The Land Down Under
The seatbelt sign came back on with a prominent ‘ding,’ as the plane dipped and shuddered in the air. I sighed, locking the metal buckle into place and strapping myself into my seat. The entire journey from Tokyo to Sydney had been bumpy and a little frightening, making the 8-hour journey even more uncomfortable than it had to be. Pile that onto another 8-hour flight from New York to Tokyo, and you had one grumpy traveler.
Now in the last hour or so of my trip, I started to focus on improving my overall mood and appearance. I definitely didn’t want to see Adam for the first time in months with greasy hair, wrinkled clothes and a bitch-face. He was probably already nervous about bringing me out here; no sense in giving him a reason to rethink his invitation.
I stretched my muscles as well as I could in my seat, and opened up my nearly-over-the-size-limit carry-on bag to search for toiletries. I pulled out a pile of wet-wipes, concealer and lipstick, holding them in my lap until the seatbelt sign blinked off once more. As soon as I was allowed to get up, I made a break for the tiny bathroom and locked the door behind me. Unwilling to let my things touch anything in there, I held them awkwardly while wiping down my face, chest and underarms and then putting some red on my lips and cheeks.
Blending the soft lipstick into the apples of my cheeks, I created an understated but healthy glow. I looked and smelled better, but there was nothing I could do for my hair until landing. Satisfied for now, I went back to my seat and awaited touchdown, my heart racing with anxiety. When the drink cart came through the aisle for the final time, I took a double-rum with orange juice and slugged it back.
Funny, the things some people worry about instead of anticipating what an amazing journey they are on. Australia! I’d never been to this part of the world before, and yet my destination barely registered until I stepped into Sydney Airport. Back at home the autumn was setting in, along with cool, crisp temperatures and browning foliage. But as soon as I walked out of the temporary walkway and into the maze of airport halls, I could feel the warmth of the new city on my skin.
I closed my eyes for a moment on the automatic walkway, breathing in deeply and allowing my nerves to settle somewhat. After making my way through an immense passport line and collecting my luggage, I took fifteen minutes to myself in the airport bathroom to wash my hair in the sink and dry it under the blower. A little product calmed the frizz and helped me twist my clean hair into a pretty, cool chignon. I changed my outfit hurriedly, donning a stretchy striped pencil skirt and a fresh white blouse before pushing my rolling luggage rack through to the reception area to meet Adam.
The meeting place was immense and completely crowded with other travelers, but it only took me a couple of minutes to spot him. My breath caught in my throat before I even realized it was him I was looking at.
“Okay…” I whispered to myself, taking another deep breath. “Here we go.” I smiled and waved, aiming my trolley in his direction. It was impossible not to stare at him, even with all the nerves I was dealing with. That blonde hair, his blue eyes…muscles, visible even under his shirt sleeves. Oh, my.
“Melissa, is that really you?” He teased me, eyes glinting, and scooped me up in a powerful hug. I gasped, inhaling his cologne and mild scent of masculine sweat. The familiar combination made me blush, memories of his naked chest at my lips. My smile grew wider.
“I think so,” I answered meekly. He set me back down and put his hands on my shoulders, looking into my eyes.
“Are you alive after those flights? I was starting to worry you’d stayed in Tokyo to avoid the second one, I gotta tell you…I was worried when you took so long! Long customs line?”
I sighed, nodding and smoothing my coiffed hair. “It was a bit much. Can we get out of here and get some fresh air?”
“Sure.” His eyes hovered on mine for a moment longer while he bit his lip. “You know, I’m insanely glad that you’re here. Thank you for coming, Mel. Seriously.” He hugged me again, more softly this time, before taking my trolley in one hand and my hand in the other and leading both of us to the exit.
“You’re welcome,” I said softly, leaning into his arm as we walked. “Thank you for asking. I’ve missed you like crazy.”
The sun shone brightly outside, and palm trees studded the grass beyond the parking lot. The air smelled of warmth and tropical flowers that buoyed my frail mood and painted a real smile on my face. I breathed it all in while Adam filled the trunk of a taxi with my posh set of pink Chanel luggage, feeling quite lost in the sea of Oceanic accents and munchkin utility vehicles.
Slipping into the back seat of the cab, I sank against Adam’s shoulder as he directed the driver to his brother’s house in Parramatta. I’d forgotten something…
“Oh, wait! I turned to my companion with an excited expression. “No, not to the house!” Turning to the cab driver, I tapped him on the shoulder with a giggle. “Could you please take us to the Darling at the Star? He assented, and the car started away from the airport while Adam shot me a curious face full of raised eyebrows. I shook my head at him and made a ‘no’ sign with my hands.
“I’ve been on planes for two days now, Adam, and I’m sorry but there’s no way I’m going directly to your brother’s house to get to work. You and I are checking into a nice hotel with a view and spending a couple of days getting to know Sydney. I don’t suppose you have any problems with that?”
He simply shrugged. “How can I refuse?”