A JOURNEY OF LOVE

Prologue “Good bye Preppy, have a good flight, I love you.” “I love you Princess, thank you, I’ll call you as soon as I arrive in Sydney no matter what the time is there or here OK.” “Don’t forget Preppy.” Jody smiled and waved at him. Shawn’s’ flight to L.A. was uneventful. He had chosen to fly business class on the American Airlines flight but had treated himself to first class on Qantas. He settled into his seat by the window, put on his headphones to his iPod and closed his eyes. He sensed somebody sit down beside him but did not bother to acknowledge them; he would do that later perhaps when supper was served. Curiosity got the best of him and he peaked out of the corner of his left eye. Sitting beside him was a brunette wearing black slacks and sweater, sunglasses and a scarf over her head. It was obvious that the woman had an amazing figure. She had a handkerchief in her left hand. She appeared to stare straight-ahead and be oblivious to her surroundings. He noticed a tear appear from underneath her sunglasses and as it ran down her cheek she dabbed it with her hanky. He closed his eyes and thought it best to mind his own business. The 747 had just rotated and they were now airborne. Within ten minutes Shawn sensed the aircraft leveling off and he was looking forward to the dinner that was soon to be served. The flight attendant was serving champagne to the brunette beside him and then offered Shawn a glass. “Champagne Sir?” “No thanks, perhaps when you get a moment you could get me a glass of orange juice, please and thank you.” “Certainly Sir.” The moment Shawn had spoken the brunette turned to look at him. She put her glass on the dinner tray and reached out with her right hand and took his hand. “Oh Shawn it is so good see you, it’s Brandi and I’m a basket case.” She took off her sunglasses, which revealed sad bleary eyes. She had also lost weight. “What happened Brandy?” “Matthew and I split last Wednesday. I came home early one day from my shift as I was not feeling well and found him in bed with his boyfriend. I have never been so humiliated in all my life. I asked them both to leave and I told Matthew I would be leaving to spend Xmas with my parents as he and I had planned and to get his stuff out when I was gone. I also told him that I never wanted to see or hear from him again.” “That is incredible Brandi, I am so sorry to hear that?” “I still cannot believe it Shawn, I dated the guy for five years. For the past week I have spent most of the time crying and reflecting on the past five years searching for any indications that would have told me he liked guys as well. I did have myself tested and thankfully I do not have HIV. What a joke to think that we were going to Sydney not just for Xmas but so he could ask my Dad for my hand in marriage.” She was still holding his hand. “I know I should not be holding your hand Shawn but I just need somebody I know to hold onto right now. I hope Jody can forgive me, How is Jody?” “Jody is fine but a little disgruntled that we are going to be apart for 22 days and so am I but going to and participating in the Olympics is something I want to do and Jody supports me in the endeavor.” “I figured that was why you were on this flight Shawn, congratulations on making the team.” Brandi squeezed his hand to emphasize her felicitations.” “Thank you Brandi.” Dinner was served and so Brandi finally let go of Shawn’s hand. “I think I’d should eat Shawn, I‘ve hardly had anything to eat in the last seven days.” “You had better eat Brandi, you look famished and if need be I’ll spoon feed you.” Brandi finally smiled. “Do you think Shawn we could get together in Sydney for supper one evening?” “Sure, I don’t see why not Brandi. In fact I know that would nice. I want to run it by Jody and make sure she is comfortable with the idea. I promised to call her as soon as I was in the terminal. And Jody will want to talk to you once she has heard about your unfortunate situation.” “That perfectly fine Shawn, I wouldn’t want it any other way.” How far are your parents from downtown Sydney?” “There are an hours drive away but I can use my Dads car. He told me I could have it whenever I wanted so that won’t be a problem. How about Saturday night? We should have recovered from all this traveling by then. We could meet at the Outback at 7 p.m.” “That would be wonderful Shawn and I know it will cheer me up. Just being here talking with you has made me feel much better. Thank you for being so understanding.” They finished eating and the flight attendants picked up their trays. It was getting late and they were preparing the cabin so that the passengers could sleep. “Would you excuse me Brandi, I want to brush my teeth and get ready to settle in.” “I want to do the same Shawn.” Shawn returned to his seat. He took an about face as Brandy returned. She had removed her scarf, brushed her hair, which now flowed over her shoulders, and put on a little make up. It was the Brandi he remembered who had come to dinner at the apartment. She took her seat next to his. “Brandi that was an amazing transformation, you look absolutely beautiful.” “I feel much better Shawn as a result of your good company and that fabulous dinner but I’m getting very tired.” “I think we should both get some sleep Beautiful.” “Is it alright if I hold your hand again Shawn?” Shawn smiled at her and took her hand in his, which answered her question. Brandi put her head on his left shoulder and promptly fell asleep. ***** Once they were in the terminal building Shawn called Jody on his cell phone. “How are you Princess, you sound sleepy, what time is it there?” “Its 4:30 a.m. Preppy but that is OK, I was sound a sleep, it’s good to hear your voice, how were your flights?” The first leg was uneventful but the second was pleasant, I had some company sitting beside me. You’ll never guess who?” Jody thought for a moment but given her sleepy head nobody came to mind. “I’m drawing a blank Preppy, fill me in.” “Brandi was on the flight but she was in a terrible state for the first few hours. She and Matthew split.” Shawn filled Jody in on the details. “She is with me, we just got into the terminal building. Would you like to talk to her?” “Absolutely Preppy.” “Brandi I’m so sorrow to hear that news. How are you bearing up?” “Thanks to the fine company of your fiancé on the flight here I’m doing somewhat better. I want you to know Jody that you are one lucky lady. Shawn is just so kind and supportive.” “I know Brandi, Thank you.” “I have a favor to ask of you Jody, would you mind at all if I treated Shawn to dinner tomorrow night? We wanted to consult you first.” “Go for it Brandi, I trust you both.” “Thank you so much Jody, I appreciate your trust in us. I’ll say goodbye for now Jody and pass the phone back to Shawn.” “You’re welcome Brandi, take care of yourself and just keep in mind that it will be all up hill from now on.” “I will Jody, thanks again, here’s Shawn.” “Go back to sleep Princess, I’ll call you tomorrow. I love you.” “I love you too Preppy. Behave yourself.” They retrieved their luggage and went through customs. As they waited in line for a taxi Brandi looked up pensively at Shawn and asked meekly. “Can I give you a hug and a kiss on the cheek Shawn?” “Sure Brandi.” Shawn leaned over and gave her a friendly hug and Brandi kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks Shawn, I feel much better and thanks for the great company.” There cabs came and they went their separate ways. ***** The following evening they met at the entrance to the Outback. “How are you doing Brandi, are you feeling better?” “I doing alright but I could use one of your friendly hugs and I’m sure you will cheer me up once we sit down.” Shawn obliged. They were seated in a booth by the maitre de. “Would you like a glass of wine Brandi?”