Chapter 172 - BACK HOME
Chapter 172 - BACK HOME
The four hours journey back to Cordova where Crawford Mansion was located seemed to take longer than usual.
I sat on my seat, listening to the songs of Taylor Swift blasting on my earphones to cheer myself up. But then I must have chosen the wrong song that I found myself? drifting in a sea of indescribable melancholy. Instead of feeling better which is my plan my chest became heavier. I decided to end the last song playing on my earphones before deciding to turn my ipod off. 𝐟𝘳𝑒𝗲𝘸e𝒃𝘯𝒐𝐯e𝚕.c𝒐𝒎
A deep sigh escaped my lips and I shifted my gaze to the window, towards the breathtaking view of the exquisite sky that looked as if they were painted by an artist. Sadly, the sight was pretty but it failed to cheer me up.
There's nothing that could make me better right now except knowing Ace's life is out of danger now, I told myself as I sighed for the second time.
"Excuse me Ma'am, Breakfast is ready." A flight attendant said, startling me from my burgeoning thoughts. I didn't? realize she was there.. Perhaps I was too deep into my thoughts that I didn't even hear her approaching my way.
My gaze landed on the food trolley standing in the aisle. The enchanting aroma of food wafted to the air. I wasn't even feeling hungry but I knew I needed to eat so I could regain my strength and so I nodded my head signalling her that I want to have my food served.
The flight attendant flashed me a smile that could light up the whole plane by how radiant it was and gracefully began serving the food on top of the table in front of me.
When she was finished, I thanked her and flashed her a smile, even if it was forced at least I gave her one. She pulled the food trolley to the opposite of the aisle where Claire and Alexander were seated and started to serve them breakfast.
I returned my attention back to the food on top of the table and noticed that they all looked delicious and very appealing but when I lifted the spoonful of food into my mouth I couldn't savor the taste.
I continued to eat even though I couldn't taste the food well. When my gaze accidentally landed on father and Claire, they were heartily eating breakfast. I turned back my attention to the food and resumed eating to regain the nourishment my body needed.
Minutes passed by and the plates in front of me were now surprisingly empty. I ate a bit too much for someone who is not hungry. Perhaps because I haven't eaten anything for a couple of days.
Claire and father had finished eating too and the flight attendant who served our food was back to clear our table.
She first cleared Claire and Father's table before she turned to my direction, gathered the soiled plates and placed it inside the food trolley. Then she proceeded to clean my table. When she was finished, she pushed the trolley across the aisle and vanished to the door.
Since I have nothing to do, I turned the television on and found a channel with a movie playing on. The movie was great but I fell asleep halfway because I was exhausted. I didn't sleep well last night. When I finally opened my eyes, a different movie was already playing.
An announcement blasted on the speaker saying that the plane was about to land soon. I brushed my hair with my fingers to freshen myself up. I don't want to get off the plane looking so stressed.
I hastily grabbed the lipstick on my bag ang applied some to my lips. My grandmother was waiting at the airport? together with my brothers to pick us up.
Grandma would go crazy if she sees how pale I look.
At last, the private plane safely landed at the airport. For a moment, the melancholy that occupied my inside was replaced with excitement.
Home at last, I mumbled softly. I took a subtle breath of fresh air after I was out of the plane.
The cold morning air caressed my cheeks making me momentarily close my eyes from the comforts it provides. I haven't felt this kind of peace these past few weeks and to actually feel it again makes me feel good and more alive.
As I expected, I quickly spotted Melissa in the Crowd, surrounding her were my eight brothers. Their location is not hard to spot since my brothers clearly stand out in the crowd while they hold a banner with the sign, 'welcome back Phoenix' which was written in bold capital letters.
They waved at me cheerfully. I waived back as I made my way towards their direction. To see my family again and to feel the warmth of their love and comfort makes me feel a lot better.
When I was a few meters away from them I crossed the distance that stood between us by running. Grandmother hugged me tightly when I reached her side. When she let go, she cupped my face and intently looked at me with tears upon her exquisite eyes that spoke how much she missed me.
"I'm so glad you're safe." She whispered fondly with her eyes glowing with relief.
Tears blinded my gaze that I lost track who was in front of me as they hugged me one by one.
Having them all with me feels indescribably good.
The sweet warmth of their embrace gave me new found strength.
I hugged them back with equal ardor. That way I could express how much I appreciate their presence.
"We're attracting too much attention." Father said to capture our attention. When my gaze shifted to his direction, he was laughing.
"Why do we hop in the car so we would be on our way. Vien and Faith are waiting for us at home." Grandmother said and by the mention of my children my heart swelled with tenderness.
After we all agreed we headed to the car. Minutes after, five cars were safely traversing the highway under a clear blue sky.
I can't wait to meet my children.