AIR NATION A FREE TICKET AROUND THE WORLD
CHAPTER 6
KUWAIT
FLIGHT an 356
FLIGHT an 356
They are all sitting in the first class lounge of Kuwait Airways awaiting the boarding call for their flight to Kuwait but the London Fog has delayed their departure since nine o'clock.
The lounge is decorated with great taste. There are enormous brown leather sofas. The floor is covered with many silk carpets. Paintings of oil wells are hanging on the walls. Waiters dressed in uniform with white gloves are carrying platters of cakes, croissants, toasts, and jams. Other waiters come to offer coffee a la cardamom, mint tea and sweet orange juice.
-This is perfect luxury, comments Louise to Jade.
-Yes. You are right; to be served by men for a change is really great.
-No! Not that. I meant all this. The decor, the service, the great food. We just have to lift our little finger and they come. It's wonderful.
-Yes but for how much longer, whispers Jade.
-Exactly. We might as well take advantage while we can because I’m sure that this picture will change quite quickly. We must remind ourselves that we are women, only women, right?
Jade looks at Louise, and approves while snapping her fingers to get the waiters attention.
-Sir, please.
She snaps her fingers again.
-Jade, says Louise in her ear, we don't have to be noticed.
-No, I am simply making the same gesture that the veiled woman did in order to get his attention.
-Maybe she is a princess, Jade? Who knows?
-She must certainly be a princess. Have you seen her hands! And her arms! It's not possible to have that much gold, right? Says Louise.
-I'm not sure that its gold, whispers Jade. It's so
Yellow.
-It's 24 karats gold, answers Louise. Pure Gold!
-Look Louise, even the little girl over there is wearing gold bracelets around her ankles. It's unbelievable.
At the far end of the lounge,
The other crew members are discussing among them.
-Ah! Exclaims Xenia. If the union could take care of our situation, we would not have to sit around waiting for the departure time. But here we are, and as long as the company does not change its policies, we will continue to be exploited. Imagine, if all the flight attendants from all the airline companies joined together to declare a strike, maybe we could then win our cause.
-What aspect are you referring to? Asks Lorenzo that is listening in with the others.
-We are paid only when the engines are running. Then and only then, and we stopped getting paid as soon as the engine are shut off. Do you know how many free hours we give to the company? It's unbelievable. We are truly being exploited. So, instead of making 21$ an hour, we make ten, and then sometimes less. Very often, the total number of hours in a day that we spend waiting is double the amount of hours that we spend working on flights. Conclusion, we are being paid for only half of our time. Do you understand? Asks Xenia to those who are listening.
-If I understood correctly, comments Victor, you are completely right. What are we waiting for to rectify the situation?
-It's not that simple, says Xenia. I think the union is too afraid to bring up the real problems and of course they are afraid to be replaced.
-We are the ones paying them, right? Asks Lorenzo who is interested by this.
-I agree with everything you said, says Danyele, for a 14,15 or 16 hour working day, I am only paid for half the time indeed, I admit it is frustrating, but ask yourself this, can we find better job in today’s market? A good deal of us has university diplomas, but have we found anything in our fields? No! It's the truth. It breaks my heart, but there are no jobs currently, therefore let's consider ourselves lucky just to be working.
-Danyele, says Xenia. What you are saying is true, but it's not a reason for the company to exploit us. We are being exploited my dear.
-Yes, I agree Xenia, of course, I am speaking for myself. I have been without a job and I rather be here working than being at home doing nothing. It's bad for the moral and it's not healthy. Depression lingers over you day and night.
-But think of it Danyele, retorts Victor that is convinced otherwise. We left the hotel at 7 o'clock this morning to come to the airport. We have been here since 8 o'clock. At 8 o'clock we went to the counter to get our tickets. We therefore started our duty at 8 o'clock. You agree with me. So there, he says while looking at his watch. It is almost 11 o'clock, do you realise we are still stuck here waiting around. You have just done three hours for nothing. You are not paid for that. You are volunteering.
-It's appalling when you think of it, no? Asks Xenia once more to Danyele.
-Yes and no. I completely agree with you. But we cannot do anything to change the situation. We have just been hired by this company. So for the time being, let's try to see things differently, says Danyele.
-Remind me when we arrive in Kuwait tired and burnt out, says Victor.
-Listen, up until now, I have visited new countries and for me nothing can replace that. I would do also anything to go around the world but all this is very personal. It's a question of choice. Of course, if we calculate all the hours we do in one day at work in comparison to our flying hours there is not much left but it would take a damn good lawyer to bring us to justice. Is there one that would defend our cause? Danyele looks over on both sides.
-No, nobody. It's a great cause but it's too much work for these expensive lawyers. Anyway, do we have the money to pay a lawyers bill?
She looks at Xenia.
-Well, I don't know. You would have to address your question to the union, answers Xenia. I am a simple puppet in the company.
-No, I don’t think so. You have some excellent points, states Lorenzo. You must inquire as to the total amount of money the flight attendants have contributed up until now. It's already 11 o’clock; we are still here, points out Lorenzo while looking at Danyele.
He stands up to get a magazine
.
-Hey! Look at those people entering the lounge says Tiffany to Arlene. That is called: Very rich indeed darling! Look at that. The waiter opens the door. A servant is carrying the numerous luggages.
-There is a Filipino nanny for each child. Darling! That is extreme wealth!
-Yes, but have you noticed the wife is still walking behind her husband.
-The wives, you mean. There are three of them, and nine children all for one husband. I would not exchange all the gold in the world to share my husband. Ah! No.
-Me either, I would not be able to, says Arlene while sipping her coffee. The idea of being dragged by a married man once more repulses and revolts me. I would certainly not reduce myself to that.
-Ah! Sighs Tiffany, it's truly a man's world; whether it be over there, in Kuwait or in Quebec, there is not much difference believe me, darling!
Tiffany takes a bite of her chocolate croissant and continues.
-In Quebec, the men cheat on their wives most probably more than once in their life, I don't see the difference. Once again, they play by their rules, these darling men. While, us, poor fragile women, pity ourselves. If I ever cross paths with a married man, I will have no regrets, darling! I do not have to raise them, much less than telling them what to do. It's up to the married woman to keep her husband at home and to know what to do with him. It's not up to me.
-I don't agree with you at all. I think that women must join together and send these men home. There is not one woman in the world that deserves to be cheated on by the man that she loves. You don't think so?
- No, darling! If I feel like having fun, I will, and with whom I want. So, too bad for those women that stayed home and good for me.
- When it happens to you Tiffany, you will remember our discussion.
- No my dear, because I know what to do to keep a man satisfied!
- So then tell me Tiffany, why are you still single? Asks Arlene sarcastically.
- By choice, darling! By choice, darling! Says Tiffany while putting down her cup of coffee to light up a cigarette. We both know that I can have anyone, anytime, and when if I want it. Right?
- Would you be referring to dear Mike? Asks Arlene who has had just about enough.
- Ah! Says Tiffany while laughing. Darling! You should know me better Mike is just a man passing by to ease my loneliness, my darling! Nothing more.
- Humm! Arlene responds, I'd rather not say anything else because it is leading nowhere anyway. To each his own, right? Well, I'm going to make myself beautiful. See you later!
The conversations are ongoing but the weather still has not changed. The fog is still as dense. The war between Iraq and Kuwait has barely finished and the whole country must be rebuilt. Kuwait Airways has hired Air Nation to execute the flights to the third world countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan and India to bring workers to help in the reconstruction of the country.
The hostilities with Iraq, the land-mines on the beaches, in the desert, the shells of all sizes, and the overbearing heat of this country are the only elements than can slow down the reconstruction. Kuwait does not have to worry about money problems.
But at what price do the people from other countries have to pay in order to come make a few extra dollars? Their life, at every second, is in danger.
They are hired to de-mine the beaches, the desert, public places. Whereas the more affluent are hired to build the roads, the buildings and the whole country. They come from everywhere. Engineers, architects, many companies are working to bring the country back on its feet. And naturally, the United Nations, the Americans, the British, the Canadians are working to ensure the country remains peaceful.
While they were leaving from Montreal, the fires from the great oil wells were still burning massively exuding a nauseating black smoke, naturally extremely expensive. A Canadian team is tirelessly working to extinguish the fires. And the ecological disaster will forever scar this country.
After waiting five hours at Gatwick Airport, the crew finally flies off to Kuwait, into the unknown. The duration of the flight is 8 1/2 hours.
Kuwait
Kuwait airport
The customs agents are busy working. Everyone is being checked through a fine tooth comb. Nothing goes unchecked. The crew builds up their patience again.
Two more hours are added to their long day. Is it day or night? At this point, only a good shower and a good bed can put a smile back on their face.
Finally, they have been signalled that all the paperwork is in order, now they must go thru the verification of each piece of luggage. A customs agent asks the captain to step forward. Naturally, the girls will go last. The men are looked over lightly but the women are submitted to a very detailed search.
They must then be brought into a small room. A man or a woman, depending on their sex, frisks them. This time, by use of hands or a metallic bar in order to verify if nobody is carrying anything illegal. Each day it's the same scenario to come in or out of the country.
The flight crew, as well as Max are the first to exit. They are outside waiting for the rest to join them before making their way to the hotel.
Louise is the first of the group to exit. She looks around. She cannot believe what she is seeing. The world she knew before her arrival has disappeared. What is this place she has chosen to come to work? Nothing had ever prepared her for this welcome, this culture choc. There are two distinct lines formed by the crowd of people waiting and Louise, this beautiful foreigner, dressed in flamboyant red uniform, with her red bibi, showing off her legs, her naked face for everyone to see, must go thru the middle of this crowd to make her way outside to join the pilots.
The crowd is divided in two. On one side, there are men immaculately dressed in white tunics, sandals on their feet, red and white scarves rolled up on their head and held in place with a black hoop, patiently waiting while playing with their rosary. They are there, gazing at her from head to toe. An on the other side, the others, the black anonymous, are there starring. But who are they? The ones we will never see.
Suddenly, Louise is overcome with a feeling of fright because each time a new passenger arrives, this overwhelming crowd, cries out and makes her jumps each time.
- “Courage, says Louise to herself, while slowly moving forward. Keep your head high and walk”.
Louise keeps walking while pulling her luggage, but the crowd gets closer and closer to see her.
She tries to find a smiling face, but there are only black ghosts with white dots covered with kohl and nothing else. She turns to look at the other crowd but soon after a man shows her his languorous tongue and gives her a disgraceful look. Louise lowers her head and brings it back up to look upon the sea of black silhouettes but they scare her just as much. She tries to walk faster but her luggage gets caught in the legs of the people surrounding her. She cannot go faster, it's impossible.
-”But where are the pilots with whom I arrived?” she asks herself, now petrified.
She looks behind her hoping to see the other crew members, but nobody from her group is out yet. Louise feels overtaken by powerlessness. She looms once again over at the crowd dressed in black and finally sees a woman who raises her veil and sends her a smile. Louise is relieved and smiles back. Feeling more courageous, she continues towards the doors.
She is still overwhelmed by her first visit to the Middle-East.
-Ah! There you are! Says the captain to Louise.
- Yes the others should be out soon; they were just behind me I don’t know what happen.
- Mike went to make a call, says the captain. There was supposed to be a bus, on arrival, but due to our delay I'm assuming the driver went back to the hotel. We will have to wait a little.
The crowd is still reacting inside to the appearance of the rest of the crew members. The women are walking straight ahead, not knowing where to go, really. They are struck with panic as well, and can no longer walk as the crowd got to close to them. Victor takes the lead and pushes people off so they can get out. But the crowded people on both sides are resisting so they can really have a good look at them. The girls are following Victor, not daring to look at the people, yelling out at them to stop touching them while Youssef ends the line.
Ouf! Everyone is nervous and extremely tired.
-I have never seen anything like this in my whole life! Says Chanel overwhelmed. They were looking at me as if I were from Mars. They have never seen a woman or what!
- Even with my uniform, says Arlene, I felt completely naked in front of them.
- I think we will have to be on guard during our stay here, says Danyele. Thankfully I don't have blond hair like you two. I can still resemble the natives. Its crazy isn't it?
- Did you see their look? They truly scared me, admits Tiffany. I will not leave my hotel room at all, that's for sure. They really traumatized me.
- Count yourselves lucky girls; I had to go thru all by myself. I never thought I would make it outside, that's how scared I was, says Louise. You took quite some time to catch up with me! What happen?
- A guard told us to wait for the whole group to be there, before we could get out, explains Youssef. You know girls; we would not leave you alone. Do not worry. It's completely normal for people to observe you that way. You come from elsewhere. You are not Muslims and you are all stunning. Even the men were looking me over. It's true!
- I have good news for you, says Victor attempting to change the subject. Youssef has made a great comeback. He got the flight attendants phone number that was waiting on us during the flight.
A bus stops in front of them.
-Alright everyone, get on! We still have a little while to go, says Max exhausted.
HOLIDAY INN
KUWAIT CITY
The crew will be spending some time at the Holiday Inn that was the headquarters for the Iraqis during the war. Inside the hotel, there are hundreds of handmade carpets on the floor to be admired, of all styles, of all colours and of all sizes. Two gigantic staircases, on each end of the entrance hall, give out into numerous little rooms, where hotel guests can lounge on enormous wooden furniture covered with a multitude of cushions. Up higher, we can glimpse at the glassed hallways that lead to the bedrooms.
Even though the hotel had been restored quickly, some walls still remain with black paint, reminding the passing thru of the Iraqis. Gun holes remain in the windows of the lobby. Next to the reception area, on a table, are displayed some war findings, pictures of the massacres that the Iraqis imposed on the people of Kuwait. These brutally choking images, of this grotesque reality showing barbaric methods used to torture people, send shivers.
A moustached waiter dressed in puffy black pants, a large shirt, wearing a fez and coloured shoes approaches them while carrying a platter filled with Kuwaitis champagne, alcohol-free, and invites them to take a seat under the tent, like true desert Bedouins. Another waiter is behind him, with an enormous tray of bakeries. The flight attendants, delighted by this welcome, take their places under the tent filled with cushions, patiently awaiting their key. In the middle of the tent, a waiter is preparing cardamom tea and then offers them fresh delicious dates.
- Hey! Youssef, says Lorenzo. I hope there will be something else at this party besides this alcohol-free champagne. Is it true what Victor said or was he just teasing me?
- You are speaking about the girl from Kuwait Airways, says Youssef while taking a date from the platter the waiter is holding. Yes, my brother. She told me they often organize parties amongst co-workers and that she would call us to let us know.
- Ah! That is cool, man! We will not be bored. That's perfect.
- O.K. everyone, says Max nervously as usual. I don’t plan on staying here all night. I have the intension to sleep as soon as possible. So, be quiet and listen. I will give you your keys and I would like to see you here in thirty minutes to discuss the flight schedule and the rules that must be followed. This is not Canada here and we must formally obey the Muslim laws. Furthermore, the hotel has introduced some rules as well. Hurry up because this might take awhile.
Thirty minutes later, once everyone is gathered downstairs, Max begins his speech.
- We will start right away, says Max to his crew. The rooms aren't so bad, right? Listen, I read the notes that the previous flight director left me and I would like to share them with you. First of all, they waited for us but they had an earlier flight for Zurich. Everyone wishes us the best of luck and courage. The flights are extremely long and difficult. The people are friendly and as for shopping, it is advised to hold back because half of Simon's crew spent all their money. Some of them had run out two weeks ago. So listen carefully. Do not count on me or the captain if this happens. Understood?
-Yes, yes the group answers while listening attentively to Max's suggestions.
I will continue. For the women, you do not have to wear the veil but try to be discreet by wearing something on your head. Try to cover your arms and wear pants. Guys also. When you go to the pool, dress accordingly to get there and then follow the pool rules. Apparently, there is a workout centre, squash courts, a sauna they do not seem to have lack of anything during their stay. If you leave the site, be careful. There are many girls that have been followed, even up to their room. So be careful.
Last night a maniac fired shots at a nearby restaurant. He asked the foreigners to exit and then, he shot everyone else. Some crew members were there. They were lucky enough to get out and are still shaken by the incident. If you are planning to venture out; be escorted by the guys from the United Nations. He takes a deep breath and looks them over.
- It's not all that bad! Ah! I almost forgot, respect the Muslim laws, the time allowed for prayer, and be discreet, for the love of God! For the love of Allah! Our first meal is offered free of charge by the hotel. Appreciate it. Tomorrow night, 10.30, we will fly to Bangladesh and back. Rest yourselves. According to the stories, it's a very hard flight on your system, long, very long. O.K. I'm finished, thank you. My room number is 787, if you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me, alright. That's what I am here for and here is the list of everyone's room number.
Danyele and Louise walk together towards the elevator.
- We should not go to bed right away. That way we will get into the beat of the night flights. What do you think, Louise? Asks Danyele to her sister.
-Good idea, I’m too nervous to sleep anyway. All these laws give me goose bumps.
They enter the dining room and pause a moment to notice all these men dressed in impressive red and white scarves. They wait for the maitre D.
-We must get used to it, eh, Louise, says Danyele.
-Yes, you are right, but I prefer cowboy hats to checkered table cloths.
-Or a nice baseball cap, adds Danyele.
-No way! That's for guys that don't have any hair on their heads. No a Bogart type hat, a cowboy hat, a Russian hat, a tuque or nothing else.
-Look Louise, over there, how about a nice pale blue beret?
At the same moment Danyele is making her remark, the blue beret men turn to get a better look at them.
-Well, O.K. says Louise, with a smile across her face; let's say for our stay here, I will broaden my selection to include berets, blue berets only.
-Ah! Ah! Ah! I think we are going to have a lot of fun here, says Danyele while looking around the room. What more do you want Loulou. There are only three women in this dining room and all these men to conquer!
-All we have to do is make a choice my dear sister, snap our fingers for a waiter, or wink at the men Ah! There he is.
The Maitre D' is coming over to seat them.
The girls follow him while meticulously observing all the men in the room and are seated to their satisfaction.
-You forgot something Louise.
-What?
-There might be only three women in the room but you are forgetting that we are nine women in the crew.
Louise stands up.
-It's precisely why we have no time to lose Danyele. Let's get to work, she says laughingly. We must choose and choose fast!
The girls approach a majestic buffet placed in the middle of the room that is decorated by enormous ice sculptures. Mountains of food have been prepared.
The dining room is filled with people. The majority of them are Kuwaitis. A few white men are seated and speaking to each other with British accents. Other men are dressed in the United Nations uniform bearing the Canadian flag. There are also French pilots dressed in their uniform seated at another table. The American soldiers are eating in silence.
-Danyele what do you think of visiting the surroundings after supper to see what it's like? Asks Louise excitedly.
-For sure. I can't wait to see. We must get our cameras.
She serves herself some lamb and places a few slices on her sister's plate without asking if she wanted some.
-You can be sure of that. I don't have the intention of going to sleep just yet. I am extremely tired like I told you earlier but I won't be able to sleep. It feels special to be here, doesn't it! Look, let's try this, it smells great.
Youssef comes to see them.
-Well, what are you two sisters up to? Taste this rice. It is divine.
He puts some on their plate.
-We are going to walk around the hotel after. Do you want to join us?
-Well with you two here with me, I’m certain not to be bored. Keep room for your desert! -Look, says Louise, who just sat next to our table. They are maybe our future contacts for camel rides or a visit to the Highway of Hell.
-Yes indeed, and they are quite cute, Danyele remarks.
-Let's go girl.
Youssef goes by first.
-Good evening. Are you the new crew from Air Nation? Asks sergeant Mackintosh as he stands to salute them.
-Yes, Danyele hastens to answer. That's correct. We will be staying here. My name is Danyele; this is my sister Louise and Youssef my Algerian brother.
-Sergeant Mackintosh. Please sit with us. You can call me Jim, this is Ben and the other is Tom.
He signals the waiter to come to the table.
-Hello, answer the two other homely soldiers who are now standing to shake hands.
-You will see, says Jim, you will love it here. The Kuwaitis are very nice and love to speak to beautiful Canadian ladies.
-What are you doing here? How long have you been here? Asks Youssef who is anxious to learn more about the desert war.
-I have just arrived like you, answers Tom. I have only been here for a week.
-The sergeant and I, Ben explains, have been here since the beginning of the end. We are busy putting everything back in order and maintaining peace on the boarders.
The bellboy enters the dining room while ringing bells. Youssef's name is written on a slate.
-Hey! It's for you, says Danyele to Youssef. They signal the bellboy to come to their table.
-Sir Youssef Arafat, telephone.
Surprised, Youssef rises to take the call.
-Yes, hello. Yes, yes, yes. O.K. I am taking note.
He walks with the telephone to make his way to the maitre D's desk. He signals he needs a paper and a pen.
-Yes, I have written it down, goodbye and thank-you, he says all smiling.
He returns to his seat.
A little further, Chanel and Jade are talking to two men dressed in casual wear. One looks English and the other Arabic, but he is not wearing a white tunic.
-What are you doing here? Asks Jade curiously.
-I am in charge of putting together a strategy plan and Mickael is my Kuwaitis contact. He is a prince you know, says the Englishman to impress the girls a little.
-No! Chanel exclaims, you're kidding!
-I assure you, says the Englishman.
-Never mind Jonathan, give them time to settle in.
-Tell me, asks Jade. How come you have an English name?
-My father married an American; my mother comes from New Jersey. She therefore gave me two names, Saad and Mickael.
-It's very interesting, says Chanel, who is stunned to be seated next to a prince. Have you ever been to the United States?
-Yes, I have study there and then I went to England where I met Jonathan. We have always kept in contact and on occasion we do business together.
Arlene, Tiffany, Josey and Lolitta are seated together.
-I wonder how long we can hold up to all these red and white tablecloths that surround us. Asks Arlene with a bit of hostility.
-Wait, suggests Lolitta. Carramba! We have just arrived. Give yourself time to adjust.
-Listen, says Josey. Soon we will be flying and I am certain we will not see the time go by.
-As for me darlings, its official. I will be tanning and I also have some intensive shopping to do.
-What do you think you will find here? Asks Arlene still perplexed. Tablecloths to put on your head and nice black robe. That's very exciting Tiffany.
Josey speaks out.
-Even if they have been bombarded my dear, the fact remains that this is one of the richest countries in the world. They can get anything.
They import industrial amounts of merchandise. You will see. And what about gold?
-Yes, yes, we will see, Arlene responds with idleness. I came here for two reasons. The first one is to make money and secondly to be with you guys.
-Bueno! That's a good start, says Lolitta.
-What is to say that we won't meet a billionaire on business for oil dealings? Don't count your eggs before they have hatched. So patience. Anyway, it’s not only money that's important in life Arlene, Josey explains. It doesn't' interest you to meet people, learn to know them, to live like them.
-No, not really, Arlene hurries to respond. That does not interest me one bit!
Josey rises from the table, upset by Arlene's words.
-You should make some small effort, it's worth it or else you can lock yourself in your room and when you return home, you will have no stories to tell. Wake up girl; it's not an opportunity like this that is offered to everyone. Lots of people would love to be in your position. Think about it, she says while leaving the table.
Josey is furious after hearing such ridiculous comments. She walks by Danyele's table.
-Hey Josey, where are you going? Youssef asks.
-I am going outside to get some fresh air, she answers. I am choking in here.
-Wait for us. They are going to show us around the city in their jeep. It will be cool.
Jim rises and approaches her.
-You are welcome. We have room for an army.
He laughs.
Josey has found her smile again. The others leave the table, in a hurry to begin their visit.
-I am going upstairs to get my camera, explains Louise. Wait for me.
-I am coming with you Louise, says Danyele.
-O.K. we will meet at the main door. I will bring the jeep up front, Jim announces.
-Ah! Max, I was looking for you, says Danyele rushing into the elevator. We are going to exchange money at the souk with soldiers from the United Nations. Is that alright?
-Yes, but don't do anything crazy.
The doors of the elevator open once more. Louise enters with her camera.
-Who is with you? Asks Max.
-Louise, Youssef, Josey and three United Nations soldiers, answers Danyele.
The doors open. The girls head towards the hall entrance. Max looks over the soldiers.
-Alright you can go. Be careful.
Victor, David and Lorenzo are deeply conversing with the locals. They seemed very pleased to have met them. They are lounging on the sofas, as are their new friends and they are trying to pump their long pipe of chicha. Aromas of apple and peach surround them. David coughs but is enjoying smoking the chicha.
In another little opened-room, Max meets up with the pilots. The captain has requested a meeting.
-Apparently, begins the captain, the flights you have had up until today are nothing compared to what is coming up.
Max sips his mint tea and listens carefully to the captain.
-You will start with the hardest flight. It is the longest and the most tiring. We must be vigilant and very strict.
-Yes. I understand the situation very well. Simon mentioned it in his letter. The boarding is the most complicated part, I believe. We must frisk the passengers. I think we might have a few problems at that stage. It’s not written in the job description. There may be flight attendants who will refuse to do it.
The first officer and the engineer are carefully listening to their conversation while sipping on mint tea.
-We will see when we get there. If you have problems please tell me, I will mention it to the company and they will have to bring on qualified personnel for this.
The captain puts down his cup of tea.
-Max, all I want during our stay here is for everything to be perfect. On time departures, a secure cabin, happy passengers and a cooperative crew. Ah! I almost forgot. You must conform to the new service of Kuwait Airways. Tell the women to refer to the men for any conflict with male passengers. We will change Youssef position since he speaks Arabic. We will place him in the big cabin. Victor will be upstairs. If we have any diplomats, they will be served by a man.
-Have we covered everything captain? Asks Max, tired.
-I think so. What do you think?
-Yes, everything is covered, says Mike.
-So let's make a toast? Says George as he raises his cup of tea.
-Ah! We will be drinking massive amount of this mint tea, Mike remarks.
They all laugh.
-I hope it doesn't change the colour of our skin! Mike says laughingly.
Musicians are now in the middle of the small lounge. Some guitarists some drum players and a flutist are playing Arabic music. The famous scarf rests on their head and around their waist they wear a belt with big half-moon knives.
Outside, Louise, Danyele, Josey and Youssef accompanied by the Canadian soldiers are walking. They silently observe the mess, the disaster created by war. It is very late and the streets are still filled with people. The Kuwaitis look over the women as if they were exquisite jewels.
The souk had been bombarded in different places. The rubble remains. There are many army trucks, completely burned. The windows of surrounding homes are protected by sandbags. Many buildings have been completely demolished; some buildings are still standing, with enormous holes created by Iraqi bombs.
-I feel the war is still ongoing with everything that is destroyed around us. It's unbelievable, Josey remarks.
-Yes, and that's why we must be very careful. We have not inspected everything nor have we finished cleaning. It is quite possible that many explosives are still sleeping somewhere, waiting to be woken, explains Ben.
-Follow me, says Jim while he accelerates his stance. If you want to exchange some money, this is the place to do it. They have the best rate in town. Come over here.
Jim stops in front of a small store.
-Here we are, says Ben.
-I can't believe it. Have you seen this? Exclaims Louise, completely surprised to see this amount of money displayed in a window. Look at this! Stand over here; I absolutely must take a picture. Don't move.
She stops a moment to take the picture.
-Ah! Jim, I should probably ask for permission, right? Asks Louise excitedly.
-Yes, it's always best. Wait, Ben ask him, says Jim.
Ben enters the exchange store and exits just as soon.
-O.K. there is no problem.
-Smile, click! I can't believe it. All this money.
-I have never seen this much money in my whole life! Exclaims Josey.
-How much money could possibly be in this window? Asks Danyele. Have you seen all these American one hundred dollar bills? For the love of God! They are rich these Kuwaitis.
There is money displayed from the floor of the glass window all the way up to the ceiling. Piles of money are there for all to see.
The flight attendants are as fascinated as children looking at a Christmas window. The soldiers burst into laughter. Two Kuwaitis pass by and laugh as well.
-We were the same when we arrived, says Tom entering the exchange shop and saluting the men guarding there treasure.
Three men are sitting inside in front of mountains of money. The two younger ones are wearing their scarves straight on and the oldest one wears his rolled up. He has a very long white beard and glassy eyes.
Jim speaks out some Arabic words.
-The accent is different from home, explains Youssef.
-No! Well I can't believe this store. Says Danyele. Can you imagine a store like this in Montreal? It wouldn’t be around for long. Everything would disappear in a minute. Imagine the poor Kuwaiti that sets his shop up in New York. It would be a joke.
They laugh some more. The Kuwaitis and the others laugh as well.
-We are rich, explains the oldest taking Danyele’s hand, but we are not that crazy!
The flight attendants are amazed by his impeccable English.
-The people from your country or from other countries know robbery and crimes a lot more than us. Here, he begins, as he looks at Danyele straight into the eyes to see her reaction, we...he says very slowly to scared her a little, we cut their hand off.
He places his finger inside Danyele's fist.
-Then, he continues to explain, the other hand, and if that does not work, we cut off their head.
Danyele backs up not to get her head cut off.
-Therefore the problem is soon resolved. There are no robberies here. You may walk in peace. You come from Canada just like your friends, he asks normally, as if what he just said did not make any difference.
-Yes, answers Danyele while swallowing and attempting to retrieve her hand.
The man looks her over and laughs.
-You are afraid of me. Ah! Ah! Ah! Do not be scared. You are welcome here in Kuwait. We like Canadian men and mostly...beautiful Canadian women.
-Thank-you.
-We trust that you will maintain peace in our country. Shoukran. Shoukran.
-You said thank-you, right? Asks Louise that had learned some words on the plane.
-Yes, Shoukran means thank-you.
While they speak, the others exchange their money.
-Wait, says Louise. Salaam Malékum, Salaam Malékum, yes that's it I think. I want to say good day, she explains while giving over her money to be exchanged.
-Salaam Malékum! I understood perfectly. I feel honoured that you are speaking my language. Wait, I will give you a friendly rate.
He adds another pile to the bundle that he had handed her over.
Louise smile proudly. The others look at her with a little jealousy.
-I speak Arabic as well, explains Youssef.
-Yes, but it is normal for you sir, not for this pretty girl.
The old man is very kind. It is not every day that he is allowed to see women faces, other than his own wife. Therefore, he attempts to keep them in the store as long as possible. But the soldiers are accustomed to this scenario, and Ben politely excuses them, knowing that tea will soon be served and it will take forever to leave the place after.
-Shoukran! Maasalama! he says to salute them good-bye.
-Ah! You truly charmed them ladies, while walking out of the souk.
-Yes, but thankfully we left before the tea service, explains Jim. Thank-you, Ben.
As they walk towards the jeep, Ben explains to the group the Kuwaitis customs that practically apply to all Middle Eastern countries. Perhaps, this custom especially here is most often practice because the Kuwaitis are very welcoming. Once you enter a store, you must say hello, then you bargain for everything. It is a sign of politeness, an acknowledgement that you know the product and that you are interested without exaggeration. Let's say you cut in half the asking price. Then, the exchange is followed by their offering of tea or coffee. Therefore, it can take quite some time. All this is done in the name of friendship and naturally in hope that they accept your price. Often, they offer tea for no reason just to know you better. You must have a lot of time and patience.
-What would you think about visiting the Highway from Hell, tomorrow morning? Proposes Jim, to the flight attendants as they head back to the hotel. We must hurry because soon it will be completely cleaned up.
-You mean the road where there were thousands of people killed when they attempted to flee, asks Josey.
-Yes, answers Tom. I have not had the time to go, Jim and Ben will be bringing me, so you could probably join us.
-It interests me enormously, says Louise, excited to visit something. My reaction is maybe harsh but I want to see it to better understand, even if suffering cannot be explained to those who haven’t lived it, but I will have a good idea. We are lucky to live in Canada. We will never live thru something like that. At least, I don't think so, as long as we keep our image of a pacific country. At what time, Jim?
-We will pick you up at 9 o'clock. Is that good for you?
-Marvellous, says Danyele. Anyway, tomorrow we have a flight at 10.30. We will go with you and we will try to sleep in the afternoon. Yes, that's perfect.
-Are you working tomorrow? Asks Josey.
-Yes, but we start our duty at 10 o'clock. Tom explains.
The jeep stops in front of the hotel.
-Thank-you for the ride and all your information, says Danyele. It's fantastic. I can't wait to go. See you tomorrow everyone.
-Bye!
Youssef shakes their hand to thank them.
-Thanks again, Louise shouts while walking towards the hotel. I am very tired but it was worth it.
Thank-you!
-Thanks guys, says Josey. See you tomorrow.
The soldiers wave goodbye.
They enter the hotel and head towards the elevator. Musicians are still playing in the lounge.
-I am asking myself...why...Youssef says, while waiting for the elevator, why I felt out of place or more like a chaperon...
-Why? Danyele asks.
-As if you hadn't noticed! Three girls, three U.N. soldiers, yes, yes, Danyele, as if you haven't noticed the way the sergeant looks at you. You are blind!
-Yes we are three girls and three guys but Youssef that doesn’t mean anything. Listen, I will make a deal with you, you can take my place, if you are jealous, ah! Ah! ah!, proposes Louise laughing.
-I think Danyele and Jim are great together, what do you guys think, Josey asks.
-It makes sense, but let's not starts any stories, Danyele asks. We have just arrived. We should be thinking of being on time tomorrow instead of dreaming of G.I Joe or else, others will take our place, if you know what I mean.
-Yes, you're right Danyele. So let's try to keep this between us, Youssef suggests. If you run into them tomorrow, try not to say anything. We are not going to wait for them. The jeep does not have room for the whole crew anyway.
The door opens on the third floor. Louise exits and holds back the door.
-Wait, holds the door Youssef. We forgot something very important. Who will tell Max?
They look each other over and then turn to Danyele.
-Invite him, Louise continues, he can come with us. I am certain he will want to come. Max loves to explore.
-Alright, says Danyele. Count on me. Tomorrow morning, we meet for breakfast at 8 o'clock.
-O.K. bye! Says Louise.
In the lounge, Lorenzo, Victor and David are still smoking chicha with their new friends. Victor is listening seriously to the music. David is red-faced and Lorenzo's eyes are sparkling. Lorenzo takes a puff from the pipe and coughs for the thousand times.
The Kuwaitis start to laugh.
-The Canadian doesn't like it? Asks one of them.
-No, Lorenzo answers. I do but I cannot get the hang of it. I don't smoke cigarettes; therefore I am not used to it.
-As for you David, do you like it?
-Ah, yes. It's very special. It tastes great... like apples. Don't you find?
- But yes, answers the other. Its apple flavoured. Do you like Arabic music? He asks.
-Yes, tremendously, Victor hurries to answer. There is a lot of rhythm. Do you dance in your country? He asks.
-But yes Victor. The men dance but not the women. I will bring you to a place. You will see for yourselves.
-I think I smoked too much this evening, David says to them and I am exhausted. I am going to bed. Please excuse me.
-Maasalama! David
The others talk away until the early hours.
The next morning, Louise, Danyele, Josey, Youssef and Max wait impatiently for the U.N. soldiers outside the hotel, hoping nobody from the crew sees them.
-Damn! I hope they arrive soon, says Youssef, because there will not be enough room in the jeep...
-Ah! Jim! Danyele says while waving.
-Good morning everybody, says Jim as he stops the jeep to let them climb in.
-Look, a new one, Ben remarks. My name is Ben, and he is Jim and that's Tom.
-Max it's a pleasure to meet you. I have been told good things about you. So, I came to see if what I heard was true.
-Max, explains Danyele while sitting herself next to Jim, is our flight director.
-Ah, like Simon. He is a good guy, Simon. I hope he comes back. He really enjoyed his experience here.
The jeep starts up again.
-Simon and his crew saw the oil fires that were still burning, Jim says. It was quite a spectacle. You might have notice when you arrived that there is a few remaining to be extinguished.
-Look! Says Ben while pointing in one direction. It's impressive isn't it! Wait to see the road where we are headed. First of all, let me explain this road. Hundreds of thousands of people headed down on this route to flee the Iraqi invasion. They were headed in this direction when the biggest catastrophe of this war occurred. Men, women and unfortunately thousands and thousands of innocents, the little children...
He pauses a moment, takes out a cigarette and offers one to the others. He lights his own and then lights Louise. He takes a long hall and continues to explain.
-They were all killed without exception. Not one soul survived. Tom lights one cigarette and gives the Du Maurier package to Jim.
-You will see everything has been destroyed, burned to a crisp. He pauses once more and takes another hall.
-We can already see exploded cars and tanks on the side of the road. The desert has become an enormous cemetery. Ben continues to explain.
-I had never seen anything like this in my entire life. The first time I arrived here, man I was sick. Sorry girls but its true.
-We have cleared a good part already, Jim continues to explain, but as you notice you will see there are a lot of things remaining on the sight, a lot of shit wreckage and personal belongings from those who die from this catastrophe.
-So, to evaluate the worth of the rubble, the men had to clear a road through the debris, because when we arrived on the site, everything was like an enormous pile of wrecked metal. It was impossible to go thru. We had to have bulldozers come to clear a path, but there was no hope to find anyone alive here.
Ben stops speaking and thinks back to the first infernal day he lived and then continues.
-The beautiful image of the desert is no longer of one that we had imagined. You can see for yourselves. The sand is still black. Everything is burnt, the animals are dead. Damn! There was nothing left. Only pieces of metal!
They felt that Ben could not do much and that he was still filled with much frustration.
-When you get out please stay in groups because there are still many land mines, munitions and explosives. So please be on guard and most importantly watch where you put your feet. Little pieces of plastic that seem inoffensive could cost you your life.
Louise points her finger straight ahead.
-Oh my God! Look Jim! Are we here? Asks Louise, stunned at the enormity of the horror.
She stands in the jeep to get a better view.
-Yes it begins there, he points out.
-You know, says Jim, like Ben explained when we began clearing a path amongst the debris, it was still burning and each bulldozer shovel had to be finely combed thru. Ouf! What horror! There were men in front of us to disarm the land mines and to secure the path. It was long and painful; unfortunately it is still not finished, as you can see. But today, it's Friday and for Muslims, it's like Saturday, nobody works on this abominable site.
They observe in silence the Highway to Hell, as everyone who has passed thru has named it. Nothing so disgusting could exist on earth.
They all came to see the Highway to Hell and they will never want to see it again.
It is very cold outside at this time of year in the desert and a strong odour is smelled even though there are strong winds. The sand whips their faces and silences reigns. The jeep runs slowly. Nobody dares to take a picture. Jim stops the car. A truck passes by. The sergeant Jim waves at the occupants he gets out of the jeep to speak to them and returns to the group.
-You can come down, says Jim while meeting up with them. We are going to the top of the hill so you can get an overview. There is a lot to see.
As soon as he said that, the crew climb out, avid to look around.
-Louise! Cries out Ben. Louise! Don't move! Do not move! He orders seriously.
She is only a couple of metres away from the jeep. She turns around to backtrack.
-Don't move Louise! Cries out Jim as well.
She does not know what to do. She begins to tremble of fear. She stops and looks around her to see what is wrong but she can't see anything. Absolutely nothing.
-Stay there! Jim orders the others, I will come to you.
-Tell me what's wrong! Cries Louise nervously.
-Do not move! Stay calm, Ben orders as Jim approaches her.
-My God! Cries Tom. This area has already been cleaned.
-At nine o'clock! Ben specifies to Jim. A Banana!
Jim walks around a bit more to examine precisely what is must face and then approaches Louise.
-Could you explain in simple terms what I have to do? Is it a landmine or a snake? Cries Louise terrified.
Jim comes close to Louise.
-Chut! Quiet please, take a deep breath and let me look at this over properly to see what we are dealing with.
He examines meticulously the circumference around Louise. He looks at her for a moment and raises her with his both arms to then set her down behind him.
Louise is still not moving. She is standing there petrified.
-Go meet up with the others, orders Jim to her but Louise still cannot move.
-Ben, Jim cries out, come and gets her and backup all these beautiful people. I will take care of this immediately, Jim explains.
Ben heads towards Louise and takes her hand to bring her back to the jeep. Tom meets Jim, who is on his stomach in order to disperse the sand.
-What a find! Jim exclaims. Look at this, this torpedo is at least 30 centimetres.
The flight attendants are observing Jim in silence. He takes out a knife from his back pocket, places it in his mouth and looks over one last time what needs to be dismantled. Without wasting a second, he opens and attentively inspects the assembly and cuts the conductor wire of the explosive.
-Got it! He says, and gets up as if nothing had just happened.
-Yes! Max exclaims, happy that everything is over. That is excellent work!
-It took my breath away, Josey admits.
-Everything is clear for the moment, says Jim while attentively inspecting the area.
-Yes, I don't see anything either, says Tom.
-Perfect, concludes Jim while unhappily looking over his colleges.
They return to the group.
-I'm sorry that this incident happened, says Jim to the flight attendants who are still shaken by this unexpected event. They look at him without saying anything.
-Are you alright? Asks Ben at Louise to break the silence.
-Yes, No!
She is mad at this incident that could have cost her life.
-How did you see that? She asks Ben. Do you have laser eyes or what? You told us to keep our eyes open, but I did not see anything. I did not even go far. This crap is a bit too close for me. I will stay in the jeep. Sorry and thank-you for saving my life.
She walks the little steps needed to make her way to the jeep and gets in.
-Are you alright? Asks her sister, relieved that nothing serious had happened.
-You could have exploded, Youssef points out.
-You do not have to remind me, she answers dryly.
-Stop! Says Max. I think she has been through enough. We have taken the risk of coming. Everything should be secure with the Boys, and that's exactly what happened. Nothing happened. Conclusion, we don't talk about it anymore.
-Let's go, says Tom. Walk in my steps, that way there will be no danger.
-Go, says Ben to the others. I will stay here with Louise.
-No, no you don't have to stay here with me as if I were a child.
Louise is still shaken and prefers to sulk in her corner, instead of having to deal again with a similar situation.
-I will not move one bit, I won't even breathe until you come back. That's a promise, while speaking she takes out a cigarette and lights it up.
-No, says Ben, I want to stay. I scared you and anyway, you cannot stay here alone with our vehicle in case someone else passes by.
-O.K. well you two stay here and we will go meet up with Tom, says Jim.
Max is walking behind Jim and the others follow behind. Gently, they try and step in Jim's footsteps but the wind has diminished their visibility, it's almost impossible. Luckily, Tom is in front of them. They are walking towards the hill while passing thru many burnt vehicles. Even trucks and buses. It is horrible to see. Nothing is left.
After a good ten minutes, Louise gets down from the jeep and leans on the front to watch them leave. She is upset with herself. She rages at the thought of staying there like a scared chicken, but she cannot do anything. She can't seem to put one foot in front of the other to catch up with them. She lights another cigarette.
-Shit! She says, I messed up everything. I won't see anything.
She pits out her cigarette, climbs onto the hood, lights down on her stomach and looks in another direction. She extends the zoom on her camera and begins to observe the surroundings.
-Thank-you Ben, says Louise after awhile. Honestly, I am not upset at you but at myself, at the fact that I am scared. And naturally, I did not see that damn bomb, myself. That's the most disturbing. I don't like for others to see me make mistakes. It makes me mad.
-Listen, your reaction is completely normal. Many soldiers that were trained for this kind of thing have lost their lives. The men are surprised at seeing an explosive at their feet. They freeze and cannot move forward. It's then that they jump like rabbits, because nobody is there to tell them to move.
Louise listens to him and she looks into her camera.
-Tell me Ben, what is over there?
She lends him her camera. He takes the time to examine closely and says:
-It's another damn explosive as you would say. But that one could blow us all up. It is a lot more powerful.
-It's ridiculous, isn't it! She begins, but when I look at all of this I imagine the noises, the cries of suffering that must have been heard, when everything happened.
-Well, she says after taking several pictures. Can I move captain? I would like to take more pictures over there.
She jumps down from the hood. Ben catches her by the arm.
-Come, I want to show you some interesting things. You don't have to be afraid.
-O.K., you can count on me to keep both feet on the Asphalt.
Ben looks at her and smiles.
-As you wish.
They walk along side of the debris that is before them, for kilometres and kilometres.
Trucks, clothes here and there, luggage papers are scattered all over the desert. TA roasted carbonized camel lying on the ground showing there is everything...but life. Nothing.
Louise begins once more to take pictures but decides to stop soon after, afraid that the lens on her camera will be damaged by the many particles of sand that the wind is blowing around in the atmosphere.
A little further on the hill, the others have found a cargo of munitions completely intact.
-They might have been Iraqis in the group? Jim asks himself aloud. This is an interesting discovery. You see, we have a lot to do. There are tons of munitions here.
-Yes and of all kinds, all sizes, all shapes. It's unthinkable, Danyele declares.
-It's unbelievable, Max comments. Look at this. There are boxes and boxes of munitions.
-There is enough to blow up a whole city, in there, Youssef underlines very worried about this discovery. We should go back now.
-Yes, you are completely right, Youssef. But I am sure you certainly did not see these new explosive gadgets in Algeria. Look, those ones, in the third box, what do they remind you of?
-Of toys, answers Youssef. Yes, that's it: Frisbees. They are truly cruel.
-Children don't make war, says Danyele, they are submitted to it. Ah! It's unbelievable.
She turns around and starts to do back down.
-Have you taken enough pictures? Asks Jim.
-Yes, let's go, Tom concurs, let's go back.
Ben and Louise return from their short walk as the others come back down the hill.
-Well, well, I thought you were not going to move a muscle, Jim yells as he comes down.
-It's Ben that gave me the order to follow him.
-Yes, yes Louise. I know you well enough not believe you. What do you have in your hands? Ask her sister.
-It looks like a diary. The group comes closer.
-But it's written in Arabic, exclaims Josey.
-Show me, says Youssef.
He takes a couple of seconds to look it over.
-Ah! I can't read his writing.
Youssef does not want to relive the horrors that he himself lived in Algeria, and he prefers not to tell them what the young child wrote in his journal.
-What did you find up there? Asks Louise curiously.
-At least a tone of ammunition and ashes of thousands of people, says Max while getting into the jeep.
The wind is blowing very hard and the road can barely be seen in front of them. Thankfully, the soldiers know their way around. Nobody will forget those disastrous images. Nobody. The trip back is done in complete silence. Everyone is trying to understand, but nobody does. War, this social phenomenon, bringing hostility and conflict, does not allow comprehension to follow; it makes room for punishment and nothing more.
Back at the hotel, Jim suggests to go for a camel ride on their next visit.
-Take our phone number and call us next time you are available, says Jim.
He gives his phone number to Danyele,
-Go to sleep now, you have a big day or rather a big night ahead of you.
-Thanks again, say Louise.
-Goodbye everyone, see you next time! I will not soon forget this day, says Max while shaking their hands.
The jeep turns the corner and the rest of the crew enters the hotel.
-Are you coming? Asks Max. We are going to see how our lizards by the pool are doing? Personally I find it is too cold today to tan. Its freezing don't you think?
-True, it's not warm but much warmer than in Montreal, I am certain, answers Danyele. There is no wind here, in the desert earlier though, it was worse than a snowstorm. Hey! Let's change the subject, I still have chills up my spine.
-As for me, says Louise, my feet are burning!
-Can you believe it; Josey begins, that you could have blown up!
They are almost are there tanning in the sun. Jade and Chanel are surrounded by French pilots. One of them is sitting on Arlene's chair. Tiffany, Lolitta and Xenia are reading fashion magazines. A little further, the captain is playing tennis with Lorenzo. Victor and David are swimming in the pool. Mike and George are not there.
-Hey! Gang! Where were you? Asks Xenia, curious.
Max pulls up a chair next to her.
-It's a secret. We went... and he begins to describe what he saw.
The others are sitting at the pool bar to look over the menu.
It is nine thirty at night, when the crew enters the airport to start their first flight to Bangladesh. They are many security checks, many frisks before gaining access to the aircraft. Armed soldiers are on guard. Once more, the flight attendants are searched. They finally reach the aircraft. There are about a dozen security men, inside and outside the plane. The crew gets searched one last time before getting aboard.
-So, everyone is here, ask Max finally. Let's begin, we will have armed security with us, during the whole flight, to go and come back. If one of the guards stands, or orders you to do anything, you do it! Agreed. If, for any abnormal reason, you see them stand or start to run, you do nothing or get out of the way. Lie on the ground, explains Max seriously, I don't want to lose you. Do not try to be heroes.
Come here, I want to show you a couple of things. He advances a bit further in the aircraft and opens an opening under the carpet. You can go down thru there if ever the situation requires for you to do so. Go, go down. There is a light to your right. Continue all the way to the back of the plane and you will see a cargo door. It's thru there that you exit if ever your life is in danger. O.K. It's not like in the movies. Come back up.
Well! Now this has been said, I will need four flight attendants to search the passengers.
-What! Exclaims Xenia that bounces up to stand. It is out of the question to search the passengers. It is not in my contract.
The flight attendants begin to discuss between themselves.
-Listen! It is not me that is in command. Kuwait Airlines asks for us to do so to ensure that the security of the crew and the passengers is 100 per cent safe. I know that it is not written in the contract and that we should have spoken of this before but tonight, I do not have time to discuss; I was astonished at the request myself. Are there any volunteers? And don't forget, it’s for your security as well.
-But, what do we have to do? Asks David, intrigued.
-The men will search the men and the woman will search the women. All you have to do is put your hands along their body. Open their handbag or their carry-on.
Nobody answers Max's request. He waits.
-Listen, you have seen how much time it takes and there are only two people positioned in front of the plane's door. It might take up to four hours to do the boarding and I don't have to tell you that we are not paid. It does not bother me, but we cannot forget that we have to leave and come back. The night will be very long. The captain told me that he would speak to the manager to bring professionals for this position but before we have any answers, I need some volunteers.
-Very well, answers Danyele, as long as you promise that we will not have to do this every flight. It's a bit embarrassing searching our own passengers.
-I cannot guaranty it, answers Max who is starting to become impatient, but we are working on this problem to change the situation. I imagine that Simon, who was here before me, had begun the procedures
-Alright, announces Youssef. I speak Arabic that can probably help.
-O.K. thank-you everyone. For the flight to go we have Kuwaitis, most of them are business men that are going to recruit new employees. You will probably see them often during our stay. They must respect the instructions and you must make sure that they listen to you, especially the women. Be firm, and if you see the situation is becoming difficult, please call on your male colleagues to rectify the situation. Do not forget it, you are women and here, you have no importance in their eyes. It's like that, we cannot do anything and we are not here to change things. Keep an open mind. Obviously, if you are here, I think that has already been understood. It's all about persevering and not letting yourself getting discouraged.
-Halas! Halas! Cries out the man walking towards the crew. Hello! My name is Abdoula. Can we begin boarding? We will use the galleys for searching the passengers. The women will go in the next galley, the man says to Max without allowing him to speak.
Max looks at him and makes him wait, before answering, in order to show him that it was he who decides and not this strange character.
-If you say so, Mister Abdoula, says Max, insulted that he was receiving orders and had been interrupted. But unfortunately, we will begin in five minutes; my crew needs to verify their emergency equipment.
Abdoula looks him over and leaves, without saying a word. The flight attendants divide up and hurry to verify their emergency equipment.
The night ahead will be very long. It’s the most difficult exercise known to man, staying awake all night, and making sure not to fall into a deep sleep, requires superhuman strength. They must also adapt to a new type of service and attempt to understand their new passengers that are numerous to not speak their language, tugging on their clothes, snapping their fingers or whistling tsst… tsst… to be understood.
The next morning, after their night flight and sixteen hours of hard work, the crew returns to their hotel. Many of them direct themselves, their eyes practically closed, to the elevator to go to sleep and the others find some energy to grab a bite to eat.
In the dining room, the waiter comes to take their order.
-You wish to order breakfast, sir? The waiter asks Danyele.
-Excuse me sir! Says Danyele in a firm tone. You are a sir. I am a mam' or a miss and yes Miss is going to order breakfast.
-You are mean! Louise states.
-Not at all. I am certain that he himself forgot that women still exist.
-I will take the buffet, Louise answers, while smiling to the poor waiter.
-Me too, answer Danyele while already standing.
-Well girls, says Youssef, we have a super party tonight with the crew of Kuwait Airways, don't forget. Somebody will pass by to get us at 8 o'clock.
-Have you spoken to Max? Asks Danyele.
-Don't worry, I already spoke to him about it on the plane. He said that he does not see any without inconvenience that we socialize with our work colleagues.
-So everybody is coming.
-Almost everybody.
-We should invite our U.N. soldiers, they are so nice. What do you think? Asks Danyele.
-Good idea. I don't see why they should not come. They are really great guys. I had thought of it but it's you that has their number if I am not mistaken, says Youssef.
-Perfect! Says Louise very happily. You will call them, Danyele.
-My goodness Louise, you are very excited all of a sudden, says Danyele.
-Ah, stop it. I would feel more secure, that's all and if I ever need anybody to remove another torpedo from underneath me, I will be well protected.
-I am anxious to see how they party here, says Josey.
Once night falls, the flight attendants are almost all there, as well as Mike and George. The captain prefers to stay at the hotel. He does not really want to party. He has attempted many times to contact his wife but nobody is answering. A flight attendant from Kuwait Airways arrives at the hotel to pick them up. Youssef climbs aboard with Mohammed and the other guys. Danyele, Josey and Louise are with the U.N. and the others are in a taxi.
The road is treacherous. Everything is demolished. Mohammed explains that everything will soon be back in order but for now, they don't have a choice to live this way. Mohammed stops the car in front of a building that is halfway demolished.
-Is it here? Asks Youssef, stunned.
Youssef begins to be nervous. He is no longer certain that this was a good idea after all. He starts to regret having involved everybody in this party.
-Are you sure, asks Youssef once more.
-Yes, answers Mohammed. Do not worry. It is not dangerous. Myriam lives here.
He gets out of the car. The others as well. There is an enormous hole in the middle of the building; they are all wondering how it could still be standing. It is impressive. Everyone hesitates to follow Mohammed. He takes out a flashlight to shed some light.
-Follow me, you will see for yourselves, and if you are still afraid, I will drive you back to the hotel. Is that alright?
-Very well, answers Mike. Let's go inspect the ruins, he says while laughing to calm the tension.
-Do not worry, says Mohammed. Half of the flight attendants of Kuwait Airways live in this building. Don’t be scared.
They walk without speaking as they follow him and finally enter the building.
-Do not touch the railing, and don't be scared, says Mohammed.
Dust is falling from the ceiling and it is very dark.
-How can people live here, it's unbelievable! Danyele whispers to Louise.
-Hum!
After climbing five floors, Mohammed opens a door that leads in a hallway. The walls are filled with bullets. There are bloodstains on the walls and on the carpet. Nothing makes you want to go to a party or maybe for those who survived, they have all the reasons in the world to celebrate they victory against death.
-Hello! Everyone! Says Myriam, very excited to see them again. Come in! We are very happy to see you.
Myriam is very nice. She is not very tall, but the charisma that she has makes everyone smile. The path they took to get there has been completely forgotten.
-Please excuse my house, it's a bit messy, but I had to move to this side of the building very quickly. During the war, my apartment was bombarded. I don't have much left, but I still have some things. It's wonderful that you came. Come; serve yourselves, as she directs them towards the kitchen.
-There is enough food for an army, says Victor and whisky for everyone. Unbelievable but true. We can have a drink like home.
-You are surprised? Asks Karim to Louise as she is looking over the bar. The choice is limited but we take what we can get. Can I offer you something?
-I remember you, says Louise you served me on the plane.
-That's true. You like, wait let me remember. Yes, a bit of white wine.
-You have some today? Asks Louise while laughing.
-Yes! Here you are.
-You are allowed to drink, I am very surprised, Louise admits to Karim.
-Most people here are Egyptian, and Lebanese. It's illegal, I know but we like to drink and in our native country it is allowed, whereas here, it is not. And for the Kuwaitis that are here tonight, I don't have to tell you that they enjoy it. He leans over to speak to her more closely. By the way, all those who are here tonight have royal blood you know!
-Interesting, says Louise while toasting with Karim. Let's drink to their health.
The apartment is tiny; there are more than fifty people. The atmosphere is unbelievable. Everybody is welcomed. In one small instant, they are all linked in friendship. Youssef does not leave Myriam's side. He really likes her. Danyele is speaking with a Kuwaitis. He is wearing a red and white scarf on his head. He stands more than two metres tall. He looks very distinguish and he is very handsome. Mike and George are standing next to the bar and are discussing with the pilots of Kuwait Airways. David is dreaming and observes Xenia from the corner of his eye and finds that she has changed, even thinner.
Without realizing his awkwardness, Victor says to Lolitta:
-She is truly beautiful tonight Jade, isn't she?
-Why are you telling me that Victor? I am also very beautiful tonight, so go tell your stupidities to Jade and leave me alone, moron.
-But wait, I was not finished; I wanted to tell you that you look ravishing.
-Never mind, it's too late. You truly don’t know how to speak to women Victor, Carramba!
Tiffany has not changed her habits. She has already had a couple of drinks. Two men are busy filling up her glass.
Karim brings Louise to the living room. The people are sitting on cushions on the floor. Karim introduces Louise to everyone. The music is playing. The atmosphere is warm and typical of the Middle-East. Karim leaves Louise in the middle of the living room. She does not know exactly where to stand, so she decides to go to the back of the living room, near the window, or rather where a window used to be. She observes the people and smiles at them. A couple of minutes later, Karim returns with a gold cane, a beautiful fez with black string on top and places it on her head. Myriam, who knows this dance, throws a scarf to one of the women sitting in the living room. She catches it and ties it around Louise's waist. Louise does not know exactly what they intend on doing to her but she decides to go along with it. Somebody has just taken her glass of wine and Karim places himself in front of Louise while kneeling on one knee and knocking the cane on the floor. The men around them hurry to get their drums to follow along with the music.
-You must dance! Cries out Myriam. Go! Show us what you can do. Yes! Look, it's like this.
She shows her how to move and disappears, leaving her alone in the middle of the living room.
-I thought only the men dance here, Louise says to Karim.
-Yes but the Egyptians and the Lebanese dance, answers Karim who is clapping his hands louder and louder.
I don't know how you dance but I would like to try. Louise is as red as a tomato, everyone is looking at her, and even her sister stops her conversation to watch. Everyone gathers in the living room and they are all clapping their hands. Louise finally lifts up her arms and tries to move her hips from one side to the other. The men are yelling and Karim is following the rhythm by banging his cane on the floor as he watches Louise dance. Taken by the Egyptian music, Louise is not as shy anymore and tries to dance the best she can. She cannot stop in the middle of the song, not wanting to insult them either, so she continues to dance. She would have like to have had more than two sips of wine to unwind a little but, there she is, in the middle of the living room, surrounded by strangers, thousands and thousands of miles from home, dancing like an Egyptian with a fez on her head. She is now relaxed and is having a great time even though she is shy to dance in front of everyone. The music stops for a brief moment. A woman stands up and approaches Louise to show her exactly how to dance.
The music starts up again; the woman leans backwards and moves her body like an eel. She is extremely flexible. A man stands and decides to dance with her. The rest of the crew joins up with Louise and dance to this very rhythmic and exotic music. Danyele prefers to continue speaking with the Kuwaitis.
-You are a prince, how come you are here tonight? She asks curiously.
-I know Ali very well, Myriam's brother. We play racquetball together and he told me that his sister was having a party for Valentine's Day. That’s why I came.
-You celebrate Valentine's Day! And you play racquetball, Danyele repeats, surprised. I did not think
-That I could play racquetball is that what you are trying to say, says Marouan while laughing.
-Yes, I guess so. Without wanting to offend you.
-I went to U.C.L.A. University. My mother insisted that I go to U.C.L.A... She is originally from California. Therefore I know how to play racquetball, tennis, horseback riding, I play golf and water-ski. Not bad for a prince hen!
-Yes, definitely, admits Danyele.
-Would you like to come boating with me tomorrow? You could bring some friends along. I could come and pick you up at the hotel.
-It's not dangerous to go boating?
-Do not worry. My boat is equipped with many sophisticated devices and I will have with me the chief of Kuwait City police who will make sure that nothing happens.
-That's very interesting, but I must ask permission from my flight director. We have some very strict rules.
-Well, I will call you at the hotel and you can give me your answer then. If not, you will have to play a racquetball match with me.
-I am sorry, but I cannot play.
-I can, I will show you. Let me go get you another glass of whiskey, Danyele.
Everyone seems to be having a great time, the atmosphere is relaxed. Louise is dancing with David and Lolitta. A Kuwaiti man approaches her. He is dancing around her and is clapping his hands. He is very charming.
One of the female guests tries to pull him towards her but he only has eyes for Louise.
He wants her attention at any price. He is clapping his hands louder and louder.
-I think he likes you, says David.
-Yes but she, next to him does not seem to like it, answers Louise.
It's maybe her boyfriend. We should stop.
-If you want, says David. Let's go eat something. Everything looks so good.
-Si! Si! says Lolitta.
The woman begins to dance in the middle of the living room in a very enticing way. The people stop to dance to watch her. She lowers to the floor on her knees, arches her back backwards while still moving her arms towards the man to get his attention.
The men are playing the drums and are yelling as they watch her. She becomes completely elated by the music, and suddenly, the man takes her by the arm, looks at her disgracefully and speaks into her ear. He lets her go, while pushing her away without a second glance and goes to get him a whiskey.
Louise, Lolitta and David join Arlene and Chanel.
-Is it good? Asks David to Arlene and Chanel who are both tasting delectable little cakes filled with almonds and honey.
-Delicious. We have spent the entire evening eating, says Arlene.
Louise, Lolitta and David will not miss the opportunity for seconds.
The night is going very well. Everyone is having fun and forgets for a couple of hours that they are in a Muslim country. The people are great and the hosts are so charming.
After some time, the woman who had danced for the man comes over to speak to Louise. She takes her by the arm to get her aside and begins to speak to her in Arabic but Louise does not understand.
The others are wondering what she wants.
The woman begins to speak in very poor English.
-My husband would like for you to come with us tonight, to dance at our house.
-No, I don't think so Louise says while laughing, thinking that she is joking.
-He would like to have you as his wife, she says.
-But you are not his wife? Asks Louise, while laughing a little.
Yes, we are three. He wants you and I can't do anything, says the woman upset.
Louise tries to turn in the flight attendants direction but they are all speaking to each other and eating their pastries. She looks at the woman and finally says in a firm tone: Thank-you but no thank-you.
I am not interested. Not at all. Are you serious?
I don't appreciate this joke at all.
Louise tries to leave to go back to the group, but she holds her back by holding her arm.
-I am very serious Miss. Very serious, look!
She takes her by the arm and turns her towards her husband for her to see him. He is standing next to his wives and is smiling at her.
-It's...how...can I say, flattering but I am not interested alright, says Louise a bit nervous about this proposal. She starts to get shivers.
-Very well, says the woman as she bows to say goodbye.
Louise puts her plate on the table as if nothing had just happened and hurries to meet up with her sister.
-Danyele, she says while whispering. We have to leave. Listen to me. It is very serious. The man that is over there, don't look, please don't look. He wants to have me as his fourth wife. Hurry! We must tell the U.N. to bring us back. Not your Kuwaitis boyfriend but the U.N. Do you understand? I am very serious, believe me. Make up something but we have to leave immediately. Tell the others, tell them that I am sick, very sick, yes that's it.
-O.K., alright. Don't panic. Please excuse me on Myriam and Ali's behalf and tell them that we must go.
Fifteen minutes later, all the girls leave with the U.N. as well as David. Danyele leaves her number to the prince before leaving. The others preferred to stay a bit longer. Ali seems to catch Max's attention, and Ali seems to approve of Max as well. He decides to stay along with Victor, Mike and George, while Youssef continues to pursue Myriam.
Louise still cannot believe it. She is sitting and looks over one last time the ruined building. She never thought that she would hear such words in her lifetime. The others are speaking to each other, but she is not listening.
-Louise! Jim cries out, making her jump. Tell us what happened.
-No! It's nothing. I don't feel very well that’s all.
-Try something else; I saw your attitude change when the Egyptian came to speak to you.
-Ah! It gives me goose bumps.
-Come on, you did not make us leave a party without a reason; you owe us at least that.
She repeats the story to the others that do not believe her.
-It's not true.
-All right, never mind, if you don't believe me, go back to the party and see for yourselves.
-We will have to watch you closely, says Ben. Who knows, you could get kidnapped.
-Keep going Ben, don't you think I have had enough happen to me since my arrival, and now you want me to be kidnapped.
-Stop your stupidities, says Danyele. You are scaring her for no reason.
-No, but what happened to me tonight is very serious, says Louise. If at least he wanted me for his second wife, I would have maybe considered his request but the fourth, no way!
They begin to laugh and Jim pats her on the back.
-That's good; the sun has not burnt your brain.
They finally arrive at the hotel.
-Go the sleep my darlings, tomorrow, you will have forgotten all about this, says Ben to comfort them.
The next morning, nobody is at the pool. It is grey outside. There is not much to do. Danyele has received an invitation to play racquetball with the prince.
The captain has just received his mail. The letters he sent his wife have been returned.
Jade has decided to go to the store to buy some fruit. As she exits the hotel, a man begins to follow her but she does not notice. He is wearing a white tunic, a red scarf and is trying not to drag his sandals. Jade crosses the street while making sure that her scarf covers her hair properly; especially her red hair because, red haired women were accused of being witches, bearers of wicked spells.
The man continues to follow her, but she still has not noticed. She turns the corner to go up some stairs that lead to a dozen of small boutiques. Slowly but surely, she takes her time to look over the jewellery in the windows before entering the food store. She chooses a few oranges, a few bananas, some dates and cashews. She takes a carton of mango juice and heads for the cash.
The man following her has decided to enter the store, and is behind her, but Jade is busy with her purchases and does not notice that this man has followed her from the hotel. She pays her bill and leaves. She continues walking in front of the stores. She looks thru the windows and finally enters a bakery.
-Everything looks so good, she says to herself.
There are enormous plates of pastries spread out on the counter so that customers can see. Jade looks around and hesitates before making her choice. The salesman greets her with a piece of baklava that is overflowing with honey and nuts. He signals her to taste it. While she is eating her baklava, she realizes that the man that had entered the grocery store is now observing her from outside the bakery.
-Mmm! Says jade to herself, he must be looking over the sweets.
With their big red tablecloth on their head, we can't make out their face properly.
-They look so good your pastries and if they are like the baklava, I will take a couple of pieces, she says while signalling the waiter to give her a piece of each kind.
He smiles and laughs a bit but Jade does not understand why. She turns around and realizes that the man is still there.
-Hum! She says to herself. That's strange isn't it! He is still there! A bit surprised to see him still standing there. O.K. how much do I owe you? She asks the young merchant.
He looks at her and laughs again.
-Nothing, you only took one piece of each.
-Ah! Well! I still need to pay you, no!
-No, it is not necessary. Here the women buy the whole platter.
-But there are way too many for me to take the whole platter.
-Yes, well that is the way it is. People love sweets here.
-I am sorry.
-No, it's a pleasure to offer them to you. They are also made to taste.
-Thank-you!
-I am the one who should thank-you for your visit.
-See you next time, I will be back. Everything is so good.
-O.K. Maassalama!
-Bye!
Jade exits and realizes that the man is still there standing in front of the window. He has turned around not to be recognized. She begins to walk and realizes that as soon that she has turned the corner; the man is truly following her. She stops at the traffic light. She readjusts her bag so nothing can fall and makes sure that her scarf is covering her hair and looks from the corner of her eye to see if the man is still there.
Unfortunately, she sees that he is still there and he is approaching her rapidly while keeping his head low. Jade begins to be scared. As soon as the light turns to green, she crosses the street in a hurry. The man does the same. She trips on a rock and an orange falls from her bag. She does not bend over to pick it up, instead she begins to run. The man picks up the orange and continues to walk in her direction. Jade is trembling. Her scarf is slipping down her shoulders but she does not care. All she wants now is to enter the hotel and that this awful man will disappear. She begins to lose her breath, but she continues to run straight for the hotel. Another few oranges fall from her bag, but she does not care about her fruit, she wants to get back to the hotel safe and sound, as fast as possible.
The man begins to run as well and is yelling at her in Arabic. Jade is running faster and faster and finally leaps into the hotel. There are no security guards on her arrival. She barely opens the door. Someone exits at the same time and lets her in. As soon as she enters she looks for someone from the crew but nobody is there. She runs to the reception to advise someone about this.
But as she turns around, she does not see the man that was following her, so she decides to go up to her room. She tries to find her breath. Her heart is pounding very fast. She is waiting for the elevator while looking at her half empty bag.
-Mmm! I don't have a lot of oranges left.
The elevator doors open and close right away. She hurries to press the button to open the doors. Luckily, the doors finally open and she hurries to get in. She enters and presses the button for her floor but suddenly she cannot move, she is struck with panic. She turns around only to find that the man that was following her is now in the elevator. Shocked to see him there, she faints and falls on the floor. Her bag falls and the rest of her oranges fall out.
-Ah! Damn, cries Victor after a moment. What did I do?
Victor had disguised himself as an Arab man to play a joke, but now he has gone too far. Nervous that his game had not turned out as planned, he presses on the fourteenth floor by mistake, then the third floor and finally the second.
-Jade! Wake up! What am I going to do with you like this?
The elevator door opens on the first floor.
-Hey! Wait, cries out George to get in. Jade! Victor! What's going on? He asks, surprised to see Jade lying in the elevator.
-Help me George, I will explain later.
Victor is now upset and presses on the second floor button. The door opens and they both pull Jade out of the elevator to sit her down on a nearby chair.
-Jade, are you all right? Asks George who is trying to reanimate her by touching her cheeks. Victor takes this moment to remove his tunic, his red and white scarf to put in George's bag.
-Hey there you are my little Jade, George exclaims happily. You scared us. What happened? Are you sick?
-No, no, I'm fine. I was followed by a man, a crazy man and after that I can't remember anything.
-Ah! These men, they are only looking to trouble the women. Can you get up; we are going to bring you to your room. What floor are you on? Asks George as he tries to help her up.
-My room is on the sixth floor. I'll be fine, says Jade. My room is not that far.
-No, we better not take a chance, Victor moans. The man might be in the hotel.
-Let's go.
After a moment the doors open on the sixth floor.
-I'll be fine. My room is not that far.
-O.K. be careful, says George.
-Thank-you.
The doors close. Victor looks at George for a moment. Victor avoids him and presses the button for the main floor.
-If I understood properly says George looking over Victor.
He opens his bag and hands over the scarf to Victor.
-You are the Arab man that followed her.
-Yes, that's it, says Victor uneasy. I did not think that I would scare her that much. I simply wanted to play around.
-Victor! You're not thinking. You have scared her for the rest of the trip, says George furiously.
-Ah! We cannot have any fun. Listen, when I entered the elevator, I wanted to show her my face but she crumbled as soon as she saw me.
-Oh! I can't believe it. I hope that she does not find out what you did to her.
The doors open and they exit.
-What a story, says George while walking away.
Victor stops to take a newspaper. Chanel exits the other elevator, smiling.
-Hi Victor, how are you?
-Mmm! Yes, yes.
He raises his head to look at her.
-My goodness, have you won the lottery, you look amazing.
-No, but my cute doctor has called me. It's great isn't it?
-If you say so. Making love over the telephone is quite difficult. You could date me instead. I am on the spot and I could tend to all your needs 24 hours a day.
-Thanks Victor, but I am very happy like this.
She heads towards the dining room.
Arlene, Tiffany, Lolitta and Josey are talking away at a table. The captain is seated in the non-smoking section. He is alone and does not seem happy.
-Hello, says Chanel.
He smiles but does not say a word. Chanel surprised by his attitude and that he had nothing to say to her, goes to meet up with the group a little disappointed.-Hello everyone! Is it me or has the captain been acting strange lately?
- No darling! You are absolutely right. I have noticed it as well.
- Maybe he is sick? Josey asks.
- No, I think its love, says Lolitta. His eyes do not sparkle anymore; he doesn’t look at us and doesn’t participate in our activities anymore. That's not him.
- Lolitta is right, maybe we should do something, says Josey.
- Like what! You are talking crazy, says Arlene in a firm tone. It doesn’t concern us.
- And why not? Darling! We could maybe arrange for him not to be alone, we could invite him to play tennis He loves sports. We do not have to ask him or get involved in his private life at all, but we could be a good travelling companion, that’s all.
At the same moment that Tiffany explains what can be done to lift his spirit, the captain finishes his breakfast and leaves.
- He has never left the dining room without coming to see us with some kind words. He really looks bad. This is impossible, says Chanel.
- Yes, you are right Chanel. Although we cannot say the same about you, Says Lolitta.
- Sir! Chanel asks while smiling at the waiter.
The waiter approaches her. - I would like a cappuccino, please.
-Very well mademoiselle Chanel.
-He is very nice this waiter.
-Stop changing the subject and tell us, darling!
-I have received two phone calls from my charming doctor. Isn't that great!
- It's fantastic, exclaims Josey.
- You are very lucky, says Lolitta.
- Tell us, says Arlene.
- Well, the first time he asked me to call but I didn't. Well yes I did but it was the answering machine and I did not leave a message. Anyway, the second time I called, It was the answering machine again. I left him my phone numbers here in Kuwait and he called me last night and again this morning. It's fabulous.
The girls are listening to Chanel attentively.
So what is his name? How old is he? Is he married?
He is a doctor, Arlene answers for her. It says everything. It is for the money she wants him.
Arlene is jealous of Chanel because the good doctor had not chosen her. She wanted badly for him to choose her but he didn't. Chanel looks at her and without saying
Anything unpleasant, answers the questions that she had been asked.
-He is an emergency room specialist. He is twenty-eight years old and has never been married.
- Darling! You really got lucky. You would be crazy to pass this one by.
- Yes definitely, says Arlene as she gets up. Follow my advice. Do not introduce him to anyone and keep him for yourself or he might be stolen from you, she says in a sarcastic tone. Bye everybody! I have a round of tennis to play.
- She is really strange Arlene sometimes, says Chanel disappointed by her attitude.
- I think she is like all of us, explains Lolitta. We would all like to have someone to share things with, to be in love!
Lolitta swallows down the rest of her coffee and looks around her.
- For the moment, I see there's Chanel, Josey
And who else? Ah! Yes, Xenia and David, that's not many considering the number of people we are. Lorenzo, but Jade is not interested.
- You are right we are desperate cases. Who would want to fall in love with someone that is never there? Says Tiffany.
-Me, says Louise who arrives with her sister Danyele. Do you want to know why?
She sits down to continue.
- The less you see him, the more he wants you. But if you are always there, strangling him, with this and that, he will finally choke and want to be as far away as possible. It is better to have them running after you and if nobody runs after you well, you will not have lost your time. You do your little thing and one day when it happens it happens.
- No, not really, it's not easy these days to find somebody interesting, Danyele says. The men do not have any of the same interests as us, they are so very different. They don't think or act the way we do.
- So what are you going to do with that charming man you were with last night?
Danyele? Asks Chanel.
- Si! Si! Danyela, tell us what he had to say.
- He is a prince, a direct descendant of the royal family. He told me that he would invite us to go boating on his yacht. It's great isn't it? But today, the weather is not that great so...
At the same time, a waiter is walking around with Danyele's name written on the slate.
- Well, well, well Danyele. Someone is looking for you. Danyele, flattered, smiles and rises to go get the phone. The girls wait impatiently for her to return with more.
- So? Asks her sister. Are we going boating?
- No, not today. He is going to show me how to play racquetball. The weather is not good enough. He called me from his car. He is in the parking lot.
- Not anymore darling! Says Tiffany, who is observing him from afar.
…to play racquetball. The weather is not good enough. He called me from his car. He is in the parking lot.
-Not anymore darling! Says Tiffany, who is observing him from afar.
Danyèle rises up to present him and leaves as fast as she can.
-Hum! He is not bad looking for a Kuwaiti, observes Tiffany after they are out of sight.
-I’ve met one prince too the other day that is not bad either, says Arlene. His mother is American or English I don’t recall but he really look like him, he must be his brother.
-Ah! It’s like a fairy tale, here...sighs Tiffany lighting up another cigarette.
The girls spend a good part of the morning talking together drinking coffee. There is not much to do.
Today, the weather is quite depressing.
When the night come, the crew is ready for another all nighters. Tonight’s pairing (schedule) is very busy. They have to do four legs (flights).
They leave Kuwait to go to Qatar than go to the Emirates and from there they fly to Cairo and they come back tomorrow morning.
At the time of the descent towards Kuwait, the
A. T. C. (Air Traffic Control) contact Air Nation to cancel their descent and to ask them to hold still. They reduce the engines and place themselves in a Holding position, circulating around the airport until further notice from the air controller that will than tell them another alternative to approach the airport.
After thirty minute in holding, the A. T. C. contacts Air Nation again to confirm them that the R. V. R. (Runway visual range) shows no chance at all to land at this time and that they have to return to Cairo. The bad weather is gotten worst on Kuwait and the situation is getting too severe to permit aircraft to land any further tonight. The A. T. C. decides to close the airport. A sand storm is stopping all the operation at the airport and it’s getting too risky. The sand could block the engines of the aircraft that tries
To land and it could be catastrophic so they redirect Air Nation back to Cairo. The crew found themselves spending the day in Egypt.
Arriving at the Holiday Inn in Cairo, the crew is really tired but very excited to be in Egypt for a full day. The hotel is offering them a welcoming cocktail while they wait for their keys.
Louise exhausted doesn’t lose a minute to see the guy at the counter to ask him to organize something for her and Danyele so they can go see the pyramids.
-Listen, she says to her sister joining her. We can go see the pyramids by camels; it’s perfect, isn’t it? Ask Louise all excited.
-Of course, perfect. I wouldn’t miss this are you silly? Let’s do it!
-Wonderful, go ask the others to see if they want to come too, while I confirm this.
-O.K.
-Miss, for 20.00 dollars U.S. I can take you around the city for a few hours and then camel riding around the pyramids after that I can give you some time to browse in the bazaar. How is that Miss?
-Ah! This is fantastic sir, she says very happy. I am in Egypt, it’s unbelievable! I am so lucky but at what time do we have to leave sir to do all this?
-One moment, let me see. It’s five o’clock in the morning. I give you four hours to sleep how’s that?
-It’s right on. Don’t forget us.
-No, you can count on me Miss.
-Louise, we have a little problem, admits Danyele coming back. Everyone wants to come even the pilots.
-Do you have the space for all the crew? Ask Louise right away.
-Yes, it’s possible, says the concierge. Mafish moushkila! No problem. We will go by taxis.
Danyele goes to tell the crew members but Louise signals her to come back and see her.
-Listen, I don’t want to miss the chance to see the
Pyramids so I will tell them it’s at 8:30 O.K. so... like this, if they are late well we will leave on time, you understand.
-Mafish moushkila! repeats Danyele enchanted to go visit the pyramids.
Louise looks at the concierge.
-Es mi, Louise.
-Es mak Ramsès.
-Like the real Ramsès.
-Yes that’s it.
-It’s my sister Danyele. We are from Canada. Well, we shall go to bed if we want to sleep a little, see you later, Ramsès.
-Inshaala!
-Oh! Danyele, can you believe it how lucky we are to be here. Luckily the airport is close because we would have never had the chance to come here for a layover. We are only one hour and a half from Kuwait by plane. We will never come back here, ever. Can you believe how lucky we are? It’s a gift from the sky. We are in Egypt my big sister!
-Yes, I’m going to send a fax to mom before I go to bed. She is going to be happy and to hear from us, explains Danyele.
-Tell mom we will take pictures thinking about her, says Louise.
Daniele goes to the reception while Louise joins the rest of the crew.
-O.K. every one, if you want to see the pyramids, meeting at 8:30. Be there, be on time.
The next morning or should I say a few hours later, Louise and Danyele are having breakfast together before going to discover Cairo and his beautiful treasures. Some of the crew members took a cup of coffee in a rush while the others had preferred to sleep as much as they could.
The traffic in Cairo is as dense as the one in Bombay. The drivers never stop using their horn. There is no straight line; they direct themselves as best as they can. Ramsès brings them to the City of the dead.
He explains them that a large part of the habitants of the city of Cairo live among the dead. They were push from the force to survive and to stay alive to live with the dead.
-You cannot count them all, you know, says Ramsès getting off the old Mercedes.
From the top of the hill, we can see the City of the dead. It’s hallucinating. They have built walls around the cemetery on an open space, not bigger than a metre long and a metre large, members of the same family sharing a minuscule piece of land. They live on top of their ancestors. Between grave-stones, they take their showers or again cook their daily meal. What an atrocity! What a reality!
-Is it really what I wanted to see, ask Louise to herself. How can we visit the wonders of the world when very close to those beautiful sites, the shocking reality of Cairo, and the monstrosity of poverty immobilises you for a moment, just to remind you the misery of the world. Ah! She cites out, how much is the price to pay to built historic sites? How many people pay with their own live to build fabulous things that they will never see and what for? When you see people living in such a condition...
-Louise! Are you coming! Screams her sister.
-Ah! Yes, I’m coming, she says taking a last shot.
The tour is continuing, they pass in front of Mohammed Ali mosque, where from there they can see the quarry where all the stones from the pyramids were taken from.
-The slaves, explain Ramsès, had to take and pull rocks on a distance of more than 20 miles before arriving to the site of the construction of the pyramids.
The crew members are listening to him with great interest. They take numerous pictures and then get back in their old Mercedes to cross the poorest parts of Cairo after the City of the Dead, where the handicaps, the old people and the less fortunes survive day by day, night and night in ruins with crawling vermin of all kinds and way too many rats. The first part of the visit is not easy to digest. No one’s dare to talk they are all open-mouthed facing the cruelty of this nation.
-Get out everyone, says Ramsès after driving them to the further parts of the city. This is where you are going to start your expedition to the pyramids. I will wait for you here. We all ready prepare the camels for you. We are waiting for you as you can see.
He signals to the group to join him. The camels are there, ready to go!
-Ah! Amon! My friend, Salam malékum!
-Malékum Salam Ramsès!
The men are kissing themselves on both cheeks and on the front head.
-Let me present you Amon, says Ramsès to the crew.
-Amon! Says Louise. The God of Eternity! The God of the Pharaohs! What a beautiful name isn’t it!
-You know history very well, Miss.
-Aywa. Kif haalak Amon! Ask Louise.
-Ways al hamdoulilè! Answers Amon. Go! Go on! You take any of these camels, they are all good children, and he explains laughing.
-Me, I definitely take this one, he has a good head, says Victor to the others.
The camel starts to groan. The entire crew start to laugh.
-Come on Pentaur! Help mister, ask Amon, to one of his son.
The camels are lying down on the ground. All you have to do his a big huge step to go on top of their back. Everyone tries as best as they can to get on their giant mounting. The result is not that bad, after ten minutes, everyone is sitting on their beautiful creature. The departure time as ring.
You can hear a cacophony of multitude of sounds. All the camels start groaning at the same time. They are very intimidating those desert animals.
Danyele is holding on firmly on the pommel of the saddle when suddenly her camel decides to rise up.
-Ah! She screams wanting in courage. It’s quite deep. Hold on! She advises the others.
The camel stretch themselves and then rises up straight up and since you kind of sit in the back it’s quite impressive. It’s not a horse at all! Wow!
-It’s so high, screams Jade all afraid.
-Nicely my beautiful camel, nicely, screams Xénia. I should have taken a horse.
-Oh! Oh! My God! It’s so high, says Lorenzo a bit afraid too.
After a few minutes to straighten their mounting, the crew finally leaves fallowing Amon, one by one in an Indian line. The children of the small suburb fallow them around. They leave the small village before venture for their long walk in the desert towards the Giseh pyramids. The way that the guide chose is so narrow that a lot of the crew members have their feet touching the walls of the houses on each side of the path. The place is extraordinary. The people, mostly women and old men are sticking out their head to see them pass by. They salute with their hands and look at them leave until far away. The children are running and playing around fallowing the group.
Amon stops on top of a hill to make sure everyone is fallowing and has no problem with their mounting. We can see close by, a cemetery, and then on top of another hill they can see in the middle of the desert the three pyramids of Giseh, that rise in front of them. The view is just fabulous. Cheops, Chepren and Micerinus are there, all three in front of them waiting for their visit.
To their right, the Sphinx is guarding them with all his splendour. In Arabic the name of the sphinx is Abu-le-Hol meaning the father of terror. It’s so ferric. The crew backs up in the pass. After a long time of admiration, Amon starts the descent of the hill walking in the direction of the pyramids. The sun is just burning hot. It’s at his strongest zenith.
-This is madness to cross the desert right in the middle of the day, screams Lorenzo but I am so happy and lucky to be here that I don’t really care.
I don’t understand how they could have built architecture of this size in the middle of nowhere.
It’s beyond calculation! What do you think guys?
-Imagine, what we can do without calculator, without computers, says Victor.
-Yes, but how many slaves have lost their lives? Replies Danyele.
They fallow each other’s one behind another in direction of the pyramids. They seems so small from a far but the closer you get the pyramids take a phenomenal width. David, Lorenzo and Youssef are removing their sweaters and are now wearing them on their head. The heat is unbearable.
-How can they walk like this beside us? Ask Chanel looking at three little fellows fallowing the crew on foot. The smallest is not even five years old, I’m sure.
Suddenly coming from nowhere, a fourth one appears like a mirage offering them coca-cola but the guide doesn’t want them to buy anything from him but try to stop them from quenching their thirst a little under this boiling heat. Another little fellow is popping out from the sand dune coming towards the group to sell them some scarves just like the one of Lawrence of Arabia was wearing to protect them from heat burn.
-The small vendor just made is day with us, says the captain buying one.
-Now, we are real tourist, screams Mike. Really, today, it’s way too hot to walk around like this in the desert. It’s very important to cover our head before we all get insulation.
-Ah you are so cute Chanel, says George, watch yourself, you could get kidnap you know!
They continue walking with their camel in ecstasies in front of those jewels of pyramids. The small group of children are still fallowing them even under this terrible sun.
-Louise, screams David, you look like Cleopatra! Tell me, Am I really here or I’m just dreaming in my bed?
-No, you are really here, wait I will take a picture of you so you will have a real proof of it. Stop everyone I want to take a group picture in front of the pyramid.
When they start walking again, Louise wants to take the smallest kid with her on the camel but the guide, their father doesn’t want too. Louise feels bad about this but she cannot do anything.
They get finally close to the pyramids to admire this master piece. They get off their mounting. The guide explains them that long time ago, the pyramids were all cover with precious stones but today there is nothing left at the exception of a very tiny part on top of it but only the brave’s one who wants to climb to the top can see it.
-The view on top is magnificent, explains Amon. It took ten years to build with the power of 100,000 men working on a three month shift. The funeral site is on a distance of two metres squares. The Cheops pyramids is the biggest. Its height is 137 metres today. Before it used to measure 146 metres. The top of the pyramid is a large plate-form of 10 metres squares. None of the rock blocks are less than 9 metre and 24 centimetres long. In the barring chambers of Miceranus the smallest one, it is built with three small satellite pyramids for the queens, there was a very beautiful sarcophagus but when they took it to England by boat they sank it near the coast of Portugal.
-Ah what a shame! Exclaims Lorenzo. We come all the way here to see the inside of the pyramids and...
-The Egyptians, says David, have been exploited all their life...Shit! If the people want to see historic treasures they should come here.
-I agree with you, says the captain. It’s pillaging, it’s sacrilege! They have no respect!
-It’s sad, I am extremely deceived darling, says Tiffany to Amon. You have to stop them from doing things like this. How many tourist leave these places deceive? They pay a lot of money to come all the way here and they won’t be able to see the sarcophagus.
-But of course, at the museum we have a large collection of sarcophagus, explains Amon to cheer up the group. You can go down in the caves, examine the hieroglyphics and in one of them, if you have the courage to go all the way down, you can see one. It is completely deprived but it’s interesting to go down and see it anyway.
It’s on this site that the Egyptians say: Everyone is afraid of the time but the time is afraid of the pyramids. If you look away, the sphinx measures 73 metres long are representing the face of a lion and a face of a man at the same time. Go now! Look around now. Visit at your own pace I am going to wait for you here.
-I feel very strange, says Lolitta to Youssef walking beside her. It’s like I am seeing the slaves and all the pharaohs....How they got all the way here with those enormous rocks. They must weight a ton each and how many of them are there?
She looks all dazzle by the work of art of thousands and thousands of people
-It’s incredible, sensational, says Youssef listening to her. I guess that’s why they call its part of one of the wonders of the world.
-Look Youssef, these stones are taller than me.
She tries to get on top of one of them.
-Would you mind taking a picture of me?
-Yes O.K. don’t move, smile Lolitta, perfect!
The crew very please by all this is taking it’s time to admirer the jewel of Egypt than finally return to meet Ramsès who is patiently waiting for them.
-Look over there; says Louise, people are riding on camels. They don’t look like tourists.
-They don’t even have saddles, remarks Danyele.
-Who are those people? , ask the captain to Amon.
-They are policemen who protect the pyramid from thieves. They go around the pyramids day and night.
Louise wave at them and they stop while Amon is in big conversation with the pilots. Louise saw them run earlier with their camels and couldn’t resist any longer to run with her own camel but at the start of the visit, the guide had defending them to gallop with their mounting but Louise couldn’t stop herself from asking the policemen.
-How do you make them run? she asks.
-You give them a little kick in the neck with your feet.
-But I am going to hurt him, no!
-No, but since they are very fragile at this part, he is going to run.
The policemen look at her and smile. One of them is showing her how. He kicks it at the height of the neck and starts running. Without waiting another second, Louise starts galloping behind the policeman. It’s so great to see her run with her scarf in the wind. The policemen are laughing but the guide is furious and starts screaming after Louise and advises the others not to do it. Louise hears him but she is so excited and ravish to run with her camel that she continues running full speed. After a while, the policeman stops and turns around to look at her. Louise stops her mounting next to him.
-You like it? He asks with a very strong accent.
Louise smiles all resplendent.
-I thank-you so much. It’s marvellous. The speed that can reach a camel makes him an impressive animal.
-Yes, you can leave seven days without giving him something to drink and he will be as strong as the first day you left.
-You like the pyramids, ask Louise to the policeman.
-Oh! Yes, it’s our treasure.
-You like the tourist?
-Yes because they bring money to our country but the site is starting to deteriorate and the government doesn’t want to invest in restoring and safeguarding the pyramids. We need money.
He looks at the sphinx and fixes it. Look how nice he is! You know when we have huge sand storms there are days where the sphinx disappear under the sand and there is only 5 metres uncovered.
-No really, that much!
-Oh! Yes, Well I have to go now and return to my group. Maasalama!
-Maasalama!
Louise waits for the others to arrive. She takes as many pictures as she can in souvenir of a beautiful day.
The sky is so blue and it’s so clear that the pyramids seem more majestic. The group finally arrives a few minutes after with the guide that look upset.
-The policeman shows me how, says Louise before he starts saying something to her. I didn’t know I couldn’t go. I’m sorry.
The guide doesn’t stop and continue his way without saying a word. Louise looks at her sister and shows her to stop. She pulls the reins of her camel and places herself behind Louise.
-Danyele, pinches me. Are we really here?
-It’s incredible!
-I would give anything to have the chance to come back with mom and dad. They have to come and see this. It’s so beautiful, no! It’s magical!
-How did you make your camel run? Ask Danyele who dreams as well to run on a camel.
-Wait, let the others go and we could run together. O.K. All you have to do is to give him a little kick in the neck.
-Look Louise, turn around and look at the pyramid one last time.
-Ah! I almost want to cry.
-Me too, she says waving good bye to the wonders of the world. So long pyramids! I shall return to pay you respect again!
-Yes we are really lucky don’t you think so? Let’s go she says before starting to cry.
They start galloping together all the way to the village.
-Hey Tremblay sisters, what did you do again?
-Nothing my dear David, Come on, move over and make a place for our limousines.
-I find this, says Danyele a lot more comfortable than a horse.
-Yes you are right, says David but tell me how you feel tomorrow and let me know.
Ramsès gets out of the house, cigarette in hand to welcome them. Lolitta jumps at his neck.
-It’s magnifico!
-So everyone is happy. We are going to go to the museum it’s too hot now to do anything and then we will go to the bazaar. Hurry up everyone.
At the end of the visit at the museum, they are all ready to go to the bazaar except Mike.
-Go without me, he says. I will join you at the hotel. I would like to spend more time here. I visited numerous museums in my life, but this one is the fullest I ever had a chance to visit in my entire existence. There are incredible piece of arts here. I didn’t have time to see everything to my liking.
-I think I will stay with him, says George to Ramsès.
-See you later! Says Xénia to the pilots.
At the bazaar, Ramsès give them two hours to browse around and to meet in front of the grand mosque.
-Be careful, look where you go or else you could get lost and get rob too. Be careful, alright. So everyone here at 4 o’clock. It’s understood! Those who are late will have to return to the hotel on their own.
-Yes, yes, answer the group, in a hurry to look for Ali Baba’s treasure.
Danyele leave with her sister right away.
The bazaar is full of little narrow corridors criss crossing each others. It’s a real labyrinth. Difficult to know where you are really. The merchants are calling them on their way.
“Come and see, look, only look, cheap, very cheap, come enter....miss, mister, Americans, French...not expensive, very good deal for you...”
Victor decides to go on his own. He sits down at a table of a café situated right in the heart of the bazaar and orders himself a cup of Turkish coffee and a chicha pipe to smoke. He looks at the people going by and coming back again and again to find their way in and out of the bazaar.
The waiter is dress with a big puffy pair of pants, very pointed shoes, a white shirt with very large sleeves and a multicoloured vest on top. He wears a fez and has the most twisted moustache Victor has ever saw. A Shoe shine man arrives to offer his service to him and Victor without having to be asked many times accept his offer with pleasure.
Arlene doesn’t feel brave enough to go by herself to confront these labyrinth passages. Afraid to get lost she decides to fallow Youssef.
-Don’t leave me alright. I will never find my wait out of this thing.
-Yes, yes, says Youssef, looking at leather bags without paying attention really at Arlene.
Moments after having looked at two more boutiques, Youssef is looking for Arlene but he doesn’t see her.
-Arlene! He screams but Arlene doesn’t answers.
-Oh! Well, if you think I am going to waste my time looking for her, hum! Too bad for her he says continuing his shopping.
-Arlene! Arlene! He screams just to be nice but he still has no answers from her so he decides finally to continue his way without her. But during the time that Youssef was calling her, Arlene was directing herself in the opposite direction. She was walking quite fast to join him but instead of getting close to him she was getting away from him and realises that she went back to the starting point.
“Ah! Gee!” she says to herself knowing that she made a mistake. “I’m coming back here, and now, I am all alone. Well, I will take back the same passage and perhaps I will cross Youssef again. But everything looks the same in this bazaar”
There aren’t many special signs unless you look up and see the cornice of the buildings. Arlene is getting deeper and deeper into the bazaar without seeing Youssef. She finally slows down to pay attention at a nice Nephertiti statue in lapis-lazuli. The merchant sees her.
-You know if you really like this object, you have to take it right away or else you will never come back here to find your way back.
-It’s already done, how much you ask for it?
-Come in we will discuss some more.
She decides to enter. After thirty minutes of bargaining with the old man, she gets out of there with a bag. She is quite satisfied of herself and decides to return to the point of rendezvous and to stay very close to it. She takes her time to examine the people working around her. Cutters, sculptors, artisans working coppers, gold and silver. They are sitting directly on the ground working non -stop. She stops for a long moment to observe this little boy who was finishing a big plate in cupper with filament of silver and bronze. He is almost naked with no shoes on. All he wears is a small pair of underwear, quite old, I guess as old as him. Behind the little boy, there is a huge pile of different kind of objects all hand made by this little hard worker with his little fingers. When he finishes his plate, Arlene asks him how much it is. He must have spent hours on that piece of art. He looks at Arlene still sitting on his knees not understanding anything she is saying to him. Arlene decides to pull out a few Egyptians pounds and offers them to him the little boy takes a few pieces and gives the plate to Arlene. She looks at him and gives him five times the amount he took. The little fellow stand up very surprised and smile at her. She is very happy to have pleased him and continues her way to arrive at an intersection of passages leading to a much larger street. Bogies pull by beefs are passing in front of her. The architecture of the house is phenomenal and has hallucinating effects with their bended walls. Everything is hand sculpted into very fine details. She walks admiring the balconies, the windows of the houses when suddenly someone is pressing on his horn non-stop. She tries to avoid the adolescent on his bike but she ends up face first in camel trips hanging with small threads around the boggy poll. The vendor screams to her in Arabic. She tries to move away from this gluey grey trips but she loses her balance and finds herself with her two hands deep into the boggy full of more parts of animals. The vendor furious continues screaming at her. Arlene pushes herself up to get out of there rapidly but she has her arms and hands full of sticky stuff smelling terrible and looking awful. Arlene nervous screams like hell her horror. The vendor is still screaming after her. She finally tries to get rid of all the stuff and runs away. The street is full of men you can hardly see women here. She hides herself in the multicoloured smelling spice alley but the mixture of all the exotic scents is too strong for her and she starts sneezing. She takes another alley but its worst. The incense and the myrrh's vendors are concentrated in one small cul-de-sac street. Her eyes are burning form so much powerful fume. She goes up the stairs of the mosque and tries to catch her breath on the porch. She gets a wet nap of her bag to clean herself up a little. At the same time, someone is telling her to come in the mosque. She is not sure if she has the right to come but decides to go in to have a peak because she doesn’t see any women inside she decides to leave. She stays on the porch for a while to locate her way to the main mosque.
“Well where to go from here, now?” she ask herself, a bite discourage looking at her watch. “I have half an hour to find my way back. I will make it. I can see it from here but which way to take in the bazaar I have no idea what so ever.”
During this time, a good part of the group as joins Victor and Xénia at the small café. Danyele and Louise arrive at the same time as Youssef.
-It’s so noisy suddenly, remarks Danyele sitting down.
-Danyele, you are in Egypt, its normal no. It’s noisy here just like India, says Victor puffing on his chicha.
-Hey! Screams Youssef, is anyone seen Arlene?
He sits down out of breath.
-She told me to stay with her but hey, hey is it moving or what or am I sick Allah protect me !
-Oh! God dam it! It’s an earthquake, screams Xénia standing up right away.
-What are we doing all these buildings are going to fall on us? Says Lorenzo afraid.
-It’s over, it’s over, says Victor, don’t panic!
-It’s shaking! Oh darlings! Screams Tiffany running towards them. Hurry up let’s hide under the table! She says to the others.
Everyone is looking at each other to reassure themselves. Xénia and Tiffany slide themselves under a small table without losing a second. Danyele and Louise don’t take any chance either and hide themselves under a small table trying to avoid being hit by pieces of walls falling down.
-Don’t panic! Don’t panic! replies Victor.
-It’ only takes Victor to say something like this, says Louise. Are you unconscious of what’s going on or what!
Everything is shaking around them and we can hear a huge loud noise. It’s really an earthquake.
-I don’t want to take a coffee here, says Danyele after a few seconds of silence.
The ground stops moving.
-Yes you are right, let’s go before its starts again and everything fell on our heads.
-Oh! I’m afraid to leave, admits Xénia very shaken by all this.
-Hey did you felt that? Ask the captain joining the group.
-Yes of course.
-We should leave this place, proposes the captain. In a normal situation we should stay put and hide but if you really want to know my opinion, these buildings dates from so long that they have done quite an humble job in standing up that long that I am sure they are ready to fall any minutes so it should be best to leave . Is everyone here?
-Oh no, we are missing Max, Lolitta, Arlene, Josey and David, says Victor sure about this.
-No, David is just behind me he is buying a little souvenir for his mother. So listen, this is what we are going to do, we will wait and leave at the time we were supposed to leave we can leave one of us behind to wait for them.
-It’s a good idea captain, says Danyele. There is only five minutes left anyway and I think the earthquake shaking thriller is over. Better not take the chance to be here when its starts again, especially here where everything can crumble.
-Oh no, screams Xénia almost hysterical. It’s starting again! Ah! Ah! Hide yourself under the table.
The noise is way louder than the first time. The accessories of the merchants are banging between each other, the cup of coffees on the tables are falling down as well as the table now. The ground is rumbling so loud, the seismic jolt is very strong. It’s scary. They are right in the middle of the bazaar.
-My god! Says Louise to her sister holding on to the table so it doesn’t fall. I am going to have my own sarcophagus in Egypt!
-You are so silly! Says her sister. It’s only a small earthquake.
-No, your sister right darling, says Tiffany. We are all going to be burry; we will be the only Canadian mommies in Egypt! Look around you, it’s all ruins already. Outch! I just receive a rock on me!
-Look the wall over there, is crumbling down, says the captain, looking at it seriously. Watch out!
The ground cracks just under Victor’s chair who was the only one who didn’t protect himself. The force is so strong that Victor falls down from behind.
-Oh! It’s awful! Screams Xenia panicking. We are all going to die here. My life is over!
-Stay calm, ask the captain and let’s stay here, we are at lease safe from receiving the debris. Don’t move!
The ground starts rumbling again. An enormous
Jolt is felt and then right away everything stops. It’s over. What seem to have last for an eternity had passed in a few minutes only?
-There, there, Victor, I was asking myself what are you doing like this? Ask Danyele having great pleasure to see him like this when she gets out of under the table.
-That’s enough, help me up! He says a bite shaken by all this after all.
Youssef gives him a hand.
-Calm down, calm down Victor darling! Says Tiffany who is laughing a lot.
It’s laughing time. The stress to be stock there under the rumbles had scared them all even Victor.
-Let’s go, asks the captain who doesn’t feel to brave either. Let’s not run and stay together. There is a good chance that all this can start again.
-How are you? Asks right away Ramsès who is running to meet them all. Is everyone here? Hurry get in!
-No, we are missing five of them.
-What time is it? Asks the captain.
-It’s time to leave, says Ramsès nervously. Let’s go back to the hotel; I am taking care of the others. You can pay me tonight.
-Very well, let’s go. We cannot take a chance. The other driver can wait for them.
-I will wait too, volunteer David.
Arlene look at the mosque and looks at the street. She is lying down on the ground. Everything around her had falling down. The nice balconies, that she admirer minutes ago had all crumble down. Arlene’s arm is bothering her. A part of the ceiling of the mosque had fell on her, luckily it’s not all of the ceiling and that the strong structure of the mosque is still holding straight.
“It’s awful. I must been protected by Allah! Thank-you, shoukran!”
She looks at her watch.
“Oh! Gee! I only have two minutes left, I will never make it.” She tries to get up and starts walking but her foot his hurting her.
“Aie! It’s not true. I must have twisted my foot with that piece of metal that felt on me. Now that’s nice! What am I going to do with an arm and a foot less, shit?”
She starts walking for a while before she finally gets out of the bazaar, this non-sense labyrinth but now she hasn’t the slightest idea on how she got out of there she doesn’t even see the large mosque she has no idea where she is except that she is out of this Egyptian maze. She finally sees a taxi and hurry up to get in. The man looks at her knowing very well she is a tourist and that she didn’t care about asking him how much was the fare before getting in.
-Holiday Inn, please, she orders.
-Yes madam, answers the taxi driver right away in English.
He drives around the city for a very long time before arriving to the hotel and Arlene had fall asleep in the back seat. The man stops his car a few metres before and starts looking into Arlene’s purse. He picks up 200 American dollars that she had before starting his car again. Arlene is still sleeping. He arrives finally at the front of the hotel like nothing happen.
-Miss! Miss!
-Ah! She says waking up, surprised to have fall asleep. How much I owe you?
-30 pounds.
-30 pounds! That’s a ripe off!
-30 Egyptians pound is not much miss.
She is so tired that she doesn’t care. When she opens her purses and realises that she has no more money she starts screaming:
-You stole my money! You stole my money, you jerk! You are a thief!
-Miss|
She gets out of the taxi to call for help.
The doormen get out the hotel to see what was going on outside.
-If you think I am going to pay you on top of that son of a bitch!
At the sight of the doormen, the taxi driver pulls on the accelerator and disappears. The doormen run after him but it’s too late, he is fare gone.
-he took all my money, she says furiously.
She enters the hotel but as soon as she steps forward she starts yelling of pain.
-Aye! Aye! She drops her bag and falls down. She is suffering a lot. The men help her up, bring her inside and sit her on the coach in the hallway.
“Oh! But what am I going to do. Misery! My...oh, no! My passport! Did he take my passport?”
She hurries up to look inside her purse.
“Ah!” she said relieved. Luckily, I still have it.
-Arlene! Is everything fine? ask the captain who went to mail a letter to his children.
- I don’t think so captain. I got rob, they took my 200 American dollars and the worst...is that...
-Let me look at your arm; ask the captain seeing that she was bleeding.
-It’s nothing it’s my ankle that took a bad hit, perhaps it’s twisted or broken I don’t know...
-We are going to call the doctor from the hotel. I am going to ask the bell boy to take you to your room and the doctor will be able to examine you. You will come back with us and rest for a few days at the hotel; it’s out of the question that you can work tonight in a condition like this. Do you understand me?
-Yes but...
-There is no but...and tell the doctor to call me in my room. I have to go and get some rest. The others are not arrived yet. We are missing five people, well four now. After an earthquake I have all the good reason to worry a bite. Mike and George are still missing too, this is great!
-It’s nobody’s fault captain. An earthquake is a natural cause we cannot predict that and if the company cannot understand that well too bad for them, no!
-You are right, I worry too much, thanks, I feel better now, and I just wish everyone is alright. Poor you! I forgot!
-Call a doctor right away, he orders to the receptionist. She is hurt. Hurry up and bring her some ice and something to clean herself up.
The bell boy brings Arlene to her room. The captain waits a little but finally decides to calm himself in his room and get some rest to be in shape for tonight’s flights.
-Well, says Mike to George that are walking in a rapid pace back to the hotel, we almost didn’t make it. Luckily we were out of the museum.
-Yes and it was an excellent idea to decide to walk back. It feels good I just hope the others are safe and sound at the hotel and that the museum is not demolish.
-They were supposed to spend two hours in the bazaar unless everyone is in advance that would definitely surprise me so they are still in the bazaar. I’m sure of it. When the flight attendants start shopping they never stop. They shop ‘til they drop.
-Yes, it’s true it’s their favourite pass-time. You’re entirely right; I just hope no one is under the rumbles.
At the bazaar, the disaster is not so bad, luckily for those who had stayed behind. David had convinced the driver to stay still with a very good tip. Lolitta, Josey and Max didn’t show up yet.
Finally an hour later, David, the chauffeur and the guide are woke-up by the gang.
-Where were you? Do you know what time it is? You are lucky that we are still here because this man is very patient; you better give him a good tip. Really you exaggerated.
-David! Wait a little before you stressed out. Come on move on and let us in.
-I was waiting after the girls that went in a boutique when the earthquake started for the first time. Before they had time to react, the shelves inside the shop felt blocking them the way out. Then they try to get out, but the second jerking started and I hided to protect myself but the girls were really stock inside the boutique. I had to ask for help. We than got them out and to thank us the merchant give us...look nice little painting on papyrus.
-It’s nice, isn’t it? Asks Josey.
-They are the Gods of love, isn’t it marvellous, sight Lolitta.
-They should have given you the Gods of the earth. Anyway, we don’t have much time to rest now, says David still furious of missing precious time to sleep and rest.
-Don’t you believe that this day was worth it, ask Josey.
-Yes, but tonight we are going to suffer like hell.
-But I cannot believe that you didn’t appreciate your visit, Carramba! Says Lolitta.
-Of course, I loved my day in Cairo but we have only three hours left before we have to wake-up and go to work all night, he says grumbling still.
-We only leave at ten o’clock. Precise Josey.
-Do the counting Josey.
-Listen tonight, we return to Kuwait, a two hour flight, I think, explains Max.
-Nop!, I don’t think so, the captain told me at the coffee shop earlier that we will probably catch up our schedule of today, I’m mean tonight.
-It’s impossible but there is nothing to panic for, good Lord David, says Max. I thought you were stronger than this perhaps this job is not for you after all. This day is all about becoming a flight attendant, to see the world at any price.
They arrive at the hotel, David gets out first and goes without waiting for the others.
-He is really in a bad mood. I never saw him like this, remarks Max.
-Maybe he really got scared of the earthquake, says Josey.
-No, it’s not that, says Lolitta, it’s a love problem, I’m sure of it. He doesn’t have a bag with him. He always buys something for his girl friend, comprendo! Today, he only bought a small pin of the pyramids for his mother, he told me.
-Well, let’s go, girls, if we want to rest a little.
-Bueno!, see you later everyone.
-Good Lord! Says Max entering his room.
He bends down to pick up all the messages found under his door.
Arlene wrote a note informing him that she couldn’t work the flight tonight and the captain wrote him the heavy schedule of the night.
-Good lord! I feel it’s going to look ugly tonight.
At eight thirty, the entire crew is in the lobby ready to work.
The crew leave at 22 hundred and they have a long night in front of them. They have to do their Cairo to Kuwait flight, than catch up their schedule flight of tonight, going to Mecca back and forth than to Dubai and back stopping in Cairo for a short stop and back to Kuwait.
Max is doing his briefing in the bus and explains to Victor that he will have to cover half of Arlene’s cabin and that David will cover the other half.
-Chanel, you will sit at Arlene’s place and you will be in charge of arming and disarming the doors. How do we arm and disarm the odours?
-Wait for your signal remove the cover, remove the pin, than put it away in the pocket and bring the lever down to the arm position and close the cover. I have to make sure that the yellow knob is visible and it’s in the automatic mode. Than we cross check and we stand and wait for the conference call.
-Well, perfect, if we find a suspected parcel on board and that we are on the ground. What are we doing?
The procedures are confidential for the security of the entire flying crew?
-Lets say we found a suspected parcel and that the captain advises the security what do we do afterwards?
Just remember all of the scenarios you study. Don’t forget them and never assume it could never happen to you. Be alert. Now, if we are on board at 34,000 feet high and that we find a suspicious parcel, what do we do?
Do we help the bomb squads on the ground? And what if someone was having fun saying we had a bomb on board what do we do?
The procedures are confidential for the safety of all the flying crew.
-Perfect! Let’s go to work. The night is going to be very long for everyone, says Max getting off the bus.
-Ah! I forgot, he says going back in the bus. I forgot about our headsman security guys. The directives are the same as the beginning. Tonight, we should have people coming to do the search if not I will need four volunteers again. So think about it, please.
He gets off and starts walking inside the terminal building.
The night is so long and everyone looks tired and burn from the sun. They are at their third flight of the night and in addition to work with one less crew, they had to pass through a lot of turbulence but at least most of the passengers are sleeping.
Max dims the lights. He is standing up with his back on the jump seat and is telling his adventure with the girls at Louise and Tiffany. At times to times, he looks at the cabin to see if everything is alright but most of the passengers are sleeping on this flight leg, he than continue his story without interruption. Josey is serving coffee to the guards. Victor came to see Arlene, who is travelling as a passenger, to distract her a little. She couldn’t get a straight ticket to Kuwait and had to do the milky run with the rest of the crew.
At the back of the aircraft, Chanel is walking in the aisle to verify if the passengers need anything and that the security guards are still awake. They are two per cabins. Lolitta is sitting on a canister in the galley and Lorenzo is brewing some fresh coffee.
Behind them, in the other galley, Xénia just warmed up some Egyptian fritters in one of the oven. It’s smell in the entire aircraft.
-Do you want some? She asks to the others by the little opening in the middle of their galleys.
-Yes, yes of course, bring us some, says Lorenzo, poring a cup of coffee to Lolitta at the same time. I just brew some coffee. We are going to treat ourselves.
David enters in Xenia’s galley.
-Ah! Its here that smells so good. It’s your new perfume Xénia, he ask smelling her in the neck.
-No! Silly, I just warmed up some fritters. She takes them out of the oven. Come fallow me we will go in Lorenzo’s galley he prepared some fresh coffee. She takes the tray of fritters and gets out of the galley to cross over with David but in a fraction of second, she is projected in the air.
Bang!
The passengers wake up horrifies. They scream afraid that the plane will crash. They don’t know what is going on. The aircraft goes up very rapidly and goes down the same way, dropping an excessive distance. Luckily David doesn’t have anything in his hand, and is holding Xénia by the arm but there is nothing they can do, the aircraft is uncontrollable and they find themselves flat on the floor. One of the guards sitting close to the galley is trying to hold them by their clothes.
Lorenzo is on the floor unconscious and the coffee is dripping on him, Lolitta is also on the floor but without hesitation is trying to pull Lorenzo towards her to protect him from the coffee. A few seconds later, one of the canisters fell just where Lorenzo was. She tries to stand up to stop the coffee machine but the aircraft is rocking abruptly, shaking the aircraft with tremendous force.
Chanel got projected up in the air and fell down on passengers. She is also unconscious, and the passengers are grabbing her best they can.
Two passengers are trying to get out the washroom to return to their seat but don’t seem to realize how dangerous it is at this moment to walk around in the aircraft. Now all the passengers are awake, screaming and yelling their freight. The plane is swinging in all direction.
The security guards try as best as they can to stay seated but they have to verify that everything is normal in the cabin and in the cockpit and that nothing is putting the life of the passengers at risk.
Lolitta looks at Lorenzo a moment and decides to leave him to crawl on the floor all the way to her jump seat. She grabs the end of the passenger’s seats and with a hard time finally manages to grab the phone on the jump seat. She makes a P.A. to advise the passengers to stay seated and to fasten their seat belt. The passengers are holding her legs to make sure she is not going to fly in the air. Its hell, the plane is rocking strongly. Left to right, down and up its terrible and it seems it will never stop. Lolitta manages finally to go up and sits on her jump seat and fasten her seat belt. She is trembling and very afraid. The tail of the aircraft is moving considerably, you can see passengers going to one direction and to another one. They scream so much its unbearable. The violent movement is making everyone paranoid that they are going to die tonight.
One of the guards stands up in the back of the aircraft to verify if everything is normal but he has a hard time standing up to walk but he is ready for the worst. When he gets close to the washroom in the back, he pulls out his gun, open the door of the washroom one by one.
The canisters in the galleys are falling down. Lolitta is calling the captain for an emergency call.
-Captain, captain, it’s Lolitta in the back. There are two flight attendants unconscious, I don’t know how the others are, and the security guard is searching the washroom with his gun in his hand. Carramba! He is scaring me, captain, the turbulence in the back is so strong that he could shoot by mistake and make a hole in the fuselage of the aircraft!
-Well, stay where you are, Lolitta we are going through a clear air turbulence that’s all.
The captain hangs up right away.
Lolitta can hardly put back the phone in his receptacle. She is holding on to her jump seat with both hands. The plane is again possessed by the devil. The passengers are hysterical. They scream, and hold on to their seat the best they can and a lot of them are sick and vomiting.
Max who is in front of the cabin, had barely the time to seat down with the others. They are three on his jump seat. The security guard are walking all over the aircraft falling down almost every two step they make. They are like wolves hunting for their pray. Max is making a conference call to see how the situation with the rest of his crew is. He brings up the intensity of the light in the cabin. They are only Lolitta and Youssef for the conference call.
-Everything is upside down up here, explains Youssef but all my passengers are fine at the exception of three of them who are pretty sick. One of the guardians is in the cockpit.
-Lolitta, asks Max worry.
-Max, Chanel and Lorenzo are out, she says nervously. I cannot see David and Xénia they are on the other side. The guard in the back is like a lion in a cage.
-What about Victor? Ask Max stress to hear the bad news.
-He is up front with you guys. He went to see Josey or Arlene, I can’t remember.
-Well, stay seated until further notice, it’s way too risky and wait for the captain announcement to tell you it safe to walk around and that he extinguish the seat belt sign.
Lolitta doesn’t listen to him and returns at Lorenzo’s side. She has to stop that coffee machine that is still dripping on him. Lorenzo swims in a coffee puddle.
She unfasten her seat belt but the aircraft is pulling her down for a few minutes, she stays there and tries again to crawl all the way to Lorenzo in the galley where all the canister had fell down.
In galley 2
Danyele and Jade are sitting on the floor and are staying still both of them are holding on to the feet of the passenger's seats. The passengers have completely lost it. They scream and cry.
-I never saw something like this, says Danyele. Luckily it’s a night flight and most of the passengers were sleeping.
-Yes and lucky that all our butterfly locks were on to hold the canisters and the trolleys in their respective position, says Jade holding Danyele’s arm as well.
It’s shaking out of the ordinary today we really in for a good treat today. An earthquake and now this. It’s not just turbulence what is it for goodness sake?
-My God! Maybe there is something wrong with the aircraft and that we are ... who knows? If it’s not someone who took possession of the aircraft? Ask Jade quite bewilder.
-Jade stops it! Be positive! The engine are still running, listen. We can breathe very well in the plane, so take a good inhalation good, what do you want it to be, anyway?, ask Danyele.
She is also stress just of the tough that crazy mad men or terrorists could have got hold of the aircraft.
-Listen Jade, if it was a rapid depressurisation of the cabin it will of been long gone already that the aircraft would of gone down nose first at quite a rapid speed, so shit, think about it for a few second, come on!, the war is over ...o, she starts spelling, o-v-e-r- over!
Jade prefers not to say anything else. Danyele could say anything she wants but it doesn’t reassure Jade at all.
-Sit down sir, she screams after the security guard Sit down! Are they idiot or what these guys what do they think we are these people in a merry-go-round!
-Sit down sit down, screams Danyele, how can they think of walking in a turbulence like this.
-And they are armed on top of it! Precise Jade. If one of those guys fall he will let go his arm and then we will be kaput! We will have a nice hole in the fuselage and than what do you think it will happen to us, Danyele I am scared and there is nothing I can do.
Danyele doesn’t want to add anything else. She prefers not to think of the worst and to shut up. The cabin is completely upside down. The shakes are so hard that there is nothing to do than to hold on.
-So, I think it’s a pilot mistake than...says Jade petrified. I cannot see other things really Danyele they could of told us so we had time to sit down. Look at me it’s like I am in a washing machine.
She turns her head to look at the passengers.
-Oh no, don’t look in the cabin, Danyele. All the passengers who are not sleeping are vomiting. It’s disgusting!
The plane is still rocking very hard. It goes up and goes down rapidly.
Bang! And it’s continuing.
Bang!
-Ah! I’m going to be sick too, she said nauseated, looking at passengers vomiting next to her.
-I’m wondering if Louise is seated, ask Danyele.
-And David, I don’t know if he had time to go all the way to the back before it started to shake.
Cockpit
The pilots are busy asking the control tower for a better cruising altitude and then they try to contact other aircraft in front of them to know about their situation. They try desperately to avoid getting hit again. When there is C.A.T. it means that masses of air are coming from all direction rubbing on each other whirling around in all directions with tremendous force. There is nothing much the pilots can do than to wait and wish to get a better route. The pilots keep the aircraft on automatic since it is the best thing to do and wish there will be not too many damage on the fuselage of the aircraft and that the passengers and the crew members are sound and safe.
Afterwards, all the passengers and the crew are back on their feet like nothing happen except for the mess it made with the passengers being sick and a few canisters out of their secure position, everything is back to normal. Chanel got a few ecchymosis from being held by the passengers but besides that, when Lolitta made her a thorough examination she couldn’t find anything else but were ask by Lolitta’s order to look out for any unusual symptoms. Lorenzo was also luckily. He had kept his jacket on tonight because he had too much sun today and he was a bite chilled and that of course saved him from being burn from all that coffee. But Lolitta was still at his side checking him up, when Jade came in the back to see what was going on with them. She was really upset to see him in Lolitta’s arm.
-Well, I guess someone is taking care of you, she says leaving. It must be your new fragrance...coffee beans maybe that’s why Lolitta likes you.
Lolitta started to laugh but didn’t show her feeling for Lorenzo. She knew she didn’t have a chance with him but she really found him attractive and working with him all the time made her appreciate his company even more.
-Oh! Come on, Jade, says Lorenzo. Come back here.
-Let her go, says Lolitta. She is jealous of me. It’s good for you, you know. She will see that you can perhaps interest someone else and like this she will be more attracted to you, trust me, if not, you can always...well, beside a few bruises here and there, you are fine she says not finishing what she really wanted to tell him.
-Let me up, I think I’ll be fine, Lolitta. Thank-you for all you did for me.
He kisses her on the cheek and gives her a big hug.
-By the way, I just came back to tell you that we are starting a service of refreshments in five minutes, says Jade furious to have caught them in the arm of each other.
Xénia and David had a share of the experience as well, but for both of them, it was almost what they needed to affirm their feeling for one another. They stayed on the floor, close to one another, hoping that their love will soon see the day. The guardian who was holding them kind of broke the magic by helping them to get on their feet.
-Mafish moushkila! Mafish moushkila!
-Yes, no problem, we are fine. Mafish moushkila! Answers David
-Thank-you, shoukran, says Xénia.
Well they were more scared than anything else tonight and hopefully this will never happen again. The rest of the crew was fine. It couldn’t have been worst. Now, it was time to look around and help the passengers by administrating some care for those who needed some. Changing their seat cover, cleaning them up and giving them some fresh cold towel. No one was seriously injured.
Flight deck
10 minutes prior to landing.
-O.K. we are in the slot, captain.
They adjust their jump seat and fasten their seat belt. Mike is busy keeping the arisen and the two indicators levers in a horizontal and vertical line as well. He has to adjust his flying route or else has to reduce the speed of the descent towards Cairo.
“Pull up! Pull up! Pull up!,” calls the computer of the aircraft.
“ 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 50, 25,”
“Bip! Bip! Bip!”
“Touch down!”
Mike tries to hold the aircraft and to fallow the runway illuminated with blue lights. He brings down the lever of the reverse thrust but the aircraft is still rolling at a very fast speed. After a long moment, the plane finally slow down.
-O.k., says the captain who is taking back the control of the aircraft we have to go to gate C-2.
Only few minutes after the aircraft has landed, the passengers are all ready up ready to get out of the aircraft. The crew is telling them to sit down and keeps repeating it but after the night they just been through, the passengers are out of control. All they have in mind is to get out as soon as possible.
The deplaning of the aircraft finished, Max ask his crew to gather up front.
-Well, I don’t want to have bad consequences due to
Tonight’s flight, so that’s why I distribute these forms for you to fill out. If you were hurt during the flight, you must fill up an injury report. It could be possible that you are fine now but a few days later you could have minor or major sequels. So do what you have to do before it is too late.
The captain comes down stair, explaining to the crew what happen.
-All we have to do is to return to Kuwait but if you feel you cannot operate the flight back I can ask that we stay for the night. Chanel, Lorenzo, how are you?
-I’m fine captain, answers Lorenzo. I don’t know about the others but I will survive.
-Chanel? Ask the captain worry.
-I haven’t the slightest idea on how I got myself on top of the passengers laps but I ‘m fine.
-Xénia?
-I’m fine luckily David was there. I owe him big time!
-Lolitta, how are you?
-I’m fine captain but if we have to go through the same route again malor dé malor, I want to stay here.
The captain takes the time to ask about each and every one of his crew how they were and to make sure everyone feel comfortable to go back.
-Well, we will take the road back home, our dear Holiday Inn. Max, as soon as the aircraft is clean, let me know so you can ask the ground agent to bring on the passengers.
The captain goes up.
-Captain, says Max. There are a few oxygen mask panel open and we need to change a lot of seat cover they are full of vomit.
-Ouf! Spare us the detail, darling! Says Tiffany with a grin on her face.
The captain bends down to answer him.
-Effectively Max, spare us the details and do what you have to do. Advise me as soon as possible when you are ready to board.
-Very well, sir.
The flight attendants are standing up to leave.
-One moment, everyone, ask Max. I forgot....you did good, guys, keep it up, we are almost there.
On their last flight leg of the night, the crew has still to serve a hot breakfast to the passengers and again Arlene cannot participate to give them a hand. Deploying all their effort, they succeed to finish their service a few minutes before landing.
Adding to their earthquake in Cairo, their nightmare up in the air, and their very long night, they spend more than an hour to be search at customs. It’s awful! They are dead tired. The custom agent is taking all his time to verify every single item of their suitcase. Youssef decides to stand next to him to accelerate the process and help with the translation. Almost everyone is out except Tiffany.
She is the last one to go through but the custom agent found a bottle of scotch in her suit case. He is furious and looks at her and starts yelling in Arabic. He takes her bottle of scotch and throws it in the garbage bin. Youssef stunt by this doesn’t know what to do and what to say. He looks at the custom agent than looks at Tiffany. He is revolted by her action.
-You know dam well that it is forbidden to bring alcohol in this country, says Youssef severely.
-Yeah but at the party there were plenty, no?
-Yes but its illegal Tiffany.
Youssef excuses himself on her behalf, telling him that she ignores all the laws and ask to let her go.
-Give him my pack of cigarettes, says Tiffany after a very long moment not knowing what to do next.
-No, shut up! Pack your stuff and smile. The man still discuss with Youssef. After what seems to be an eternity, he decides to let them go.
They leave in silence.
-Wait! Says Youssef taking her by the arm when they cross the doors.
Tiffany looks at him and then looks at his hand on her arm.
-Let go, Youssef! You are hurting me.
-But what did you think bird brain! Ask Youssef enrage still holding her arm. You could of been sanction and perhaps lucky to be alive and send home or worst go to jail daar-linggg! You are lucky to be alive.
-But like I told you at the party we drank, I though...
-Forget it Tiffany doesn’t play the innocent with me, it doesn’t work and keep this incident for you, he says pushing her to let go of her.
She starts walking and just before getting close to the bus she turns around and thanks-him.
-Good lord! You took so much time, scream Max.
-Oh! You know them... the custom agent took great pleasure looking into Tiffany lingerie, and pull them one by one; it was like he had never seen lingerie before.
-Come on get on! Hurry up!
As soon as Victor arrives at his room, he rushes out to go see Arlene. Happy that he had come to see her, she decides to order breakfast in her room to please him. Victor sits down and listens to what happen to her in Cairo.
Someone knocks at her door.
-Ah! It must be room service, she says. Can you open the door for me Victor?
-Yes of course.
-Ah! Max! Hi! come in.
-Good lord! Says Max surprised to see she had a visitor. Victor! You are here, I’m sorry, I didn’t know that you had a visitor Arlene.
The waiter arrives.
-Stay Max, it makes me happy to see that both of you are caring for me.
-O.k. I didn’t know that... ah! It’s interesting...he says sitting on the bed. I didn’t know....that....hum! He holds himself back no to say what he thinks of this situation and changes the conversation.
-How is your ankle, sweetie?
Victor deceived that he is there, not that Max is interested in Arlene of course but that he saw him in her room, makes him furious.
He starts serving himself breakfast and forgetting all his manner before he sits down to eat he realises that he should of give his plate to Arlene. He offers it to her and goes again to serves himself.
The crew flies none stop for more than two straights week. They fly at night and come in the morning to go to bed exhausted than they spend the end of the afternoon to sprawl under the sun or to try to go back to sleep to be in shape for their next flight. They meet at the little hotel café before their flight and savoured a good Turkish coffee that will keep them up all night.
Their days off are finally arrived. Tiffany invites Youssef to his room for six o’clock. She makes sure to look sexy and great like usual.
-Come in, she says pulling down on her tight dress with a very big low-neck in the front and back.
Did you sleep all day?
-Yes, answers Youssef starring at her. Yes...he says after a few minutes. I was really tired. These days off are well due. A few days off will do us good.
-Sit down. I would like to thank-you not to have said anything about the incident at the customs. I’m very great full, she says lighting up a cigarette sitting down crossing her beautiful legs in front of him.
-It’s been a while we didn’t have fun.
-Yes, too long. We are getting like monks, sister!
-Yes. Wait I want to talk to you about something but first, are you hungry? She asks standing up and putting herself just in front of him. We could order room service and eat quietly together on my balcony. She doesn’t give him the time to answer. Lebanese entry how is that for you Youssef? She puts her hand on his shoulder and wait for him to answer now.
-Yes, o.k. It’s a great idea; it will change the ambiance a little.
-Very well, stay there, I will get some ice.
-No, let me do that, says Youssef.
-Fine darling, I will order in the mean time.
Youssef comes back right away.
-I prepared you a coke, is it okay with you, she ask
-Yes, yes, thanks.
He brings his glass with him on the balcony and lights up a cigarette.
-Light I up will you darling!
She bends down close to him to light up her cigarette making sure that her neckline will distract him a little, than she puts her hands on his to be able to light herself properly.
-It’s strange you know...no forget it, says Youssef who prefers not to say anything more.
He brings his glass up to make a toast to their day off.
_Tchin-tchin!
-Chin! Chin! Youssef, I wanted to tell you...but she doesn’t have time to explain him
-Ah, ah, ah, ah, screams Youssef. Are you crazy or what? What did you put in this? Is it scotch?
-Chut! The others could hear you. What am I trying to explain is that I had more than one bottle in my suitcase but two.
-No it’s not true, he says furious.
-Yes.
-But it’s illegal Tiffany.
-Yes I know but it’s too late and I waited for this moment to tell you and to share it with you.
-I don’t know Tiffany....well I know it’s too late to fix the problem but...
Ding! Ding!
-Ah! Our meals, says Tiffany all smiling. She hurries to go answer the door and making sure she rubs herself close to him before going to the door.
The waiter installs their dinner on the table of the balcony. Youssef gives him a tip and Tiffany signs the bill.
-Well, let’s eat. She says looking at Youssef right in the eyes.
-Listen darling; don’t look at me like this. I invited you over to celebrate. We finally have a day off there is something to celebrate no? Don’t worry about the bottle, it’s my problem. We can’t do anything now and anyway the custom agent kept one bottle for himself.
-You had three bottles, Tiffany!
-Yes, Chin! Chin! Youssef.
-Promise me one thing, only one thing that you will never do it again. You could cause the company big problems and we could all end up in jail not just you but all of us. Its serious here Tiffany, it’s not Canada. We are in Kuwait, a Muslim country don’t forget it. I don’t have any intention in finishing my days in jail for a stupid bottle of alcohol. It’s all the crew that could be in jeopardy.
-Ah Youssef!
-No let me finish Tiffany. We are all in the same boat, there is not one who is guilty but all of us and not only that but the company could pay a huge fine and could lost millions and millions of contract deals because of you.
-Very well, Youssef, you spoil my appetite.
She stands up and goes sit on him and gives him a big hug.
-It’s finish now let’s not talk about it. Let’s have fun instead.
She kisses him in the neck and kisses him savagely on the lips.
She stands up and goes back to her seat.
-Come on, eat darling! She drinks up her scotch and coke and serves herself one more drink.
They spend the night together drinking and playing a poker game where the looser needs to get one piece of clothe off. When the game is over and one of them has no clothes the looser become the slave of the winner and has to comply with all his or her request. Youssef finishes to lose everything and to become Tiffany slaves for the night. She starts by asking him a massage but Youssef can no longer resist her he is exited like never before and throws himself at her to make love to her more than once answering all her little fancies. They know very well that this night is only a night to satisfied their sexual pleasures and needs but they sure are having a hell of a hot and passionate night when Tiffany drinks scotch she becomes very horny and Youssef was ready to explode being unable to perform for a while made him like a vigorous and very hard stallion performing over and over again for better sensation. It was almost perfect all the time, they always got their orgasm at the same time and made it last so long, and it was pure pleasure for both of them.
The next day, Louise was having breakfast.
-Hi! How are you? Ask David coming in the dining room. It feels so good to be able to sleep as much as you want and to have days off, no!
-Yes you can say it. Now, I will be able to do interesting things.
-What do you have in mind?
-They told me that The Kuwaitis have a museum of war and I’m going to visit it. Danyele has plan with her prince so I though it will be an ideal day to do this.
-It interest me, when are you going?
-After breakfast, I don’t want to go there too late, because apparently today is going to be very but very hot almost 48 degrees so...
-Give me time to eat and we could go together if you want.
Arlene comes and sits next to them.
-You slept well everyone? Me, my ankle kept me up all night.
-We are going to the museum of war, do you want to join us, ask Louise politely.
-It’s the last thing I would like to see. Really!
-Let’s not talk about it, it seems we do not have the same interest that’s all but it seems important to visit the museum and to try to understand something about this war.
-There is nothing to understand about wars Louise.
-Of course, I just want to make my own opinion, that’s all; anyway, you cannot walk, can you? Ask Louise all smiling. I wonder for all long still?
-Very well, very well. I will be available for the next flight, you can be sure of that, how’s that!
Moments later, Louise is in a taxi with David in direction to the museum. All along the way, you can see upside down tanks, exploded trucks, cars, everything.
Some people are driving compress rollers to rebuild the road. They are about hundreds of men labours shovelling, digging and pulling rocks. The man power is amazing. Most of them are from other countries. Bangladesh, India, Pakistan...people coming from every parts of the world to rebuild this country. Everything as to be redone, almost.
Further away, the desert is grey almost black. Nothing is moving everything is dead. The few palm trees along the road are just ashes, the camels are laying down on the ground without life reminding you the impartiality of the war. Without being able to fight or again to understand this stupid war, the poor creature’s defensiveness was shot dead.
Every day in the news paper, they are informing the population about the death of a small kid who was playing soccer with his friends. More than one a day, it’s awful. They hurried people to come and remove the mines as soon as possible but there are so many and they are all over the country. David and Louise look in silence the result of the war, that reminds them of the atrocity of the enemy left in the field marking their passage for ever. A three days war only but a life time damage.
-Do you think he understood, Louise, ask David who was doubting about the taxi driver. It seems that there is nothing around that looks like a museum of war or if I understand we are in the museum of war perhaps.
-Hum! I was also asking myself the same thing. Wait, David, I will ask him if we are...but you know David, it’s pretty difficult to look at all this, I was wondering if we should just go back. My god! Are we ever lucky to live in Canada? I wish to never encounter an experience like this in my entire existence.
She looks at her little Berlitz to look for the right sentence to say in Arabic. After a few minutes, she tries to ask the driver. The man turns his head completely to look at her and starts laughing. He pushes back his red and white
scarf than signals yes repeating mafish moushkila! Mafish moushkila! No problem! No problems!
-Very well, very well, but for god sake turn your head and look at where you are going look at the road she says.
They are on a highway that has not been repaired yet and the cars were coming in their direction very close to their taxi barely making an accident every time they meet. David signals the taxi driver with his hands to look in front of him. He couldn’t stand it either.
-Shit this guy is going to kill us, admits David.
The man finishes understanding, and then looking at the road again.
-I don’t think he is taking us to the museum, says David getting very nervous about all this.
-Don’t panic, David. The receptionist explained me that it was outside the city.
-But why on earth didn’t you tell me. For goodness sake. Look we are driving now on a sand road. We are in the middle of the desert.
-David stop it! You are starting to get on my nerve. The driver turns his head again to see what was going on.
-A la tool! Orders David. Straight ahead!
The man is laughing. Louise is starting to get scared a little. She is asking herself if the man is really bringing them there or not ...or perhaps he is taking them in no man’s land in the middle of the desert. She unfolds her map to look for the name of the road.
-But.... where are we going? Ask David very worry. Goodness sake. It’s full of soldiers, Louise! Where the hell did you bring me? He asks completely freaking out.
Suddenly right in front of their very own eyes, rises in the middle of the desert, a military site of a gigantic proportion where for miles long, army tanks are park one beside another. Men fully armed are circulating in jeeps; others are on surveillance at different strategic posts. In the middle of the field, there is a huge mountain of military apparatus. David and Louise look at the site completely discourage by its amplitude.
-Ah! Maybe we are here, after all, says Louise a bite sceptic.
-Are you crazy! If it’s here, I’m going back. I don’t want to be a target for those guys.
The taxi driver stops the car abruptly in front of two soldiers. Louise gets out. The driver asks to be paid in US dollars. Soldiers are at the gate armed up to their teeth. One of them approaches in their direction. David pays the driver and gets out asking the driver to wait for them but the man refuses and leaves right at ounce.
-Oh! That’s nice! Now we have no more drivers to go back, says David furious.
-Well of course idiot, it’s you the innocent who paid him right away instead of paying after. Well, anyway, we could phone later for one taxi to pick us up, says Louise. Look, it’s written. Museum.
-You can read Arabic now! Says David
-No but the receptionist wrote it for me in case the driver didn’t understand us.
-Let me see. Ah shit! Who cares now we are in deep shit anyway? We don’t have a taxi to take us back and these men scare me like hell. My days are over, admits David.
-But...it’s me who should be scared not you the master of tae kwon do. I only have my yellow belt as to you with your black...so don’t start telling me you are afraid idiot!
-Hello! Did you really have a good look at them, he asks.
-That’s all I’m doing, she says walking nervously in their direction.
-Well you than observed that they have arms and that we, I repeat, we do not have any, Louise!
-Thank-you for encouraging me David. I will know next time when I want to visit something to go by myself at lease there will be only me scared!
Salam malékum!
-Malékum Salam!
Malekum salam! Takalem inglisi ( hello, do you speak English?), she ask to the soldiers.
There are six soldiers at the fence and a lot of them are at different post. There is a huge tent inside and a lot of barrack around.
-Lae ! Lae! Inglisi! Arabic!
The man doesn’t speak English.
-Shit! Says David, what do we do?
-Wait, I will ask him if the museum is really here. Wait; let me remember how to say that in Arabic. Maethaef Maethaef , she says looking at the soldier.
He signals her to get in with his machine gun.
-It’s here, I believe, says Louise.
-Let me point out to you, that we are alone here says David very afraid to get in and not being able to get out of this non sense place.
-Come on we cannot go back now, it’s too late they can see we are tourist with our cameras so...
-Safari, min fadlékum!
-He wants to see our passports, explains Louise.
-I don’t like this one bite. Well anyway, I guess it doesn’t change a thing at this point. They are more than us for sure, what do you think Louise! Did you count them!
After a few minutes of verification, the soldier gives them back their passport.
-You see, everything is O.K. let’s go, she says getting more confident of herself.
-But where the hell do you want us to go?
-Go in the tent, it might be the museum, who knows?
Three soldiers are passing nearby observing them attentively. No one is smiling that’s for sure. They look pretty serious and ready to shoot let me tell you. Louise looks around her and asks herself how they are going to get out of there alive. She hasn’t had the slightest idea and doesn’t feel to mention it either to David at this moment on. They enter the tent. At the big relief of Louise, they have install tables inside and hanged some pictures on the wall. It’s full of objects here and there to look at. One soldier is sitting reading a news paper.
-Well I guess this is it... your museum, ask David.
-Hum! There is not much to see but since we are here might as well have a look around.
-Ah! That is disgusting! Look Louise the picture. Oh for goodness sake it’s barbaric! He has no more nails...on his fingers, well on those who are left. Look on this one... they took a toaster and burn their hands in it. They took picture of all the insanities they did to torture the poor innocent people during the war and they exposed them to who dare to come and see this entire barbaric monstrosity! It’s no sense for goodness sake! Why are we here?
-How can they even take the picture....Iark! I could never take picture of things like this, it’s unimaginable.
In one of the corner, they put one toilet bowl where they were electrocuting the people. On the centre table, they put all the different kind of mines there are, all sorts of sizes, shapes, textures. A lot of them look like children toys, Frisbees, sticks... They are in plastic and don’t look at all like the one used in the old movies. They are the real ones the ones that kill innocents!
-How dreadful! Any kids would like too approach those tricks to play with, comments Louise having a hard time to talk.
-Hum! It is so sophisticated....that I guess you really cannot understand all this even though we are looking at it. There even some with fluorescent colours, its non-sense. Look at this...says David discourage. But look the worst of this... no... Read the inscription by yourself.
-Made in USA, I cannot believe it. They came to rescue them but they built those horrible things it makes me furious. They are the barbaric ones, not the...ah...
-It doesn’t make sense we leave in a world of racket, of bull shit politic! If Kuwait didn’t have its black gold do you think the Americans would have come to give them a hand that fast? Everything is study, analyse so it can be profitable if not it’s not worth saving lives
-Hey! The guardian is gone, I wonder if we can go visit the back yard? Stop moving, I want to take a picture of you, it’s horrible but my sister won’t believe me that I came here.
-Me either! Let me remind you, that we are still here and not gone yet!
They were both watching outside looking around wondering if they could get out of the tent.
-Let’s go outside and if we cannot go well we could just pretend we were taking picture that’s all. Anyway, if they take my film I don’t care the pictures I saw will be grave in my memories. I don’t see things like this every day.
-Me either but...did you see this! Ask David walking beside Louise in the middle of this giant desert space.
They walk out slowly and look at this phenomenal entire site strictly for military purposes. Right there in front of their eyes.
-There must be enough military equipment here to be in war for ever. There must be 5000 tanks just there, he says pointing in one direction. Look, on the other side, these are different type of tanks and what the hell is this for goodness sake!
-Killer machines, baby!
-I never saw this in my life not even in that war movie and look again ....look I don’t know what it is either.
David is freaking out.
-It most kill you instantly.
A jeep is circulating around the back yard.
-Hurry Louise; let’s hide in one of that tank. If ever we are not suppose to be here, well better be hiding.
They dodge out and embark rapidly into one of the tank.
-It’s so small. It’s really smaller than what I expected, says Louise. Outside, these monsters are frightening they look big but from the inside it looks like a real ambulatory coffin and imagine the heat when they were fighting. My god, it’s a real crematory oven.
-You forgot one thing, says David. They had to wear their special uniform built against nuclear attacks and to wear their mask!
-Ah my God! You would give all the gold in the world and I wouldn’t want to do it and not even for my country ...well...I don’t know perhaps in my own country to defend myself but not somewhere else. I will defend my country at home only.
-It’s really small this tank, says David Looking up front. Here...I guess it’s the place of honours, you can see everything and be the first one to be killed.
-It’s quite sophisticated but I cannot read this stuff. Is it written in Russian? Ask Louise seriously.
-Hum! Bizarre a Russian tank but wait a minute I ‘m starting to be confused here. Sit down while they finish their round. We can really see them well from here and I’m sure they cannot see us.
-I just hope they are not looking for us because it’s probably certain they will shoot us.
Louise takes a few shots of David looking at the soldiers go by.
-Well, I think the same thing but why there are Russian, Arabic and English writings, ask Louise again taking some picture of the soldier at the same time.
Are they so different than the others?
-Well for me they all look the same.
-Oh but what a terrible mess! I wouldn’t like to be in the soldier’s shoes who were taking the decisions to kill or not to kill. Let’s get out of here without getting kill ourselves. I can no longer stay in. Its way too hot in here, I’m suffocating.
They walk observing attentively the tanks one after another for a good half an hour. They were some with different heights, size but you really need to take your time to see the difference between each other, says David stunt to see they look so much alike.
-Luckily, in the mist of the combat they have their radio because between me and you I can barely see the difference, remarks Louise.
-Imagine, you don’t have the pressure, the heat, the stress, the adrenaline to the top, the responsibility in saving lives, in taking some ground to save the troops. Oh! Shit! Let’s not have anyone calling me to go to war. Thank god I leave in Canada! Says David looking up in the sky.
-Yes, but where are you David right this moment, asks Louise.
-Like I didn’t know. If you look on your right slowly of course you can see a guy up there, watching us with his binoculars, mentions David to her.
-So don’t move, I will take a picture of you with the tanks behind pretending we are really tourists. So Smile! I will take a picture with my zoom, like this...I will have two genius pictures, explains Louise already shooting him with her zoom.
-Yes but will I receive a ball in the middle of my back? Ask David ironically.
-Don’t worry David, she says adjusting her lenses.
-Yes, I remember very well in Bombay when you enter the lobby running with your sister, says David, to provoke her a little.
-Ah it’s over; let’s go see this thing there.
-Wait! What was your sister saying, let me recall. I will never go again with you to take your stupid pictures ...something like this. True or false?
-And so what? I live for my photos. I do this job for this and I love it because it gives me the opportunity to see incredible things and to live unforgettable moments. Come on stop moving. This is like machine guns, what do you think? She asks placing herself behind of that engine.
-Yeah, but a lot more sophisticated that I imagine, he says scrutinizing all the different switches on.
-Listen, it’s the most recent war of the century so do you think they fight with spears and arrows?
-Ah! You are so brilliant Madame, Go and place yourself behind this one so I can take a picture of you too.
-There is a machine gun mounted on a pivot where you can actual shoot at a 360 degree angle.
-No, no, I’m fine. I don’t need a picture of myself.
-Go and shut up! It’s an order, soldier. I want to see the guy with your camera. He is starting to get on my nerve this one.
-David! Hurry up to take the picture they are coming in our direction. Actually they are circling around us...
-Yeah, yeah says David who doesn’t believe her.
-We get the hell out of here or they shout and send us to hell what do you think idiot. They are coming for real. Let’s get out of here we have seen enough for one day and before they kill us we better leave, suggests Louise who is suddenly getting really afraid.
-There is only one thing I didn’t see here says David walking as fast as he could is a god dam telephone, he says sweating like crazy.
-Hum!
She turns around to see if the soldiers are coming in their direction but unfortunately they are getting closer and closer to them.
-Walk David walk! Don’t stop and walk beside me at least, they are coming in ...three seconds ...that’s it we are dead now.
-O.k., whispers David if I’m dead it’s your fault.
-Slaam malekum!
-Malekum Salaam!, answer David and Louise at the same time waving at them.
-Telephone? Taxi? Where? Where? Where?
They are almost close to the front gate. David is dripping like a marathon runner. Louise tries to think of something to get them out of there. She is burning hot also and wishes to drink a little but she doesn’t dare to move one inch. They all aim their guns at them. All it counts now is to leave this place alive. Finally, one of the soldiers gets off the jeep to show them the telephone on a post near one of the barrack. Louise hurries up and run to phone.
-Yes hello, hello...nothing the line is not working.
-Salam malekum! Salam malekum!
She waits a few minutes knowing dam well that the phone is not working at all.
“The phone is dead,” says Louise to herself... “And we are too. Shit! I need another solution right now.” She turns around to go back to David. She is sweating more than ever now. She’s even drinking her own pearl of sweat to quench her thirst.
“Okay the moment of truth as arrives,” she says to herself observing all these people around her with machine guns pointing them at her and David. “Oh my God! Are they getting closer to us or I’m getting sunstroke. Shit! They are coming from everywhere. Hum! What a beautiful dead scene...”
-Sorry David....I realizes that I don’t speak enough Arabic to explain the receptionist that I need a taxi...you know it’s difficult Arabic, I’m new at this, she admits without telling him at all about the broken line. We are going to do without it and find ourselves a way out, that’s all.
-Meaning what?
-All we have left to do is to walk out of here. That’s simple, isn’t it?
-Walk it must be more than 20 kilometres for goodness sake!
-Yes David I know but do you have another solution?
-No, not really so let’s go let’s get out of here to start with. Smile, smile, smile!
-Maasalama!
-Maasalama! Answer the soldiers without doing anything more at the relief of the two flight attendants.
-So, says Louise, we are out and alive that’s all it counts.
Now we are going to walk and we will soon see a taxi and when we will see it we will stop it. I know it sounds ridiculous what I’m saying you don’t have to mention it David but when you have a better solution don’t forget to tell me alright. Ouf! It’s so hot, isn’t it?
David doesn’t answer. He is completely discouraged.
They walk for more than an hour in silence under this terrible sun. It’s excessively hot. They are finally arrived at the paved road but the road is so hot that the heat of the asphalt is going through their shoes like they were walking bare feet on it. Louise doesn’t have any more water to drink and David just finish the last sip without offering her one little bit. He is mad at her and prefers not to talk to her.
-We came by taxi there certainly going to be one going by, says Louise half an hour later. If you didn’t pay that taxi driver right away...well I guess we would already be at the hotel. Shit!
-You are not serious when you say that. We were in the middle of the desert on a military site do you think the guy would of stay one single second more. Hello!
-Hum! Says Louise looking back to see if a car was coming by. Ah! Allah! Is with us, she says bringing up her arms in the air like she was praying... My god too! Hey| hey! Stop!
-A taxi here but it’s almost impossible, retorts David looking at it. It’s a mirage. You will see it well disappear in one moment.
Louise signals to the taxi driver to stop. He passes at full speed in front of them and stop further away. He then backs up at the same speed to come and get them. He bends down and opens its door. Louise hurries to get in.
-Come on get in, screams Louise tired. I didn’t disappear; I’m actual comfortably seated in a taxi.
-You are nuts, this guy is nuts! You are not going to let yourself drive by this Waco!
-Come on get in David or you are going to roast like a lizard.
-Ah o.k. you win. He gets in discourage.
-You are lucky, you know because normally if I would have been by myself, explains Louise, I would of walk all the way to the hotel.
-Yes but wait, you see how he drives so fast if we arrive alive we will talk about it after.
The man drives absolutely in a madness state of mind like most of the Kuwaiti that lives here luckily this one is not drunk. He is worse than the first one they had he turns is head to look at them. Louise lights up a cigarette and offers one to him. He slows down the speed of his taxi to drive a little bit slower not much to enjoy the smoke of a foreigner cigarette. He smiles showing the cigarette meaning he likes it. It pleases him. He brings up his scarf on one side of the shoulder and then on the other side to bring both part on the top of his head. His entire scarf is on top of his head. It is so hot outside I still don’t know how they can stand leaving here.
They finally continue their road safely to the hotel. David invites Louise to take a good non alcoholic beer.
-That’s a good idea, I think we deserve it.
They enter the hotel.
-Hey Louise! It’s that your name...ask the prince who is sitting in the big lobby with Max and Ali.
-Yes hello, she says approaching them.
-Do you want to come with your sister, you too? He says addressing himself to David.
-He stands sup to present himself properly.
-Marouan! He says shaking his hands.
-Ali, says the second one standing up too, we have met at the party.
-Yes, I remember, David.
-We are going on my boat, it is so hot today. Lolitta is going to come too.
-Ah! Yes. Wait for me I am going to get my bathing suit
-I’ll pass.
-Come David, we are going to have fun. Didn’t you sweat enough today, man?
-Oh alright.
Five minutes later, they are all sitting in the jaguar of the prince driving again at more than the limit speed; 180 kilometres an hour is perhaps the speed limit here who knows! Anyway, they get to the beach at an amazing speed. Seal the singer is on the radio we could easily imagine they were going to a Californian beach but the reality is soon to put them back rapidly to where they are when they arrive at the marina. A sinister zone. Everything has been bombarded, destroyed. Everything.
The prince brings the volume down.
-Don’t worry. In a few weeks, everything will be rebuilt like before. My house is situated near the water front not too far from here. We manage to escape from the bombing except for the front of the house where there is a humongous hole
He drives a little bit more and then stops the car.
He opens up the gate with a tele-command.
-A bomb fell, right there, he points with his finger. Ah! Here we are!
A servant comes forward to open the door of the car. Gardeners are busy redoing the landscaping. Men power are cleaning the white marble completely blacken by the smoke of the explosion. Everyone is getting off.
-We barely made it, says Marouan looking at his palace but like you can see we are putting back things to normal. Let’s go to the back on the terrace I’m sure Dodi is already here.
-It’s not a house it’s a palace. It’s so big and so beautiful even with all the damage to it.
There are gardens of flowers all over, palm trees, water fountains, marble statues and gigantesque bird house as high as the house. The exterior is fabulously decorated with rich taste. On the terrace you can see the ocean and the city as well. It’s a real paradise. The prince gives some orders to the servant and telephone right away the chief of police.
-He says he is sorry to be late and he is on his way. He had last minute problems to solve. We are going to have some tea.
-You live here all by yourself? ask Danyele.
-Of course and my parents live right there. Come and see. They get closer to the hand rail to see the house.
-We are neighbours, it’s perfect. They do what they want and me too. They are presently in Switzerland. My parents house was badly hit so my mom decided to do some shopping to renovate the house and anyway my dad always go with her to have an eye on his numerous properties in Europe. Look we will go down below. It will be best to have the tea and while we wait for Dodi I will fix the boat. Come!
When they arrive on the other terrace, the prince excuse himself to change in more appropriate all fit.
-He is incredible! Says Lolitta.
-Yes really and what touch me are his kindness and his simplicity, don’t you think so? Ask Danyele.
-He is really nice this Marouan Danyela! Oun prince on top of that, says Lolitta removing her dress.
-A charming prince, insist Ali who dives right away in the ocean fallowed by Max.
-Yes he is very friendly for a prince, admits David.
-Ah! No, I know my sister when she starts softening up it’s a bad sign. You…ou! Wake-up. In two days we are going back to Montreal and all this will only be nice souvenirs Danyele.
-Why are you saying that Louise? If your sister finds this guy to her taste it’s her business.
-Think about it, he is a Muslim prince.
-We are not here to married your sister, says Max laying down on a pneumatic. We are here to have fun. Come in the ocean, he says throwing them a little bit of water.
-Let’s have fun! But Danyele I would have warned you. I know you well enough to know how you feel so I propose you to stay very good friend with him that’s all.
-Why can’t she fall in love with this guy? Ask David.
-For a very good reason that Danyele is used to a certain standard of leaving and to be free to do what she wants when she wants without asking any permission.
-But you saw how he is? Adds up Lolitta very impress.
-Yes, it’s like any man. Nice, very caring very loving...they are all like this at the beginning and after it deteriorates unfortunately.
-Wo! Wo! Wo! exclaims David. It doesn’t mean that we are not like this afterwards. Maybe it’s you girls who are changing after.
-Well stop talking about it someone is coming our way. Let’s have fun and enjoy this beautiful day off, says Danyele.
-Hello, I am Dodi, Is Marouan here? Ask the chief of the police of Kuwait City.
-I’m here, screams Marouan coming to join the group. Dodi let me present you these nice people. Danyele, her sister Louise, Lolitta and David. You know Ali and Max.
-Hello!
-Hi!
-Well, let’s go on the yacht. Marouan gives some more orders to a young servant who gives out life vest to everyone. He goes up on the yacht with a huge pick-nick basket and hides himself down below in the galley for the rest of the journey.
-Are you sure that it is very safe to go on sea, ask Lolitta to Marouan.
-Yes, yes. Dodi is the chief of police and he knows the ocean too. Don’t worry. We have special equipments on board that will signal any presence of mines. So, don’t worry and enjoy this beautiful day.
-We are going far away from the coast to avoid the danger, explains Dodi. Get on everybody!
Max and Ali get themselves comfortable. They lay down on beautiful teak chairs in front of the boat.
-It’s marvellous Danyele, says Lolitta loud enough so she can hear her.
They are both sitting on the back seat of the yacht and try to get a tan.
-It’s like we were on vacations, hen! Danyele.
-Yes really, it’s terrible to think that three weeks ago there was a war here, you were not there the other day Lolitta when we went to see the Highway to Hell...Now we are in dream land.
Dodi is explaining to David and Louise the functioning of the mine detector. Marouan is at the tiller.
-Is there any volunteer for water skiing?
-When ever you are ready, screams Ali to Marouan. Dodi are we pass the mine zone yet?
-Wait still.
-We have to wait a little, explains Marouan.
-Let me!
Danyele joins Marouan at the tiller.
-Here, says Marouan. Take it while I set up the table for lunch. Ali! Come and help me. We are going to set up the table. I’m so hungry.
Max comes and helps them prepare the table. A servant is on board down stair preparing the food in the galley, there is enough food for an army.
Bread, a big lamb shoulder, hummus, all kinds of salads, taboule of course....
-We can stop the boat, Marouan.
-Danyele, do you know how?
-Yes, yes no problem.
They are in the middle of the ocean. The sun is shining with all its power.
-Can we go for a swim, ask Max.
-Yes, yes everything is calm here, there is no danger.
-Who is coming to swim before lunch?
-Come in the water girls the water is perfect! Says Marouan.
The men dive in the water at the exception of Dodi who prefers to through his fishing rope on the other side of the yacht to tickle the fish a little.
-You don’t take a fishing rode? Ask Louise looking at him very intrigue to see how he is fishing.
-No, you have to feel the fish at the top of your fingers.
-Ah! It’s not too stupid
-Try it. He gives the rope to Louise and explains how while the others are having fun on the other side of the yacht.
-What kind of fish can you catch here? Ask Louise bringing down her rope.
-I wouldn’t be able to tell you the names in English. I only know them in Arabic.
The water is very calm. Louise stays there for a good moment without moving, without talking, waiting for the rope to wiggle. The policeman is besides her looking at the view in silence. Max is having fun with Ali. They didn’t leave each other since Myriam’s party. Ali finds Max very attractive. There was not a single night that Ali arrive at the hotel empty handed. He gave him a real Cartier watch, a Hugo Boss shirt and a lot more things. When he doesn’t work, he waits for Max every morning for breakfast. Then he comes back at the end of the afternoon to sun tan with him. They disappear together to come back together for pick up time. Max takes his coffee with him and then returns to work smiling. He is less nervous than before and the flight attendants are suffering a lot less. Ali is the miracle medication for Max.
As soon as she had free time, Lolitta was busy writing to her family every day and to phone them every week. Her aunt is taking care of her brothers and sisters and once and a while the priest goes to pay them a little visit. However at a few occasion, her aunt mention in her letters that Lolitta should inform her father for the future of her brothers and sisters. But it is out of the question. Lolitta had thought about it seriously during her stay in Kuwait and had swear to herself that she will take care of them as long as she can and that her father long gone will stay away forever. This morning, she wrote to the priest to inform him about her decision and to ask him to convince her aunt to forget about this silly idea. She is afraid that her dad could commit the same action and beat them like the old days and that she prefers to live in misery than to see her family get beaten by a drunken father even though he is a doctor with a good reputation down Florida.
-Oh! Oh! I think I have something. Oh! It’s pulling. I caught a fish. I caught a fish! Screams Louise all excited hoping that the others could hear her. This is it. I have a fish! Oh! He is heavy! He is wiggling too much I won’t be able to pull him out! My hands are hurting. The rope is cutting my hands!
-Wait I will help you, says Dodi.
He removes his scarves that was on his hips and puts it around his hands to have a really good grip and then with just one good whip he pulls out the fish all at once, and right away he gives another whip to bring the fish on the boat.
-Aaaa! Exclaims Louise with terror. He is disgusting! Attention, it’s going under the table.
-Louise you should back up a little you just caught a shark. I’m going to hit him on the head.
Turn around I don’t want you to look at it. Marouan! Where did you put the hammer? Ah! Forget it; I’m going to use the coke bottle.
-Ah! Screams Louise to the others. I caught a shark!
- Stop being silly Louise.
-No, no, Dodi is trying to kill it. Go smoothly Dodi we cannot smash it too much no one will believe that it’s a shark!
Danyele is swimming next to Marouan. She knows her sister to know dam well she is not pulling a trick.
-Ah! Is it finish? Ask Louise all excited.
-Yes, I think I hit him pretty good. Congratulations Miss. It’s a good catch, he says rising it with the coke bottle so she can have a good look at it.
-Hum! I don’t know. He is not great to look at. Did you see this jaw! Ah! She was really amazed to see her shark.
Dodi is giving back the shark to her so she can show it to the others.
-Take the bottle, go on, and show them your trophy.
-Look guys! My little white shark! she says a bit stunt by her own catch. Do you believe me now?
My goodness sake! Shit! Screams David. It’s true! He says swimming back to the boat.
Under roughly a minute everyone was back on the yacht.
Dodi and Louise are laughing their heads off.
-It’s a small shark, calm down, explains Dodi helping Lolitta to get on board.
-But you told us we could swim here without any problem? Screams Lolitta quite upset.
-Yes, I said that. He gives her a towel to dry herself.
But I was talking about the mines not the fish. Anyway, it’s only a small white shark. He is not dangerous.
-It’s a shark senor! A shark!
Lolitta is furious. She is so petrified.
David tries to warm her up by massaging her back.
-Miss, let me remind you that you swam in the red sea.
-And so what senor!
You know why we call it the red sea?
-No, she answers very upset.
-It‘s because of all the sharks that we can find in it and because of all their numerous catch, well...the sea is bleeding and because the water is always red we call it the red sea!
-Stop it Dodi, says Marouan. You are scaring her.
-Very interesting, says Lolitta furious. I will remember it. Carramba!
She smiles, fixes him with her look and turns back to look at the ocean.
-Max, you didn’t tell me that the flight attendants are experts in fishing, says Ali.
-Ah you know there are a lot of things that Air Nation flight attendants can do, answers Max smiling.
-Now, I really have a shark appetite, says Marouan laughing. Come on let’s eat!
-What are we going to do with the shark? Ask Louise desperate?
-Wait, a minute, first of all Miss Kodak, says Max. I am going to take a picture of you and your little red fish sorry Madame your white shark, Smile!
-Give it to me; says Marouan, we are going to place it in the ice bucket.
-Wait Marouan, come with me in the picture I need some witness come on everyone. They take some pictures and hurry up to sit down and eat.
-You could eat it tonight, proposes Louise to Marouan. Shark is delicious with a very fine olive oil, some chives and spices. A few minutes on the grill and you have a perfect meal.
-Tell me Louise, ask her sister to change the subject. Where did you go this morning? I was looking for you all over after the game.
-Ah! No where really. I will talk to you about it later.
-Well if you didn’t go nowhere how is it that you want to talk about it later, ask Max who wants to know where she went.
-Mmm! it’s good she says taking a big piece of lamb.
No one talks; they are all waiting for her to continue.
-I went around with David.
-But where? Ask Max again.
-We went to the museum of war, says David finally.
-Hum! Which one? Ask Marouan also intrigue.
-The museum, the museum on the side of the road, I don’t recall the name. It’s actually the receptionist of the hotel, who wrote down the name for us, so...
-How was it? Ask Lolitta. You should have told me I would have come with you guys.
-Well, we went to the museum and we are pleased to have gone and if you want the name I’ll give it to you. I certainly have it in my purse still.
-Well, give me your piece of paper, I want to read it, says Marouan.
Louise and David look at each other not knowing what to do next.
-It’s the museum....of war that we went to see, finally admits David who wanted to avoid the worst.
-Ah! Exclaim at the same time the three Kuwaitis.
-You went there? Says Dodi.
-Yes, we really enjoy our visit and what we saw.
-One moment, start from the beginning, ask her sister.
-Well, this morning, I woke up at six o’clock...
-Louisa! Stop it! por favor!
-I was having breakfast when David came down...
After spending the rest of the day at sea, Marouan invited them all to a fabulous restaurant in the city. At the time of the reservation, he even asks the chef if he could prepare Louise’s shark for entry so everyone could have a taste of it.
They arrives around nine o’clock. They board a big old doge converted into a restaurant. The ambiance is just wonderful. Tall white sails are floating in the air. The evening is quite cool for this part of the world. The breeze is certainly from the north...
They go down some stairs to get to the main room of the restaurant. The smell of breads baking on the roof of a special clay oven is exciting their tasting papilla. Huge torch lights are hanging on the wall is illuminating the dining room.
They are very enchanted to be there. A group of musicians are playing soft Arabic music. The maitre D is welcoming the prince with all the honour he deserves. Everyone is ravished.
During the entire dinner, everyone is asking questions to Ali, Dodi and Marouan to learn more about their culture and customs. It’s the start of a new friendship, an unforgettable dinner for all of them.
That night, the flight attendants come back to the hotel at the exception of Danyele who decided to spend the first and the last night in the arms of her charming prince.
The next morning, it’s departure time. Time as ring to go home. Everyone is in the lobby of the hotel with a multitude of luggage, full of great souvenirs. Danyele is sitting with Marouan at the hotel coffee shop as well as Ali and Max sitting at a different table.
-Don’t be sad Danyele, says Marouan. We will see each other again, I’m sure of it, he says holding her hands.
But Danyele is very sad. Marouan pleases her a lot. He is so affectionate and so good looking. He looks at her for a long moment in silence than he gives her a very long jewel-case.
-Here, you can always think of me when you look at this.
He opens the box himself and passes a rubies ring on her finger.
-This is to comfort your heart.
Danyele cannot believe it. She is very surprise. He takes out a second ring.
-This one is in sapphire’s to reinforce our bonds, he says passing her the second ring.
-It’s marvellous Marouan but I cannot accept this.
-Wait I’m not finish. This one is in emerald; it’s for hope to see each other again, soon.
-Marouan are you crazy or what?
-Yes, I’m crazy about you, Danyele.
-But...
-Stop, let me give you my entire gift. This last ring is in diamond, it’s for the love I have for you. Danyele, make me happy and wear them thinking about us. Just give me a little bite of hope that I will see you soon.
-But I cannot accept that, she exclaims all in shock to see a gift of this sort.
-Chut! Says Marouan putting his finger on her lips. Take this without saying a word. For me, it’s an honour to be able to give you a little souvenir. He takes her two hands and gives a small kiss on each one. I would of love to have spent more time with you.
Danyele has tears in her eyes. They stay in silence, looking at each other for the last time.
-Well we have to go, exclaims Max holding Ali in his arms. He gets close to Danyele’s table.
-Inshaala Max! Says Marouan.
-Inshaala! Marouan, Inshaala Ali, he says for the last time too.
Max turns around to look at Danyele so he can have the chance to dry tears and gets closer to Danyele.
-Thank-you Marouan, says Max shaking his hands real hard. Let’s go Danyele; the captain is waiting for us.
-Bye! Ali, shoukran!
-I’m going to call you, says Marouan to Danyele holding her for the last time in his arms. Don’t worry Danyele and think of me, says Marouan rubbing her arm to comfort her.
She shows him her hand.
-How can I forget you? It’s impossible. Bye Marouan!
Max and Danyele leaves both crying and very sad.
No one is talking on the way to the airport. Danyele and Max are sitting together holding each other’s hands to comfort themselves from this very difficult separation.
They are boarding Kuwait airways to continue on with Air Canada all the way to Montreal.
During the flight, Louise decides to go for a walk to take the numbness off her legs. She walks all the way to the back of the aircraft.
-Hey, Louise calls someone.
She turns around to look who is calling her. A man stands up rapidly to join her. She doesn’t believe her eyes and cannot walk towards him. She stays there not saying a word.
When the man joins her, he bends down to kiss her on the cheek.
-Hey! Not here! Let me remind you that we are still on Muslim land here, she says coolly.
-Let’s go to the back, he suggests. You look like you are not happy to see me at all, remarks McCoy a bite surprised by her attitude.
-I’m actually shock to see you, answers Louise walking her way to the back.
-I came here to take some pictures during the war and I stay afterwards to see how it was going to go on but how about you, what a surprise to see you here!
He kisses her again on the cheek and tries to give her a hug.
-Stop it, she says furious not to have receive any news from him at all.
-Hum! You are still very savage, I like that it makes me crazier about you.
-Excuse me? I send you photos; cards, letters....and not even an answer from you so ...don’t push your luck.
-Wait, let me explain.
-Well you will have to excuse me but I need to go to the washroom. Maybe in ten years from now we will have the chance to meet again.
He takes her arm to stop her from entering the washroom. She looks at him furious and moves away from him and goes in the washroom closing the door behind her without saying a word.
-Shit! He goes back to his seat and hurries to get his bag out of the comportment. He tries to look for something but can’t find it. He is quite furious, and swears. Finally he finds what he was looking for. He sits down to look at the picture, the cards and the letters Louise had sends him. He smiles. He can’t wait for her to get out of the washroom and show her that he carry them with him at all time but Louise gets out the washroom and passes by the other aisle to avoid him and bends down her head so he doesn’t see her.
After a while, he decides to go back to the washroom. He knocks on the door a few times.
-Is everything o.k., he ask knocking again on the door. Come on, answer me Louise.
An old lady in a chador gets out the washroom furious. She talks to him in Arabic and returns to her seat. McCoy is furious too. He tramps up and down the entire aircraft to look for Louise but cannot find her because the crew is sitting up front in first class.
He decides to go and pulls the curtains hoping to see her there.
-Hey! Ask Lolitta to David who is sitting next to her, isn’t it Louise’s guy...you know ...the one she met in India.
-It looks like him, says David tapping on Danyele shoulders.
-Hey Danyele, isn’t it the photograph that Louise met in India?
-Hum! What is it David? ask Danyele removing her head sets. She turns around to better listen to him.
-Look, McCoy is talking to Youssef. Louise is sitting on the other side of the aircraft next to Youssef and looks outside the window while listening to some music. McCoy asks Youssef if he could change seat with him for a while without having Louise to know about it. McCoy shakes his hands and waits patiently for her to turn around. Half the crew is looking at them to see what is going to happen. A flight attendant from Kuwait Airways is passing in the cabin to offer them some refreshments. She bends down to touches Louise’s arm. Louise turns but doesn’t realizes yet who is sitting next to her.
-Andi shay men fadlik? Ask Louise to the flight attendant.
-And on top of it she talks Arabic. It’s wonderful, exclaim McCoy. This girl is amazing, he says to the flight attendant. He is so happy to have found Louise.
-Ah but it’s not true, exclaims Louise looking at him.
The flight attendants jump right away on the occasion to applaud the reunited couple.
-But tell me why did you left? Ask McCoy.
He doesn’t give her the chance to answer and show him right than his little album photos.
-Look, I always have it with me, even during the war time. Your pictures, you and me in the lab, you and your sister, your postal card. You never mention me that you were going to Kuwait, how would I have known.
-Shit you are idiot. You didn’t think of writing me or phoning me perhaps .
-But yes, I did it, I call you two times but I thought that when I was receiving your letters it was because you were answering me.
-No not at all, answer Louise seriously. I did not receive anything from you.
-Oh! But it’s not true. And on top of it, I called you but you were not there and I don’t like to leave messages to a metal box I don’t like it especially when I want to...
He tries to sit more comfortably thinking of a way to tell her that he has feelings for her. Finally, he tells her.
-Listen, I don’t like to leave messages on an answering machine, that’s all. Shit to Graham Bell! If I only knew you were here...ah! What a pair we would have done together here. Louise sits up to listen to him more openly.
-But since when you are here, he asks taking her hands.
She frees her hand off him to answer.
-We arrived right after the war was over. Now we are going back home.
-Very well, me too I’m going back home and you won’t get off so easily my dear. I have the intention to enjoy my vacation fully.
-What do you mean?
-I want to go to my cottage in Mont-Tremblant and I would like very much so to spend my entire vacation time in your company. I want to see you every day every night what can I ask for!
-You are going to have to find me first.
-You forgot that you gave me your address.
-Ah you dream on because it’s a postal box so you are stock.
-Listen, who you think you are dealing with here, my little most favourite stewardess. When Mc Coy want something he gets it. And the war is over...so we are in peace for a while...
-Nice words of macho. It is time for you to come back home to civilisation, to modern time. Macho men are not in style anymore these days.
-I can see you are still mad at me but there is nothing I can do. My letters are certainly at your house or in your mail box, you will see. Listen, you won’t get rid of me that easily. I would really like...
-Sorry, says Youssef, can I get me seat back?
McCoy looks at him furious.
-There! It’s already down, I just got rid of you, says Louise who think she won.
McCoy gets up to give Youssef his seats. He stands there very conscious that everyone is looking at him.
-I adore her, he says out loud so everyone can hear him. So... take care of her for me. He smiles and leaves the first class, satisfied of him.
-I just came at the right time, says Youssef.
-Hum! Answers Louise who turns around to look at the Swiss mountains under her.
-Very well, if you don’t want to talk about it I supposed that this guy doesn’t interest you at all.
-No it’s not that, answers Louise who still have her nose to the window.
-But what is it than! ask Youssef. He interest you so what is the problem than? Women are so complicated!
-You’re stupid Youssef you don’t understand.
-No but I saw the guy, he has been trying for a while to tell you that he is still interested in you and I think he said it pretty loud so you understand it too.
-Yes but it’s not that easy.
-You see you are still complicating things. He interests you yes or no? It’s simple, no! You answered me yes so what do you want more?
-I never said yes.
-Let’s not play with the words Louise. The guy interest you so don’t fuck with him or if you really don’t like him well tell him frankly that’s all and don’t waste his time.
-Hum, answers Louise putting back her head sets to end up the conversation.
After an hour, the flight attendant calls Louise attention to give her a box of film.
-Miss, someone ask me to give you this.
-Ah! It’s not true, she says. Thank-you Miss.
-Open the box, ask Youssef curious.
-No, not now.
-Ah you women!
-Very well, I will.
Louise a bite uncomfortable about the situation opens up the box finally.
-Look at this, The Tremblay sisters are very spoiled today. A rubies necklace.
-Who told you they were rubies, ask Louise wondering if they were indeed real precious stones.
-But stop playing the innocent; you shop enough to know it by now these are real rubies. A gift Louise, wake up, fuck this guy like you to spend so much money on you, says Youssef quite impress by the gesture of McCoy .
-And so what, rubies or not. It’s not important for me anyway....there is no note! There is absolutely nothing written anywhere.
-No, answers McCoy who came back. I had preferred to come and tell you myself in person what I am trying to kill myself to tell you.
Do you mind, he asks Youssef, to give me your seat for a while? I’m sitting at 39-Cc. By the way, there is someone quite good looking next to my seat you know what I mean...
-Ah that’s interesting, say Youssef leaving.
-How about starting over again, ask McCoy sincerely. I’m certain that we would have everything to win and nothing to lose, what do you think?
Louise looks at him and takes some time to think before answering him.
-At one condition, she says giving him back to film box with the necklace.
--But you cannot do this to me. I just spend a good hour to place them on the thread with my big fingers.
Louise takes his hand to examine it and looks at him. He crosses his fingers with hers and doesn’t let go of it.
-Well fine. I accept it but keep the necklace with you and when ...you will come for dinner at my place; you could give it back to me, okay.
McCoy smiles satisfied of her answer and kiss her hand.
-It’s not true! I can believe my ears. We are eating together tonight. It’s a great idea!
-No not tonight, in two days. I have to move.
-In the middle of winter! It’s bizarre no!
-Yes, but I find myself a small cottage that is perfect for me. It’s very cute.
-So we are having breakfast tomorrow together and I will give you a hand with your moving.
-No you don’t need to do that. You must be exhausted from your trip, come for dinner instead.
-No I insist, with me you will be finish in a short time if not you will be spending your days off emptying boxes and I prefer spending my time with you. Maybe we could install you a black room. We cannot leave a talent like yours go by. I am very proud of your photos and I want to take the time to show you how we develop them. I will take the one I have and install it at your new place.
-Let me think about it and tell me about your journey in Kuwait, instead.
-Well...
The rest of the flight goes by very quickly. Louise had a lot o time to catch up with McCoy. She was finding him more attractive than before and was adoring his company. While he was telling him all sorts of stories, Louise was looking at him telling herself that this McCoy was really pleasing her and that it couldn’t go wrong and she should take a chance and of course Youssef had scored again with the sexy passenger sitting at 39 B.
At the base
Everyone is tired from this long trip and in a hurry to go home. The goodbyes are short and sweet under this cold weather. Winter is really here. More than one metre of snow is covering their cars. The weather indicates minus 16 degree Celsius and with the wind factor it must be at least minus 22 degree Celsius. The wind is blowing really hard. It’s terrible to come back in these conditions. It’s really a return home quite brutal. Finish the beautiful weather, return to the reality of the Quebec winters. Peter is waiting for Josey to surprise her. Louis the flight attendant that Max had met on board Port-au-prince flight is waiting for him at the office. He knew he was coming today.
-Hi! Do you want me to take you home? he ask happy to see him.
-I won’t refuse an offer like this Louis that will be nice of you, he says walking to leave. I have to come here tomorrow anyway to fill up all these papers and tonight I’m too tired to stay up any longer. I didn’t feel like doing paper work on board.
-So it’s perfect. Wait for me here, I will get the car.
-No, wait, I have to tell you something, says Max a bite unease.
-Max, you don’t have to tell me anything. Its okay, I’m old enough to know what I’m doing. You don’t have to report to me you know, he says going out to get the car.
-Well brother, you don’t lose time, says Youssef who heard everything. If all the girls were like him I would be in paradise brother!
-It’s not bad, really, says Max smiling. One lost and ten back. You know after my boy friend’s death, it took me a lot of time to realise that I have to go on with my own life so I decided to live day by day and take everything life is to offer to me.
-You are right brother. Life is too short. Bye! See you next time!
Louis comes back at the same time and looks at Youssef and button up his coat.
-Well, this is better, it’s cold outside my little chick, be careful. He buttons up all the way.
-I’m fine, I’m fine, says Youssef. Let go of my scarf!
Let’s go Louis, says Max happy to see him.
In the parking lot, Lorenzo is trying to remove all the snow from his and at the same time he is looking at jade trying to start her car.
“Ah! Shit! She screams. “I’m not going to stay here freezing my ass! Come on piece of metal! Go!
Start!”
The battery of her car is completely discharged. The car is making no sound at all.
“Ah no!”
She tries at many occasions but unfortunately her battery is dead.
‘I’m so tired; I want to go to bed! No this cannot be happening.”
Jade is so tired she starts crying. Exhausted and discouraged, she bangs on the wheel and tries again. -That’s enough, says Lorenzo opening up her door. You can come and get it tomorrow. Come with me I will drive you home. You should of wait a little before starting your car like you just did. Now, it’s too late the battery is dead.
-If we charge it with yours...
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