"Flight 182 to Chicago is now ready to board," said a woman over the airport sound system.
    The sound of planes taking of roared through out the corners of the building.  Rachel sat in a seat waiting for her flight.  Brian came over to her and handed her, her ticket. 
    "Here's your ticket baby," he said as he took a seat next to her.
    "Thanks," she mumbled as she took it from him.
    Brian wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the cheek.  "You're gonna be just fine," Brian assured.  Rachel didn't respond, she just sighed and laid her head on his shoulder.
    Just the rest of the gang showed up.  The guys were on the down low with their hats and sunglasses.  Rachel looked over at them in surprise.
    "What are you guys doing here?"
    "You didn't think we were going to let you leave without saying good bye did you?" Amanda asked.
    "Well, I guess not," Rachel said softly.
    "Come here and give us a hug," AJ said with his arms spread out.  Rachel got up and hugged AJ.  "We're all rooting for you," he whispered into her ear.     "Thank you," she whispered back.   
    "All right quit hogging her.  It's my turn," Amanda said as she shooed AJ away.  "Come here girl."  Rachel moved forward, bumping into Amanda's stomach.  "You'll have to excuse my excess baggage there," she said a laugh.  Rachel laughed and hugged Amanda.  "You get better girl so you can rejoin us."
    "I will," Rachel said.
    Next was Howie.  "Good luck sweetie," he said as he hugged her.  "I'll be thinking of you."
    Rachel nodded then look over at Nikki.  Tears shimmered in her eyes.  "You'll be in my prayers."
    Kevin was the next person to step up.  He stared at her with his green eyes and hugged her tightly.  "I never thought I'd have to go through this again.  I'll tell you the same thing I told Brian.  Don't turn your back on the Lord.  He'll be with you."
    "I'll remember that," Rachel assured him.
    Sarah squeezed in between them and hugged Rachel.  "I'll be praying for you," she said then let go.
    Rachel stood among her circle of friends when Kristin and Nick arrived.  Everyone hugged Kristin and said their good byes leaving Kristin, Nick, Brian, and Rachel alone.  Kristin and Nick held each other tight as they waited for the flight to be announced.  Rachel sat in the chairs next to Brian, holding his hand, too scared to speak.
    "Flight 106 to Lexington, KY is ready to board," announced the woman.
    Rachel and Brian stood up and walked over to the flight's entry way.  He wrapped his arms around her and lightly caressed her cheek.  "Call me when you get there okay?"  Rachel nodded, wiping tears from off her face.  "Hey," he said gently.  "I know this is hard, but it needs to be done.  Everything will be fine.  You have a great surgeon working on you."
    "I know, I just wish you could come with me."
    "I wish I could too," he said softly.  "I want you to have this," he said as he handed her a small box.
    Rachel opened it and inside was a gold necklace with a small cross.  "Brian it's beautiful."
    Brian took it out of the box and put it around her neck.  "This is to remind you that I'm always thinking of you and that the Lord is always by your side."
    "Thank you," Rachel said then kissed him on the lips.  Rachel let go of Brian and looked over at Nick.  She walked over to him and gave him a hug.     "I'm not good with words....all I can say is to get better soon," he said.     "I will," Rachel said.
    Nick let go of Rachel and draped is arms around Kristin.  "Call me as soon as you get there," he said.
    "I will, I promise," Kristin said.
    "Last call for Flight 106 to Lexington, KY," announced the woman.
    "Come on Rach we gotta board the plane," Kristin said.
    "Okay," Rachel responded as she put her backpack over her shoulders.  Blowing a kiss to Brian she followed Kristin onto the plane.  After she gave the stewardess her ticket and took her seat, Rachel sighed and looked out the window.  God just let me live, she thought then closed her eyes.