Flight Plan (FLIGHT series #01)

Flight 00 - Prologue

2024. Angeles City, Pampanga.

I almost didn't make it. That's the tweet. Period.

Two years and a half working in the airline industry, it is still a big adjustment for me. Siguro dahil sa new routes na binigay sa schedule ko, which are mostly international ones. A month prior, rotation with domestic flights lang 'yong na-assign sa akin. Hassle, since international flights na, pero keri naman.

Kakayanin, sabi ko nga sa sarili ko lagi. After all, I am living the life I wanted. But it also means commitment. And a very fixed and scheduled life.

That's why, when I've received the invitation roughly two months ago, ang tagal kong pinag-isipan if I'll attend or not. Dahil, ayon na nga. I am waiting for the monthly roster, hoping na hindi ko kailangan mag-leave. Sayang since it could be used for other important family events. Suddenly, noong dumating 'yong roster, nagulat ako na may international flight na naka-assign sa akin, and may flight ako for that day. Lucky me, the rest of my day and tomorrow will be free.

The problem is, after a Clark to Singapore flight the day before, we'll be returning back at roughly four in the morning of that very day. And with the paperwork after flight and the post-briefing, ma-swerte na makarating sa tinutuluyan ko sa Clark ng mga six.

The wedding is at ten. And... shit, welcome to Angeles traffic.

Noong iniisip ko every single detail para pilitin na makapunta, I made up my mind to inform the bride na I'll try my best to make it. And upon telling her the reason, she told me that the rest of our batchmates are lucky to have a clear schedule ahead. Tapos ako... Gadh, nakakahiya. But mas nakakahiya na makatulog ako during the ceremony. Kaya sinabi ko na lang na I'll try my best to be there. Kulang na lang paliparin ko na rin 'yong taxi kay manong driver.

"Aba, nakaabot," Ange teases me the very instant na nakita nila akong nagbabayad sa taxi. "Pang-ilan na iyan?" She smiles, taking notice of the Starbucks Venti Caramel Macchiato I am holding.

On the way, I've asked the driver if possible na mag-drive-thru muna sa Starbucks. Kailangan kong manatiling gising. At least, throughout the church ceremony muna. For sure, may coffee ulit sa reception.

"Himala and isa lang ito," I answer. "For now."

"Ay naku, Sissy Yumi. Halika nga dito and 'yong ribbon ng dress mo," Nikki points out habang pinahawak niya ang bag niya saglit kay Carina. She draws closer to me and motions sa ribbon sa damit ko, and right away, inayos niya ang pagkaka-ribbon nito. Then, she takes her bag again. "Dapat beauty pa rin kahit kulang sa tulog."

The three of them giggle. Surprisingly, it's just them right now to see me. Tumingin ako sa iba pang guests and napansin na medyo madami-dami due to the presence of paparazzi. And also other people na fan ng mga artista. Good thing na dala ko 'yong invitation kanina para i-alert 'yong security na I am invited.

"Hmm? 'Yong iba?" I ask them right away. "Well, except kay Kael. Since nandito ka naman Ange. And surprisingly, naunahan pa kayo magpakasal ni Madam."

Ange's cheeks slightly turn red. "Ah, nandiyan lang sila. If I remember correctly, sabi nila maghahanap na sila ng upuan para sa atin."

"Love ka kasi namin, Sissy. Kaya hinintay ka namin dito sa labas," Nikki adds. "Kaya napansin namin na almost complete na tayo. Well, mula sa batch natin, ha. 'Di ko lang sure sa batch ni Sir JC. And, of course, wala pa rin si Madam."

"Naku po," Carina says, laughing. "Si Madam. Hanggang sa kasal, late."

We laugh at that, remembering fond memories at once when the bride usually called us for a batch meeting. But, in the end, she never became punctual with her own appointed time. At kung kailan kami handa na magsi-uwian back then, bigla naman siyang darating.