Hot Air Balloon
I hate heights. I have an insane fear of them since I've been a little boy. I don't personally remember why, though my mother claims it's because my father would toss me too high up into the air. I don't blame her; I've seen pictures and believe her even if I don't believe that's the whole truth. Regardless, the thought of looking over a particularly high place frightens me to the core.
Over the years, my strengthening faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has slowly turned my acrophobia around. The older I've gotten, the more my fears have slowly diminished. I've learned that we don't have to be afraid because Jesus has sent us each a guardian angel to watch over us and keep us from harm's way. I've believed in it so much that I doubt I'm ever alone anymore. I don't personally mind the feeling since it comforts me in the worst of times. I like knowing that I have someone always watching over me and making sure I'm alright.
"Hey baby, thanks for taking me out today. I've never been in a hot air balloon before."
Since conquering my fear of heights, I've since taken up the hobby of flying hot air balloons. I enjoy its slow pace and the panorama of sights that bless my gaze every time I'm up there. For someone as devoutly religious as me, this hobby's the closest that's ever brought me to God Almighty up above. I like being near enough and knowing He's watching over me up close.
Today hardly compares to all other days I've gone flying up in a balloon. Most days I look for clear skies perfect for flying, but this day is the best one yet. High over the horizon, the afternoon sun glows a warm orange hue through skies streaked with strokes of purple. Birds fly overhead and around the basket, almost within arm's length. Besides the scenery about us, there is nothing more perfect than her in front of me.
"No problem, baby. I'm happy you're cool with this."
"Are you kidding? Going on a hot air balloon date is the coolest date idea ever. No guy's ever asked me out like this."
"Well, I believe every girl deserves the best."
Angela is a vision to behold. With the wind blowing in her direction and her face concealed by wisps of dark hair blown about, she looks both playful and beautiful. Any glimpse I'd catch of her almond eyes reflects that mischievous glint of playfulness that I've grown to love over the past few weeks. I love the way her upper lip curls out, almost a tempting sight. Her fair and flawless skin shows well in her pretty denim sundress. She has once been my dream, but she is now within my grasp in this reality. Even I could hardly believe her reciprocating my feelings, but I'm just so happy she has then until now. It's a great feeling, and she is all the more.
"How long have you learned to fly this thing?"
"It's been about two years or so. I still want to learn how to fly other things, but I'm still slowly conquering my fear of heights. I learned to fly this one because it's a slow but fun way of getting over my acrophobia. Besides, don't you like the slow pace and all?"
"I love it. I'd never have thought you're even afraid of heights."
"I'm still getting over it."
I move to Angela's side and wrap my arms around her slim frame, leaning over the edge of the basket as we watch a flock of migratory birds fly past us. I feel her calm breathing right on my chest as she makes herself comfortable in my embrace, nudging her head in right under my chin and on my chest. I've never felt calmer.
"You know, you're a pretty great guy. I wish I'd known you sooner. Then I wouldn't have to deal with any of the jerks I've dated in the past."
"I wish so too, but God wouldn't have wanted it that way. He has plans for all of us, and us on this date right now is just one of them."
"Are you saying we're destined or something?"
"You could say that."
Angela laughs as she turns to face me, her eyes twinkling with childish puppy love and wonder. She looks so beautiful. I sheepishly smile back, but I'm afraid she'd leave me. I guess it's written all over my face at this point.
"Hey what's wrong?"
"I just don't want this to end. I wouldn't want you to leave me in the end."
"Don't think that way. I'm not going to leave you."
Angela cups my face with her hands as though she wants me to see only her. Her face goes serious, but her eyes still retain that lovestruck sparkle. My heart can only beat faster.
"You'll be by my side all the time?"
"Yes, if that's what you want. Think of me as your guardian angel, so that then you won't always be alone."
"You're my guardian angel?"
"Yes, I'm your angel."
I smile at the thought. She's always known the right thing to say whatever the situation. Whenever I'm down in the dumps, the comfort she offers never fails to bring me up. Despite the solace her sweet caress provides, I believe she's only at a lost cause. Even the brightest rays of sunshine can't reach the bottom of the dark ocean floor.
"Thank you. You know just what to say."
"That's because I'll always be here for you."
Oh, how I love her. It's just too bad I'm going to miss her.
I take out a pocket knife once hidden in the sleeve of my jacket and press its cold and unforgiving blade against Angela's porcelain skin, shocking her enough to let go of me. I catch her eyes now glinting with fear and uncertainty as she slowly inches away from the edge and into the middle of the basket. Most other dates I've taken up here would shake uncontrollably, but she seems stunned. I've never seen a sight so wonderful.
"Baby, why do you have a knife out?"
"Why, you're my angel now. I have to kill you."
Angela's eyes begin to water out of fright. Her knees give way under her faltering weight, making her stumble back into the basket. She inches her way away from me as I slowly approach her. She's just so attractive.
"Why do you have to kill me?"
"Mother once told me that I have a guardian angel but that she's trapped in a human body. To free her and to have her continue watching over me, I have to kill her."
Angela starts to cry incessantly. She looks around for some form of escape but immediately finds herself trapped in the basket. Up here in this balloon, there's nowhere for her to run, nowhere for her to hide. I've never felt more attracted to her up to this point.
"Wherever you look, you'll see there's no escape. We're thousands of feet in the air, so there's no one here to save you."
A flock of birds rapidly fly past us in a bizarre frenzy. One of them, definitely a clumsy one, flies straight into the balloon beak-first, popping a huge hole in its side. I laugh while her face registers confusion.
"Another hole in the balloon. I guess I'll have to kill you quick."
"What does that hole in the balloon have to do with killing me?"
"What else do you think the balloon's made of?"