I’d
look up, and they’d quickly shift away.
It was beginning to annoy me, because I was unable to concentrate on my
journal. I felt uncomfortable going back to sleep with someone intentionally
gazing at me, but it was the best way to pass the time. I must have been more tired than I thought,
cause as soon as I closed my eyes, I was overcome with sleep.
I awoke to the pure, smelling aroma from Angelina’s hazelnut
coffee…
“Mmm,” I moaned inhaling the pleasing scent. “Why didn’t you get me one of those,” I
commented rubbing the sleep from my eyes, and sitting up in my chair.
“I wouldn’t be your best friend if I hadn’t.” She said smiling to herself and handing me
the closed cup of coffee.
“Thanks Lina, you are the best, you know that don’t you.” I said
taking the lid off the cup and taking a sip.
“Wow…it’s strong. The smell
itself is enough to get me going through the week.”
Lina laughed.
“Please take your seats and fasten your safety belts, as we
prepare to descend upon Regan-Washington National Airport.” Came the pilot’s voice from the cockpit.
“YAY!!!” came a loud shriek from Lina. “We’re here. Finally, I’m
so tired of sitting in the same place.”
“I know, me too.” I said
reaching for my seat belt.
I turned to Angelina as the plane began descending and was about
to tell her about the mysterious stranger who kept staring at me, when a sad
expression took over her face.
“Lina, what’s the matter?
“Nothing really, just had another one of those dreams last night.”
“I know. I heard you
mumbling in your sleep.”
“You did?” she asked her sad expression turning into one of
shock. “What was I saying, did you….”
“Lina, calm down. I barely heard what you muttered, and even if I
would have…I don’t know what you dreamt about.
And I realize that you don’t want to tell me.”
“I’m sorry, Isa. It’s just
that they are so personal, and I’m just not ready…”
“It’s ok.” I interrupted
her. “You don’t have to explain,” I
said placing my hand over hers. “I
understand.”
Angelina wouldn’t tell anyone about her dream. And my dad says that this was part of the
reason they kept coming back. He said
she wouldn’t tell them to him either.
But I was sure he was just saying that to keep me from asking anymore
question. I was positive he knew.
“Thank you for flying with Calgary International.” The pilot addressed as we exited the
plane. “Hope you enjoyed your
flight.” He said extending his hand to
each of the passengers as they passed.
The day was bright and sunny with a cool autumn breeze. A bit warmer than usual for a December
morning in Washington.
“Oh wow,” Lina exclaimed as the bright sun hit her flawless
face. The sunrays made her hair shine a
lighter color of blonde than it actually was.
“Oh wow,” she said again looking in the direction of the awaiting
limousines outside the airport. “I
wonder which one’s ours.”
“I don’t know, but you better find out how we are getting from
here to the hotel. I’ll go get our
bags.” I told her.
“Ok, and I’m sure it’s that really long, white one.” She said heading in the directions of the
limos. “Hey Isa…” she called back.
“Yeah, what…?” I asked turning around. Her blue eyes lit up with excitement.
“I’M GOING TO BE A STAR!!!”
She yelled getting the attention of anyone who was within a 10-minute area.
Trying to hide the smirk on my face and pretending not to know
her, I made my way to the luggage claim.
I had gathered most of our luggage, and I was just waiting for
Lina’s hunter green Polo Sports’ bag.
As I saw it making its way slowly down the conveyor belt, I extended my
arm to reach for it, when a pair of hands out of nowhere, grabbed it.
“Hey!” I yelled to the guy taking my luggage. “Sir, excuse me,” I repeated trying to get
his attention. But he still kept
walking away. “Yo, you in the blue
cap!” I finally bellowed. (I did mention I was from New York, right?) He turns around to face me giving me a ‘who
me?’ expression. “Yeah, you. That’s my green bag you are walking away
with.”
He looked down at the bag in his hand while I walked over to
him. “Oh sorry,” he said. “The tag must have come off. I got one just like this. Are you sure it’s yours?” he asked.
“Positive…” I said back at him.
“Well, it sure does look like mine.” He said taking another look
at it, then looking back up at me.
“Mind if I check inside.”
Knowing very well that it contained Lina’s personal undergarments,
I forced my hands upon his, and stopped him, as he was about to unzip it. “Wait, don’t.” Was all I managed to let out.
He looked back up at me with a charming smile placed on his
lips. “I was just teasing. Relax.” he said handing me the piece of
luggage.
In my embarrassment, I blushed at my own reaction, and looked at
the ground. I studied the stranger more
carefully. He was slightly taller than
I was, and he wore black designer jeans with a Ralph Lauren dark blue leather
jacket. When I raised my eyes to his he
was still looking at me.
“Hey, it’s you.” I
said. “You’re the one from the
plane. You were staring at me
throughout the whole plane ride.” I
said identifying the pair of cerulean blue eyes.
I must have taken him by surprise, cause he somehow just looked
intently at me for a second without saying anything. “I know, it’s rude to just
stare…” He said adjusting the blue baseball cap he wore on his head. “But I couldn’t help but admire.”
Now it was I who was taken off guard. “Admire?” I asked. Suddenly becoming shy.
“You have the most beautiful eyes. I couldn’t help but gaze into them.”
Oh how lame I thought to myself.
I wasn’t going to fall for that...Yet I could feel my face turning
crimson.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you.” He said giving me a warm smile.
“No, you didn’t, I mean…thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He said
removing his cap and extending his hand out to me. “Hi, I’m Brian.”
“Isabelle.” I said taking
his hand into mine, and doing a double take.
“Whoa, hold on.” I said studying
him more carefully. God I’m such an
idiot. There I was shaking the hand of
Brian Littrell, how the hell didn’t I recognize him. “I’m sorry, it’s just that I finally figured out who you are.”
He laughed, which made me feel kinda silly. He gave me another
smile, and nodded. “Yup, I could
tell. That look in your eyes gave it
away. And the fact that you haven’t
stop shaking my hand was another clue.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I said
letting go of his hand. “It’s just that
I’m shocked to be meeting you. Well not
shocked to be meeting you. I’m actually
very pleased. But, I knew I’d be
meeting you, cause well that’s why I’m here.”
I started babbling incoherently.
“Well to meet you is not the sole purpose of me being here. Cause there
is that tour, and Angelina. But I knew
you would be there, and…” The look on his face told me I was completely
confusing him…not to mention myself.
He chuckled at my loss for words, then said. “It’s ok… I think I know who you are. Did you say…Angelina?”
But before I could answer, a woman with long blonde hair and blue
eyes came up behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist then leaned into
his ears whispering, “Guess who baby?”
A content smile crossed his lips as he turned himself around to
face her. “Hey there gorgeous.” He said eyeing her up and down. Starting from her black leather Kenneth Cole
knee length boots, then to her dark, dull blue mini skirt, up to her
Bisou-Bisou form fitted sweater tank of the same color. He pressed his lips to
hers, and they shared what seemed to be a very sensual kiss.
I was beginning to feel the discomfort from the stares they were
pulling in and was about to leave, when he broke away from her embrace. I looked up at him and he must have sensed
my coyness. He took her and led her
towards me. “Leighanne, this is
Isabelle. Isabelle, this is my girlfriend
Leighanne.”
Of course I knew who she was.
Everyone knew who Leighanne Wallace was. She was a low-key actress, but that’s not what made her so
popular…it was her elaborate boyfriend.
“Hi,” she said with a wave of her hand. It looked more as if she was dismissing me than extending a
handshake, but I took it anyway.
“Hello,” I said dryly. She
was wearing what were obviously diamond-studded earrings with a watch to
match. The small diamond watch, she
must have worn just for show for the hand and numbers were so tiny, I couldn’t
imagine how she read the time.
“Bri, we have to go now…” she said letting go of my hand as
quickly as she had taken it.
“Uh sure,” he said turning away from me. He had been staring at me the entire time. “Do you need a ride, cause I’m sure we are
headed in the same direction?”
“Isn’t he sweet.”
Leighanne said forcing a smile on her face.
“Well actually,” I said picking up the green Polo bag. “I already have a ride. They are waiting for me at the
driveway.” I said walking to where the porter
was eagerly waiting with the rest of my bags.
“Oh, ok then. Um, fine
guess I’ll see you later.” Brian said
while being dragged away by his girlfriend.
“Yeah, bye.” I said
signaling the porter to follow me out.
I spent the next ten minutes looking for Angelina. Finally, a black Civic minivan pulled up in
front of me. Angelina was in the front
seat. She didn’t seem to be the same
cheerful person that had left to fetch the limo. “Just get in.” She said
reading my face of confusion.
I tipped the Porter what seemed sufficient when he finished
loading up our luggage. Then stepped
into the minivan.
“This is Jimmy, my chauffeur.”
Lina said pointing to the driver. Then forming air quotes with her
fingers, “And this is the limo. God,
Sony’s cheap.” Seeing the smile forming
on my face. “Isa, don’t you dare. I
don’t want to hear it.”
“What? I wasn’t going to say anything. Well, except
I told you so.” I said…and we once
again burst out laughing as the minivan headed for the hotel.