Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: RASH (04/12/18)
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TITLE: Taking Flight | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dennis Gallemore
04/12/18 -
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Looking into the mirror, Whitney Owens brushed her hair. “I know that, Allen, but isn't this a little rash? We've never even been in a hot air balloon before.”
“Don't worry; it's safe.”
“Really? Says who? Why don't we do something that's a little more down-to-earth. We could have a few friends over and have a dinner party.”
Grimacing, Allen leaned against the bedroom wall. “A dinner party? No. Besides, I've already bought the tickets!”
“What? Without even asking me? This is our anniversary, Allen, emphasis on the our. How could you?”
“Well, I went online, found a hot air balloon company in the area, and used my Visa.”
Staring at the boyish smile on his face, Whitney sighed. “I'm going to regret this.”
“Don't worry, babe, you're going to love it, just like you love me.”
Smirking, she crossed her arms. “Who says that I love you?”
***
“Welcome to Carriage in the Sky, folks!” “I'm Jean Templeton, the owner of this establishment, and your pilot! Hello again, Allen. This lovely young lady is Whitney, no?”
Whitney smiled. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Templeton.”
“Non, mademoiselle. Jean to my friends, and I've met no one who wasn't a friend. We're all set; hop in, and get ready for the ride of your lives.”
Stepping into the gondola, they waited as Jean cast off. Rising into the sky, the hot air balloon floated lazily away. As the gondola swayed from a sudden gust of wind, Whitney grabbed her husband's arm, her face pale.
Allen laughed. “It's fine, Whitney, isn't it, Jean?”
A huge grin split their host's face. “Of course! You're in good hands. Just a bit of wind, nothing more.” Reaching down, he opened a satchel and pulled out a bottle and three glasses. “Champagne to celebrate your anniversary!” Noticing Whitney's concerned look, he added, “Don't worry; Allen told me ahead of time that you don't drink. This is non-alcoholic champagne.” He poured the bubbly into each of the glasses, holding one up in a toast. “Here's to another ten years of blessed marriage for the two of you!”
Taking a sip, Whitney smiled. “Delicious! Thank you, Jean; that's very thoughtful of you.”
Reaching once again into the satchel, he pulled out a box of chocolates, and opened it. “Belgian chocolates. Only the best, right Allen?”
Beginning to enjoy the wind, Whitney leaned toward her husband. “This is actually enjoyable, Allen. I'm glad that you talked me into this, even if this was a rash decision on your part.”
Winking at Allen, Jean pointed over the side of the gondola. “We're almost there.”
Glancing from Jean to her husband, Whitney's eyes narrowed. “We're almost where? What's going on?”
Taking Whitney's arm, Allen waved a hand. “Look up ahead, luv. Recognize that lake?”
Her eyes widening, she nodded. “Yeah; that's Lake Millerton. That's where the log cabin is that we rented last Christmas! I loved that place! We're going to fly over it?”
“We sure are. Say Jean, do you have anything else in your bag of goodies?”
With a twinkle in his eye, Jean nodded. “I do indeed, friends.” Pulling a crimson envelope out of the satchel, he handed it to Whitney. “I believe this is for you.”
Opening the envelope, she pulled out a sheaf of papers. Glancing at the contents, she gasped. “This...this is a deed! A deed to that cabin!”
“Surprise, Whitney! I'm not as rash as you think! I've been planning this for six months! Remember Proverbs 21:5? It says that the plans of the diligent, that's me, lead to abundance, that's the cabin. I'm a fantastic planner, babe!”
“The Bible also says that pride goeth before a fall, and, in case you haven't noticed, we're in a hot air balloon a thousand feet above ground.” Her lips moving toward his, she murmured, “But I think you may be forgiven this one time...”
“You know, friends,” Jean began, “That is actually a misquote; the verse actually says...” He stopped short; his passengers were in a universe all their own. Rubbing his grizzled beard, he grinned. “Just ahead, you will get a bird's eye view of the Great Pyramid of Giza on the left, and, on the right, you will see the Eiffel Tower...”
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I've always wanted to go up in a hot air balloon even though I have a fear of heights.