3/1/96
As I drove to the airport, my mind was blank. This was the day I had been dreaming of for monthes, but it seemed like I had spent my entire life in preparation for this event. Now that it was here, I felt like I was ready.
Brake lights lit up ahead of me. Another traffic jam. Oh well, I had allowed plenty of extra time. As I sat waiting, my fingers tapping nervously on the steering wheel, I wondered what she would actually look like. I mean, of course I had seen her in pictures. Everyone had, but people always look different in real life than they do in photographs. In her case, it wouldn't have mattered anyway, because in just about every picture I had seen of her she looked like a different person. "Ah well", I thought, "I guess I'll find out soon enough."
The cars were starting to move again. I was getting near the edge of the big city. The new airport was several miles out of town. It wasn't even two years old, but it seemed like every possible thing that could go wrong with it had. The runways, the radar, the baggage system, and most of all the cost had taken the city's political discussion to a frenzy for a while. Now that the place was starting to work right, people weren't saying nearly as much about it.
Now I was driving out in the open countryside. Traffic was moving quickly, and my wait would be over soon. There wasn't a cloud in the sky this morning, and the sun seemed brighter than usual. What a perfect day! I pressed my foot down a little harder on the gas pettle. My left leg was wiggling spastically. I turned on the radio to try to calm myself. My favorite station was playing endless commercials, so I switched to another. Perfect. This would ease my nerves. "More human than human. More human than human." I chanted along with the speakers as my head bopped in time with the music.
The airport was visible now. It really was a beautiful construction. Maybe they did spend too much on it, but that white tarp roof looked marvelous in the late-morning sun. I wondered if there would be crowds there when she arrived. The go-between I had talked to said the whole thing was a secret, but you never know what's been leaked to the tabloids. Besides, somebody's bound to recognize that face. Oh well, I guess you just have to let whatever is going to happen happen.
I stopped to get the parking reciept at the gate. I had no idea how long I was going to be here, but I hoped it wouldn't be too long, because the parking rates were ridiculous. "Oh well, I guess they've got to pay for this place somehow," I thought.
On I drove to the parking garages. Now my stomach was starting to feel nauseous. Good thing I hadn't eaten any breakfast. I had been so nervous all morning, I hadn't really done much of anything. It didn't take me long to find a parking spot. The whole place seemed rather quiet. "Good" I thought, "Maybe they were able to keep this a secret."
As I walked inside the terminal, I wondered what kind of plane she had taken. Would she come on a private charter, or just take first class on a commercial flight? And would she be alone, or would there be body guards, assistants, manicurists, and other travel companions with her? I had no way of knowing.
We had arranged to meet in Conourse A, as it was the least busy of the three. Now I was anxious, and I quickly made my way through the metal detecter and down to the underground conveyance. There weren't many people riding it, and I quickly got off at the first stop -- Concourse A.
As I made my way up the stairs, my heart started beating wildly. It felt like I was having to strain to keep it inside my chest. For a moment, I thought I wasn't going to make it. But I knew I couldn't faint yet. I had to fight it, so I just kept walking up the stairs, up the stairs, up the stairs. Finally, I was at the top.
I felt very disoriented as I looked around. There were restaurants and bars on all sides. People were walking in and out, but mostly in, as it was getting to be lunch time. I forgot what I was doing. Why was I here? What was this place? Strange colors were fading in and out of my vision. Getting dizzy... need to rest... lie down somewhere...
I turned my head to the right. I saw a short figure walking slowly, looking around as if searching for someone. Now I remembered why I was here. Gradually, I moved forward, making sure of each and every step. When I came within about three yards, she turned my direction and adjusted the hat covering her head. I stopped about four feet away. Our eyes met. Time froze for I don't know how long.
"Hungry?" she said in a voice just loud enough for me to hear.
"Yeah." It was all I could think of to say.
Slowly we began to walk. Neither one said a word. I turned my head to look at her face. She made the same gesture, then smiled warmly. I tried to smile back, but it felt fake. We went into one of the eating establishments and began to munch. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until I saw the food in front of me. As I began to eat, I knew things were going to be alright.