A Missed Flight

“Two minutes, I can’t believe I missed the flight by two minutes!” frustrated Emily waited in line to exchange her tickets for the next flight home. Her mind wandered to why she was even here, fighting the crowds in the St. Louis Airport. A mandatory meeting for all the top designers in her company had been held in New York City. She had begged them to allow her to miss this one, but they wouldn’t budge. Luckily, she was able to schedule an earlier flight home than the rest of the company; it would put her home just in time.

“Next!”

Dragging her bags behind her Emily approached the stout man behind the counter and read his nametag. “Hi Ralph, I missed my connection can I exchange these for the next flight to LA?”

Ralph methodically pecked at the keyboard in front of him, “Ok, next one out to Los Angeles will be tomorrow night.”

“What?” questioned Emily, “The schedule shows one leaving at 3 o’clock this afternoon.”

“Nope, all booked up. Would you like me to process this for the one tomorrow?”

“No, this can’t be happening. I’ve got to get home! The wedding is tomorrow. No, this isn’t right…check again”

Annoyed that this lady wasn’t listening; Ralph shifted his weight around, “Ma’am, I’m sorry, but I haven’t got anything going your way until tomorrow night it’s as simple as that.”

“This can’t be! Sara, my only daughter is getting married. I have to be there. I’m the mother for crying out loud! Oh, I can’t believe this! No, this isn’t really happening. I, I just have to be on that plane,” Emily stammered, panic evident in her voice, “Please you don’t understand. If I’m not there who is going to fix her hair, and make sure her dress looks just perfect. Who will hold her hand when the nerves kick in and…and…NO! I HAVE TO BE ON THAT PLANE!”

Caught off guard by her sudden outburst Ralph took a step back behind the counter, “Ma’am, I really am sorry for the inconvenience but unfortunately there just isn’t anything I can do. All flights to Los Angeles are booked until 7 o’clock tomorrow night.”

Overwhelmed by emotion Emily continued her plea, “Sir, I am begging you. I will do anything. I’ll pay more, however much it takes, just find a way to get me on that plane now!”

“I wish there were more I could do, but there isn’t. I’m sorry.”

Defeated Emily sunk down into the first seat she could find. Tears began welling up as she pulled out her cell phone to deliver the horrible news to her daughter. Just then she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around she saw a young woman dressed in a bikini top, shorts, and flip-flops.

“Here,” She said, handing Emily one first class ticket to LA leaving at 3 p.m. today. “I couldn’t help overhearing. Your daughter needs you now, the beach can wait for me.”

Shocked and ecstatic, Emily jumped up and hugging her as tightly as she could cried, “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!” Smiling from ear to ear, she grabbed her bags and headed for the plane.