Page 11 of Tiers of Joy

“Oh that’s Jay’s father's business partner. It could be harmless, maybe we’re reading too much into it.” I suggest turning to Sally.

“Something tells me we’re not.” Sally nods with her head.

I turn and see them share a kiss. I quickly grab my phone and take a picture and then another to clearly show it’s them. Cars start beeping at Sally because the lights have turned green.

“Alright, alright! Calm your tits!” She yells, flipping them off.

“Why did you take pictures?” Sally asks.

“Because Jay’s father is still legally married to her. She has been fighting his lawyers for more money and they both still live in the marital home. With this he can kick her arse to the curb.” I state whilst typing an email to Frank.

He’s kept in touch, asking how things were going and making the effort. I just wish Jay were here to see that his father cared and loved him all this time. I attach the photos and click send.

We play the music loud all the way there. Sally had previously stocked up on the must have travel sweets: bonbons, lemon sherbets, and rhubarb and custards.

“Oh yeah this is our jam!” Sally yells, turning up her stereo.

Get Ur Freak On by Missy Elliott fills the car. We jig, bounce, and rap along.

“Holla!” Sally sings.

I laugh. God I'm going to miss her! She’s the only one who has been here through everything. She’s the only one who has made me laugh since Jay. I’m not sure I would’ve been able to get this far without her.

After finding a parking spot Sally helps me wheel the cases into the airport to check in.

We go for a bite and a stiff drink. Well, the stiff drink is for me, Sally sticks to coffee.

It’s finally time for me to go through to the departure lounge. I grab Sally in my arms and hug her tight. She does the same.

“I'm going to miss you so much.” I sob.

“Me too.” She sniffles.

“How am I going to cope without you? You’ve helped me so much, especially since Jay’s passing.” I sniff.

“You're stronger than you think. Plus I'm only a phone call or a video call away. You better call me a lot. You think you need me, but it’s me that needs you, so make sure you don’t forget your best friend. Okay?” She wipes her eyes.

“Just try and stop me! I'm going to piss you off so much by calling you day and night.” I smile and wipe my tears, taking a deep breath.

“Go on, you got this. I’m so proud of you. Love you.” Sally pulls me in for a hug one more time then steps back, smiling with tears in her eyes.

“Love you more!” I yell over my shoulder as I walk into the departure lounge.

I swallow the lump in my throat, push my shoulders back, and take the first steps to the rest of my life.

I'm sitting in my seat on the plane and my leg is jigging nervously. We are taxiing ready for take-off.

“Don’t be nervous sweetie. We will soon be up in the air, and then if we crash and burn we won’t feel a thing anyway.” The old lady next to me smiles and pats my hand.

“Thanks.” I murmur, wishing she’d kept that helpful advice to herself.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We’d like to thank you for choosing to fly with us today. Please sit back and relax. Myself and my new co-pilot Ted Striker will ensure you have a safe and pleasant flight.” The pilot announcesover the speaker.

I snort and laugh, expecting the whole plane to do the same. I look at the old lady next to me and she just looks confused.

“Ted Striker, the character in the movie airplane.” I explain.

She just smiles and shakes her head.

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