My drink, a can of cola, and a little bottle of whiskey were brought back by the waitress. “On the house,” she said with a grin. “Consider it a thank you for your patience.”
I made a fictitious toast with the bottle. I shouted, “To peaceful flights and karma,” loud enough for everyone to hear. “Hear, hear!” erupted from the chairs close.
I kept thinking about Dave and Lia while I made my drink. Did they sit in the back and plan their retaliation? Or had they finally come to terms with the absurdity of their behavior?
A ring from the intercom broke the flow of my thoughts.
The cabin echoed with the captain’s words. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re expecting some turbulence ahead. Please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts.”
I laughed in private. More turbulence? after our recent ordeal?
I heard a yell from the rear as the aircraft began to tremble. I turned in my chair to have a look. Dave was there, frantically attempting to prevent his drink from pouring over his lap from his tray table.
I sipped my coke and whiskey and turned around again. I mumbled, “Karma’s a witch!”
The airplane entered a quiet calm as the turbulence decreased. Just as I was beginning to consider what may come next, there was a ruckus coming from behind.
“I need to use the bathroom!” Lia’s voice was high-pitched and demanding.
She was standing in the aisle with Dave just behind her when I turned around. She was being calmed down by a flight attendant who seemed frantic, unlike the one who had assisted me before.
The attendant said, “Ma’am, please go back to your seat. The fasten seatbelt sign is still on.”
Lia screamed, “But it’s an emergency!” and, for emphasis, danced.
The elderly guy looked at me. He gave me a wink, obviously enjoying the performance.
Dave added, his tone brimming with phony worry. “Look, my wife has a medical condition. She really needs to use the restroom up front. The one back here is… occupied.”
The flight attendant seemed conflicted. “I understand, but rules are rules. You’ll have to wait until the captain turns off the seatbelt sign.”
Lia’s face fell flat. “But I can’t wait! Please, I’m begging you!”
I was forced to give it to her. She was a really talented actress. I could have felt terrible for her if I hadn’t known any better.
The attendant sighed, obviously unsure. “Alright, but make it quick. And straight back to your seats after, understood?”
With a forceful nod, Dave and Lia pushed past her and headed toward the front of the aircraft. I was unable to stop them as they came toward my row. I got up and blocked their way.
I remarked, loud enough for other passengers to hear, “Whoa there, folks. Didn’t we already settle this? Back of the plane, remember?”
Dave’s expression became glum. “Mind your own business, pal. This doesn’t concern you.”
I arched an eyebrow. “Oh, I think it does. After all, we wouldn’t want any more… disruptions, would we?”
With a horribly sweet voice, Lia spoke out. “Please, sir. It’s just a quick bathroom break. We promise we’ll go right back.”
I glanced at her, then at Dave, and last at the flight attendant who had allowed them to pass. It’s time for this farce to cease.
I said, “You know what? You’re right. It is just a bathroom break,” and moved aside. “Go ahead.”
Dave and Lia raced by me, exchanging victorious looks. I wasn’t finished yet, however. I smiled as I turned to face the flight attendant.
“Excuse me, I couldn’t help but overhear. Did you say these two have permission to be up here?”
A frown creased the flight attendant’s forehead. “Well, I… they said it was an emergency.”
I gave a sympathetic nod. “I see. And are you aware that these two were explicitly told to remain at the back of the plane due to disruptive behavior earlier?”
The eyes of the attendant became wide. “No, I wasn’t informed of that.”
At that moment, the stewardess who had previously assisted Dave and Lia showed up. She looked at the pair and said, “Is there a problem here?”
Dave’s face became white. Lia’s “emergency” dance came to a sudden halt.
I took a backseat and left things to the experts. I couldn’t help but sound arrogant when I added, “I think these two were just leaving.”
With a severe frown, the original stewardess turned to face Dave and Lia. “I thought I made myself clear earlier. Back to your seats. Now.”
“But…” Lia began, her façade faltering.
“No buts,” interrupted the hostess. “Or would you prefer we discuss this with the air marshal?”
It was that. Deflated, Dave and Lia slunk back to their economy seats without saying another word.
I couldn’t help but feel satisfied as the jet started to descend into California. The remainder of the journey had been quite quiet, and I couldn’t wait to see my loved ones.
The captain’s voice spoke via the intercom: “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re beginning our final approach to Los Angeles International Airport. Please ensure your seats are in the upright position and your seatbelts are fastened.”
Eager to get off the aircraft, I collected my belongings as we taxied to the gate. I was approached by the stewardess who had saved our bacon.
“Thank you for your patience today,” she replied, grinning sincerely. “We hope you had a comfortable flight despite the… earlier disturbances.”
I smiled in return. “Thanks to you, I did. You handled that situation perfectly.”
The praise made her smile. “Have a great day, sir!”
After the lengthy journey, I got to my feet and stretched. I saw Dave and Lia walking down the aisle, still avoiding eye contact with everyone.
I had a brief pang of pity. Being young, they were most likely simply too thrilled about their honeymoon. However, the pity vanished when I recalled their smug demeanor.
I couldn’t help but take one last farewell photo as I passed their row. “Hope you guys learned something today. Enjoy your honeymoon!”
Even though Dave’s cheeks became a striking shade of crimson, he remained silent. Well done.
I felt triumphant and eager to enjoy the remainder of my journey as I stepped off of the aircraft. I couldn’t help but laugh as I entered the terminal. Even though it had been a very difficult trip, common sense and a little amount of karma had ultimately prevailed.
My wife and child were waiting for me, and I could see the joy on their faces. All thoughts of Lia and Dave vanished. All that mattered was that I was home.
