Nikki shut down her computer and glanced at her watch, 5:19. Tesa and Beth should be here any minute to take her to the airport.
"Five whole days of freedom," she sighed. Nikki loved her design job but she needed this little holiday. Burn out was beginning to take hold of her. Taking out her compact she checked herself over. A dash of facial powder and lip gloss later, she collected her things and made her way downstairs to meet her friends. As she passed the secretary she said, "Paulette, I'll see you when I get back, next week."
The older woman looked up from her typing and smiled widely, "You have a good time in Florida dear."
Nikki could see Beths blue Honda Civic pull up. As she rushed out the doors she turned and waved to Paulette. "I will...see you later!"
**************************************************
"I can't believe you forgot my suitcase," Nikki grumbled. After having to go back to Beth and Tesa's apartment to pick up the forgotten suitcase, it was 5:46 and Nikkis flight left at 6:10.
"I'm sorry, " Beth said sheepishly, "Tesa was rushing me."
Tesa was agog in the backseat of the little Civic, "Don't blame this one me Beth. She specifically asked you to bring it."
"Well you could have reminded me!"
Nikki cut in before they got into a full blown battle. "It doesn't matter now....just got me to the airport before my flight leaves."
*****************************************************
They did make it on time. Beth had pushed the speed limit and they arrived at Baltimore/Washington International Airport with ten minutes to spare.
"Direct flight #718 to Tampa International Airport is now boarding at Gate #23."
Nikki turned to Tesa and Beth, "That's me. I'll be back Sunday. Please remember to pick me up....Beth!"
Bethie smirked, humor lighting her bright blue eyes, "Very funny." She then embraced her friend, "Have a good time."
"I will," Nikki said before giving Tesa a good-bye hug.
*****************************************************
On board the plane, Nikki made herself comfortable, thanking the gods for a job that made first class seats affordable. As she pulled her medium length auburn hair into a loose bun, the flight attendant stopped by her seat to ask her if she'd like a beverage.
"I'll take a Pepsi if you have any."
The young man nodded, taking a cold can from his cart and handed it to her. Before he could walk away, Nikki stopped him and asked if she could still place an onboard phone call.
Checking his watch, he nodded again, "You have five minutes, Miss."
"Thank you," Nikki replied as he walked down the aisle.
Grabbing the phone from the seat in front of her, Nikki dialed Jacqueline Barrows' number. Jacquie and Nikki had first met online two years ago when Nikki was in her fourth year of college, Jacquie in her first. They had fast become friends, and now spent whatever vacation time they could get with each other.
The phone rang three times before a bright voice answered, "Hello!?"
"Hey, Cracker Jaqs.....guess where I am?," Nikki laughed, just hearing Jacquie's voice cheered her.
"You'd better be on a plane," Jacquie commented.
"Beth almost flubbed on the impromptu taxi service, but she floored it and got me here on time," Nikki told the younger girl.
"Yeah, well....leave it to Bethie."
Nikki could just imagine Jacquie making faces. The times Jacquie had come to visit her in Baltimore, she and Beth had had a somewhat adversarial relationship. Nikki told Jacquie that she and Beth were too alike to get along well and Jacquie had grudgingly agreed.
Nikki could hear the pilot begin his pre-flight speech, "Jaqs, I've got to go. I should get in around 9:30 or so."
"Okay, Tricks, I'll be there. I can't wait to see you!"
"Me too Jaqs.....me too."
