My Everything

The Flight Home

Diane and I stood there unmoved in the same position our arms gripped around each other. My mind started to recount the conversation between Diane and me while preparing dinner. I could not help thinking how much this moment meant to me. It was a while since I had such good company and hoped for it not to end. My life was filled with meetings, business dinner and press conferences. Yet here I found myself thinking about what life would have been like if there were kids around an otherwise solemn condo. Apart from her nieces and nephews, Diane’s life seemed to be consumed by Ben and Lucy. Her mum despite not being able to see seemed extremely independent and robust in nature. A dog would be nice sometimes after a long day, at least I wouldn’t have to eat alone and I have someone anticipating my return each day. The kids despite being a shock to my palate grew on me as the day progressed. For a second it felt like we were one big family but I knew I would soon be returning to the perils of my reality. The one thing that did not digest well was the fact that it seemed as though Mark and Julie left Diane with the heavier end of the stick regularly. A woman needs time to be selfish and enjoy adult activities. I couldn’t help but be a bit unsettled but it didn’t go down as poorly as the burger. I knew deep inside that the kids truly loved her and brought her nothing less than pure joy.

Diane’s home awakened permanent feeling of nostalgia inside my soul that seemed to oxygenate my cheeks; warm brown sugar, pumpkin spice, vanilla and orange peel with a hint of cinnamon. The thought of leaving saddened me more and more by the second. However, I knew I would soon need to be heading to the airport, as a boss’s work is never complete.

From the window,  there was a shadow glimpse of the cows in the field or the barn house. However, the small reflection of the covered moon offered a hint of light to an otherwise dark and lifeless situation. The crickets also decided to provide the evening’s entertainment to mull the stillness of the night.

The lingering thoughts surrounding the contents of the file could not seem to escape me, along with the fact that  Despite this sweet moment Diane and I were being watched.Brad and Rose were they hiding in a nearby bush?  I wondered but the picture of them stumbling about made me smirk. It didn’t seem something that Rose would do in the slightest. She probably if not in a car parked of the road had returned to the hotel no doubt and was watching from there. Brad would be the only one that would be out there.

 I recalled the walk through the store with Diane earlier that afternoon. I had caught Brad and Rose dumping food supplies in baskets together in different parts of the store. They had seemed close maybe almost couple like, compared to when we first came but it could of all been a cover to watch over me too.

Time was slipping away and I knew Rose would find a way to contact me again to keep me on track. I would have to leave Diane soon before Brad threw a rock at the window to give me a hint.

I could be entirely wrong about the whole situation and no one was out there at all hiding in the bush but it seemed like something Brad would do from his security background and all of those police shows I had seen.  From where Diane and I were standing  Through the window I saw Brad’s face for a brief moment as he adjusted himself in a prone position by a tree surrounded by bushes. Were those the hunting clothes he was wearing? Diane finally released me. There was a longing in her eye but I didn’t know what to say. There seem to be more to that hug as she walked slightly away. My phone vibrated in my pants and as I checked it, I saw it was Rose. What I was dreading knowing that it would kill this moment too soon. “Hello, Barba,” Rose said.

“I know, I soon have to leave,” I replied my eyes still on Diane as she seemed to paddle aimless around the kitchen. Something seemed to be on her mind.

“Brad’s getting tired of waiting out there in the bush.”

“Yeah, I saw… that message.”

“Where are you?”

“Back at the hotel getting all of our stuff sorted out.”

“Okay,” I replied, “I guess I will see you soon.”

With that I hung up.

 “Do you have to leave soon,” Diane asked her hand rested on her head and the next typing on her phone.

“Yes, I have to go to the airport.”

“What time? My siblings should be returning soon to watch over the kids and when they come back we can get the car and head to the hotel before heading directly there.”

As I was about to answer I heard the doorknob turn.

We headed from the kitchen back to the living room and Diane’s brother and sister entered. They reeked of alcohol and judging from the looks on their faces the two seemed stoned cold drunk. I wanted to say something but I bit my lip. Was this supposed to be work?

“Okay, we must be going, it’s getting late” Diana said

“So soon, we just got here!” a male voice interjected.

“Yes Mark, she has a plane to catch and we have to get her car from the diner before it gets any later.”

“Okay,” he slurred, “it was nice meeting you.” Mark landed himself on the floor.

 I walked out the door while the two struggled to make it to the living room. It was a miracle they even made it here.

Diane and I met eyes for a second but no words were said.

Diane brought the truck around and opened the old, slightly rusted door for me. For an old Ford Ranger, she really kept it in good condition. Inside the truck, there was a mixture of country, alternative and a few relatable romance songs on the radio.

“Buckle up!”

“I am not a kid.”

I took full advantage of the last moments of fresh farm breeze, community spirit and goofy memorable moments. As Diane drove, I searched feverishly for the button to roll down the window. I didn’t want to distract her from the road. When we were coming to the farm earlier that afternoon, they were already down so there was no need to worry but in the dark, I found myself fumbling.

“Oh, the windows are manually operated.”

“Here, let me help you.”

As Diane reached over to help me, the truck swerved a little. My body felt almost frigid inside. Just then, something ran across the road from the bush. In the dark, I couldn’t make it out. Diane held the staring wheel steady and accelerated dodging the obstruction. She maintained the speed and in no time flat, we were back at the diner. I hopped out of the truck and we headed toward the hotel which Rose had already dealt with before I returned the car and with all my bags I got a shuttle who after some discussion agreed to tail Diane to the airport. Settled in the ,van Diane signaled from the truck window.

“If we take the next left and follow the dirt road, we’ll get to the airport quicker.”

I sat in the van and glanced at my phone noticing the weak signal.. The uneven route filled with gravel, bumps and slides making me bump up and down. Rose and Brad had made it both into the shuttle with me along with two other people.

The shuttle driver continued to tail Diane until a poorly lit defunct looking building with box windows became apparent. There were no visible travelers around the tiny local airport at the time. Diane brought her truck to a halt simultaneously barring the vehicle. She then hopped out of the truck and headed towards the shuttle, “this is it, she said before looking at me. “Let me help you with your bags.”

I reluctantly got out of the van removing my carry on as Diane took the remaining luggage out for me as everyone else got out.

I then leaned in to bid her adieu with a lingering hug before heading inside. At that instant almost out of nowhere, Angela and Lisa jumped out.

“Surprise!”

“We came to say goodbye, couldn’t have you leaving without a good send off and I really wanted to apologize for the burger this morning.”

I felt my stomach cringe, not knowing if it was the thought of the burger or my disinterest another long conversation. I straightened my back and smirked slightly.

“Thanks guys, I almost forgot…, Angela, Lisa, can you be so kind as to return my car to the rental company please. Time really got away from me today.”

“You bet, Barba, by the way if you ever want to come back to the range you are more than welcome.”

“Thanks Lisa, I must really be going now.”

I waved goodbye to the three women, took out my passport and proceeded towards the Jet-Blue self-service kiosk.

I placed my luggage in front of me by the scale at the kiosk and pulled back my jacket to check the time on my watch. I then glanced at my phone, wondering if Diane made it back to the farm safely.

“Ms. Russo?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“We’ll take it from here, I’ll handle the luggage and my partner will escort you to your jet.”

“Ok, thank you.”

I released the grip on my bags and was left with only carry-on.  Rose and Brad followed closely behind me.-“This way Madame.”

 I was led the way to gate 6A and behind a plain grey door, I saw the pristine platinum frame of the aircraft. On board there was leather seating, a fully stocked bar and steak dinner awaiting me. After which I had the freedom to shower, change and catch a quick nap before landing in my cot. In anticipation, I proceeded to climb the starts where I was welcomed with the removal of my coat and a glass of champagne.

“I’ll store that for you Madame.”

“Thank you.”