The Arrival

"Ladies and gentlemen, as we start our descent, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position.

"Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed in the overhead bins. Thank you," the pilot announced.

Kody and I hurriedly transferred to our own airline seat right next to our beds and fasten our seat belts.

All of our belongings are in the location that the captain requested us to place.

"Flight attendants, prepare for landing please," the pilot added.

The plane began to descend, "The moon is so bright and beautiful." I said, as I looked out the window.

"Can't see it dude." Kody replied, as he craned forward, trying to see the moon.

"Even if you don't see it," I said, "You can see and imagine its beauty."

"Since when did you become a philosopher." He replied, looking at me like I'm a different person.

I laughed, "Can't I say something different?" I said.

"No, you can." He replied, "It's just unusual if you're like that."

"Whatever you say." I said.

The speaker began to rattle, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have just been cleared to land at the NAIA airport.

"Please make sure one last time your seat belt is securely fastened.

"The flight attendants are currently passing around the cabin to make a final compliance check and pick up any remaining cups and glasses. Thank you." the pilot announced.

We held onto our seats, as the plane was on full throttle, descending.

It felt like I was about to throw up, but I did my best to control it.

"Don't you dare throw up." Kody said, "Have mercy on me."

"Don't worry..I won't." I replied, as I lift my other hand to cover my mouth.

The plane had finally landed, we were all shaking and bouncing, but the pilot was in control, so no worries.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to NAIA airport. Local time is 12 A.M and the temperature is 29° Celsius.

"For your safety and comfort, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the Captain turns off the 'Fasten Seat Belt' sign. This will indicate that we have parked at the gate and that it's safe for you to move about.

"Please check around your seat for any of the personal belongings you may have brought on board and please use caution when opening the overhead bins, as heavy articles may have shifted around during the flight.

"If you require deplaning assistance please remain in your seat until all passengers have deplaned. One of our crew members will then be pleased to assist you.

"On behalf of Philippine Airlines and the entire crew, I'd like to thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you on boarding again in the near future. Have a nice stay and evening." the pilot announced.

Kody and I disembarked the plane along with the other passengers. It was a bit cold and windy outside.

"Finally, we're here." Kody exclaimed, "It took too long."

We walked across the jet bridge, heading for the baggage carousel, waiting in line at the baggage reclaim.

It took like 10 persons until we got our turn and received our luggage. After we had our luggage returned, we head towards the exit and hailed a taxi.

Kody was able to hail one, we helped the taxi driver in loading our luggage into his car, he seemed like a nice guy to be honest.

We got inside the taxi right after loading the luggage. I started to feel sleepy, the jet lag has striked again.

"Where are we driving to?" the driver asked, as he looked at the rear-view mirror.

"To McKinley Hill Village." I replied, as I looked back at him.

Mckinley Hill Village is where Audrey and Fred Garcia lives, the parents of my cousin, Franco Garcia.

Franco Garcia, my not so well mannered and independent cousin. He's the highschool jock, got lots of girls drooling over him.

A whimsical young man full of energy but he can get careless sometimes.

His parents had helped my Dad's business grow so we really owe them a lot.

We only see each other during holidays, we have different timezones so it's kind of a bummer everytime we tried to facetime.

Nonetheless, we still managed to keep our friendship stable and healthy.

Our taxi had to make a stop at the gasoline station, Kody went to buy some snacks and drinks, while my eyes were about to drop and I literally wasn't able to hold back so I fell asleep, while they were dealing with struggles.

Never leave a friend behind guys, never sleep on them or leave them on read.

There's always an "I'm not fine" in every "I'm Okay". We all are fighting different battles, let them feel that they're not alone and that we're in this together.