CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
At the airport, I felt lost and confused. In my shaken state, it was hard for me to navigate through all the foreign signs. All the people that kept swarming around me were making me dizzy. I sat down on a bench, hearing the intercom announce a bunch of destinations and flight numbers. I checked my ticket and looked for anything that might help me get on the plane.
Finally, I walked up to the help desk, praying that whoever was working there spoke English. “Please, I’m having a hard time figuring out where I should go,” I told her, trying to keep my voice level. I had finally stopped crying, but my eyes were red-rimmed and puffy. She looked at me with what looked like concern. She frowned and motioned for me to wait. Did no one speak English in this country?
She walked away, leaving me there. I felt like all the energy had been sapped from my body. Working for Breslyn had been a horrible idea. I should have just found a regular job as a waitress or a retail clerk like every other college student trying to make money. I shook my head, disappointed in myself.
The woman returned with a middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair. “Hello, is there a problem?” He asked in a thick accent I could barely understand, but at least he was speaking English.
I nodded. “I have no idea where to go. I have a flight to California that leaves at 10.”
He squinted at the small font on the ticket before pulling out a pair of glasses. “Ah, okay. Just get in line at that window over there, then follow the set of arrows that will direct you toward the security checkout. Feel free to ask for assistance if you need additional guidance.” He said formally, handing me my ticket back. I nodded, getting in line.
It crawled forward, and I was starting to think I would never get to the counter in time.
Finally, a woman called me over, checking my information. She also spoke English which facilitated the process. “Do you have any bags you’d like to register?”
I shook my head. “I just have this carry-on,” I told her. She nodded, strapping a piece of paper around its handle. “You’re all set. Please proceed down the hall to the security check out. Once through there, look for Gate H, it’s clearly signposted.”
I thanked her and followed the crowd.
I passed one of the greeting areas where people emerged from their recent flights. A tall man with dark hair towered above the rest, a backpack on his shoulders and a small suitcase in his hand. He stopped, looking for someone before a small woman emerged from the crowd and ran up to him, hugging him tightly. It didn’t take long for them to start making out with such passion that I had to look away. Why couldn’t I have that kind of relationship? Why couldn’t I be happy with a man like that?
I sighed, going through the motions as I went through security. At this point, I just wanted to get on the plane and leave all this behind me.
Finally, I got through and headed toward the boarding station. There was a long line of people waiting to get on the flight. I settled myself at the back of the line, edging closer with each minute. I didn’t want to do this… but I didn’t have a choice. I rather go home than suffer through the realization that Lucky would constantly be with other women. I tried to push him out of my mind, knowing I would be better off without him.
Just as I was a few people away from boarding, I heard someone calling out my name.
“Stella!”
My heart stopped. I knew that voice… I dreaded turning around, but my body betrayed me.
I saw Lucky rushing toward me, a suitcase in his hands. He looked out of breath and flushed as if he had run all the way here from his estate.
“What are you doing here?” I blurted out even before he could reach me. I stepped out of line to meet him. My heart was pounding so loudly, it was becoming difficult to hear. I was starting to think that this was a dream and that I was just imagining things.
“I couldn’t let you leave.” He said, grabbing my face, and holding it gently in his hands. His eyes poured into mine, and I could feel him shaking. “When I saw your note… I knew I’d never forgive myself if I just let you step out of my life.”
“But… what about all the others?” I asked, my voice dropping. He was just trying to trick me again – to get me back into his harem – so I could hear him make every single one of his soon-to-be wives moan all night long. I couldn’t stand for it. I wouldn’t stand for it. I shook my head and tried to move away. “Please… just leave me alone. It’s for the best.”
He grabbed my wrist. “No. I can’t.”
“Lucky… I can’t live in that harem. I just can’t.”
“I’m not asking you to.” He paused, taking a deep breath. “I want to live in America with you. Only you!”
“What?” I spat, my eyes growing large in my head. “Will I be enough for you?”
He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close until our bodies were locked together. “You’re more than enough…” He gently pinned my hair behind my ear and then wiped away the tears forming in my eyes. “There’s no one else who could capture my heart as you did.”