The Thickening Gap Year

Chapter 1: leaving texas for texxel

I was never the biggest kid, but growing up in South Texas I was never the shortest. At the same time my mom worked two jobs just to keep us in a small apartment, and my most frequent meal was the WIC lunch. I’d always let my younger sister have seconds before I took a turn. Needless to say we were a “if it’s on your plate, you better eat it” kinda family. As a very young kid, I remember mom eating my leftovers which was kinda gross.

By the time I reached senior year I was an average height for the area of about 5’7, and a whopping 113 pounds dripping wet. Honestly before my first summer job in fast food I had yet to crack a buck even. I did not have enough money to start college right away, but applied for a scholarship through the local food co/op to work on a farm---if I made it over a year they’d pay for my first year of college! To my surprise I not only got the scholarship, but because of the drought in Texas, they sent me to a host family in Texxel which is an island in Holland. I had never left America before, so was excited to see this new adventure.

My mom drove me to Houston for what was only to be my second plane flight. I was a little nervous about being in the air so long, but figured that most flights landed where they were supposed to be eventually. We took off, and about ten minutes later a chime rang. The loudspeaker said that the flight attendants would do a drink service, and then serve a meal. I was super excited because I had never heard of food on an airplane before. I had a Coca-Cola as my first beverage, and then when the crew came through they asked whether I wanted chicken or beef. I cheekily asked if I could have both, and the attendant winked at me and said sure if they have extras they’d give me an extra meal. The beef entrée was lovely, and the flight attendant looked at me and asked if I was eighteen. I said I was, and he offered me a glass of red wine. Although I had beer at one party back in high school, honestly I was not one of those rich private school kids who could afford to party. Wine was lovely, and made the steak taste lovely. About fifteen minutes later, the crew came back to pick up dirty plates and I got a second steak dinner with another glass of wine! Do not remember ever being so full, but felt so nice and warm inside. Was also getting a little sleepy, but the flight attendant surprised me again with an extra ice cream sundae they had from up front. Although I was already stuffed, I truly enjoyed that sundae even though it hurt my tummy I was so full. Before I noticed anything I fell asleep nice and full as the airplane lights dimmed. I have no idea how much time passed, but all of the sudden the lights came back on and the crew came back with breakfast. Again I got doubles which was just a delight. After the service the flight attendant visited me again, and asked about my story. I told them about how excited I was to explore Europe for the first time and my new life on the farm. He was excited about my work ethic, and wishes me the best. The crew came around one last time with snacks before arrival. The FA gave me a togo bag with the extra snacks, he said just in case I got hungry on my way to the farm. I was tempted to ask for his Instagram, but remain quite shy. Before I knew it the seatbelt sign came back on, and the KLM plane started descending to Schipol.