I double-check the screen announcing the departing flights again, but it’s a chaos of delays and cancellations; pretty much everyone’s grounded for now. There’s no Christmas spirit around the airport right now; only hundreds of frustrated passengers and the poor staff doing their best to contain the chaos…
“One more hour,” I sigh back at my phone, “but the agent assured us that the snowstorm is moving east and we’re likely to depart… well, later.”
We should be glad our flight isn’t among those canceled, I guess… Surely they wouldn’t have offered to check in my luggage for free if they didn’t think the plane would eventually take off, right?
“Aw, Ophie, I’m sorry. I’m crossing fingers for you… but you guys can always drive up if it ends up canceled! How are you guys handling it?”
I glance back at my boyfriend, who is in line for the food buffet, considering our options with a frown and a plate in his hand.
I’m doing pretty alright, thanks to him. Things could be way worse, and they were for most people; the terminal was absolute mayhem when we got there, and that was a couple of hours ago, before more flights were delayed or canceled. But my Nicolas is some kind of super-premium diamond elite flyer and an expert at airports. He whisked us through check-in, the TSA priority line, and to the lounge in record time. I’m not even upset we had to pass strolling around the duty-free shops for last-minute gifts; we’ve managed to secure ourselves some cozy seats in a corner of the very fancy lounge, and it’s nicely decorated for Christmas too! …But if I’m honest, we’ve been here for hours now, and not even the holiday music playing on loop can cheer up spirits around here. I’m ready to admit that even I’m getting a bit bored with our sixth (seventh?) listen of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”…
“We’re doing fine,” I reassure Rosie. “I just sent Nicolas to get us some food. He’s been working on his laptop and has his headphones. I was a bit worried about the crowds, but it’s been alright up here!”
My sister chuckles on the line, and I turn back to the screen. Rosalind looks a lot like me, except she wears her hair in an adorable short style with raspberry tips, and she dresses like the artist she is, all in electric colors and cute punkish accessories.
“Your boyfriend is the only one who would relax byworking!” she scoffs. “What about you?”
“I’m fine!” I say with a smile. “I’ve been texting his sister-in-law to keep her posted and working on my recipes. I also have my Kindle; it’s not bad in here at all. We have food, seats, and we can charge our phones. I had no idea airport lounges were so luxurious!”
“Privileges of dating a CEO,” Rosie winks at me.
“Right,” I blush a bit. “I think I’m more worried about how late we’re going to be. Nicolas’s mother hates people being late to anything…”
“Your plane is delayed! It’s not like there’s much you can do.”
“I know,” I sigh.
I wish Solange Hansel saw it that way too…
“No use worrying for nothing,” Rosie shrugs. “Like Dad says, ‘Worrying is suffering twice.’ …But if you do get there, can youpleaseget me some of that maple syrup and those biscuits from last time? I don’t know why the ones I bought here were just not as good!”
“Yeah, Emi promised she stocked some,” I say.
My heart sinks a little. I wished I had gotten to buy those cookies myself; I was really, really looking forward to the Christmas Market… But that’s entirely off the table now. By the time we land—if the flight departs at the announced time—the market will be long closed. I’m honestly starting to think it might even take a Christmas miracle for us to make it to our Christmas Eve dinner!
“How about you?” I ask, eager to change the subject. “How are things at home?”
“Oh, the usual, but we miss you!” She sighs. “Mom complained there’s ‘no one’ to help her in the kitchen this year… Never mind that Jordan peeled pounds of potatoes and sweet potatoes, and even cut up onions yesterday!AndI helped her cook everything I could when I was done with my classes last night, too. She kept criticizing how I cut the vegetables!”
“Yeah,” I grimace. “Mom is a smidge nitpicky in the kitchen… Don’t worry about it, I’m sure you did great. Is everyone there already?”
“Yep. The kids all asked where you were right away!”
“Aw, I miss them too!” I beam. “You have to send me pictures! What are they all doing? The family group chat’s been quiet…”
“I will! The girls are watchingFrozen, and the boys are all outside playing in the snow. …Courtney is in a foul mood. I’m not sure why, but Jordan thinks they fought on the way here. She did look a little cranky when they arrived. But you know, not my business. And well, Parveen’s the usual. She offered to help, but as always, Mom refused, so she’s watching the movie with the girls.”
She rolls her eyes, and I can just about picture it. But Rosie isolated herself to talk to me, so the only background I get is our childhood bedroom tapestry… Gosh, I miss them all so much!
“I’m sure you guys will have fun!” I try to sound upbeat. “Just don’t let Mom argue with Courtney and make sure Dad doesn’t drink too much. Oh, and do not let the boys out of the grown-ups’ sight. They love looking for the presents. And ignore Aunt Ruth’s remarks if she comes…”
“Ugh, you had to mention the Grinch,” my sister groans. “But don’t worry, we got this. If push comes to shove, J and I have already agreed we’d escape. Anyhow, I should go check on the little monsters soon. Safe travels, keep us posted! Love you!”
“Love you too,” I nod, and hang up.
I let out a heavy sigh. I admit, I miss my family a lot… It feels so strange to be stuck in an airport while they’re all having fun. Most years, on Christmas Eve, I’d be the first one to help Mom cook or play with our nieces and nephews… Last year, we played that game with the hippos until we were all in stitches! …And I admit, when Rosalind mentioned being forced to drive straight up to Portland, it really sounded appealing.
I know snowstorms are ridiculously common in the area this time of the year, but really? The first one of the year had to happen on Christmas Eve? I keep telling myself that, at least, ourflight is delayed, not canceled like many others… And if it is, we do have a solid plan B… I feel a bit sorry for everyone who will have to rethink their Christmas plans completely!
