They had been cyber-dating for more than a year now. He had finally saved more than enough money to finally meet her in the flesh in her own country. He had arranged everything for his holidays to be spent there. He had interviewed several nannies to take care of his children, but had finally decided that they would be perfectly taken care of by his parents and occasional visits from their mother from whom he had finally divorced in April.
He had gone to take the photograph for his passport, days before the appointment at the government office in charge. He hadn't had his hair cut too recently, so he didn't look like a soldier, his hair length was just perfect and he looked smashing. He had decided to shave off the moustache, after all he had let it grow because of a former girlfriend who never came back, it was time to let that go.
He had bought the round airplane ticket after an exhaustive search and comparison between different airlines, asking for dates, hours, stops, requirements...whatever. He was not a planner, so this behaviour was quite unusual. He was very excited. He made a list in his mind of the clothes he needed. Clean shirts, socks, underwear (maybe he needed to buy some new items), a pair of trousers, comfortable shoes (she had threatened him with walking all day long), should he buy a pijama? He slept stark naked, well not completely, but...he fell asleep.
Next day he checked his suitcase. It had been years since the last time he used it. It was dusty, rusty and plain old. He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and he saw the same, he felt dusty, rusty and plain old. He knew the camera was kind with his features. His nose was too big, he had too many wrinkles, at 46 he looked older. Would she take him? Was he whom she expected? Mmm, if the camera was so nice with him, how nice would it be with her? What if all this money spent in the trip was not worth it? What if she wasn't as gorgeous? Was this trip a good idea? My! What was he thinking? He must be crazy. He was terrified. But he had this power of turning doubts and bad expriences into happy moods just by purpose.
Next day he felt fine. He had a last check at everything. Suitcase dusted and polished with clothes neatly packed by his daughter. Passport... the phone rang, his mother wishing him good luck and asking him to be careful with the swine flu... airplane ticket... his son rushed in with something about Jac Jac. Apparently the dog had a stick stuck in his throat. He took it out and sighed, would they be ok when he got back? It was the first time he would leave them alone. Ok, the taxi was here to pick him. No need to bother his brothers, they had things to do. He kissed the kids good-bye and set for the airport.
There was a traffic jam. Apparently because of the weather, it was so nice that everyone was headed for the lake. Once they passed the lake, it would surely be faster. And so it was. Soon, they were in the airport. He had arrived two hours before to check in his suitcase. That was the requirement for transatlantic flights. He waited in the queue until his turn came. In the meantime he was observing people. He liked airports. All the people arriving and leaving. All of them hugging for one reason or another. Many people crying, happily some, sadly others. Many people rushing to meet each other, to finally clash in a kiss. That was the plan, she would be waiting for him and they would rush to each other's arms...
"Sir? Can I see your ticket, please?" called a young female voice.
"Sure," he said, woken from his daydream. He started searching in the pockets of his overcoat. He searched in the small bag he was carrying with him with stuff he might need in flight. The ticket was nowhere to be found.
"Please, stay aside while I ask for the rest of the passengers." the clerk said.
"Sure, of course," he said quite embarassed.
He suddenly remembered he had put the plane ticket in... an envelope that stayed in the kitchen when Will had asked for help with Jac Jac!!!! He explained this to the clerk and she said, "No problem sir, the ticket for today was lost, you'll have to pay a difference so the airline can give you another for tomorrow, I just need to see your passport."
In that moment the voice of his mother echoed, he had forgotten the passport on the phone table.
How could he explain his sweetheart that he wouldn't arrive today because he forgot his passport and he lost his plane ticket?
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