chapter 2

    I settled back in my seat. One more flight and I would be in my new home. As I moved around in my seat my purse fell off my lap. I picked it back up. The man sitting next to me picked something up off the ground.

   “Is this yours?” he asked, in a strong accent that I couldn’t place.

   It was the letter. I had forgotten about it. “Yes, thank you,” I said. As I took it from him, I noticed his eyes. They were a vivid green, contrasting his dark skin and hair. He was really cute! He was probably around twenty-seven. “A letter from your husband?” he asked.

   I smiled; I always got asked if I was married. “No. I’m not married.” I said.

   He smiled “I’m Andrew King.” He stuck out his hand.

   I shook it. “I’m Kristen Dennin,” I said, smiling.

   “Such a pretty girl traveling alone? Where are you going?” Andrew asked. “I’m going to Andorra to study French.” I said “Where are you going?” “I’m going to Andorra also. Isn’t that where the plane is going?” he said, laughing. I laughed with him. “You avoided my question. Why are you going to Andorra?” I asked. “For business.” He said vaguely. “What do you do?” I asked, curious. “I do little things in my company, here and there.” Andrew said. I wondered why he was looking so uncomfortable. Before I could ask him any more questions, the flight attendant asked if we wanted anything to drink. I said no, but Andrew asked for some wine. After he drank his wine, he went to sleep. While he was sleeping, I got out my letter and started reading.

   Dear Kristen,


   There is a good chance that I might not come home from my assignment. Before I leave I just wanted to let you know that I love you and if I don’t come back I won’t blame you for going and being happy with someone else. In fact please do. I want you to be happy for the rest of your life with that lucky guy you pick. And just in case you don’t believe me, I promise I won’t come back to haunt you.

   I stopped reading. I couldn’t see the letter anymore, because I was crying so hard. I fished a tissue out of my purse. My fingers brushed against the package that Bev gave me. I took it out and opened it. It was a picture frame. Inside the picture frame was a picture. It was the picture I was going to use for mine and Collin’s engagement picture. We were sitting on a picnic blanket with our food laid out in from of us. I was sitting next to Collin, with my face turned up, returning his kiss. We had been at a Young Single Adults activity. I dried my tears and smiled. Bev had surprised me later by showing me the picture.

   My tissue was soaked. “Here.” Andrew said, handing me a tissue.” “Thanks.” I said. I hadn’t noticed he had woken up. I smiled. “I must look like a mess.” I said. “I think you look beautiful.” Andrew said. That did it. I started crying again. I stood up and went to the bathroom. I glanced at Andrew’s face. He looked bewildered. As I locked myself in the bathroom, I noticed I was still holding the letter. I dried my tears and finished the letter.

I love you with my heart and soul. I hope that we can be together again someday.


Yours Eternally,


Love,


Collin

   My tears were gone. I was suddenly angry at Collin.

   How could he tell me to marry someone else and then tell me he was mine eternally?! Thanks a lot Collin! I shouted in my head. I stopped. I just yelled at a letter. I started laughing. Once I started laughing I couldn’t stop. It became hysteric. I calmed myself down. Wow, my emotions were really out of wack. I guess being on a plane for eighteen hours straight without sleep can do that to you. I took a deep breath, wiped the mascara under my eyes, and walked out of the bathroom.

   I walked back to my seat. Andrew was either asleep again, or else pretending to be. I didn’t blame him. I wouldn’t want to deal with myself either. The captain came over the intercom. “This is your captain speaking. We are about to touch down in Andorra. Please fasten your seatbelts. Thank you.” He said in rapid French. I understood enough French to know to put my seatbelt on.

   As we touched down, Andrew woke up. He looked at me, gauging whether I was going to cry again. “Are you feeling better?” Andrew asked. “Much better, Thank you.” I said. “Thanks again for the tissue.” “No problem” he replied. I gathered my purse. People were starting to leave. Andrew grabbed my arm. “Can I have your number?” he asked. I was a little taken aback. I smiled incredulously. “You want my number after that little emotional outburst?” I asked. He smiled. He was probably relieved I didn’t start crying. “Maybe I can take your mind off some things.” He said. I raised my eyebrows, “Alright, I’m willing to let you try.” I said smiling. I wrote my number on the piece of paper he handed to me. “Here ya go.” I said. Who knows, maybe he could take my mind off Collin.