A funny thing about Paris...

"Barb! Hang on!" Emily said over the walkie, having just got past security and looking for the gate. "I'll save you!"

"I hope you hurry, because I kinda have a situation here." Barbara replied.

"What situation? They didn't find you did they?!" Emily asked fearfully.

"No. I... Really gotta pee."

"Can't you hold it?!"

"Not for a ten hour flight!"

"Why didn't you go back when you were waiting for me?!"

"Because back then I didn't know that I was gonna be stuffed in a box and shipped off half way around the world, now did I?!"

Emily sighed. "Okay, look. Just carefully take a peek out of the crate. Where are you right now?"

Barbara carefully moved the lid of the crate just enough to poke her head out, looking around in the dimly lit area. All around her were several suitcases, trunks, and shipping crates that were tied down with cords and straps.

"Uh oh..." Barbara squeaked as she ducked back down into the crate, slipping the lid back into place. Turning on the walkie, she replied in a fearful whisper, "Em, I'm already in the cargo hold!"

"Don't worry, Barb! I'm at the ticket counter now!" Emily replied in a hushed whisper as she approached the counter. "Once we land in Paris, we'll get this sorted out!"

"Why can't I just climb into the crate during the flight? That way, you can just ask for a round-trip ticket and take my crate back."

"Do you know how many times this place gets my own luggage mixed up with someone else's everytime I visit my parents in Orlando?" Emily asked in reply. "We'll be right back to square one!"

"Next!"

"Okay, Barb, that's me." Emily said, "I'll get you out of this, and then we'll be laughing our way to the bank and splitting the money 70-30."

"85-15!"

"Fine." Emily sighed before pocketing the walkie and walking up to the ticket counter. Turning to the old woman at the desk, she said. "I urgently need a ticket to Paris, France. It's an emergency!"

"Eh?" The woman asked, tapping on her hearing aid. "You need a pair of pants? Aren't you wearing britches, Missy?"

"No." Emily said with a chuckle, trying to keep her cool. "I said Paris."

"Whose Parents?"

Emily let out an annoyed groan. "Look, this is an emergency! I don't have time for your bad comedy skit!"

The old woman gasped before glaring at the younger woman. "I certainly hope you don't kiss your mother with that mouth!"

"I. Need. A. Ticket. To. Paris!" Emily exclaimed slowly and loudly. "It. Is. An. Emergency!"

"Why didn't you say so?" The woman asked as she went to work on the computer. "And there's no need to shout, Ma'am."

Emily rolled her eyes.

"Here you go, Ma'am." The old woman said as she printed out the ticket. "One emergency ticket to Paris. Please enjoy your flight."

The woman was only half-way through the second sentence when Emily snatched the ticket and headed off towards Gate F, wheeling the dolly forward as the old woman scratched her head.

"Well, that's the first time I've seen anyone so eager to get to Texas."