Skipping New Years

There was no line for the late night flight, in fact Jace was surprised it hadn't been cancelled. That would have ruined his plans, to be sure. Instead he snuggled into his seat and cuddled his warm chai latte.

It was only a day ago he was looking forward to the thrill of the ball drop in Times Square. That would have been with Debbie, who now likely was about to celebrate with his best friend Zach somewhere back east. On a whim he'd created a resolution - to skip New Years. Literally. Now he was about to make it happen.

The warm drink had its intended effect; he slept through the takeoff, the obligatory drink serving, everything. By the time he awoke, he brought up his netbook and saw that they were mid Pacific. He was nearly home free.

"Ring"

Did a cell phone even work in flight? Apparently so. He answered - it was Debbie.

"Where are you? I thought we were going to the after Christmas party with the Smiths?"

Huh? That had been the day before - she had dumped him unceremoniously on the drive home, apparently from his having pushed her beyond her limits - or so she said.

"I wasn't expecting you to call."

"What? Why not?"

"You have a short memory."

"This is just like you, Bill. OK, so don't go. Goodbye."

"Wait, hold on. I wanted to talk with you, but I needed to get away. I'm flying right now."

"Yeah, why am I not surprised."

"I want to change things, Debbie. Really - but this is part of the process. I need time to straighten things out."

"Really? That doesn't sound like you."

"A lot of things don't anymore. I've been thinking, what if we start all over?"

"To be honest, I really was thinking of ending us. But ... I'm not sure we can."

"Just agree to give me time to land, I'll be on the next flight back. I promise this time. Can you do this for me?"

"This is kinda sudden, but yeah, we can talk at the New Years Party."

"I heard Zach would be there, lets avoid him as well."

"What? I guess so, he is a friend."

"I heard things, that's all. Just watching out."

"For me? Wow this is different. OK, well I'll see you in 24 hours."

"I love you."

Click.

No chai latte would allow him to sleep now. He paced until they said all must take their seats. he ran to the gate

and booked the first flight home. Soon he was on his way, he didn't even look at the ticket. Luckily he had a slleping pill, 

which made the remainder of the flight painless.

On landing, he called - half expecting that the earlier call was a dream. 

"Hi," she said sheepishly. "You're home?"

"If you'll still have me."

"I had time to think too - I want to try. Lets try."

"That's all I want, Debbie. I'll pick you up in an hour."

"Sure. Happy New Year?"

"I hope so." After all, it's not every year that one can skip New Years, and get away with it.