“My flight’s been canceled. Not even delayed, but all the way canceled.” I stand up and immediately call the customer service number.
After sitting on holdfor over an hour, frantically pacing the kitchen, it’s final: I’m not making it back to New York tomorrow. The storm system is massive and is impacting almost the entire United States, in some way or another. Almost all of the flights are grounded for today and tomorrow. Actually, I don’t think I’ll be flying out for a few more days.
I’m going to miss the event.
I immediately FaceTime Stella, setting my phone up, using a full cup of coffee.
“Ivy, what a surprise. How are you?!” she says while propping her phone up in her office.
Before I can say anything, I burst into tears. Stella, like the sweet person she is, let’s me cry for a few seconds and doesn’t say anything.
I press the heels of my hands in my eyes, before trying to wipe the tears away. “I’m snowed in and there are no flights, and I’m not going to be able to get back to New York,” I try to take a breath so I can keep going. “Like, they won’t even let me schedule a return flight at this time. I have all these things—” I pick up my notebook showing the ‘day of to-do' list.
“Ivy. Try and take a breath,” Stella says.
I try but it just results in more crying.
“First, are you safe?”
“Yes. I’m safe. We have a generator.” I look around the kitchen, not that I even know what I’m looking for.
“Is Holland with you?”
“Yes, he’s upstairs.”
“Okay, that’s good. We’re getting snow right now, but it’s minimal. Looks like we’ll get your storm in a few days, but luckily, that will be after the event.” She offers me a smile.
“There were all these things I was going to do when I got back or before the event started. What do we do about them now?” I know I sound like I’m whining but I really need Stella to tell me what to do.
“Well, let’s be honest, some of them may not get done, but that’s okay. But, I’m sure we can find someone to help out. Do you have anyone in mind? Is there anyone who is up to speed?”
And then it turns on, a beautiful lightbulb. Vivian. She knows almost everything about this event. No idea if Stella will let this fly or not.
“Yes, but they don’t work at Sparks,” I test the waters.
“I mean, if they’re willing to help and they know what’s going on, I’ll pay them under the table.” Stella laughs, her voice higher, excited that we may have a possible solution.
“I have to call her first. Can I get back to you?”
“Absolutely.” She claps her hands together, and then puts her hands on her desk, getting closer to the phone. “Ivy, you can’t control the weather, this isn’t one of your superhero movies. Don’t beat yourself up.”
I laugh at the superhero comment. She knows I love Spider-Man.
“I’m sad we won’t get to experience this together. I know you have poured your heart into this and it’s going to be amazing. We’ll take lots of pictures,” Stella says.
The tears come again and I put my head down, for just a second.
“Thank you, Stella,” I try to get the words out but they sound jumbled with the tears. I end the video call and put my head back down on the kitchen table. The tightness in my chest doesn’t let up but as soon as I can keep it together, I FaceTime Viv.
Viv answers with a, “What’s wrong? Why are you crying like that?”
“I’m snowed in. There are no flights. I’m going to miss the event but I need your help with the last minute tasks. Stella said she’ll pay you, if you’re able to help.” Tears run down my face as I look at Viv, who has her brows furrowed and face almost too close to the camera.
“Yes. Of course. I’m working at the bakery for a few hours today but I’ll be free tonight, and all day tomorrow for the event.” Another wave of disappointment hits me when I remember how we were going together. I gave her my plus one ticket since Holland wasn’t going to make the trip.
“Ivy, I’m sorry. I know this is killing you,” she says in a gentle voice that makes my heart ache for her, my best friend.
“Thanks. I know. It sucks but the best thing I can do is make sure everything goes off, perfectly, and hopefully we raise a ton of money for the charities.”
