_ Are you sure you haven't forgotten anything? Your charger? Your ID? Do you have your plane ticket with you? My father asked frantically. He began rummaging through my carry-on bag just to be certain I had everything.
_ I have everything, don't worry. I said, smiling.
_ Sweetheart, stop worrying. You've already checked her bags five times. My mother said, catching him by the waist. Everything is going to be fine. She can take care of herself.
_ I just want to be sure she has everything on her. Did you pack your EpiPens? Are you sure? He asked anxiously.
_ Yes, I have them. I put several injectors in my carry-on and the rest are in my suitcase.
_Does the flight crew know about your allergies? They'll take precautions, won't they? he asked, his voice trembling slightly.
_ Yes, they'll take precautions. I'll even remind them several times just to be safe. You can relax. Everything is going to be okay.
He responded with a slight nod, still worried for me.
_ I'm just going to check one last time, you never know what might happen.
Before I could say anything to stop him, he scurried toward my suitcase and started opening it right in the middle of the airport. I let out a sigh of distress. I understood where his anxiety came from, but I didn't know how to reassure him. I would have to leave that job to my mother. My father had always been a very attentive parent to both me and my sister. He had cared for us since we were little. He wanted to do everything for us, but he couldn't because we were very independent young girls. Before, he was comfortable giving us space without any problem. But since Océane passed away, he had become even more of a "helicopter parent." I hadn't realized it was to this extent, since we hadn't been apart these last few years.
_ Give him time; he hasn't completely healed from what happened with Océane. He still blames himself, so he overcompensates with you.
_ I know, Mom. But are you sure he'll be okay if I'm not near him?
_ As long as you call him once a day, he should be fine. She said with a gentle smile.
_ ONCE A DAY?! Impossible. You know I'm not a phone person. The best I can do is once a week, and I'll text you both every day. Deal? I said, reaching out my hand.
She pretended to think for a moment and then finally shook my hand.
_Deal.
Suddenly, she pulled me into her arms and kissed me. She held me tight, tighter than ever before. I could feel her anxiety. She didn't say it, but she too had been deeply affected by Oceane's death. She was also worried about me going to the other side of the world.
_ Take care of yourself, honey. I love you.
_ I love you too, Mom.
I slowly pulled away and signaled her to go handle her husband, who was starting to tackle my second suitcase. She headed toward him, laughing. I sighed in relief. I love my parents, but they can be a bit "extra" sometimes. While I was lost in my thoughts, a hand tapped my shoulder. I turned around, surprised to see my three best friends and two of Océane's best friends.
_ You guys could make it! I'm so HAPPY! I said, throwing myself into their arms for a group hug.
_ Are you kidding? We wouldn't miss your departure for the world. Joyce replied once we all separated.
_ Did you really think we'd let you take a 15-hour flight to South Korea without coming to say goodbye?! Aiden exclaimed, practically shouting. He was always the loudest of the group.
_ Go blow them away over there, and when you're famous, I'll sell your embarrassing photos to your crazy fans. Matthew said, laughing.
_ You better not do that. If you dare, I'll reveal all your secrets to your parents. I threatened.
I turned to Kim and Jamal, Oceane's best friends.
_I'm so happy to see you here.
_ Of course we'd be here. You're doing all this to fulfill Oceane's dream. How could we not support you? Unfortunately, Yan couldn't make it. Medical appointment. Jamal replied.
_ I know, he texted me to let me know.
_ I just hope that along the way, her dream becomes yours too. Because if you do something you don't love, you'll get tired of it very quickly. Kim told me, taking my hands.
_ Don't worry. The more I get seriously interested in this world, the more I understand why Océane loved it so much. I'm not in love with it yet, but I suppose that will come soon.
_ That reassures me. Even though Océane was our best friend, you are also a very dear friend to my heart, and I want you to be happy in whatever you decide to do with your life. Kim replied in a soft voice. She had always been a very warm person. That's why she and Océane got along so well. They were alike.
The next hour passed very quickly. The gang and I chatted about everything and nothing. They reassured my father that everything would be fine, once again. We took photos and made jokes. We were frankly very noisy, since it had been a while since we were all together. We had always been a close-knit group, often all together. Jamal, Yan, and Kim were Oceane's best friends. Joyce, Aiden, and Matthew were mine. One day we decided to introduce everyone, and it clicked immediately, so we stayed a group. Yan, the one missing, is hard of hearing. He had a doctor's appointment he absolutely couldn't reschedule. It was for him, in fact, that we all learned Sign Language (ASL). He can read lips and speak, but it's always more practical for everyone to sign when we're in a group so he doesn't miss anything in the conversation.
As the flight time approached, I left the group after some very noisy goodbyes and after promising a thousand times to text and call. I headed with my suitcases toward check-in, which went quite quickly. Then I waited in the VIP lounge, since I was traveling first class, thanks to my parents. While waiting to board, I was on a video call with my parents and then with my friends. I also took the time to text my grandparents and cousins, who were asking if I had arrived every few minutes. The advantage and disadvantage of having a large family. Many people to worry about you, and many people to reassure.
Finally, it was time to board the plane. Once I was settled in my seat, I didn't forget to remind the flight attendant about my allergies. The trip went well, no problematic neighbors, the food was excellent, and the cabin crew was very professional. I was able to sleep like a baby for most of the time. I managed to catch up on the sleep I had lost during yesterday's dance practice.
References:
_ The inspiration for this chapter is drawn in part from the song FiRE by Xdinary Heroes and the song Beat-boxer by NEXZ, which you can listen to while reading if you wish.
Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful day