The last passenger

I knew I was a runner for a reason. Today I was glad I was. 

I'm on a business trip and had to connect through a large international airport to get to a town closer to my destination. When I landed. I made the long walk to the terminal where my connecting flight was. Just as I was walking out of the ladies' room near my gate, I heard my name being announced. "Come to the gate for a message."

Did I not have a seat assigned? Was I getting bumped? I don't get called like that often. So I walked over to speak with the woman and she asked if I left an important item on the last flight. I thought for a moment. "My laptop!"

"You don't have time to go back for it," she said. 

"Yes I do. I'll run. Please do not let this plane leave." I knew what time the flight was leaving but I had no idea what time it was. I just knew I had to make it.

"I'll look for the next flight for you."

As I started running, I heard her yell my name. "It's C13!"

So I ran, in my skinny jeans and platforms, dragging my small roller bag behind me since she wouldn't let me leave it there. I watched signs so I didn't name a wrong turn. I  hopped on escalators and ran down moving sidewalks two terminals over to my last gate and saw my squishy black netbook sleeve sitting on the counter at the gate. I pointed to it and the lady on the phone handed it to me.

"Please call gate E12 that I'm on my way." I was panting so she knew it was important.

"I'm on hold so I can't," 

Really?

I ran all the way back and found the door at my gate closed. No gate agent was in sight but they were still loading luggage and the plan door was open. I went to the next gate and the gate agent said she couldn't help me. Thanks for that. I knocked on the window and pounded on the door. Nothing. Finally a baggage handler who was standing nearby went outside to see if he could get someone. The ticket agent came in and let me on. Finally, after I had been standing there for five minutes.

I climbed the airplane stairs from the ground still dragging my bag and sat  in the last empty seat. I used the napkins I  had grabbed with my salad to mop off the sweat that was dripping off me. I downed a bottle of water and noticed the perspiration showing through my t-shirt on my chest and stomach . It was at least a mile, and I feel a little sorry for the man sitting next to me. He didn't seem at all sympathetic though like the man behind me.

Before I set off on the run, I contemplated just buying a new laptop when I got to my destination. I had the files I needed on a USB drive in my purse, but I had just written a chapter of my novel on the flight. It was definitely worth the sprint. And, except for whoever called my gate about the forgotten item, no thanks to US Airways, it all worked out okay.

As soon as I get through this long Hertz line, I'm stopping off to buy a new shirt so I won't smell like I just came from the gym at dinner with my clients - and a bottle of wine.

Love to the single girls,

Addison