Page 4 of Reconnected Hearts
I’m nearly there.
I see numbers ahead of me, bright and shiny in fluorescent lighting like an angel in the sky: Gate 36.
I use the last bit of energy to push ahead and burst into the quiet waiting area but I can see a plane pulling away through the window.
“No,” I mutter under my breath along with a few choice words. I want to fall to the floor and break down. I can’t tell the people I amsupposedto be convincing that I am an organized and reliable employee that I missed my flightbecause I slept through my alarm.
Slumping into the plastic chair, I grab a gum out of my bag and chew while I think. What a sight. A sad guy sitting alone in a sad airport with a group of sad businessmen watching my sad crisis.
This isn’t me. I’m not sad or pathetic, I’m not supposed to be the victim of an old businessman’s odd stare. I’m supposed tolaughat the businessman who has the guts to judge me while he’s dressed like a penguin. I can’t become this dickless, defeated man. Not me—I’m NoahfuckingLaurier.
“No,” I murmur to myself. Giving up is simply not an option. After everything I’ve been through, Iwillget to Providence, and Iwillattend my interview. I don’t care what it takes. I’ll walk there if I have to.
Approaching the ticket desk I find a young red-haired woman typing away at the computer.
“Excuse me, ma’am?” I ask, leaning over the desk casually.
She looks up, and her eyes widen, a soft blush creeping over her cheeks. “Yes, sir, what can I do for you?”
I point to the plane that’s halfway to the runway and give her a sad smile maintaining eye contact. “I was supposed to be on that plane, but I ran into some difficulties this morning and I couldn’t make it in time. But, see, Ihaveto get to Providence today for an important business interview. This really isveryimportant; my life may otherwise be ruined. If you can help at all....” My eyes flick down to her nametag. “…Zara, I would be forever in your debt.”
The woman raises her eyebrows, and the corner of her lip quirks up in amusement. “Well, we certainly wouldn’t want that, would we? Let me see what I can do.” She types for a moment, then looks back up at me. “Good news, sir. We have a seat available on our eleven o’clock flight to Providence tonight. Shall I transfer your ticket?”
“Yes! Thank you!” I could kiss her. “Oh, you are the best. Really you’re a lifesaver. An angel, even.”
She glances away before tucking a hair behind her ear.
“Anything to keep your life from being ruined,sir.” She purrs.
“You really are too kind, ma'am. You have a good day now, alright? And, hey, maybe I’ll catch you here on my way home.” I wink. She blushes harder and bids me a squeaked farewell and good luck.
I go straight to the restaurant nearest to me, figuring I can waste a few hours sipping some soda and scrolling through social media. I do, after all, have half a day to kill. And patience has never been my virtue.
Once I’m sitting at a table tucked away in the back corner of a bustling, dimly lit burger joint, and I’ve ordered a diet soda, I take out my phone, where I am greeted by another message from Betty.
r u in merry land yet?
I smile at the silly shorthand she definitely picked up from my sixteen-year-old sister, Iris, and quickly type out a reply.
Nope, not yet
I leave tonight
A typing bubble is the only response I receive for a while. By the time another message comes through, I’ve already gotten my soda and am halfway to needing a refill.
can u come home until then
I wish I could tell her that I want nothing more than to come home and never leave again, but that’s not her burden to carry. It’s mine. I have to take care of them. If the best way to do that is leaving, then leaving is what I’ll do.
Sorry, kid
I’ll be home in a couple days & will see you then
and I’ll have a super awesome gift to give you ;)
The typing bubble returns and then shortly goes away. Nothing else comes through, and I know she’s mad at me. She thinks I’m leaving to get away from her. She doesn’t understand that I’m leaving tohelpher, and there’s no way for me to explain it to her without making her aware of just how bad things really are. She’s too young to remember the misery we all endured eight years ago. I’ll do anything to make sure it stays that way—anything.
CHAPTER3
