I didn’t believe the stories that famous people are rude until I met one on a plane. I didn’t give up, though. I chose to teach him a lesson in respect.
As I settled into my first-class seat, a local reality TV star came up to me and tried to force me to give up my place. He was used to getting what he wanted, but I wouldn’t let him. His arrogance and condescending tone made my anger boil.
When he told me to move, I pretended to change my mind and gave my place to a mom who was pregnant with a toddler. He looked like he was going to cry when he learned he had to sit next to a fussy kid.
The pregnant woman was so happy that she thanked me a lot as we moved seats. As I helped her settle down, I saw the famous person’s face turn red with anger.
I heard the woman ask him if he was the annoying TV star who was always in the news for the wrong reasons as I walked away. Even though he didn’t say anything, I could tell he was angry.
I was happy with my new seat in economy because I knew the pregnant woman needed the ease more than I did. Mr. Thames got exactly what he wanted: a lesson in how to treat others with respect.
The sound of the engines lulled me to sleep, and I laughed to myself, enjoying the sweet taste of literary justice. Although some might call it small, I chose to see it as a lesson in respect, which is something we could all use more of these days.
While the flight attendants were going over safety rules, I couldn’t help but think about how the famous person reacted when the child started to cry. I could picture him fidgeting in his seat, trying to get away from the mess he had made.
“Susie! Quiet!” the pregnant woman yelled over the noise of the engines. “Sir, our famous person from the area won’t put up with your silly behavior on this flight, will you?” I smiled because I knew Mr. Thames had a long flight ahead of him.
As the plane took off, I closed my eyes and felt happy. I stood up to a mean kid and taught him how to be polite. As I fell asleep, I thought about how this flight would be one I would never forget.
