Previously:

Tina cries as the final call for her to go into customs is announced, knowing she is leaving all behind for love. For a woman she has talked to online for a year. She worries of things will work out. If the unknown will be as painful as the life preceding it. She hopes for better times upon her arrival in another country. She says her final goodbyes then heads through customs.

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Tina fills out the necessary paperwork before joining the line to pass the counter. She rolls her hands, suddenly realizing how huge this trip is. As she approaches the counter and hands her passport to the customs officer, a small smile spreads across her face. She knows this is the start of a new and happier life for her.

Customs: “All done Miss Kennard. Enjoy your flight.”

Tina looks down at the small stamp in her passport. Her very first stamp. She turns to look back. She realizes the significance of this trip, leaving behind her safety and security.

Tina: “I am going to be a better woman. No matter what happens with Bette, I am going to make the most of this experience.”

Tina has no cell, no computer, no way of letting Bette know she is ready for the flight. She sits in the lounge of Gate 22, looking out at the 747 that will bring her all the way around the world. Tina reflects on the past few days, the horrible words her mother said to her, the way her brother looked at her when he realized she would be gone so long. Tina touches her fingers to the tip of her nose, feeling the swelling, she rolls her eyes.

Lady: “So are you going home or leaving home?”

Tina: “Excuse me?”

Lady: “You have an Australian accent, so I guess you are leaving home. Is this trip business or pleasure?”

Tina: “I am going to study. My significant other is already there and waiting for me. So it’s business with pleasure I guess. What about you?”

Lady: “I am going to see my daughter. She married an American guy. They are about to have their first baby. I really do hope I make it there in time. I know it’s getting close to the date she is due, but you know how it is, babies decide when they are coming, they don’t follow the rules of the date they are to be born. My daughter was 3 months early….”

Tina feels herself tuning the woman’s chatter out. Typical Australian, will talk to bloody anyone. What are you talking about, YOU are Australian! Tina scolds herself internally as she tunes back into the woman’s words.

Lady: “…… so she calls me up and tells me she met this fella, and they are gonna shack up. I mean, I knew my daughter wanted to live over there, but it was still a shock when it finally happened.”

Tina: “Do you see her often?”

Lady: “She used to come home at Christmas every year, but that won’t happen now that Jakey is almost here. If he is anything like his father, he will be 6 foot tall and built like a brick shithouse.”

Tina stifles a laugh, seeing this woman. She is the iconic Australian. Next thing I know, she will be calling him a flaming galah. Tina giggles a little to herself. She leans back into her chair becoming more excited about this trip with every breath.

“Attention Passengers of Qantas flight 93 to Los Angeles. We are now boarding rows 65 to 94. Please have your passport and boarding pass ready to show the flight attendants as you board the plane. We will accept all other rows momentarily.”

Tina looks down at her boarding pass. Row 1, seat A. Tina knows she has one of the best seats on the plane. Her seat is first class, which she found out at the check in gate. She knows who paid the difference for the seat, but is grateful as she looks at the long line of people waiting to board the plane.

Tina: “wow. I can’t believe I am actually doing this.” She handed the hostess her pass. She was ushered to her seat. “This sure beats economy”

Tina rests back in her chair as the plane taxis out, watching the safely drill. The seat beside her is vacant. She is relieved that she will not have someone beside her for the major part of the trip.

Meanwhile……..

Bette is sitting in her computer chair, watching a dot on her computer screen. Information is scrolling over the screen about flight 93 to LA. Bette reads each little  piece of individual information, knowing Tina is on that flight.