Patricia

The Journey:

She spotted them as she was leaving the Business Lounge. A woman in her thirties, bleached, blond hair, escaping from a scarlet ribbon, chosen, no doubt, to match her leisure wear, complexion and expensive, designer trainers. The woman was accompanied by three children (surely not all under five?), similarly attired, even the baby. The family's untidy pile of hand luggage and other paraphernalia tottered (surely in breach of recently-introduced restrictions?). Meanwhile, the children clamouring loudly for their mother's attention, succeeded only in drawing glances from those around.

She passed by, artfully smoothing down her tasteful, navy blue, crease-resistant skirt with one hand, whilst the other wheeled the neat, carry-on bag, newly-purchased for the trip to KL. Malaysia, a significant location for her company, and a significant contract for her to manage. Her mind drifted to the briefing papers, safely stored in her bag and conveniently placed for scrutiny during the hours of flight.

Her progress onto the aeroplane was quick, her documentation swiftly scrutinised. She noted with satisfaction the respectful use of her honorary title (surely worth all the effort involved in securing its award?). She acknowledged the flight attendant's greeting with a tight smile and made her way to her seat, carefully selected to maximise her privacy.

Settling herself down, she felt a warning ache over her right temple. She dismissed it for now, turning instead to arranging the space which would become her temporary office. Smartphone, iPad and black Moleskin notebook, together with her papers, were maximise ease of access. As she opened her email account for one last time, she heard them. The whinging, whining clamour of juvenile voices grew increasingly loud. A heavy, heady aroma of perfume, milk and something worse swept by, attached to hot, thunderous limbs. The pain shot through both eyes, temporarily blurring her vision. She murmured to herself. 'Surely not here? Surely not in Business Class?'.

Note:

My character is a 40 year old business woman, neat of appearance and obsessive in nature, who encounters a 39 year old mother, accompanied by three young children.