Anna's Angels

Chapter One

11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 21, 1993

See Anna, there’s nothing to be scared of. These planes fly all the time. Jackson’s attempts to reassure her, as they sat in their airplane seats waiting for the other passengers to board, were not helping.

I can’t help how I feel, Jackson. I don’t think this was such a good idea after all, Anna answered, knowing that her voice sounded shaky in spite of her best efforts to be brave. All morning she had been telling herself not to be afraid. But telling herself, and actually not being afraid, were two different things. The sun was shining in the airplane windows, making the beads of sweat on her arms glisten.

She looked at her watch, Eleven o’clock! Ten more minutes of torture to endure before we even leave, she said out load to no one in particular.

Matt and I are here with you. I’ve been praying for you, Anna’s boyfriend, Jackson, told her.

She glanced frantically at her two friends seated beside her. Fear was filling her thoughts, and any ability to have a rational conversation was quickly disappearing.

I’ve got to relax, Anna chanted to herself, taking a deep breath in an effort to calm down. I can do this. She could now feel the sweat running down her back.

She watched the other passengers entering the airplane, stowing their luggage, and taking their seats. Most of them either looked bored, or were distracted with a book or magazine.

Anna was sitting in the airplane aisle seat beside her boyfriend Jackson, who was sitting next to his friend Matt, who was sitting in the window seat. She attempted to calm herself by thinking about something else. The flowers that my aunt keeps in the kitchen window always brighten up the morning for me, she thought. It didn't help.

She had been telling herself all morning that flying was safe, and that there was nothing to be afraid of. She had prayed about it many times every day, ever since her boss mentioned the trip a week ago. But sitting here in the airplane was a totally different matter. Here it was real, not just a nightmare. Here it was terrifying.

Why did my boss insist on me traveling to Florida to meet with our new client? Who cares if he took care of all the arrangements? Why didn’t he just go himself? Or why didn’t our client travel here to New Orleans to see us? New Orleans is an interesting city, with lots of history and entertainment. Why didn’t I just take a few extra days and drive?

Did you hear the story about the mouse who got his tail caught in the doorway? Matt asked her as a distraction.

No, what about it? she answered, rubbing her hands on her pants to wipe off the perspiration.

It’s a short tail.

Jackson and Matt both seemed to think that was a delicious joke, and they both roared with laughter. Anna didn’t understand what was so funny.

Continuing to rub her hands on her pants, she asked, Are you sure this plane’s safe, Jackson? She looked around for some kind of reassurance that things would be OK.

Of course it’s safe. It’s just a flying bus. Back and forth, to and from Orlando every day, probably several times every day.

What if this is the time that it doesn’t make it?

It's going to make it – this time and every time. Just close your eyes and try to relax. We’re here with you, Anna. God is here with you too. He’ll protect you.

She did close her eyes, and instantly realized it was a mistake. The nightmares that had often plagued her sleep over the past eleven years came rushing back into her thoughts. Once again she could see her yard covered in body bags, with flames in the background. Red flashing lights from fire trucks and ambulances blinded her. The sight of that crashed airplane’s nose, severed from the rest of its broken body, pointed toward her. Shivers ran up and down her spine. Her parents had been killed. Airplanes were killers!

I can’t do it Jackson! Get me off this plane! she declared. She wasn't kidding. She had to make him understand. She had to make someone understand. How could all these passengers be so calm in the face of such a pending disaster?

Now, Anna, calm down. It’ll be all right. You’ll see. In two hours we’ll be there, and this plane ride will be over.

I can’t do it, I tell you! Why did you make me get on this plane?

The stewardess shut the airplane door with a secure thud. To Anna's ears it sounded like the closing of a coffin – her coffin. The airplane engines started winding up to speed.

Anna put her hands over her ears, as her fear turned to panic. In her mind’s eye she was nine years old again. She remembered that plane's deafening roar getting louder and louder, until it crashed into her house. Her parents were killed, destroying her wonderful life with them.

Tears were running down her face as she looked at Jackson. Get me off this plane! she pleaded. I can’t do it!

Anna, it’s OK. The plane’s safe. Jackson put his hand on her arm. It felt like someone was trying to smother her.

Get me off this plane! I don’t want to die like they did!

Anna, calm down. You’re making a scene, Matt whispered. People are starting to stare.

I’ve gotta get off this plane! she declared with determination. Anna unbuckled her seat belt and bolted up the aisle for the door. The plane was being pushed back from the gate, making her feet unsteady. She bumped into a couple of people on her way to the front, and she hit the corner of the bulkhead hard on her shoulder. She didn’t care and she didn’t stop. Her only focus was getting out the door and off the airplane.

Please take your seat, the stewardess announced over the intercom. It’s an FAA regulation that all passengers must be in their seats with their seatbelts buckled while the airplane is taxiing.

Get me off this plane! Anna screamed at her. She reached the front and started pulling on the door handle, trying to open it. The stewardess tried to stop her, but could not pry her hands off the handle.

The stewardess picked up the telephone and called the pilots. Jackson joined Anna by the door, trying to calm her down and get her hands off the door handle.

Anna, come back to your seat, please, he begged.

Get me off this plane, she cried, looking up at him with tears streaming down her face.

Giving up trying to get the door open, she wilted into a whimpering ball in the corner by the door. She smelled urine rising from her black pants. Somewhere in the struggle she must have lost control of her bladder, but it didn’t matter. She couldn’t stay on this airplane another second.

The airplane returned to the gate, and the door was opened.

I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I just can’t fly, she told the stewardess and the gate agent over and over again between sobs, with her hands covering her face.

Jackson and Matt exited the airplane with her. Jackson had his arm around her. Now her wet pants were starting to get cold and uncomfortable. The gate agent told them to check with the ticket counter. Anna was so embarrassed. She tried to hide her face in Jackson’s sleeve as they walked toward the ticketing area.

I’m such an idiot, she said as they walked up the hall and out of security, away from the airplane. Why do you put up with me? I thought I could do it, but I just can’t. It all came back – the horrible sights and sounds and smells – lights, noise, smoke!

It’s all right, Anna. You’re safe now. We’re not going to fly, Jackson reassured her.

But I’ll probably lose my job. I need my job. My boss wants me in Florida tomorrow, remember? I just got this job when I graduated from LSU in May. I need to prove myself in the company, and this client would have gone a long ways toward doing just that.

There are probably other ways to get from New Orleans to Orlando, Jackson suggested.

She looked up at him, with hopeful thoughts starting to form in her mind. There are? He was her protector and her salvation. He was the answer to her prayers – so strong and so kind, besides being incredibly handsome. What did I do to deserve such a wonderful boyfriend?

Yeah, we could take the bus, Matt suggested with a ready joke, but we’ll have to pack our clothes in plastic tubs and paper bags like the rest of the passengers. It sounded to Anna like a terrible thing to say. No wonder she hated him most of the time.

Can’t we just drive? Anna asked Jackson, trying to ignore Matt. He didn’t answer her question.

Let’s just see if we can get a refund for these airplane tickets first, Jackson told them as they walked up to the ticket counter. Ma’am, we were scheduled to fly to Florida, but it looks like our plans have changed.

I heard, the ticket agent told them. Don't worry about it, and don’t feel bad. Lots of people are afraid of flying. And don’t be embarrassed. There are classes you can take that some people say helps. I’ve been authorized to offer you three a full refund. The airline considers the fear of flying to be an illness. And please accept our sincerest sympathies and apologies for any grief that our airline has caused you today.

Thank you, that’s very nice, Jackson said, smiling a charming smile at the ticket agent. She smiled back at him.

Just between me and you three, she told them in confidence, I would suggest the train. I’ve heard that Amtrak has a new cross-country rail service available. That’s part of the reason our prices are so low to Orlando. Don’t tell anyone that I told you, but you might want to consider it.

Thank you, maybe we will. What about out luggage? Jackson asked her.

Did you leave anything in the cabin?

No, I got everything on the way out, Matt said but don't anyone thank me, or anything.

What about checked luggage? the agent asked.

We each checked a bag.

Looking on her computer, the ticket agent told them, It looks like the gate agent already requested that your luggage be sent to Baggage Claim. Go down the hall there, then down the escalator. You’ll be able to get your luggage off of carousel number two.

After what seemed like a long wait, their luggage finally appeared. Anna got her suitcase and took it into the ladies room to change clothes. While there, she patted her face, and brushed her hair.

I just want to go home, she told them when she came out.

OK, then, Jackson said, home it is. No more of this trip to Florida. If the boss wants someone in Florida, he can just go himself.

No wait. I need to go to Florida, she admitted. I’ve worked hard to get this job. I can’t just give it up.

So what are you saying, Anna? We’re not getting back on another airplane, I hope, Jackson asked.

Anna was hopeful. Can we drive, she asked, although long trips have been known to make me feel bad for days?

We can drive, but it’ll take all night. If we leave right away we can probably get there around noon tomorrow. However, while you were in the bathroom Matt called Amtrak about taking a train to Orlando. The ticket agent was right, there is a train. It runs three times a week, including tonight. It’s an overnight trip, but at least you get to rest in a comfortable recliner seat as the train gently rocks you to sleep.

What if I panic on the train too?

Matt remembered traveling in Europe on trains with his parents when he was younger, so he said, I don’t know about trains in the States, but trains in Europe are so smooth and quite that you hardly know you’re moving. I vote for the train. Driving is boring, especially all night. The train sounds like an adventure.

Anna didn’t really trust Matt’s judgment, but she couldn’t come up with a good reason not to try it. Last chance, she told them. If the train doesn’t work, then I’m just not going.

Jackson asked Matt, What time did you say the train leaves?

Late. The schedule has it leaving the New Orleans station at 11:00 PM, almost eleven hours from now.

Good, Jackson said. That gives us plenty of time to stop by Anna’s house and let her aunt and uncle know of the change of plans. We’ve probably even got time to go down to Café Du Monde in the Quarter for some beignets before we leave. From there it's a short ride to Union Station.

Café Du Monde in Jackson Square was one of Anna’s favorite places in New Orleans. They parked over the levee next to the moonwalk, right in front of Jackson Park. A couple of trumpeters were playing some jazz music on the moonwalk as a way to raise money from passer-bys. Up the steps over the levee offered a wonderful overlook of the cathedral in Jackson Square. Along the street were a line of horses and buggies waiting to give romantic guided tours to any willing tourist.

At the bottom of the steps was Café Du Monde, with its green awning, and open-air seating. Vietnamese waitresses dressed in white carried trays of beignets and hot chocolate to tables. Outside there were jazz musicians playing wonderful music, hoping to get a few coins tossed their way. The square beignet donuts arrived at their table piled with powdered sugar. Anna knew that the secret to eating them without getting sugar all over herself was to avoid breathing while taking a bite. But the mood was too festive, so she invariably laughed just as she was about to take her first bite, and ended up with white sugar all over her pants and the table. But that mess just added to the merriment, and soon Jackson and Matt were just as messy. Fortunately, glasses of water were also delivered to the table, and these were always good for dipping sticky, sugary fingers in for a final rinse before leaving.

The train station would be a very short drive from the French Quarter, so the three friends had plenty of time to walk around Jackson Square. They looked at the artists painting caricatures and silhouettes. They looked in the shops selling Louisiana gifts, and couldn’t resist purchasing a box of a dozen pralines for enjoying then and later that evening. Their walk around the square took them past several jazz bars, where the music was smooth and the lights were always dim.

Once past the jazz music, they went into the cathedral and looked around. The ceiling was painted so beautifully. The statues were ornate. The podium was richly carved wood. There was so much history and beauty, that they sat in the pews for a few minutes just looking around. Anna always felt closer to God for some reason in the cathedral, and she thought Jackson probably felt a similar feeling. She knew Matt probably could care less, and when he started getting impatient it was more than obvious that he was not into the whole religious scene.

Since they still had plenty of time before their train departed, Matt offered to treat the threesome to a nice dinner at Mulates Restaurant. They each had a steaming bowl of delicious gumbo and rice, followed by their choice of entrees. Matt almost always went for the fried catfish, while Jackson and Anna each ordered a small plate of crawfish etouffee. Everything was so delicious that Anna didn’t know what she would have done if she had grown up anywhere else except New Orleans. It was such a culturally and historically rich city. The food was delicious. The parade season was enjoyable. There seemed to always be a reason to get family together for a meal. So much fun, and so easy to get to and then get home.

Chapter Two

Jackson, are you sure about taking this train? It looks kind of scary here with the lights gleaming off of it, Anna wanted to know after they arrived at the station that evening.

Anna, please don't be scared of riding on the train. Have faith in God, He'll protect you, Jackson told her.

That’s easier said than done, she replied.

They walked along the platform in New Orlean's Union Passenger Terminal, making sure that train Number Two, the train they were scheduled to travel on, was the one they were looking at. It had arrived in the station moments before.

This isn’t Europe, Matt said, But train travel should still be an easy way to ride. Lean back in your seat. Put your feet up. Close your eyes. And the next thing you know, we’ll all be sipping orange juice with Mickey Mouse. We’re just lucky they didn't stick us in with the luggage, trying to get three seats at the last minute. Anna even had the audacity to ask for a First Class bedroom.

I didn’t know I was asking for a first class room. I just said that I wanted a room with its own bathroom. Besides, the train tickets were a lot cheaper than the airplane tickets, so don’t complain. Too bad no rooms were available.

I’m not worried about the money, Matt admitted. My parents don’t care how much I spend. They just wish that I’d get serious about medical school, and pick a specialty. Personally, I would have been happy to stop with just my biology degree. I once told them that as soon as I found someone willing to pay me to dissect frogs for a living I’d be all set.

Matt, you comedian. Hopefully you didn’t really tell them that. Jackson said.

No, but I was thinking it. Since my dad’s a clinical surgeon he really wanted me to go to medical school and follow in his footsteps. I’m just not ready to put in those kinds of hours. What I did tell him was that I was taking the summer off to 'find myself.' He didn’t like it, but he did agree to drop the subject for the time being. Now we’re back in class, and the whole thing is starting again.

I’ve always felt the Lord calling me to be a preacher or a missionary, Jackson admitted. I can see myself boarding a train like this in Africa or India or South America, and taking it into the untamed wilderness with my Bible in hand. Look out natives, 'cause here I come.

You’re starting to sound like an old movie, Matt laughed.

Laugh, buddy, but just you wait and see. A few more years of seminary here in New Orleans, and I’ll be out saving the world, making a difference for God, while you’re still trying to find some frogs to dissect.

Preach on, brother, preach on! Matt laughed.

During this friendly tirade between the guys, Anna had been quiet, looking at the train sitting on the tracks. It was so big, and the front of it looked a little bit like a silver airplane. She shivered at the thought of an airplane.

Jackson held her hand, and must have felt her shiver, because he asked, Is something wrong? Are you going to be OK riding a train?

Don’t you think it looks like an airplane? she asked him.

No, I do not think it looks like an airplane. It does not have wings. It only goes where the tracks take it. It does not sound like an airplane. And we get nice big comfortable seats to rest in on the train. What part of that is like an airplane? This will be an adventure according to Matt, so we should sit back and enjoy it.

You’re right. I’m probably being oversensitive, she admitted. Maybe it will turn out to be an interesting adventure to write home about, like you two keep telling me.

That’s the spirit, Matt assured her. I plan to mail a letter at each stop. Where do I buy stamps in this joint?

Anna felt like hitting him.

As usual, Jackson found something that grabbed his attention. He was looking at