Re : Family Smoking Epidemic: Chapter 4/Airport announcements -- Oldie and Better
Because of the storm Elaine's plane was 15 minutes late. Elaine was among the first to storm off the craft.
As the sisters hugged, Elaine exclaimed: "That was terrible. I got bounced all over the place. I need a drink."
"We'll join you," said Bernice after introducing and somewhat explaining Jeff's presence. "We'll, I'll accompany you and Jeff can join you."
"I'm going outside to get some air," Anita said, again leaving her husband to watch the growing stack of baggage.
"Well, big sister is sort of anti-social," Elaine noted.
"Actually," Bernice said, "she has taken up smoking and wants to have a cigarette."
"Holy sh.. er Holy Cow," Elaine said before letting out the expletive. "What will mother say."
"She'll probably say 'have one of mine,' " Bernice said. As Elaine sat open mouthed, Bernice told her sister of the closing of Slocum Pace College and their mother's morning announcement that she had returned to smoking.
"Holy cow," remarked Elaine or words to that effect.
While Elaine and Jeff sipped drinks, Bernice had another Diet Coke. Before the drinks were finished, Anita came into the bar to join her sisters and Jeff.
"Did Bernice let the cat out of the bag," the smokey-breathed Anita said.
"Yes," Elaine said. "She told me about you and mom. I can't beleive it."
"Believe it," Anita said. "Want to join me next time I go outside."
"No thanks, I'm not a smoker," Elaine said. "I guess it won't hurt now since I'm going into advertising instead of being on-the-air."
"It would still hurt you," the saintly Bernice warned. The quartet adjourned to the main lobby to join James, who was watching the baggage. Her smokey breath was fading as Anita kissed her husband.
It would be 15 minutes before Debbie's flight arrived. The four girls were to have a brief time together before Bernice (and Jeff) would depart for Kentucky, and Anita, Debbie and Elaine would return home for more surprises.
A lot can happen in 15 minutes but nothing did. Anita comtemplated the next cigarette, Elaine the next drink and Bernice and Jeff, the next step.
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