The loud roar of the plane’s engine did nothing to calm Brian’s nerves In fact, it only added to the commotion that was swirling around him and assaulting his common sense. With clenched fists, he watched his sister and the excitement radiating off her. She was clearly relishing her current adventure while Brian was hoping he’d live to see another day. In an attempt to settle himself, Brian slowly counted to 100, something he had done 29 times that morning.

“This is the best birthday present ever. You’re awesome, Brian,” Trixie shouted over the loud vibrations that filled the cramped area.

Brian said nothing as he looked out out the window of the small plane, then at his feet encased in a pair of solid boots. “When we get to the ground, if we get to the ground, I’m going to lock my little sister in her room until she is too old to want to do this kind of stuff” he vowed silently. Seeing the others stand in preparation for their jump, Brian froze, his eyes glued to the floor.

“Come on, Brian. Time to get going,” said Scott, Brian’s jump mate.

Brian stood hesitantly and waited while Scott hooked the two of them together.

"Tell me again why i'm doing this," Brian shouted when his worried eyes met Trixie's eager ones.

“Because you said if I was determined to do this, then you had to be there to make sure it was safe,” laughed Trixie who was also connected to her own jump mate.

The door opened and several jumpers leapt out. Brian stood still, his pulse pounding in his ears and his palms sweating.

“You’re next,” yelled Scott, moving Brian to the door. Brian looked at Trixie, who smiled and gestured with her two thumbs up.

“You ready?” Scott shouted.

Brian turned to Trixie. “Happy Birthday, Trixie. See you on the ground,” he yelled, then stepped out of the plane’s open door.