I bet their trying to suss me out, is there something wrong with me, or am I in this much of a state because I plan on taking the plane down and killing us all, you can see the concern etched over their faces. I try and fail to give them a re-assuring smile, instead only managing a lopsided grimace, only frightening them all the more.
The two stewards whisper something in Spanish to each other before asking me to wait for a moment and calling through to what I suspect is the security team, all the while scrutinising my passport photo before studying my mess of a face.
I’m half tempted to try and explain my appearance, but I just can’t be bothered, this is nothing but a fitting end to a troubled holiday.
I run my hand across my forehead trying to rub away the building tension, I just want to be left alone, not stared at and treated like some low life miscreant.
I mentally will them to just let me board, if I hadn’t of waited till last they probably would have just let me through so not to hold up everyone else; either that or I would have been subjected to a very public investigation. That really would have been too much to bare.
The stewards are still speaking on the phone when I feel a gentle touch on my arm; I turn, fully expecting to find a security guard ready to march me into a back room for interrogation, but in reality, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Chapter 9
I try to speak, but the words freeze in my throat, we stand for an eternity just staring at each other before he finally speaks “Kate, please don’t go” he whispers.
“Carlos, I…” I don’t know what to say, I’d closed the door on this, I never thought he’d come after me.
“I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have let you leave, I was confused and then you’re letter…” he is obviously having trouble putting his thoughts into words, “I love you Kate”
I’m blown away, subtly I pinch myself just to make sure I’m not imagining the whole thing, with my lack of sleep I wouldn’t be surprised; but the scene doesn’t change, I’m aware that I still haven’t responded, but I’m speechless.
“I don’t know what to say” I manage meekly, “I never thought I’d see you again”
“I know, I can’t tell you how sorry I am. After I read your letter I spoke to Marcus and he eventually admitted everything, that’s why it’s taken so long, he was still denying it and I just didn’t know what to think. I’m so sorry I doubted you. Please say you’ll come back with me”
I’m flooded with joy, all I can do is nod as fresh tears of relief roll down my face. Pulling me into him Carlos strokes my hair and soothes me “it’s OK, please don’t cry, everything’s going to be OK now” The flood gates open and I sob into his chest, inhaling his scent with every breath and holding onto him with all my strength, I never want to let him go.
“I thought I’d lost you, I love you Carlos” I finally admit it out loud.
I’ve become acutely aware of what a state I look, so as Carlos gently pulls away from the embrace I lower my head, wiping my nose with the back of my hand and sniffing hard, “I look awful”
“No, you look beautiful” he says softly, leaning down and kissing me; the feel of his lips on mine is intoxicating, I didn’t think I’d ever experience it again and now I am it feels even more glorious than I remember.
When we finally part he speaks to the stewards, now sporting a look somewhere between confusion and awe.
“They can’t get your bag now, but they will have it back here by tomorrow” he explains to me.
“OK” my suitcase is the last thing I care about right now, all I want is to be with him, nothing else in the world matters.
I can feel something digging into my palm and looking down I notice I’m still clutching onto the love charm Blair gave me, I had thought it was sweet of her, but ultimately a load of old hokum; but now I can sincerely confirm that this is one powerful little stone!
Draping his arm protectively around my shoulders he guides me away, away from the stewards judging eyes, away from my flight home and away from my heartache.