Chapter 3: Simon Park

It’s 5:45am and airport is eerily quiet. I look out the window while I wait for my flight to start boarding. I was so excited to get back home to Minnesota. My best friend in the entire world was taking 2 whole weeks off from her job as a nurse to spend my spring break with me.

It had been 7 months since I moved out to Burlington, VT for grad school. In 2 years, I would have my doctorate in organic chemistry.

I pulled out my iPhone and considered texting Audra to let her know I’m taking an earlier flight in. But then I remember the time difference. It’s only 4:45 there. She is probably still fast asleep. She works a lot and I don’t want to interrupt the little sleep she does get.

“Flight 297 from BVT to MSP is now boarding”

I grab my carry on and head to the gate.

After boarding and making myself comfortable, a cute red head sits next to me.

“Going home or going on a trip?” She asks, trying to make small talk.

“Home.” I reply. I’m not much for small talk. Especially when it comes to attractive women.

“I have a connecting flight. Headed to California to visit friends. What brings you to Vermont?”

“Grad school. Getting my PhD.”

“Oh! A doctor?!”

“Well… technically. I’m getting a doctorate degree in organic chemistry. Not a medical doctorate.”

“Oh.”

After that, she puts in her ear buds and starts watching a movie.

I decide to close my eyes and get a nap in since we had a 3 hour flight ahead of us.

I woke up just before we started to descend into Minneapolis. Once we landed, I quickly made my way off the plane and grabbed my luggage.

It was 9:45. I stopped for some coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Caribou Coffee, one of my favorite places that I couldn’t go to in Vermont since they were a small chain.

While I ate my food, I sent Audra a text to see if she was around. I debated on showing up to surprise her but I also didn’t know if she had been seeing anyone lately. I want to avoid an awkward encounter.

As I was clearing my table to leave, my phone chimed.

Audra: Hey! Good morning to you too. What time does your plane get in tomorrow?

Me: Actually it just got in. You up to anything today? Working?

Audra: YOU’RE HOME A DAY EARLY?!?!!! OMG!!!!! Need me to pick you up?

Me: No, I’m going to take a taxi to my parents. You want to go out later tonight?

Audra: Sure! There’s a live band at The Brickhouse. I heard they’re good. But even if they’re not, Brickhouse makes the BEST Long Islands so we will be too drunk to care anyway.

Me: Sounds like a plan. I’ll text you later.

I take the taxi home and while I’m happy to see my parents, it feels like time is crawling. I cannot wait to go see Audra.