Davy lifted his head to peer out the window. "We are! Oh my God, we made it! We really made it! It's Hawaii!"
Davy released her hand, and Christine waved her throbbing fingers in the air. There was scattered clapping, muted prayers, and general chaos as everyone stood at the urging of the flight crew. Outside the plane more flashing lights and sirens from emergency vehicles filled the dark air. Davy yanked Christine with him, moving them into the evacuation line. She slid down the rescue ramp into the humid air. Charlie lived in this air. She smelled the acid scent of smoke. Fire trucks converged on the other side of the plane as shouts filled the air. Some passengers began to scream and run. Davy pulled Christine toward the small building as dozens of people pushed past them.
Inside, several men dressed in white shirts and dark slacks directed them to customs lines with calm firmness. Their tranquil tones accented with native speech were just what everyone needed to remind them they were safe and in paradise. People also began to quiet as it became apparent from the wall-to-ceiling terminal windows the plane would not explode.
"They sure didn't expect us," Davy muttered as they waited for their luggage.
Christine shrugged. "It's pretty early in the morning. Let's hope they have coffee somewhere."
After they had their bags, they joined the growing line at the two small stations. Both were manned by smiling, dark-haired girls who worked with pleasant efficiency, just as their male counterparts in customs had. First class passengers were accommodated first. Some of the men brought around coffee, Danishes, and water. They told jokes, sang native songs, and tried to lift the passengers' spirits.
"Why isn't the airline just sending another plane to get us?" demanded one man. "It makes better sense than you people trying to get us on other flights out of here."
"I'm so sorry, but we're not really large enough for huge planes such as the one you flew in on to land here, especially with all our regular traffic. You were very lucky indeed your plane made it safely down. The airline decided to route you all through existing flights." An airport worker held out coffee. "Please bear with us as we do our best to accommodate all of you."
Christine sat on the floor beside Davy and other passengers who alternated between grumbling impatience and resigned acceptance. She sipped coffee and glanced around. Poor little Hawaii, having to deal with so many unexpected people, all wanting off the island most people spent a lifetime saving to visit.
"So what happened?" Davy asked the man in front of him. "What made us come down?"
"Not sure. But someone up front said the right engine caught fire."
No one voiced the words they all thought. Everyone was wondering just how close to death they'd come. "Hey, what do you think?" Davy slumped so his head rested on his duffle bag. "Did the engine really catch on fire?"
Christine shook her head. "I have no idea. But we're safe."
"Yeah, like, we could have ended up slamming into the ocean." He yawned, his billowy T-shirt faded with the name of some new age band. "My mom, she's got this big welcome back planned at the airport. Man, she's gonna freak when I'm not there on time. The whole family is supposed to be there to welcome me back from this graduation present before I settle into college."
Christine nodded, but her mind couldn't focus on what he said. She felt shudders deep inside, a delayed shock reaction. I'm okay. I really am. The plane had an emergency. It could have been horrible. But they were alive and safe. She thought about Maddy's urging to branch out, take a chance and celebrate life. Should she call this a sign? What would Charlie do if she telephoned right now and said, 'I'm here. Come get me.'?
"Go ahead of me." Christine nudged Davy awake as the couple ahead of them finally got their turn at the counter. "Get your flight."
"I can't go ahead of you. It's not gentlemanly and my mom wouldn't like it." Davy yawned.
"Your whole family's waiting for you." Christine pushed at him as the couple gathered their things to leave. "Hurry before someone jumps ahead."
Davy went. He came back after a few moments and hugged Christine. "I got stand by, so I bet you will too. But thanks for letting me go first."
"No worries." Christine grinned as he carried her suitcase to the counter. "Your mom would be proud."
He grinned back. "After I call and tell her I'm here, I'm going to grab some food, see the beach, and maybe spend the day there. Might as well make the most of it, huh? You gonna be okay?"
"I'll be fine. You go have fun. Take care, Davy." She watched him dash off and missed her children. She'd need to call them and make them aware she was safe but delayed.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, all we have left are stand by seats," the pretty young clerk said. "We've been authorized to issue you a hotel room, free of charge, of course, in case the 1:30 pm flight remains full. There will be another flight out tomorrow at 1 pm."