In person

"Yes! That is my son. Go get her back!" Susan exclaimed as Jason ran out the door. He wasted no time and uncovered their Bugatti Veyron, which was parked on the driveway. As he stepped into the car he wondered, how far could they have gotten in such a short time? Luckily the airport was close by, so he should be there in no time. He started up the car, letting out a loud roar and shot off into the distance with smoking tires. He sped through the streets at first, but after a few streets he found himself stuck in traffic. In the distance he could already see the control tower, but at the moment it seemed very far away. It was never this crowded on the streets on a Sunday afternoon. Why, of all days, did there have to be so much traffic today. What is the use of such a fast car if I can't use the speed it possesses. If I had known this, I would have taken the motorcycle. The only thing Jason could hope for was that Jenny was stuck in this traffic jam as well.

After twenty-five minutes he finally arrived at the airport. He frantically searched for Jenny's flight information. According to this, her flight had been moved up even more. All passengers had already checked-in and the storm was starting to get closer and closer, therefore the airline had decided to be save rather than sorry. So he ran to the first check-in counter he could find from that airline and asked if he could still purchase a ticket for that flight, knowing full well that they would not let him pass without a ticket or a life threatening emergency. The lady at the counter instantly shook her head. "This was the final flight of the day to the Netherlands, so many people were transferred to this flight. It was even overbooked. Luckily we could seat a few people in first class". Shit! there goes that plan. What was he going to do now. Right, he only needed to get past customs, after that he could go to whichever gate he wanted. It was not like he planned to board the plane. "Do you have any other available flight that leaves today that I can purchase a ticket for?"

The lady looked at him a bit suspiciously, but checked the system anyways. "The only other flight available leaves at 2 AM, but only if the storm has settled by then. So the chance for cancellation is quite high. I am afraid I am not allowed to sell additional tickets to that flight unless you sign a waver to revoke your right for a refund?" "Money is not an issue. I can sign whatever you want, but I am in a big hurry. I have to speak to someone who is about to board your flight to the Netherlands, so what time would I be able to check-in if I purchase this ticket?" "Oh...I am afraid that check-in wont be until two hours before the flight leaves, which is at midnight..". Another roadblock, he needed to think of something and he needed to do it fast. So he decided to use his charm. "That is not an option. I need to be at the gate within 15 minutes, otherwise I will be too late. Can you help me in any other way? How about I purchase a ticket of your choice and you help me get past customs. After that the ticket is yours?" He showed her a dazzling smile. Just as she was about to cave, a jealous colleague butted in and said "That is against the rules and you know it. It can get you in a whole world of trouble!" Jason grew impatient as time was ticking away, so he gave the person in question a deadly glare that sent chills down ones spine. He quickly cowered off and Jason smiled at the lady at the counter. Showing her another smile. He even threw in a "Well, what do you say Carol. Is there a destination you have always wanted to go to?" Finally Carol caved and even helped him pass customs using the employee line.

Jason only had seven minutes left. He ran as fast as he could towards the gate number Carol had given him. Never had these gates seemed further apart from one another as now. There it was, gate 35! It was in sight. Jason upped his speed even more as he saw his goal only meters away. It took him barely 10 seconds, but it had been 10 seconds too late. All the running and speeding had been in vain, because as he stood eye to eye with the right gate, the door to the tunnel closed and the plane was disconnected. Jason fell to the floor in disappointment and exhaustion. He laid on his back and closed his eyes as he tried to control his heavy breathing.

Sweat was dripping off his forehead and back, showing the effort he had put into getting here. After a few minutes of catching his breath, he stood back up and went back towards his car. How could the universe be so against them. Wasn't the level of difficulty high enough yet, geez! Susan, who had been waiting anxiously in the living room, saw her son's expression and knew. He hadn't made it in time. She did not know which words of comfort to tell him. Especially as she was disappointed as well. While lowering her eyes, her attention was caught by her phone. Of course, he could call her. No, no, he could send a message and follow it up with a call tomorrow. Susan quickly grabbed her phone and searched for Jenny's number. "Jason, don't be sad. Hope isn't lost yet. I still have her number. Send her a message, leave her a voicemail or call her in the morning!" Jason shook his head and said "Some things are better when done in person!"