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I just need to fly home to my bed now and I’ll be happy.
Arriving at the airport, I return the car and then navigate through bustling crowds with a bit of a heavy heart. I kind of wish I’d taken some time to extend my trip and see more of the state, but Lycus’ hot air balloon ride was amazing. I’ll never forget it.
The departure gate looms ahead like an ominous threshold. Now that I’m here, I’m getting nervous again. I almost wish I had waited for Lycus. Even though we would have had to drive both cars here, waiting for our departure call with Lycus might have helped keep my nerves at bay.
Eventually the call comes, and I’m a nervous wreck. Lycus hasn’t shown up at the gate yet and they’re already boarding passengers. Anxiously, I look around the crowded gate trying to catch a glimpse of him, but nothing. As the gate agent scans my ticket and ushers me towards the plane, I stop myself from glancing back one last time, hoping for a glimpse of Lycus.
At the door to the plane, the stewardess takes my boarding pass and frowns.
“Is there a problem?” I ask, biting my lip.
“No problem. One moment please.”
She leaves me standing in the doorway, holding up the queue of passengers as I bounce from one foot to the other in anticipation.
When she returns she’s all smiles. “Follow me, Ma’am. I’ll show you to your seat.”
Wordlessly I do as she says, frowning when she leads me to a seat in business class.
“Ummm, I’m in coach,” I tell her. “I think you’ve made a mistake.”
She beams at me. “No mistake. Your husband upgraded your ticket as a surprise. Enjoy your flight and if I can get you anything, just press the call button.”
Speechless, I slide into the pod, berating myself a moment later for not telling the woman that I don’t have a husband.
Lycus.He did this, I know it.
I glance at the pod next to me, half expecting to see his easy going, sexy grin, but there’s no one there.
Once all the passengers are boarded, the team runs through the safety announcement and the plane begins to taxi down the runway. I can’t shake off the feeling of panic. Lycus’s absence is like a weight on my chest, suffocating me with regret. Where is he? I’ve not seen him board at all.
I stare out of the window, watching as the landscapes and cityscapes fade away, replaced by clouds and endless sky. I drift into a fitful sleep. Dreams blend with reality as flashes of memories and possibilities dance through my mind.
I see Lycus’s face, his eyes filled with warmth and sincerity. I hear his voice, soft and soothing, reassuring me that everything will be alright.
When I wake up, groggy from the restless slumber, I realise we’re descending for landing. My heart quickens its pace as the anticipation builds within me. The plane touches down with a gentle thud, bringing me back to reality.
I disembark and head to the baggage reclaim, grabbing my bag and moving to arrivals to wait for Lycus. I stand right opposite the double doors and wait. There’s no way he can get by me without me seeing him. But as the first few passengers trickle through, followed by a busy surge and then the stragglers, I realise he’s not here.
I didn’t see Lycus on the plane because he never made the flight.
I’m consumed by a mix of disappointment and worry. Why didn’t Lycus make it on the plane? Is he okay? Did something happen to him? The questions swirl in my mind, causing my stomach to churn with unease.
As the crowd of passengers thins out, I keep my eyes glued to the entrance, desperately hoping to catch sight of Lycus. But minutes turn into an hour, and still, there’s no sign of him. Panic starts to rise within me, tinged with a growing sense of guilt for leaving him behind.
Unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, I pull out my phone and dial his number. It rings and rings, but there’s no answer. My calls go to voicemail, each attempt adding another layer of worry upon my already frayed nerves.
With a heavy heart, I grab my bags and step outside the airport. It’s noticeably cooler here. The city stretches before me, alive with vibrant lights and bustling activity. But all I can think about is Lycus and where he might be.
Determined not to let fear consume me completely, I hail a taxi and give the driver my address. As we weave through the streets, I gaze out at the passing scenery, my mind racing with possible explanations for his absence.
Finally, we arrive at my apartment building. With trembling hands, I pay the fare and rush inside, taking the stairs two at a time. When I reach my floor, I bypass it, heading for Lycus’ apartment instead.
I knock, but of course there’s no answer. I’m being stupid. He can’t have beaten me back from the states. I left him in the bathroom for goodness’ sake, it’s not like he caught an earlier flight!
Feeling foolish, I head back to my own place, letting myself in and calling for a pizza delivery. If I’m honest, I just want my bed, but the plane food sucked and I know I’ll regret it if I don’t eat.
I’m unpacking my case when my phone beeps with a message and I race into the lounge to read it.
