Chapter 9: So Far Yet So Close
**************************
I walk through the airport in a daze, because I know that in a few hours, I will be back in the streets of my city. I will be back in the rooms of my home. I will be back in the arms of my love.
My small bag is slung over my shoulder as I look throughout the swarms of people. I stand out like a rose in a bunch of lilies, but for the second time in as many days, I am oblivious to that fact. I ignore the stares, because all I want to do is find the information desk so that I can get my ticket. I look every which way, but because of the Pulse, most of the signs no longer display the English language, only the language that is native to the particular country. Since Manticore didn�t get around to teaching us the Japanese language before we escaped, I can�t even fall back on my training in this situation, and it makes it that much more difficult to find the desk that I am looking for.
I look to my left and right, and finally, down one of the many hallways, I see the desk that I have been looking for. There, with a fading sign, is the information desk. I feel my heart leap at the sight, and I almost start to sprint to my destination.
The lady at the desk was extremely helpful, but I guess a lot of cash left by a certain someone, always gets people to be more helpful. And now, clutched tightly in my hand, is my one way ticket to Seattle. I look at it for the hundredth time since I got it, and smile at the name printed neatly on it. Max Cale. It just fits so perfectly.
I make it towards the gate that I�m told to wait at, and begin to prepare myself for the long wait that is in front of me. For once, my timing was not at it�s best, and I have a few hours until the plane leaves for the States. I take my vigil in my small, uncomfortable, plastic seat, and begin counting down the seconds until I can leave.
Finally my plane is here, and I am called to board. After watching the few people get into their seats, I settle back and smile as I hear the sounds of the engine spring to life. I grip the armrests of my chair as we lift off the ground. This time it�s anticipation that�s making my heart race, instead of dread, as it was the last time that I was on an airplane. I look out the window as the land which I have been forced to call home for the past year begins to grow smaller, and is quickly replaced with the glassy surface of which I looked out upon everyday. I lay back in my chair and close my eyes, allowing dreams to flood my mind. Dreams that will very soon become reality.
***************************
