I was still hesitant until Miguel told me his brother currently lived and worked in India almost year round, the house in Peru was completely empty and being unused. Other than a housekeeper who came once a week and the nurse, it would only be us there. I didn’t like accepting the offer from someone who treated me like dirt and who helped beat the shit out of my husband, but the idea of leaving my son in a strange hospital in a foreign country was far worse. I would put up with anything for my son’s sake, even if that meant accepting a gift from my horribly cruel brother-in-law.
After giving in and agreeing to stay there, I questioned how his brother knew about the surgery in the first place. Miguel said he had asked his brother that same question and was reminded of years ago when he used to work for Doctor Majmudan while attending college. Miguel chuckled and said that most likely the doctor was an old gossip and couldn’t resist spreading the news. Watching his spirits lift, even after dealing with his brother, I wasn’t going to press for more information. I knew we had plenty of time during Josie’s recovery while staying at his brother’s house, and I could ask endless questions day and night if I wanted to.
On Sunday, we took Josie to Lincoln Park Zoo. It is the smaller zoo in Chicago, very family friendly, and had less visitors so we could simply enjoy each other without fighting a crowd. We didn’t talk about the upcoming trip or any of the details, choosing only to relax and enjoy our time. The weather was beautiful. Even though spring had just begun, Chicago was in the middle of a heat wave for that time of the year. It was in the mid-sixties and without a cloud in sight, the sun was beautiful and warm. Josie ran from one exhibit to the next, laughing and pointing out all the animals. I took endless pictures, reveling in how happy we all were. It was a perfect time for us to unwind before the trip and surgery.
Once we returned home, we ate a quick dinner, and put Josie to bed. That was part of the plan, to wear him out so he’d sleep early. We needed to leave our house by six in the morning and didn’t want to take a fussy little boy on a private plane with people we didn’t know. Miguel and I were worn out as well, so we cleaned up, double checked all our suitcases and passports, and went to bed.
********
I wasn’t sure what to expect from a private jet. Miguel told me that he had traveled a few times on one, describing it as being similar to a hotel room in the air, instead of a plane with row after row of people. I wasn’t too convinced that it would be so nice I had an extreme fear of flying since I was a child and had experienced a flight with hours of severe air turbulence. Regardless of how many times I flew without any similar incidents, I never could shake that fear.
After the taxi driver dropped us off at the airport, we met up with Dr. Majmudan and walked together to the gate, where we proceeded directly out onto the runway. Only a few hundred feet away was a pristine white airliner, its door ajar, waiting for us. I had very little knowledge of airplanes and could only describe them as small, medium, and big. Miguel found it quite humorous, or cute as he put it, when I told him we were flying in a small plane that was perfect for his size. Looking up at it as we got closer, I decided it was definitely more of a medium than a large, but kept that information to myself. After climbing the tall stairs to the plane, we were greeted by two make flight attendants inside the door, who showed us to our seats. Thankfully, there were two sitting areas in the plane. The sections were separated by a lounge area, which was fully furnished with couches, a table, television, and small bar. It really was like a hotel. We were given the back section, which had six oversized seats, and the doctor and his medical team settled into the first section in front of the lounge area. It seemed like this wouldn’t be so bad after all. When the attendants came back and offered us drinks and food before the plane took off, I had to admit that this was actually quite nice.
Josie was excited to fly for the first time. He looked everywhere, and pointed to every item, wanting us to say its name. His gleeful chatter and endless smiles even had the attendants sharing in his fun. It wasn’t until the pilot began speaking over the intercom that he finally calmed down.
Listening to the pilot’s strong accent, it was hard to understand his words. It took me a couple minutes to realize that he was speaking in another language.
“What’s he saying, honey?” I asked Miguel. I knew he spoke four different languages and hoped he could translate the one being used.
“Just the usual things, buckle up, enjoy the flight, you know.” Giving me a kiss on the cheek, he smiled and fastened his seatbelt.
I was nervous. Buckling Josie in, and then myself, I tried to relax and enjoy the vast difference in seating compared to flying commercial. The head rests were more like memory foam pillows that instantly molded to the shape of my head. The seats were similar, but slightly more firm. Yet even they felt amazing in comparison. Miguel explained how each one reclined and adjusted, as well as, demonstrating the buttons to activate the in-flight massage mechanism that was built in. I yelped, the quick vibrations that tingled beneath me, were a surprise I wasn’t expecting. Whispering for him to turn it off before I embarrassed myself further, we both chuckled at my outburst.
Only minutes after the pilot’s announcements, we were airborne and given permission to move around. I already had to use the bathroom. It was an annoying side effect due to my fear of flying. After telling Miguel I’d be right back, I swiftly made my way to the back of the plane, hoping to return before any turbulence may occur.
Opening the bathroom door, I wondered if I’d entered the wrong room. At first glance, it appeared to be a small sitting area complete with sofa and coffee table. Displayed on top was a gorgeous teal with gold trimmed vase that must double as a cooler since it was overflowing with ice and a variety of bottled drinks. Taking a few tentative steps inside, I found the sink and toilet decoratively hidden behind an array of tropical plants. It was nothing like the airplane restrooms I’d been in before. The ones where you were lucky to be able to turn your body enough to close the door. This one even had pre-wrapped toothbrushes hanging next to an elegant, gold trimmed sink. Walking toward the toilet, I was further amazed at how the plush carpet cushioned each of my steps. It appeared that nothing on board was mediocre or less than first class.
Taking advantage of the distraction, I inspected the tropical plants displayed throughout the room. They were actually live plants! Glancing up, the lighting above must have been UV lights to encourage growth. Ever the florist that I am, I began naming them, admiring how some were about to bloom. Noting how some of the vegetation was extremely rare and difficult to maintain, I knew they must employ a florist or gardener in addition to the normal flight crew.
Just as I was beginning to enjoy myself, we hit our first pocket of turbulence. Quickly finishing my primary objective, I washed my hands and hurried back to Miguel, grabbing his hand securely after buckling my seatbelt again.
“Everything okay?” His eyes sleepy, yet lined with concern.
“Yeah, the bathroom’s amazing. You have to check it out. But not right now, please, I don’t like the bumps.”
Wrapping his arm across my shoulders, he leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Don’t worry, we’re safe. I won’t leave your side. When I go to the bathroom, you can come with me too.” He was teasing me, but I was all for it…except that we had little Josie with us.
I smacked his chest playfully. “Ugh! You know we can’t with Josie here.”
He laughed and reclined his seat.
Taking a deep, calming breath, I pulled out a magazine and began reading. Miguel and Josie quickly fell asleep and I was left to feel each bump and jerk the plane made. The pilot had come over the radio twice, and although I couldn’t understand what he was saying, his tone conveyed that he was apologizing for the rough ride. Gripping the hand rests until my knuckles turned white, I silently prayed we’d make it there safely. I knew it would be a long flight. I only hoped it would get better as we continued.
About an hour later, and another
trip to the glorious bathroom, the doctor glanced back and noticed my strained expression, nodding his head as if he understood my fears. A few minutes later, he began walking back toward our seats. He didn’t appear to have any problems with the plane bouncing up and down.
Unsure if Miguel was sleeping or just resting, I didn’t say anything to the doctor until he spoke.
“How’s your flight so far, dear?” he asked.
“I don’t like the turbulence, but otherwise, the plane is amazing. Thank you for letting us join you.”
“Oh, it’s no problem at all. These seats would be empty if you weren’t in them. No reason for that.”
He was being awfully nice. Maybe he felt bad for the foreboding look on my face.
“Listen, I’m going to go get you something special to drink. It’ll help calm your nerves. I usually drink it before I fly, because I have the same problem.” He smiled and winked at me before turning around and easily maneuvering down the aisle as he approached the attendant. I highly doubted he shared my fear. He walked through the plane with ease, the bumps never slowing his stride.
Returning a few minutes later, he held a clear glass with what appeared to be orange juice in it. It was bright orange with a blue straw inside. The glass itself was small, resembling a typical juice glass. I carefully took it, hoping not to spill any, and thanked him politely.
“Just make sure you drink it all or it won’t do any good.” His Cheshire Cat smile returned, sending an uneasy feeling down my spine.
Not willing to be rude after his kind invitation to join his flight, I nodded my head and began drinking. It tasted like orange and pineapple juice combined with a slight salty edge to it. I was almost finished when Miguel shifted beside me and sat up. The doctor was still standing there waiting while I drank. I assumed he was going to take the glass back after I finished it. He continued watching me, and never acknowledged Miguel.
“What are you drinking?” Miguel asked me.
Licking my lips, I finished the drink before I replied, “I think it’s just juice. Dr. Majmudan got it for me, said it would help with my nerves. I think it’s already working.”
“What do you mean?” Miguel asked, looking closely at my eyes. He turned his head from me to the doctor, then back to me again. “Mel?”
Feebly lifting my arm, I handed the glass back to the doctor who smiled creepily at me again. I turned my head to answer Miguel, but couldn’t speak. I felt so tired. Things began moving in slow motion. I heard Miguel’s voice again, but it was like a record player slowing down, the words slurred and lingering on.
“Mel? Are you okay?”
I could see the sudden anger in his eyes. I wanted to assure him, but my eyelids were already drifting closed. Why would he be mad at me for sleeping? I tried to hold on longer, but was unable to keep my eyes open.
I could still hear the men though. Their voices were in slow motion, deep inside a tunnel, as I strained to listen.
“What the hell did you do?” Miguel growled, I assumed at Dr. Majmudan.
“Miguel, listen,” Dr. Majmudan spoke calmly, but with an edge of authority. I couldn’t remember hearing that tone from him since we’d met or him using Miguel’s first name before.
“No! Tell me now!” Miguel raised his voice.
I couldn’t remember ever hearing my husband upset at someone like this either. I was completely bewildered.
“I’m trying to.” Dr. Majmudan words stopped.
I heard what sounded like a paper rattle, but it was so hard to focus. I felt like I was falling down a well, sounds slowly drifting away, and darkness swallowing me. Just as I thought I was too far to hear anything else, the doctor spoke again.
“I had to do this. Our location is not…”
And I was out. Blackness enveloped me, and all sounds ceased.
CHAPTER 16
When I woke up, the sun was no longer shining outside the plane windows. Other than the lights flashing on the plane’s wings, it was completely dark outside. How long had I slept? I couldn’t remember falling asleep in the first place. Lifting my head, it appeared like all the seats were reclined and everyone was sleeping. Other than the cabin noises, it was silent. I turned toward Miguel, his seat reclined, Josie was curled up asleep on his chest. Miguel’s eyes were wide open, staring straight above him without blinking.
“Hey,” I whispered.
Quickly sitting up, he gently reached past me and laid Josie on the seat beside me, covering him with a light blanket before letting go. Returning his attention to me, he cupped his hands around my face, looking at me strangely. His face was only a couple inches from mine and I noticed his jaw clenching and unclenching like he always did when he was worried or upset.
“You’re awake?” He sounded surprised.
“Yeah, sorry. I guess I was more tired than I thought.”
Miguel grunted and released my face. Sliding his hand into mine, he sighed and laid back again.
“I love you, Mel,” he whispered.
“Well, I love you too.” Maybe he was lonely after me sleeping the entire flight. Maybe Josie was a handful and he was frustrated without my help. I wasn’t sure what to make of his demeanor or his words.
“Are we almost there?”
“Yes, we should be landing in about half an hour.” He exhaled and squeezed my hand.
“Good, because I really have to go to the bathroom again.”
“I’ll come with you.” Miguel said, urgently sitting upright again. At first I thought he was teasing me, but one look at the scowl across his face told me otherwise.
“No, just stay here. Josie might wake up. I’ll hurry.”
He released my hand and watched me walk away, keeping his eyes on my every move. Maybe he was concerned about how I’d handle the turbulence again. He seemed almost as nervous as I had been.
When I returned, Miguel was staring at the seat in front of him a look of pure anger on his face. Sitting back down, I leaned over and rubbed his leg.
“Hey, are you okay?” I rarely, if ever, saw him look like that.
“I need to talk to you, but not here.”
Not here? I couldn’t imagine what was wrong, but it clearly wasn’t limited to my fear of flying. Was he worried about the surgery?
“Okay, but I’m here for you.” It was the only thing I knew to say. He looked like he needed me more now than he had in a long time.
“I know. I love you, honey.” He picked my hand up and kissed the back of it before laying his head back and closing his eyes.
Something was definitely not okay with him, but it must not have been too bad if it could wait to be discussed. I laid my head to the side, watching out the window as the lights grew closer and the plane began to descend. Pretty soon our little boy would be all better and we’d be on our way home again.
********
Exiting the aircraft, we were greeted by a rush of warm air. Even though it was night, it felt wonderful after facing the cold winter winds in Chicago for months. We walked down the steps to our luggage that was waiting for us on the tarmac, Miguel carrying Josiah, as I led the way.
“Dr. and Mrs. Sandviel?” A man’s voice called over to us. His accent sounded British, with a hint of the Middle East as well.
Turning to the side, I saw a young man in his early twenties smiling eagerly at us. He was dressed in a crisp black suit and tie, and stood near a long, black car. Not a limousine, but still, a very nice car.
Noticing our prolonged pause, he began walking quickly toward us.
“I’ll get your bags for you,” he said as he bent down to retrieve them, easily balancing all four bags by himself. Miguel and I were too surprised to offer to help and stood there watching as he took the luggage to the car.
“This way, please.” He called over his shoulder. “I’ll put these in the trunk and we’ll be on our way to the house.”
Huh, a car for us too? Although I hated remembering who set all this up, I was very relieved that we didn�
�t have to walk through the airport and find a taxi. Looking over at Miguel, he didn’t seem so thrilled. His scowl was growing deeper by the minute.
Without further words, we walked over to the car, the back door already open for us, and I climbed in first. Miguel gently handed me Josie, who was still sleeping, then followed me inside.
Once we left the airport, we were completely engulfed by darkness. There were no streetlights, and almost no buildings or houses anywhere. Even the moon was hidden behind clouds. I was amazed that Josie remained asleep. The roads we traveled felt like driving on a mixture of gravel, sand, and bumpy asphalt. Relieved that he was resting peacefully, I gave up on trying to see outside, and laid my head on Miguel’s shoulder.
After about an hour of driving on the uncomfortable roads, the ride suddenly turned smooth, the difference making it feel like we were sliding on butter in comparison. I lifted my head from Miguel’s shoulder and glanced out the window. In the distance I saw a bright light, somewhat brighter than a standard streetlight.
As the car brought us closer, the illumination made it possible to see the beginning of a driveway centered on a piece of property that was surrounded by a tall iron fence. At least, I assumed the fence surrounded the property, I couldn’t see very far past the light that was shining down near the entrance.
The chauffeur slowed and turned into the drive, quickly coming to a stop in front of a large iron gate. He rolled his window down and proceeded to enter a code into a security panel. The large gates in front of us slowly began to open as the driver eased the car back into drive and moved forward.
“Miguel,” I whispered. “I think we’re here honey. Wake up.”
He lifted his head, but didn’t look around. “I know.”
He still sounded and looked angry, but if I had known he’d been awake, I would’ve asked a hundred questions about our surroundings during the past hour. Before I could formulate any of them now, we came to an oval-shaped drive that was paved in brick with small solar lights that traced the edge of the lawn and driveway. Located in the center was a beautiful water fountain lit with tiny blue and green lights, the spray of water glistening as it cascaded down.
Twisted Truths & Leveled Lies Page 15