Chapter 77 - LEAVING
The black car peacefully rolled under the hot morning sky in the middle of the highway. Soon enough we would reach our destination—the airport— which is only one hour drive away from the Crawford Mansion. I sunk deeper into the front seat, clinging to the available warmth I could take to console myself from my unknown fate. The thought of leaving was enough to rattle my nerves and I fidgeted on my seat, anxiety and fear eating me inside. Until now, I couldn't believe I'm leaving Cordova. God knows how long it would be before I could successfully return, perhaps it would take me a year or two to come back here.
I cuddled Faith Vienne closer to my chest and forced my attention to linger on the passing green sceneries outside the window. It would help me?divert my attention?from cowering at the last minute and drive back home. Don't want to disappoint my father, my grandmother, and my eight brothers. I was thankful I did a good job convincing them not to drive me to the airport since it would make me feel worse inside. As a result it was Carter who acted as my driver to take me to my destination. Looking at him now, it seems I made the wrong decision.
Seated on the driver's seat was the demigod who tended Clarissa's well-loved garden with care. As usual, he wore his regular uniform, a plain white t-shirt that made him look quite regal and a pair of ripped jeans I couldn't get tired of looking at especially when he looked like a fashion model within it. He has a somber expression on his handsome face. It made me wonder if someone died. His thick eyebrows seem to merge in a straight line while he drives in concentration.
His?tensed strong jaw was clenched tightly and he was gripping the steering wheel firmly enough to hinder the flow of blood from his fingers. His strange reaction gave me the impression of a man who just fought and lost a war. The moment he entered the car, he uttered not a single word which suddenly made me wonder if he was obliged to drive me to the airport against his will. But if he was opposed to the idea, he did not say it out loud and I am in no position to ask him the question.
I shrugged my shoulders and tore my attention from his distracting handsome features. Despite the darkness that envelops his face he managed to appear so appealing to me. It was not his physical appearance which made me drawn to him, there's something deeper and stronger than physical attraction. Love perhaps? I shuddered at the thought and quickly vanished the thought out of my mind. Love is an overstatement but I could consider it a close description.
Soon I would leave this country. Whatever?strange tender I feel towards him, it would vanish in time from his absence. But even after I told myself I would forget him still I wasn't entirely convinced I would. What I felt towards him was no fleeting fancy. It was clear that no man alive has ever made me feel so high and no amount of drug will.
The hours seem shorter than usual. So much to wish time would slow down. We arrived on the airport earlier than expected. The car pulled into a stop and he clmibed out of the car to open the door for me. Slowly, I climbed out with Faith Vienne still in my arms. Carter opened passenger's seat and lifted the stroller out. "Thank you." I whispered and lowered my daughter down the stroller.
I was stretching my numbed arms when he pulled a large suitcase out. It cointains my clothes and Faith Vienne's too. Papa insist that I would bring few clothes with me so it wouldn't be difficult for me to travel.?He said that I could expand my wardrobe once I'm settled in Brittania. I couldn't agree more with the idea especially that I have a child with me. Faith Vienne's safety is my priority. Aside from the large suitcase, I also carried a small backpack with me which contains milk and baby necessities.
We are entering the airport to catch my flight when I heard the announcement on the speak: "Attention passengers on Royal Air flight 232 to Brittania."
That was my flight!?I mumbled with a jolt of surprise, my gaze shifted to the large flight monitor while Carter followed behind me carrying my backpack behind his left shoulder and pulling my large suitcase on his vacant hand. My eyebrow scrunched in confusion when I saw that my flight was rescheduled.
"This is an announcement for passengers on flight 232 to Brittania. The flight has been delayed due to mechanical issues. . Our new departure time is 3:00 pm. Please be patient. Thank you."
My flight would he delayed for another four hours. I accidentally caught Carter's eye. For a fleeting moment, emotion flickered on his eyes, I wonder if it was relief I saw. but before I could fathom what it was it vanished so fast that I wonder if it even existed.
"There's a mall nearby, only walking distance away from here, I suggest we go for a walk before waiting could bore us to death." It was the first time Carter spoke. He was intently looking at me and I I became self-conscious. I wondered if there's some dirt on my face.
My eyes wander on the crowded airport, and consider that it was a brilliant idea. I have more time to spend with him. The thought nearly made me smile. I sure I would never feel bored with him as my company.
"My suitcase—shall we bring it?"?My eyes shifted to the suitcase on his right hand. It would be a burden to stroll inside the mall with such a heavy baggage.
"I shall leave your large suitcase on the baggage counter Madam." He offered and I must admit it was a wise idea. I watch him walk to the counter. Heads turned as he made his way, majority of the onlookers were women throwing him curious and admiring glance. He seems not to notice the looks he was stealing. I smiled to myself while watching the scene with amusement. Carter could wear anything, even a rag, but still could manage to appear dashing.
The soft breeze ruffled his hair as we stepped outside. We walked in silence, as we do so, the crowd seem to disappear and there was only the two of us. I could continue to look at him and not feel tired all.
"I'll help you Madam." He said, and before I could object, he gently pulled the stroller to do the the task. His large hands accidentally touched mine and I flinched in response as the simple gesture burned my skin. How odd, the simple touch was enough to sent shivers down my spine. Realizing that I was still holding my breath, I let it go before I?could die of suffocation.
We entered the mall. Music from the speaker filled the air. People seem to rush all around us while we move in incredibly slow speed but he didn't seem to mind. Tenderness welled inside me watching him push the stroller in front. Who would have notice that he wasn't the father of the child inside the stroller. He appeared blissfully happy as if was enjoying the moment the way I did.
I allow my illusion to take over. For a short time, I would pretend he was my husband and the father of my child. But then I didn't neet to pretend at all since I actually feel inside me that were a real family.
We pass some clothing boutiques, hair salons, jewelry shops, food stalls, and various stores selling their best products but we barely seem to notice any products on display. We are wrapped in our own thoughts and intently observing one another. Everything seem so right that for a moment I forgot that something was missing in my life. For the first time, I am perfectly content the way I'd never been before.
When we found ourselves overcome with hunger, we found ourselves entering a pizza parlor.?Carter ordered Hawaiian pizza and two pineapple juice while I waited for him on our table. Shortly he returned with our orders in hand. We share the food in silence, no one attempted to speak, both of us are content with the situation. When Faith Vienne cried, he mived quickly to pick her inside the stroller and settled her into his arms. She stopped crying and contentedly stared at him with her wide innocent eyes. He continue to eat while holding her. Carter was only helping me, I reminded myself whike crushing any assumptions.
We strolled on the mall once more and waited until it was time to return to the airport. When it was time to leave my tears almost fell but I bit my lips to conceal them.
"Goodbye Beatrix. Take care." He said for the first time calling me on my first name.
The memory of his smile was the only thing I have in mind as I walk away. I know that it would take me a long time to recover from my feelings for him. I must definitely admit it—I realize I was inlove with Carter, our gardener.
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