The Adventures of Melissa

Chapter 2

Trip on the Airplane

 We were living in Perth and were invited to a wedding in Sydney. I wanted to go on the airplane with Susan and her mom. What an exciting adventure for a buggy. We got the special taxi to the airport and the taxi driver helped us with our luggage. I had no problem cause I was in the back and had a special ramp, just for me. But those humans, they do carry lots of bits and pieces. They had a suitcase, a bag each for on the plane, Madeleine’s handbag and, of all things, white rabbit. Susan refused to go without White Rabbit. And you can see the photo of me and White Rabbit. I guess this is one of the problems of being a buggy, you don’t have any say in who or what gets to ride in you. I mean, a White Rabbit. My job in the world is to help humans – not White Rabbits !!

And look at all the stuff they took with them. All I need is my key. Poor humans.

At the airport, I had to have my battery removed for some silly airplane reason. For some reason, the silly men couldn’t get me apart properly, so Madeleine had to go and help them. They put me in the luggage compartment where I stayed safe and sound til we got to Sydney. Susan told me later that they gave her a wheelchair to get around in until the flight went, and when they called the flight, Susan and her mom got to get on first. How kewl is that. The same thing happened when they arrived in Sydney. They got off the plane first, special treatment for my family, of course. Everyone knows that the family of an electric buggy are particularly special.

 I met up with Susan and her mother and we realised that the train we had to catch next, was due to leave soon. So into another taxi we hopped. Again, me with a special spot in the back. Some taxis realise the importance of buggies and give us a special place in the back.

When we got to the station, we all hopped out, and off the taxi went. As soon as it left, I realised that Susan had left her keys in the taxi. Oh, dear. I don’t work without a key. What shall we do? What shall we do??

 At this stage, a couple of drunks came up to see what the problem was (Madeleine seems to have an affinity with drunks). They helped Madeleine and Susan move me (and the luggage) out of the way. I was stuck. How helpless I felt! I was falling down on my job. I was supposed to look after this little girl and make sure she got around okay.

 A security guard came up to see what was going on. I thought they were going to hit each other. Drunks and security guards just don’t get along even if they all have the same goal (to get me and the two humans on the train).

 To be continued ........................

 Melissa (typed by Madeleine)
Saturday, 28 January 2006