Just then, Sabrina called me. “What’s up, Sabby?”
“Yvonne, what the hell are you doing? Christopher called you a few times last night. Not only did you not pick up, but you also didn’t call back!” Sabrina remarked.
Only then did I remember that Christopher had called while Mom was telling me about Uncle Robert’s matters. That was why I did not get to pick up the call. And as I was worried about Mom, I stayed by her side the whole night listening to her reminisce about the fun times she had with my uncle before he passed away.
I ended up forgetting about Christopher. Astounded, I asked, “How did you know?”
“You dare ask? Last night we were at a gathering when my idol called you in my presence. You’d never know how grim he looked when he couldn’t reach you. I’ll give you thirty minutes. He’s at the airport with Zach, waiting for his flight to Venria. If you don’t go now, you’ll have to wait for a month before you can see him again,” Sabrina said.
“What’s going on?” I anxiously asked.
“Don’t tell me you don’t know why my idol kept calling you? Did you forget about his other identity? He leads reservists of the special forces. He has to carry out his duties when there are special missions,” Sabrina petulantly replied.
I was briefly stunned as I did not have any knowledge of that. All I could remember was Christopher had retired from the military. As for the matters he had mentioned to me regarding the reservists, I could barely be bothered about it.
A wave of guilt overwhelmed my mind, and I hurriedly said, “Hold on. I’ll head over now.”
Immediately, I ordered a taxi and rushed toward the airport. However, I somehow felt that God was trying to play tricks on me. I was trapped in traffic shortly after I got in the taxi. Rows of cars filled the road as frustrated honks filled the air.
“Sorry, but is it possible to speed up? I’ve got an important matter to deal with and I need to rush to the airport as soon as possible.” I was on the verge of breaking down at the thought of not being able to wave him goodbye. I knew it would be a risky mission; otherwise, he would not have been tasked to handle it.
I had to blame myself for having been too engrossed in Mom’s matters that I had forgotten about Christopher.
“Miss, I’d like to speed up, too. But look at the traffic in front; how am I supposed to drive past?” The driver sounded exasperated.
I looked at my watch and shifted my gaze back to the traffic outside. There were only ten minutes left before the flight was to depart, and I knew I would not be able to make it on time. Without hesitation, I pushed open the car door and ran toward the direction of the airport. Christopher, you must wait for me. You have to wait for me to send you off!
By the time I reached the airport, Sabrina shrugged her shoulders and shook her head at me. “You’re too late; he’s just left.”
“Christopher Lane!” I pushed aside the guards and barged into the restricted area of the terminal, only to see an airplane slowly heading toward the sky. It glided through the fluffy clouds and soon disappeared within them.
I stood frozen till the guards came to throw me out. I turned to Sabrina and asked, “If Chris is heading to Venria, does that mean the mission is a risky one?”
Seeing me at a loss, Sabrina sighed. “Though I always say nothing will happen, I knew long ago that Zachary’s missions are all rather dangerous ones. But of course, I do believe nothing will happen to them because we’re waiting for them at home.”
“Sabby, why does life never go as planned? I’ve tried so hard to make myself happy, but at the end of the day, I realize happiness is still so far away.”
I lifted my head and looked at the sky. It was of a baby blue hue, juxtaposed with fluffy, white clouds that seemed incredibly comfortable to lie on. That would have been a wonderful experience if the sun were not shining so brightly that it blinded my eyes.
It was the first time Christopher and I separated after getting together. Yet, not only did I miss his calls, but I also missed the chance to send him off.
“Didn’t you say before that the reason God puts us through so many hardships is to let us understand the essence of bliss?”
