Lucky Shot- Adam Banks

15-Adalon-VP

July 1st

Trouble. That's what I'm going to be in if I don't make this flight. The plane leaves at 9:30 and it's 9:25.

I'm not very good at timing.

I continue running with the backpack full of extra junk on my back.

When I finally reach the plane, the Flight Attendant is about to shut the door to the plane, "Wait. Please."

The lady sighs, "Just because you're a kid, I'll let you on. Next time don't be late, okay?"

I nod and give her my ticket. I quickly walk through the tunnel until I reach the plane.

I find my seat next to an older couple. I politely say hello and set my bag on the ground. My hands are shaking from excitement. I can't wait to see my friends.

The flight couldn't have taken any longer. It felt like I was on that plane all day.

When I'm finally able to get off the plane, I'm the first one off and the first one to get my suitcase.

I'm looking for my parents, but instead I spot Adam, Connie, and Charlie. I run up to them and drop my luggage. I aim for everyone, but most of my weight gets thrown on Adam.

"I missed you so much." I turn to Connie and squeeze her hard.

"Woah Ava, can't breath." Connie struggles out.

I laugh and turn to Charlie and hug him, "I'm sorry it's just- it's awful there."

"So you've said," Adam starts, "8 times."

"Where are my parents?" I ask whoever can answer.

Adam looks down at his feet, "Um they had to go to Indiana for work. That's why we're here."

"Oh," I say, trying to not sound too hurt, "that's okay. I'll see them eventually."

They all smile at me and Charlie gets my suitcase as Adam grabs my backpack. I lace my arm through Connie's and we walk out to the car where Adams parents were waiting.

Lauren gets out and gives me a hug, while Eric stays in the car.

We pile in the car, all 6 of us in the 5 seater Lincoln. We are really crammed in the back, but it's not that bad.

All of us are joking the whole way there. They tell me about things the Ducks have been doing and the tricks they've pulled so far.

There was something so special about being in that car, with those people. Maybe it's just because I haven't seen them in a while, but I still cherish the moment.

When we get home, I walk into my house with my friends. I wish I could say I walked into a house decked out in balloons and streamers and a big banner that said 'welcome home!' But I didn't. Just the familiar smell of my home.

When we walked into the house it was eerie. It seemed abandoned. No lights on, no habitants, nothing.

Adam and Charlie tried to cheer up the mood, "We could go gather up the Ducks?" Charlie suggested.

I smile and nodded, trying to hide my disappointment of the empty house.

I still grab my skates and protection from my closet and start to walk out of the house, when a hand catches my arm, "You can't hide that face, Lonnie."

"What face? I'm not hiding anything."

Adam gives me the mom look, "Ava don't be stupid. I know you're disappointed."

"I'm not," I start, "I'm glad you guys are here and I'm glad we're going to see everyone."

Adam slowly drops my arm and grabs ahold of my hand, "I'm here, Ava I'm here."