Colorado Bound
Kae: The days leading up to the trip had flown by. We’d spent the rest of the gift exchange night sipping the vintage blood wine I’d forgotten in my car before when we’d unwrapped the presents and talked of all the things we needed to pack to stay nice and toasty in Colorado.
I’d ventured home late, deciding to drop Nate a call when I woke up in the morning. The call was brief, one of the members of his staff informing me he was away for the night. Figures. I left a message for my old friend about my visit to the mountain and I hope we could have dinner, remaining vague on the reason of my visit. Inside I had high hopes for the trip back home, but worried deep down that Nathaniel wouldn’t be able to assist us in retrieving Havyn’s memory.
I shrug off the doubts mounting, thinking if anything we’d at least have a nice and interesting visit. I made my next call to Ashley, one of the subs at Club Trisk I’d befriended here in Los Angeles, and ask if she’d be a dear and watch over my place while I was away. I had a moment of debate wondering if I should leave Luna, but one look into her crystalline greens and I knew I couldn’t leave my baby girl here alone. Ashley agreed, thankfully and after thanking her we made plans to meet up before I left for the airport.
Getting to fast work with packing, I shove a few articles of clothing into my luggage knowing I still had my winter wear stored away at my warehouse so I wouldn’t need much. Luna had a bit of a hissy fit when she’d caught sight of her travel case. She was so finicky with traveling since our last misadventure flying from Spain to Colorado.
I’d gotten the packing done with little work before my phone began ringing. Havyn was worrying and wanting to know about our cats. I heel my forehead for forgetting to mention Luna coming along and I’d assured her that they’d be fine with traveling along with us. I just hoped Spaz wouldn’t be as troublesome with the traveling as his feline buddy.
Our take off was scheduled for the A.M., the taxi would arrive after nine, and my time off requests from the Club approved. Mentally going over my travel checklist I had to breathe out a sigh of relief that I was all ready.
Havyn: After Kaela had told me about all the things I would need to pack for Colorado, I had decided to go shopping for some warmer clothing. I had picked out a myriad of sweaters, warm socks, jeans and some boots. I had also found a heavy, camel wool coat that had looked comfortable. Some socks, scarves and hats later, I had been ready to check out. I had almost left the department store before I realized that I didn’t even have a suitcase. Back in I had gone and purchased myself some luggage; one larger one and one for a carry-on. After lugging it all back home, I had entered the store to a needy cat meowing at me. Spaz. What were Kaela and I doing with our cats? The thought of leaving Spaz behind without me churns my stomach. I had reached for the phone and dialed Kaela’s number. She’d mentioned then that we could bring the cats with us. I had to pack, which was an adventure all on its own. There were compartments for toiletries which I had utilized. Next was stuffing everything in, and somehow I was able to make it all fit. Of course, that was after sitting on top of it in order to zip it up. I had left out a few things to put in my carry-on. My beautiful purple scarf that Kaela had given me, a warm long sweater for when we get there and a few other items. Spaz warily eyes his carry case, remembering all his trips to the vet; which weren’t always the best experience for him. But, at one look at me, he reluctantly padded into his carrier, but not after giving me a little feline glare. Now, I was starting to get anxious about the plane ride to Colorado. I have never flown before, but Kaela reassured me that it would be okay and that it would be fun. I wring my hands, waiting for her and the taxi to come pick me up to go to the airport. I see the yellow car move up in front of the bookstore and with a deep breath, I grab my suitcase and carry-on to go to the door. Only to backtrack to grab Spaz before leaving and getting in the taxi.
Kae: Waking up had been a task. The alarm was close to being thrown out the window as it blared into my eardrum. Luna was padding around the edges of my bed anxiously as I poured out her breakfast, and filled her water in the travel case. She’d been a priss as she flicked her fluffy white tail at the front grate while I engaged the locking mechanism. I’d finished my shower and dressing quickly, snatching up an apple to stave off the hunger pains right as the taxi starts sounding his horn. I’d jogged down the steps with a few bags in hand, handing them off to the portly driver before rushing back up to careful cart Luna down and slide her into the back of the yellow checkered van. She was seatbelted in snuggly as I give the driver our next stop. We arrive in no time and I slide over to make room for my friend. My yawn is cut off, lips turning up into a warm, excited smile seeing both her and Spaz. We must have both looked more than slightly ridiculous all bundled up for the cooler weather. I pull at the door latch, the side door sliding along the track as she slides Spaz’s case inside, securing it beside Luna.
Morning, Darlin’! How are you feeling?
I watch as she buckles up, the driver taking off toward the Denver International Airport. I pat over my pockets making sure I hadn’t forgotten our flight tickets.
Havyn: Blowing a strand of hair that escaped my ponytail out of my face, I slide into the air conditioned taxi. It was a warm day and he was looking a bit strangely at me in my green sweater, blue denim jeans and warm boots. I give him a small smile before turning my attention to Kaela.
Morning Kaela! I’m good, just a bit anxious. Hope you are doing well.
I take a deep breath, knowing that there is no reason I should be nervous. People fly all the time. I think one time I heard that you are more likely to be struck by lightning while being attacked by a polar bear in Brazil then to be in a plane crash. I hear a little meow to my side and see Spaz peering out of his cat carrier; he most likely smells Luna next to him. The taxi takes off and I look out the window at the passing scenery. The palm trees, people walking down the street in shorts and t-shirts. It is a bright, sunny day and I slide my sunglasses down from the top of my head to cover my eyes. I look over at Kaela again.
How long will the plane trip last?
Kae: I smile wider hearing Luna and Spaz scratching at the inside of their carriers, turning back to Havyn feeling mellow as we approached the terminal and resting a hand over hers sensing her apprehension over the trip. I’d been trying to ease her fears, not thinking beforehand to ask if she’s ever traveled by air before. I had a few pills of dramamine in my pocket just in case she had any motion sickness while we were in the air.
I’m grand, Havyn. Don’t worry, Darlin’, it’ll be fine. I promise.
I straighten in my seat as the taxi driver pulls up curbside and awaits him as he begins unloading our luggage.
It’s not a long flight. Only a little over a couple of hours till we touch ground again.
I laugh lightly trying to lighten your mood as we slide free from the back of the van along with our fur babies at our sides. We start lining up for the luggage check in and security scans, slowly making our progress toward our gate. My own nerves would most likely hit as soon as we were flying above the Mile-high city.
Havyn: The sound of the cats yearning for each other's company distracts me for a moment and a small laugh bubbles out. It subsides and I’m sitting there silent before taking a deep breath. You can do this Havyn. You can do this. I start to fidget, pulling at the sweater that I’m wearing, before mentally slapping myself. I let my hand float back down to my lap and let my gaze wander to the window again. We are at the airport soon enough and I watch as our luggage is being brought out of the taxi. A couple of hours. I can do that. I try to shove down the hysteria that is trying to take over me. Stop it Havyn. You need to stop being afraid. I steel myself and straighten my spine.
A couple of hours isn’t bad. I can’t wait to see how beautiful it is over there.
Kaela’s laugh has me smiling and I grab a hold of my suitcase and carry-on in one hand; Spaz’s carrier in the other and wheel it inside the airport. I waited with my friend to check in my luggage and to go through something called a security check. This is all so foreign to me, but I’m starting to feel excited with every step closer to Colorado. Kaela hands the tickets over to someone and we go down a little tunnel to a lit area with rows of seats. She points out where we are to sit. One next to a window and one in the middle.
Which one is yours?
Kae: The security check was over easily enough, the airport surprisingly not as packed in this area as we start boarding our flight. The plane slowly fills up, our feet shuttling down the aisle as the attendant takes the carriers to store away safely. Luna looks a little scared. Spaz’s some whining meow matching hers. I wiggle my fingers toward her whispering low.
It won’t be too long, Sweethearts.
I take a small inhale and hold it before turning away to lead Havyn toward our row.
We’re in B3 and B4.
I quietly read off the numbers above the seats as we come to ours and help Havyn store her carry on before we settle in and buckle up, preparing for take off.
Havyn: My stomach bubbles with excitement as I watch out the window to see the plane begin to travel down the runway, gaining speed with every moment. I touch my hand to the clear plastic, looking over at Kaela and giving her a giddy grin. My stomach lurches for a moment as the plane begins to lift into the air but the sight of the ground growing smaller and smaller is fascinating. I think of the cats, hoping that they are having a good experience with this flight and not scared. I hate to think of Luna and Spaz in distress. My concerns flee as I focus again at looking out the window. The trees are so tiny now and so are the buildings; it’s like seeing a little city model. I smile to myself. Flying isn’t so bad after all.
Kae: I smiled over at my friend, so fascinated with the ascension into the cloudy morning, the wheels leaving the tarmac with little resistance as we climbed higher in altitude. I lose my stomach, the force of the plane rising making it drop. The city and mountains grew into small specs as we flew toward Denver. I was glad Havyn had decided to join, and even more happier she wasn’t as tense as I first expected. I settled the back of my head into the headrest, closing my eyelids for a short nap before we landed. With any luck we wouldn’t hit any turbulence and our flight and landing would be over smoothly before we knew it.
