Page 212 - My Home on the Earth

a navy sweater and new trainers, he came down the curved staircase and fell into Marjorie’s open arms. Their hug was a simple gesture, but Jake felt real affection. With tears streaming down her face, she waved goodbye and watched as Stuart placed their suitcases in the boot of the taxi. Jake’s new wardrobe would tide him over until he changed his style and absorbed the Scottish way of life.
Saddened to see them go, Stuart hugged him and shook hands with Alan. Maybe they’d visit Scotland later in the year.
On their last journey through Rauston Quay, Jake’s mind was elsewhere: get to the airport, sit in the plane and take-off.
‘Are there shops at the airport, Dad? I’d like to buy a book with the money Mr Bannister gave me.’
‘Once we check in and hand in our luggage, we can take our time and walk around the airport. Then we can go to security and the departure lounge to watch the planes landing and taking off,’ smiled Alan.
When he heard their flight number over the tannoy, Jake was first in the queue at the desk with his boarding pass. ‘We don’t have to rush,’ whispered Alan. ‘Our seats are pre-booked.’
Jake couldn’t hide his excitement as they boarded the plane, but the wait before take-off seemed forever. A cabin crew member held his attention for a while when she explained safety procedures, and Jake clipped and unclipped his seat belt to make sure it was tight. Then he heard a rumble, and the plane backed away from the
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