Page 87 of From Rivals to I Do

Chapter seven

Chapter Seven

Rushing into the plane with Alex, my heart pounds with the thought that we could have missed our flight. But we made it just in time. My tanned skin glistens with a thin layer of sweat, and my brown hair is tousled from the mad dash through the airport. Alex, also panting from the dash, clings to my side as we make our way to our seats.

I settle into the plane seat, the cool, synthetic fabric beneath me a stark contrast to the bustling terminal I left behind at JFK Airport. It’s a peculiar feeling, knowing that I’m about to leave New York City behind for a new life in Japan. The middle-aged man occupying the window seat beside me glances my way, and I offer a polite smile. His response is a curt nod, his demeanor stiff.

He’s probably one of those passengers who prefer not to engage in conversation during flights. I respect that. Besides, my main concern right now is ensuring that my five-year-old nephew, Alex, is settled comfortably in the seat between us.

I turn my attention to Alex, who is gazing out of the window with wide-eyed wonder. It’s his first time on a plane, and the anticipation is clear in his pale green eyes. His auburn hair falls messily over his forehead, and a sprinkle of freckles dots his nose. The resemblance to Jessica is striking.

“Hey there, buddy,” I say softly, leaning closer to him. “We’re going to be just fine, okay? It’s like a big adventure in the sky.”

Alex glances at me, his expression a mix of excitement and nervousness. He nods, his small hand reaching out to grasp mine. “Okay, Aunt Amber.”

The flight attendant’s voice crackles over the intercom, announcing the final preparations for takeoff. I can feel a subtle vibration beneath my seat as the plane’s engines roar to life. My grip on Alex’s hand tightens slightly, and I offer him a reassuring smile.

As the plane taxis down the runway and begins its ascent, I watch through the window, my heart heavy with a blend of emotions. New York City, the place that has been my home for so long, slowly shrinks into the distance. The towering skyscrapers, the bustling streets, the iconic landmarks—all fading into the horizon.

The city that never sleeps, the place where I’ve built my life, is becoming a mere memory. I take a deep breath, reminding myself of the exciting journey that lies ahead. Japan awaits, with its promises and adventures, and I’m determined to embrace every moment of this new chapter in our lives.

The ascent continues, and I feel a subtle shift in pressure as we climb higher into the sky. As the plane levels off, the flight attendants begin their rounds, offering refreshments and assistance to the passengers. One of them, a young woman with a friendly demeanor, approaches our row with a tray of drinks.

“Good afternoon,” she chirps, her eyes lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary. “Would you like something to drink?”

I smile politely. “I’ll have a glass of water, please.”

The flight attendant pours a glass of water and hands it to me, her fingers brushing against mine briefly. I thank her, and she moves on to the next row. I can’t help but notice a hint of disappointment in her eyes as she walks away, as if she had hoped for more than just a glass of water.

I notice that she stared at the man sitting beside us. He didn’t even flinch.

Turning my attention back to Alex, I realize that he’s watching the flight attendant’s retreating figure with a puzzled expression. I suppress a chuckle. The innocence of a child is truly something to cherish.

“Are you thirsty, Alex?” I ask, diverting his attention.

He nods eagerly. “Yes, Aunt Amber.”

I signal for the flight attendant, who returns promptly. “Could we please have a glass of apple juice for my nephew?” I request.

“Of course,” she says, her smile returning as she retrieves a glass of apple juice. Alex takes it with a wide grin, and I thank the flight attendant once more.

With his juice in hand, Alex seems more at ease now, sipping it slowly as he continues to gaze out of the window. I smile, marveling at his resilience. Despite the challenges he’s faced at such a young age, he remains curious and hopeful, ready to embrace this new chapter in his life.

In a minute, Alex gulps down the apple juice and lets out a satisfying sigh. I laugh and he smiles back at me. Turning his face, he stares wide-eyed out of the window, his tiny fingers raised toward the glass as if trying to touch the clouds. His sense of wonder is infectious, and I can’t help but smile.

“Look, Alex,” I say, pointing out of the window. “We’re above the clouds now.”

His eyes light up with sheer delight as he gazes at the fluffy white clouds beneath us. It’s a magical sight, one that brings a sense of wonder to even the most jaded traveler. I watch as Alex’s fear begins to dissipate, replaced by curiosity and awe.

I glance at the man in the window seat beside me, whose stoic demeanor hasn’t changed since we boarded the plane. It’s clear that he’d prefer to keep to himself during this flight, and I respect his choice.

I’m seated with Alex snuggled beside me as we soar through the clouds. I turn my head to glance at the other passengers, curious about the stories that accompany each face.

That’s when I spot a man, probably in his thirties, walking down the aisle. He’s holding the hand of a little girl who looks to be around Alex’s age. My heart skips a beat as I watch them, their connection palpable even from a distance.

The way he affectionately holds her hand, fingers entwined with hers, speaks volumes. It’s a simple gesture, but one that resonates deeply with me. The way they navigate the crowded plane together, his protective stance, and the way she looks up at him with trust and adoration—it’s a beautiful sight.

I am genuinely captivated by the scene unfolding before me. It’s like a glimpse into a world I’ve longed to know—a world where a father’s love is a cherished gift. A world I’ve only dreamed of.

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