Before the pilot made an enigmatic request that made me reevaluate everything I knew about my past, I thought my significant business trip to Los Angeles would just be another ordinary day. His revelation would change my life in ways I could never have predicted.
Software for flight simulators
Although my flight was meant to go smoothly, what transpired throughout the two-hour flight permanently altered my course in life. Let me first explain why I had to travel to Los Angeles that day before I tell you about it.
I work as an architect for a reputable construction company, and this is my ideal position. Let me tell you, I did not end up here by chance. It was all of my effort and the many restless nights I had.
My manager recently given me the chance to show a large project to several of our leading Los Angeles investors.I gladly accepted the invitation because it was a HUGE thing and could result in a long-awaited promotion.
To be honest, I was really appreciative as it was an opportunity to honor my mother, Melissa. She has raised me as a single mom, which is the main reason she is my best friend. She informed me that my father had died before I was born, but I continued to pursue my goals despite her words. I adore Mom because she has always been there for me.
And when I told her about the meeting in LA she grabbed me in a big old hug and said go get ’em sweetie! I’ll be praying for you.”
Soon I was seat comfortably on the plane and we were ready to take off. All of the flight attendants were so welcoming and I got lucky and had an empty seat next to me!
I couldn’t help but get excited as the plane started to ascend. I had prepared for my presentation and was convinced the investors would like it.
A few minutes into the flight, we were approached, by a friendly looking flight attendant Bethany with a tray of drinks.
With a smile, she asked, ‘Can I get you something to sip on?’ I raised my hand and accepted the glass of “just orange juice, please.” Bethany looked down at my wrist; at the birthmark there.
Suddenly she asked, “I’m sorry, could I please have your passport?”
I though well, that’s strange. I gave it to him confused, not wanting to argue. Carefully she looked it over before nodding and returning it.
“This is just a standard protocol check,” she said. Thank you!”
Sounds cool. Soon afterwards, Bethany came back into my seat.
‘ve got to ask you—Will you be running for a bus when we touch down?’” I subconsciously clasped my hands together as I explained, ‘Yeah, I’ve got a connecting flight to catch and I’m already running late.’
“The pilot wants to speak with you when we land and well…”
“The pilot?” I interrogated. “Why? Why does not he just speak to me right now? “Unfortunately, no,” Bethany said gravely. “He wants to speak with you face-to-face. You will want to hear this, I promise, even though I know you are pressed for time. If you do not, you will regret it.
I sat there very bewildered. The aircraft landed. I braced myself and waited patiently for the pilot to arrive while the other passengers started to disembark.
For illustrative purpose only. (Pexels)
A tall man with graying hair walked into the cabin where it was finally empty. I recognized him right away from old photos my mom showed me. That was her childhood friend Steve.
However the man didn’t seem happy to see me.
In fact, he threw his arms around me and started to break out tears. He stood there sobbing into my shoulder and I stood there staring at him, completely bewildered.
“What’s going on?” I asked in a shaky voice. “What happened?”
He slapped me away and stared at me, red rimmed eyes. Then he took my hand softly, showed me a birth mark on his wrist. It was the exact match to one on mine.
‘I am your father,” he cried, choked out.
“Wait, what?” I stared at him wide eyed. “My father? But Mom said…”
Why did Mom lie to me? I thought. Why didn’t she ever let me know that Steve was my father?
‘This is the truth, Courtney,’ Steve continued. ‘I don’t know what Melissa told you but..’ ‘when I was ready to go to aviation school she just disappeared out of my life.’
‘She never said she was pregnant …’ I… I met you through a friend, but it was years after you were born.
All I wanted at the time was to confront Mom. I had to known why she left Steve. I wanted to find out why she kept everything from me.
I immediately called her.
For illustrative purpose only. (Pexels)
“What,” I asked miffed. “Why didn’t you ever tell me about Steve?” As soon as she answered I demanded. Since Steve could hear, I had her on speakerphone. “Steve? Why did you do this and keep it from me?” She was still trying to keep the truth from me when she said, ‘What do you mean sweetie?” “Mom, please stop!” I rolled my eyes. “I just met Steve on the airplane. He’s here with me. Now please tell me everything. I need answers. He needs answers!”
After some seconds of silence, Mom finally spoke. She spat out her voice, thick with emotion.
“Oh, Courtney, I’m so sorry,” she cried. ‘When we looked young, Steve wanted to go to aviation school and be a pilot.’ In fact, the moment you were born… then I got pregnant… and… and I knew he’d give up his dreams to be with us if he knew…” I continued after a pause. “So, I left without telling him. “I think it was the right thing to do at the time, but it’s been hurting all of us.”
Steve listened with his face wrinkled. He gasped out, “Melissa, I I really did adore you. For you and our child, I would have done anything. Why did you not believe me? “Steve? Oh my. Mom let out a gasp. “I… I believed I was keeping you safe. I felt frightened. I apologize, Steve. I sincerely apologize.
After years of my mother lying to me about my father’s whereabouts, he was now a total stranger who was sharing his heart with us both. I was unable to take it all in. My head seemed to be whirling.
“Mom, this is… this is a lot to take in,” I stammered. “I’m already late for the big meeting with the investors… I don’t know how I’ll get to LA now.”
Steve’s eyes widened as I mentioned the investors.
“You’re going to LA? What’s the meeting about?”
I quickly explained the details to Steve. I told him how I was supposed to present a major project to secure a big promotion at work.
I saw his expression shift as I told him everything about the company and the investors.
“Well then, we can’t let you miss that meeting,” he declared, “because I know those investors very well, Courtney.”
“What? How?” I asked.
Steve pulled out his phone and said, “A few years ago, I flew on their private jet, and they were really nice to me.” “Today, I will put you in front of them by making a few calls.”
As promised, he immediately got to work, making a string of low-volume phone calls. In less than an hour, I was led into a chic meeting space. It was unbelievable to me.
For illustrative purpose only. (Pexels)
The best thing was, the meeting turned out better than I thought it would. Finally the investors liked my project idea and they agreed to invest on my project. I also got a call from my boss and he gave me the promotion I was wishing for. I was super happy!
So I walked out of the room and as Steve was waiting for me with open arms.
He pulled me in a tight hug and said, “you did it.” “I’m so proud of this,” I say to Courtney.
I hugged him back; I felt a lump in my throat.
Slowly but surely, this man would be an inseparable part of my life and I just knew it. All those years of pretending like I need something, and not knowing what, had led me here and I couldn’t help but wonder what else the future held.
A week later Steve came to our house to meet Mom.
The tears, laughter and wholeness, as they say, was a missing thing for such a long time. That day I knew what complete family felt like.