Tensions were high on the plane this particular day. We were trying to leave the bustling city of New York City and get back to Nashville, TN. Being on a smaller plane we could not get clearance to take off because of bad weather and larger planes were being scheduled in front of us because of their ability to withstand the weather. So we had to sit in the plane on the runway for 4 hours, which was making everyone get a little irritable.
Four hours earlier when I boarded the plane, I noticed two young male pilots in the cockpit laughing and goofing off and I remember thinking this plane will never take off with these goof balls up there. I said out loud “you are the pilots? oh boy”. They turned to look at me in disbelief that I actually said that. I laughed it off then went back to my seat along with my mother, aunts, and younger cousins. I took my seat next to my cousin when my mother turned around and said, “honey, will you wave to the pilots up there so they will turn around so we can take off?” I leaned out into the aisle and waved at the young, goofy, yet handsome pilot that was trying to get my attention for a flirtatious wave. I waved sarcastically then never thought anything else of it.
After sitting in the plane for the long 4 grueling hours, we were advised to get off the plane and go back into the airport because it was going to be a while before we would get clearance to take off. I was getting very tired, as were the other passengers on that flight, including my family. When we were allowed to board the plane trying to take off again, I was cranky and sleepy and just wanted to get home. The pilot starts to make an announcement from the cockpit explaining approximate take-off times, weather updates, etc. Then I couldn’t believe the next thing that came out of his mouth.
He continued to announce that we had a celebrity on the plane; Miss Tennessee was on board. I was looking around thinking how did I miss her on such a small plane!? He told the exact seat number she was sitting in when my aunts began hysterically laughing, he told my seat number! He told everyone to turn around and give me a round of applause and congratulate me on my crown. I, NOT being Miss Tennessee at all, slumped down in my seat, so embarrassed that everyone admirable applauded my false accomplishment and wanted autographs and pictures. It started such a commotion on the plane, the mood lightened and time passed so quickly we were finally able to take off before we knew it. I was embarrassed at first, but flattered soon after. We laughed about it the whole flight from NYC to Nashville. He made what was sure to be the worst flying experience I ever had, into an enjoyable and memorable story that we tell at family gatherings to this day. I believe his name was Chris McMaster. He sent a flight attendant back to ask my name and age! But when he found out that I was only 18 at the time and he was nearly 10 years older than me, and that I was in a relationship, he decided not to pursue anything further. I am still happily in that same relationship 5 years later, but I have always wanted to thank that pilot for not only safely returning us home from an experience that was probably miserable for him as well, but thank him for such a funny and fun experience that I will never forget. Unpredictable little moments like that are what make life so much.
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