Rings on a Plane

She heard her name being called, from within the crowd.

She turned her head, but kept the same pace. After all, the airline had already called her name, meaning if she went any slower, she might miss her plane.

She saw no one in the crowd that she knew, so turned and increased her pace to the gate.

She slowed as she saw her gate, just as a hand grabbed her arm.

“Argh!” She exclaimed in shock. She lifted her other arm, in preparation for a defensive slap.

“Lara, wait. Don’t swing!” My friend screamed in shock.

“Then don’t sneak up on me like that!” She defended her defensiveness.

He sighed. “I did call you for the last five minutes when I saw you…” he began.

“Anyway, there is something I need to ask.” He continued.

“Can you ask it over email later? My plane’s about to leave.” She was a little panicked at the possibility of missing her flight.

“No.” He grabbed her hand, as he knelt down to one bent knee.

“Lara, will you marry me?” He asked. He pulled his ring off his finger, not having enough time to have bought one for her yet.

“Yes.” She replied, as he slid the ring onto her finger, although not the correct finger, as the ring was too large for her slender fingers. She kissed his check, as she ran to the gate.

She turned and waved, before she disappeared from his sight.

As she boarded the plane, the other passengers clapped her arrival, obviously annoyed at her delaying of their flight. She held up her hand and said, “He proposed!” The claps then either dissipated or continued, depending on whether the passengers were still annoyed or excited for her.

The flight attendant came up to her. “Miss, would you follow me please?”

Lara followed the flight attendant, not to her pre-reserved seat, but to the final place left in first class. “As congratulations on your engagement,” the flight attendant explained with a gesturing of her hand. Lara smiled.

She settled in, closed her eyes, and waited for sleep to come.

He stood, confused, near her gate.

He had hoped for a more climactic response, but at least she said yes.

He’d been on holidays, and had only arrived back at the airport this morning. He hadn’t realised his feelings for her, until he was on his way to the airport. In his haste, he hasn’t bought a ring or really thought out the intricate details. Like her returning to her on country for the next year.