When Joey Met Meg

Part 1

I am Joey Andrea Rivera. 25 years old, nurse and I love my family. They call me Ja, but I prefer Joey for my friends. I have 2 siblings all girls, Alexa and Samantha. Yes, we have boy nicknames. I don't know why we are named such these, but what my dad always say, "Blame your mom."

This is my first out of the country trip and I'm going solo because I will be working as a nurse in Bellevue Hospital Center in New York. I worked hard for this break, so even if I will be away from my family I grabbed this once in a lifetime opportunity. My family is not that well off but we survive because my parents are hardworking. Working abroad is tough especially when you are away with your family. But I need to be strong for myself and for them.

18 hours of traveling alone plus a layover in Canada, is a perfect recipe for boredom. I have boarded the plane just waiting for few minutes before takeoff. There is a vacant seat on my left, window side. I hope my seat mate doesn't snore, too fat, nor smell bad. I put on my headphones and play Up Dharma Down on my phone. Currently playing: Sugarcoats and Heartbeats by Up Dharma Down

"Under weathered skies we stood our ground
You're my gravity that keeps me sound
But we let these seconds fade, our hands unnamed
And only tears do say the things we want in vain

I've been here before where words do fail
We tried to stay for more to wait for change
But nothing comes around the bend this time
Nothing we can call all mine.

Breathe lies of sugarcoats and heartbeats"

I close my eyes for a while breathe in to free my mind from anxiety. As I breathe in again a familiar smell of lady perfume awaken my senses. When I opened my eyes, saw this lady in black leather jacket and slightly ripped denim jeans. Her face is lovely like a movie star, wavy hair down and expressive eyes. When our eyes meet, I was stunned. "Hi, excuse me..." She said to me pointing at her seat. "Of course, I'm sorry." I muttered. When she passed by in front of me, I still smell her perfume, D&G Light Blue, one of my favorite scent.

I have slept for hours, watched a movie, play all games on my phone, peed and brushed my teeth, 12 more hours of travel and I'm freaking bored. Tried to sleep again but my mind is still active. Suddenly, I felt a leaning of head on my shoulder. I looked to my left and saw her fast asleep. I did not move even a bit, afraid to wake her up. I just sit still and faked my sleep.

Captain announces landing in Vancouver International Airport:

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have just been cleared to land at Vancouver International Airport. Please make sure one last time your seat belt is securely fastened. The flight attendants are currently passing around the cabin to make a final compliance check and pick up any remaining cups and glasses. Thank you."

Then she woke up shyly, "Oh sorry, how long I have been sleeping on your shoulder?" "Not very long." I assured her it was fine then I smiled at her. "You should have woke me up." She muttered. "No worries, it's totally fine." I told her. "By the way, I'm Meg and you are?" She extend her hand. I accepted it and shake her hand, "I'm Joey." I replied. "Joey. Hmm, cool name!" She sound amazed by my name. I smiled at her and don't know what else to say, I'm stunned. Like up close and personal with a celebrity. "Are you also going to New York?" She asked. I'm glad she spoke first. "Yes and it's my first time." I answered. "Really? Why are you travelling alone?" She asked like a writer for a news item. "Because of work." I said. "We have 3 hours of layover do you wanna join me?" Her New Yorker accent starting to show. "Good idea. I'm getting bored and about to go crazy."

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Vancouver International Airport. Local time is 22:34 and the temperature 73 F.