If There Ever Was a Tomorrow

1. Goodbye St. Louis

“Never again,” I thought aloud while I walked away. Away from everything that had formerly held me down. Away from everything I knew, everything I was. I needed something new, something to make me happy like I had been at one time.

“Flight one sixty seven boarding, that’s flight one-six-seven to Athens, Greece.” The sound of the loudspeaker woke me from my daze and had me scattering to grab my carryon bag from under the uncomfortable plastic seat that I had been occupying for what seemed like hours.

Boarding the plane proved uneventful, the same old routine of overly joyous workers checking tickets and bags, then the walk from the building to the plane itself. It didn’t get interesting until I was trying to find my seat. I could see my row number in the distance, nothing unusual, I had been on several planes in my lifetime. The abnormality was the figure settled in the outside seat, next to the window I was to sit by.

“Hi, erm… I think that’s my seat.” My timid personality was showing through quite strong and that thoroughly embarrassed me.

“Do you need help with your bag?” He asked as he stood to his feet.

“That would be great. Thank you.” I was still in reserved mode, I barely whispered the words.

As he stood to take my bag and put it in the overhead compartment, I was able to enjoy the full extent of his good looks. He was tall, towering at least a half foot over my height of 5’6. He had on a nicely fitted, dark green shirt, which brought out his eyes. His hair was as black as a starless midnight. Overall, he was very attractive.

“I’m Jude.” He smiled, sitting down after managing to stuff my bag in with the others.

“Clara.” Usually I didn’t talk to the people that sat next to me on planes, but this time it was too hard to resist.

“Well, Clara, it seems we have fifteen hours to sit here and get to know each other.” His smile was irresistible.

“Actually, there are two stops. One in Columbus and another in New York.” Seeing his surprised look, I quickly added, “That means it’ll be more like sixteen hours.” This seemed to ease his tensions. I was glad to see that he seemed just as apprehensive as I clearly was.

“So, what business do you have to tend to in Athens? Is there some buff, Greek lover waiting for you there?” At this I had to giggle.

“No, I don’t know anyone over there. I’ve only been once, but I loved it.” I thought that was a sufficient answer to the question he had proposed, but he wasn’t quiet as easily satisfied.

“So if you know no one, then you are on vacation?” I couldn’t understand his interest, but answered his question anyway.

“Not really.”

“Then you are here for your job?”

“No. Honestly, I am here to find a place to live and a new life. I am leaving St. Louis behind and starting over.” He was clearly stunned by my sudden outburst. I was just so bottled up; I didn’t mean to explode onto him. “Sorry about that… that wasn’t meant for you… I’m just really stressed.”

“No problem. I understand. I was being rude. That’s a pretty cool idea though. As long as were being honest, I have no idea what I’m going to do there either. With no family left, I thought it would be a good idea to leave St. Louis, too.” I instantly felt a pang of guilt. I was feeling bad for myself and this guy had nothing left.

“Well, I hope I prove to be a worthy distraction for the duration of this plane ride.” I was trying to divert him and not make things too heavy.

“Well, I hope there really isn’t a large Greek lover that’s going to smash my head in when I step off the plane at your side.” We both laughed shyly as he looked me in the eyes and I pondered the possible outcome.

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