Aftermath

By Sally A Allen

A horrific plane crash kills one hundred seventy-seven people. Unknown to the FAA, one person survives.

This is the story of the aftermath of the crash and how it changes people's lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 31, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483676340

Sally A Allen

Sally A. Allen is originally from Wisconsin and currently lives in West Central Florida with her schnauzer, Sibby. While her novels are fiction, she draws from the many experiences she’s had in her life. Visit her website at www.sally-allen.webs.com.

Book preview

Aftermath

Sally A. Allen

Copyright © 2013 by Sally A. Allen.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 07/31/2013

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

140074

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 1

The Baker family was having a get together before Wayne left for Maine and his class reunion. They were seated around a large table that seated six. A week before, Wayne had made a reservation for two. He and his finance, Jill, were going to attend.

The atmosphere was joyful, with everyone talking at once. The family and Jill were drinking a glass of merlot before dinner. Justin, Wayne’s brother, proposed a toast. Here’s to a safe flight and a drunken reunion, he joked and raised his glass.

Here, here! Wayne’s father said jovially.

Jill shrank back in her chair, the only one not participating in the toast.

What’s the matter, honey? Wayne asked with concern.

Nothing, but you know how I hate to fly.

Beeswax! Wayne’s father declared. Flying is the only way to go these days. You’ll be in Portland in a few hours.

I’d rather take the car, Jill said stubbornly.

Oh, come on, Jill. You wouldn’t want to miss meeting Wayne’s old girlfriend, would you? Justin teased.

Wayne squeezed Jill’s hand and whispered in her ear, Don’t pay any attention to him. You know he just wants to start something.

Justin went on, Morgan was beautiful. A God given blonde with huge blue eyes and knockers that wouldn’t quit!

Their mother, who had been listening and could see Jill’s distress, spoke up, Knock it off, Justin! You’re out of line!

Justin let out a whoop. What’s the matter, Ma? Are you too old to have a little fun? A shock of dark hair fell onto his forehead as he shook his head.

Leave him alone, Jane. He was just joking, Wally Baker chastised his wife.

As usual, she deferred to her husband and got up from the table. I can smell the turkey. It’s been in the oven four hours, so it should be done.

She walked into the kitchen and Jill arose too. I’m going to help your mom, Wayne, she said softly, hurrying into the kitchen. She looked like a rabbit being chased by a fox.

See what you’ve done? Wayne shouted at Justin.

Justin grinned boyishly and replied, You two are always too serious. Lighten up, Bro.

Ever since their youth, it was apparent the boys were the direct opposite of one another. Justin was dark haired and six foot three, favoring his father. Wayne, on the other hand, looked like his mother. His hair was light blonde and he stood about six foot even.

His mother always said Justin had clodhoppers because he wore a size thirteen shoe, while Wayne wore the common size ten and a half.

Justin played basketball in high school and rarely studied, still receiving A’s and B’s on his report card. Wayne wasn’t interested in sports and had to study hard to get passable grades.

Justin was popular and had many friends, while Wayne had a few loyal friends that he could always count on.

Wayne was an Eagle Scout and would soon graduate from college. Justin went to technical school, then became an apprentice in plumbing, hoping some day to become a master plumber.

Justin would have rather stayed in Maine, where he could cross country and downhill ski, instead of moving with his family to Florida. Wayne, just the opposite, loved Florida’s warn weather and his usual outfit was blue jean shorts and flip flops.

Jane was flushed from the heat of the oven when she entered the dining room with a platter of oven-browned turkey and dressing. Jill followed her, carrying a bowl of mashed potatoes in one hand and gravy in the other.

They all dug in and ate until everyone was filled to the brim. Wally leaned back and patted his large stomach. I swear you outdid yourself, he said to his wife.

Anyone care for a piece of freshly baked apple pie? she asked brightly.

Everyone moaned. I don’t have an ounce of space left, Justin complained.

I’ll have some later, a cup of coffee would be good right now, his father said.

Wayne took hold of Jill’s hand and picked up her sweater, placing it over her shoulders. I have to get this little gal home. She has a plane to catch in the morning.

Justin needled him. Where did you say you two were staying while you’re up north? he smirked.

Wayne gave him a dirty look and replied, At the Hilton, I want the best for my baby.

Jill flushed and told everyone good-bye.

Justin’s words followed them out the door, I hope you reserved two rooms, Wayne. You’re not the type to be a naughty boy!

Wayne turned around and gave Justin the finger. He could hear his father’s laughter as he slammed the door behind them.

Chapter 2

Wayne’s alarm clock woke him up at six fifteen the next morning. He momentarily wondered why he was getting up so early and then he remembered the reunion and jumped quickly out of bed.

He took a shower and brushed his teeth. After combing his hair and shaving, he dropped his electric razor into his dop kit and zipped it shut. There was just enough room for it in his suitcase. When he had closed the suitcase, he donned a new pair of jeans and a turtle-neck sweater and hurried downstairs. The aroma of coffee filled his nostrils. Bless Mom, Wayne thought.

Jane was waiting for him when he walked into the kitchen. There’s my boy, she said.

Hey, Mom, do I smell pancakes?

Yes you do. I wanted to send you off with a full stomach. The airlines only offer peanuts and pretzels these days, you know.

Wayne’s father walked into the kitchen. Are you all set to go, boy? he asked Wayne.

Just finishing up eating, Wayne returned.

Wally looked at his watch. I’ll grab a cup of coffee and we’ll be on our way. We have just enough time to pick up Jill and get you to the airport. He went to the hall closet and removed his suede, fleece lined jacket. Take this, you’re going to cold country.

Aw, Dad, Wayne complained.

You can carry it over your arm and shove it under the seat in front of you.

Okay, I give up. Put it on top of my suitcase.

Did you take some boots? Jane asked.

Will you guys stop it? Did you forget I’m going to have my PhD in a few months? But, to answer your question, I have my Sorels in my suitcase.

In that case, give your old mom a hug and get outta here, Jane said with a smile. When Wayne hugged her, she kissed him on the cheek and said, Have a good time, son.

Jill was waiting outside when they arrived at her house. Wayne got out of the car and called excitedly, Are you ready for a new experience, honey?

Jill looked glumly back at him.

What’s the matter? he asked, not understanding her dire expression.

I feel sick, I don’t think I should go, she whined.

Wayne took her hand. Come on, Jill. You’re just nervous, that’s all. Aren’t you looking forward to seeing snow for the first time? Come on, he said, practically dragging her to the car.

Jill never uttered a word on the way to the airport.

I’m going to drop you off at the curb, Willy said. "You’ve already printed out your boarding passes, so all you have to do is check your bags. He pulled up by check in and helped Wayne get the luggage out of the trunk.

Jill insisted they get flight insurance, so Wayne reluctantly stopped and bought a policy for $500,000.

Jill and Wayne passed through security with no problem and took a seat at gate nine where the plane was almost ready to board.

Jill sat fidgeting with the shoulder strap on her purse, which caused Wayne to ask curtly, Do you have your ID? We’ll have to show it one more time.

Oh, okay, she replied, digging it out of her purse.

A woman at the podium called that flight 612 was boarding for Portland. After checking in, Wayne and Jill walked down the walkway to the plane.

Suddenly, Jill stopped in her tracks. I’m not going! she screamed. This plane is going to crash!

Wayne grabbed her roughly by the arm as the other passengers looked at Jill with alarm, Wayne’s face flushed with anger. Stop acting like a baby, have you lost your mind?

Jill gave him a scornful look and before Wayne could stop her, she raced back down the tunnel to the terminal.

He made a move to stop her, but just clenched his jaw and decided to let her go. He didn’t need her and her juvenile behavior. Resolutely, he marched forward and boarded the plane.

Chapter 3

The flight attendant was welcoming him aboard when he was jostled from behind. A man brushed past him and hurried toward the back of the plane. Montezuma’s revenge, he called over his shoulder.

Poor guy, Wayne said smiling.

Nature calls, the flight attendant replied, smiling back at him.

He found seat 10-A and settled into it. Wayne was glad it was by the window so he could look out. He loved seeing the ground fall away as the plane lifted into the sky. Since Jill’s seat next to him was vacant, he placed his hanging bag on it and shoved his father’s jacket under the seat. He buckled his seat belt and waited.

Soon, all of the other passengers were seated. The aircraft was a 727, which could hold two hundred fifty passengers, but only about two thirds of the seats were filled.

Wayne idly leafed through the airline’s magazine and tuned out the flight attendant’s spiel.

The captain came on and reported that the flight would take approximately two hours, but there was a tail wind, so they might arrive ahead of schedule.

Just before liftoff Wayne watched two EMS men board the plane carrying a stretcher. He strained to see what was happening, but his vision was blocked by other passengers gawking. In a few minutes, he could see a man carried out on the stretcher.

The flight attendant announced that a passenger had become ill and was being taken to the hospital.

Wayne sat back and looked out the window as the plane rolled slowly down the runway and lifted into the air. After a while, he leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes, wishing he could sleep all the way to Portland, but the episode with Jill made him agitated and he knew there would be no relaxation for him. For the first time since their engagement, he wondered if he had made a mistake. Could he live with her hang ups for the rest of his life?

The pretty flight attendant walked down the aisle and offered Wayne a pillow and blanket.

No thanks, but a rum and coke would taste good about now.

Sure, as long as you don’t have too many. Our motto is ‘no disorderly men on the plane’, even handsome, blue-eyed ones.

Wayne realized she was flirting with him and decided to go along with it. He winked at her and gave her a come hither smile. Her name, Jeanette, was printed on a plastic pin attached to her navy suit. Jeanette is a pretty name, he said. Just like the woman who wears it.

Whoa, Wayne thought. Where did that come from? Just because I’m mad at Jill doesn’t mean I should make a fool of myself.

Jeanette showed a set of perfect, white teeth when she smiled. Why, thanks, tiger, she crooned.

Could I have some service, please? an old man in the back hollered.

Be right back, she said and sashayed down the aisle.

Ten minutes later Jeanette returned and as she walked by she dropped two bags of peanuts in his lap. Attached to them was a note. I’m staying at the Hilton tonight, room 402. Call me.

That’s the same hotel I’m staying at, Wayne thought, and on the same floor! Maybe she’ll attend the fun night prior to tomorrow’s reunion dinner with me.

When she came down the aisle again pushing the beverage cart, he told her, You’ve got a deal. I’ll see you at six o’clock, I’m staying there too!

Perfect, I’ll look forward to seeing you again tonight then.

Wayne felt himself looking forward to the evening. It had been a long time since he had sex with a beautiful, willing girl.

To distract himself, he took out his Kindle and tried to read a book. About an hour into the flight, the plane started shaking from some turbulence in the air. The captain came on and explained that they were flying into some inclement weather and they would be through it soon.

Wayne glanced across the aisle where a girl was holding her hand over her mouth, trying not to get sick.

Suddenly chilly, Wayne pulled the jacket from under the seat and shrugged into it.

The flight attendant got on the loud speaker and asked everyone to refasten their seat belts.

As Wayne attempted to do so, there was an explosion and a large hole opened in the ceiling of the plane. Immediately, his body was sucked up and thrown into the cold outside air. Without him knowing, the plane had lost altitude and Wayne found himself hurtling down toward a forest of pine trees. His body stiffened when he realized he couldn’t avoid crashing into the tall pines. He landed with a thud, breaking off branches as he fell toward the snowdrifts below.

Chapter 4

When Wayne hit the ground, the force knocked him out cold. He didn’t know how long he was out, but upon awakening, he shook his head and felt a searing warmth on his face.

He turned his head and could see the skeleton of the airplane burning, pieces of it scattered across the mountain. The carnage was complete. He saw what looked like body parts, pieces of clothing and smashed suitcases scattered across the snow that was black with soot.

Sitting up, he knew he should try to help any survivors. Wayne plucked out a large piece of wood that had pierced his jeans and lodged into his thigh. Although the pain should have been severe, he only felt a prick as he removed it. When he stood, he could tell his right arm was also injured and his jacket was in shreds, but, all in all, the wounds were superficial. Wayne took time to thank the heavens before he plodded down the incline to where the remnants of the plane rested. He didn’t know his exact location, but he thought he was somewhere in the Blue Ridge Mountain chain in the middle of nowhere.

When he got closer to the wreckage, a wave of dread washed over him. The acrid scent of burning flesh filled the air. He blanched and pulled the collar of his jacket up to cover his nose. The scene was completely silent; no living thing stirred.

He prodded himself into action, walking around what was left of the plane, averting his head when he saw a severed arm or any other body part.

Wayne realized how lucky he was. Why me? he asked himself. Why did I survive relatively uninjured when everybody else is dead? He vowed then and there he would become a better person and help others less fortunate than him.

But first he had to survive, so he dug through an open suitcase to see what it contained. The only items of interest were a long wool scarf and a pair of ankle high rubber boots. The boots were large, probably a size 11, but he put them on anyway. The fur lining felt warm on his toes. He wrapped the scarf around his neck and trudged on.

Wayne spotted a carry on surprisingly intact and zipped it open, finding a bottle of water and a swiss army knife along with some Tylenol and a razor. It also contained a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. He had quit smoking several months ago, but the urge to smoke washed over him and he stuck them in his pocket. He threw the bag over his shoulder and looked further.

He found a heavy, three quarter length coat with only small tears on the sleeve. He promptly removed his father’s shredded jacket and tried it on. The coat fit fairly well and covered him to his knees. When he stuck his hands in the pockets, he found a pair of black, knit gloves. He quickly put them on and shivered. Until then, he hadn’t realized how cold he was.

Eventually, he came upon a plastic bag split down the middle, from which small bags of peanuts and pretzels fell. He put as many packets as he could in the carry on. He knew he would need food to exist.

Wayne was horrified when he came upon a torso, shreds of navy blue material hanging on it. He saw a wisp of blonde hair and knew it must have been what was left of Jeanette. Next to her was