What's the best birthday present you've ever gotten?  Was it money, a new phone, a toy when you were a kid, a promise to go on vacation or to go shopping?  Those are some pretty typical answers, but I bet not very many people get a surprise quite like mine for their birthday.

I couldn't sleep.  I was too excited about the next day.  I had gotten the following email from my parents the day before:

Dear Izzabelle,

We have been having so much fun here in Egypt on our dig, but it would be a lot more fun with you here.  That's why we've arranged for you to come and join us for the remainder of our expedition.  It's high time you got into the family business.

Love,

Mom & Dad.

It was hard to believe I finally got to go on an expedition with my parents.  They were famous archaeologists who specialized in ancient cultures and their places of religious value.  I had never left the United States before, so this was going to be even more special to me.  I dozed off thinking about all the possibilities this trip could offer.

I woke up to my alarm beeping.  I looked at the clock.  It was 6:00 in the morning.  I was going to be late!  The airport was 45 minutes from out house and I had to be there at 7:00.  I ran downstairs and ate a speedy breakfast.  I dressed in gray capris and a light blue top, shoved the last few items in my suitcase and ran outside, where Ted, our driver was waiting.  I hopped in the back of the car without pausing.  

Ted got in the front and off we went.  The drive passed uneventfully.  I spent most of my time staring out the window.  We pulled into the airport drop-off zone and Ted helped me unload my suitcase.  I waved goodbye to him and went inside.  

I walked up to the Reserved Flights desk.  A dark-haired man was manning the desk.  

"How can I help you?" He asked.

"Um... my parents arranged a flight for me to Egypt for today."  I responded.  He did some stuff on the computer, probably verifying the information, printed out a ticket and was about to hand it to me when he paused.  

"Miss Springfield?"  He asked.

"Yes?"  I said.

"Nothing."  He said hurriedly, handing me the ticket.

I thanked him and headed off to security.  Just like my parents to make sure I had fast lane security clearance too.  I grabbed a hot chocolate after security and made my way over to the gate where my plane would be departing.  I pulled out a book and started reading. 

About ten minutes later, they called for all passengers to board.  I filed on and took my seat in first class.  This being a trans-Atlantic flight, they had the seats that folded down into beds.  Awesome!  I read some more until the plane began to taxi down the runway.  I closed my book and looked out the window.  I loved the feeling I got when the plane's wheels left the ground.  

After we arrived at cruising height, I leaned back in my chair, planning on resting a little.  I dimly heard the pilot announcing that we were over the Atlantic Ocean.  Shortly afterwards, there was a crack that sounded like thunder.  The light went out.  Someone screamed.  Then we started to fall.

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