Chapter 1-- The FlightIt was a lovely sunny morning as we headed by stretch limosine for the airport. We were setting off on our first ever-family holiday. In the taxi were my Mom Ethel, my Dad Bob and my sister Susie and myself Tommy. We were heading to the island of Jamaica, in the Caribbean. I was delighted to be going to Jamaica, as I am a big fan of Bob Marley, the reggae singer.
We had recently won first prize, in a holiday competition organised through a local radio station. We were flying on a first class private plane, with a direct flight to Kingston, the capital. Two weeks of sea, sand and sunshine ahead of us.
On
board the plane there were Playstations for us younger folk and a video player, to keep us
amused throughout the journey. My parents had a bar to themselves. My father was
delighted. My Mom Ethel complained that there was no ice or lemon for her gin and tonic.
"We should have taken the money, instead of this holiday, darling. You know how the
sun brings me out in a rash " she complained, as the plane taxied down the runway. My
Dad just sat back and enjoyed the on board music through his earphones. We had a selection
of snack foods and chocolate bars the likes you have never seen before.
We had a
special air steward on board to meet our every need. She kept calling me "Sir"
and my sister "Madam". We started to giggle each time she spoke to us. All was
well until the captain announced over the speaker, click "Good evening ladies and
gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Could all passengers please be seated, as we
appear to be having a few problems? Do not be alarmed, everything is under control. I will
get back to you later. I hope you are having a pleasant flight " click. We all sat
down nervously, wondering what was going to happen next. The plane began to go up and
down. The cabin lights began to flicker on and off. Suddenly the oxygen masks dropped in
front of our noses. "This is serious," I said to myself, trying to stay calm. I
looked at Mum, Mum looked at Dad. Dad looked at us and told us to fasten our seat belts.
We started to get scared. My mother began to panic. "We are all going to die"
she kept screaming. My father told her to sit 
down and be quiet or
words to that effect. He just kept helping himself to double brandy’s from the bar.
My sister Susie hid her head under her pillow. I remained calm (on the outside) throughout
all this time.
The plane started going down, down, down. The water seemed very near. Mom was still
screaming. Dad said, "Pipe down, you old weasel." She told him that those
comments were unnecessary and hurt her feelings. We all started to pray. "We are
loosing altitude fast, prepare for impact" the captain announced.
