Jolt

Bailey settled into his window seat. He watched other passengers navigate the aisle with their carry-ons. He saw a pretty young woman in sweats making her way toward him.

He thought, ‘Where have I seen her?’ He knew they hadn’t met.

With hardly a glance, she slid into the seat next to him, strapped herself in and focused on her cell phone.

Bailey stared out the window at airport staff prepping the jet for takeoff.

Flying was a necessary evil for him. Its charms had faded years ago. But, long overdue, he needed this trip.

Hearing laughter, he turned toward the woman. The cause of her humor eluded him.

Sensing his attention, she turned. “Can I help you?”

“I’m sorry. I heard you laugh, and I was curious.”

“Not that it’s any of your business, I got a text from my agent.”

“You’re right. None of my business…”

She turned away.

Bailey said, “I know this sounds stupid, but do I know you…? You look so familiar…”

Suppressing annoyance, she sighed. “You’re asking me if you know me? Oh, for the good old days of trite pickup lines…”

“No, really. I’m not. I wouldn’t… Uhm, not with that line.” He laughed. “But, no. I’m married. Not hitting on you. But I could swear…”

She sighed. “You watch TV? I was in a movie last season.”

“Ahh… right. Okay. Cool. Sorry to bother you.”

Seeking distraction, he fiddled with the video display.

Flight attendants worked their way up the aisle. They checked the overheads and confirmed that everyone was securely strapped in. The captain made announcements.

Bailey checked his cell phone. An attendant asked him to shut it off until after takeoff.

“Of course,” he said. He placed it into his jacket pocket.

All had settled. The plane began to taxi. Bailey corrected his perception that the exterior was moving and not the plane. ‘Gets me every time. Once airborne, I can relax.’

The plane paused and then continued rolling forward.

The woman turned to him. “I didn’t mean to be short with you before. Nervous flyer. I’d usually be flattered if someone recognized me. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Bailey smiled. “Not a problem. I imagine ‘fans wanting attention’ can wear thin…”

“Someday, maybe. But hasn’t happened yet. You’re one of the few who’s actually recognized me.”

“Okay, then. Hi. I promise not to stalk you…”

They laughed.

She said, “I’m Magnolia… Are you vacationing? Work trip?”

“Glad to meet you. I’m Bailey… Nope… Off to see my kids. Hopefully reconcile with my wife. Long story… You?”

“Getting married!” She displayed her ring for him to admire. It was huge.

The plane accelerated. This was Bailey’s favorite part – lift off. All that drama and suddenly, the earth falling away.

Bailey’s separation from Irene and his twin girls defied explanation. He didn’t understand it. Nor did she. After two years apart, but with nonstop communications, they’d decided to try again. Step by step…

Once airborne, people relaxed. Some stood waiting for a rest room. Attendants served refreshments.

Bailey nodded to Magnolia who nodded back and looked away.

A few minutes later, she became visibly agitated. “What’s that sound?”

“I don’t hear anything odd.”

“You don’t? Is that smoke coming from the wing?”

“No… We’re going through clouds.”

Her anxiety seemed to pass. Bailey tried reading.

He stared out. Clouds and terrain passed beneath them. He thought about his family. The girls were getting big, about to start school. He dozed.

A jolt spilled his water. Someone screamed. Magnolia grabbed the arm rest.

Bailey thought, ‘Air pocket… normal….’

With another jolt, the engines sounded ragged. The jet rolled and more screams followed intense turbulence. Someone fell. People braced themselves. The loudspeakers squawked  noise but no information.

Bailey secured his seat belt and saw Magnolia now crouched in a fetal position.

Bailey touched her shoulder. “You okay?”

She said, “Yes… No… no. I’m a mess.”

“Can I do something?”

“No. It’s too late. There’s nothing. No one…”  

Barely able to hear her, he held her shoulder. She babbled.

He said, “Talk to me… I can listen.”

She stared with wild eyes. The jolts increased. She gasped.

“I doubt you… You have no idea.”

He agreed.

Holding his gaze, she leaned in. “My life’s a shambles. I’ve hurt… too many people. Used them. Betrayed their trust. Ruined lives. I stole things…”

He tried to relate. “I’m no saint…”

“You don’t get it… Can’t… Not talking about a lapse. Or some white lie. But a pattern… Committed crimes. Horrible…” Looking down, she steeled herself. “This trip… Wanted to make amends. No time now. Need to tell someone…”

She squeezed his hand. The plane shifted and they held onto each other. Everyone was screaming. Overhead compartments opened. Luggage rained into the aisle. It felt like the plane was breaking up.

He held his focus. Shouting, he said, “You want me to…?”

“Listen! Let me… let it out…” She sobbed. “I’ve been vicious… left people broken in the gutter… Inexcusable…!”

He recoiled but increasing her grip, she pulled him closer.

“Did you…?”

“Shut up! Listen! Can’t die with this weight pressing...”

He pulled her closer, comforting her as much as possible. Eyes closed, their foreheads touched. They found a moment of peace amid the swirling chaos.

“Thank you... For putting up with me. Needed this… I love you.”

“Love you too… for what it’s worth…”

“Shhh. Don’t talk. Nothing to say.”

With another jolt, something changed. Relief. The noise and chaos subsided. And so did the panic.

Another jolt generated more screams. Then a collective sigh as the plane settled into stable flight.

Soon, the captain announced preparations to land. Everyone needed to stow loose items and fasten seat belts. Attendants assisted an injured passenger.

Trying to compose himself, Bailey struggled to digest the last hour. He only wanted to see his family.

The landing was uneventful. Everyone cheered when wheels touched down.

Passengers lined up to begin disembarking. Magnolia stood into the aisle. She didn’t look back.

Bailey joined the throng behind her. He touched her shoulder. She turned.

He said, “I wanted to say, about what happened back there…”

“Oh that? Forget it. Acting 101. Just an exercise learned in improv class.”

Stunned, he said, “What?”

“I made it up. I’m an actor… Get it?”

It took a moment to comprehend what she’d said. “Right. Of course…”

That was it. She turned away. They didn’t speak again.

He set his jaw and dug his fingers into the upholstery of the seat beside him.

He shut his eyes. ‘Who does that?’

Whatever she’d done, or not, they’d had a real moment. Two people bonded. Healed. He didn’t care about Magnolia’s flaws or crimes. But calling that an acting exercise…? Bailey felt violated. Whatever her crimes, this was worse.

‘She’s covering. Hopes I won’t say anything. Plausible deniability, my ass.’

Bailey reeled from the last hour. He’d never felt such intimacy. Her casual dismissing of it appalled him. Still jittery from the horrible flight, he felt empty.

‘Acting 101? Really? What a load of crap.’

Passing the flight attendants and pilot at the exit, he thanked them.

Once off the plane, they walked toward baggage claim, each playing the role of the strangers they were.

‘Not enough distance…’

Descending on the escalator, he saw them and waved. His daughters broke from their mother and ran screaming to him. Each embraced a leg, holding tight.

Laughing, Irene approached with a big smile. Embracing, they felt like family.

“Welcome back. How was your flight?”

“Rough. But I’m here. I’m okay…”

She kissed him. “I’m glad.” They embraced again.

Over Irene’s shoulder, he saw Magnolia kissing her fiancé. Their eyes met. Smiling, she looked away.

Bailey looked at her future husband. ‘Poor sap…’

The crowd surged as the baggage carousel rumbled. He went to it and awaited his luggage. Reaching for his suitcase, he bumped into Magnolia, also reaching for his bag.

He said, “This one’s mine. Check the tag.”

She hesitated and stepped back.

“You’re right. Sorry.”

He hoisted the bag onto its wheels and walked to join his family. Nothing more to say.