Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
AVELINA
We’re finally on the plane and on our way back to the States. Sofia’s school just let out for summer, and I know she’s looking forward to spending time at home. Her face is pressed up against the window like it was on the first flight. I smile despite how lousy I feel.
I knew when I signed up that it would be more intensive than I was used to at the university, and the last three weeks have been grueling.
I settle in for the long flight to LAX and then Vegas, but that unsettled feeling hasn’t left me in three weeks. Geliy has been in touch with a short message every few days, but I’ll feel much better once we’re back. Leaving Leon for three weeks has been really hard.
“How high up do we go?”
“Sometimes 40,000 feet,” I answer with a smile. “Did you want to watch a movie this time?”
She nods her head and snuggles into my side. “The same one please, Mama.”
Of course. She’s a creature of habit, and I love her for it. “Sure. I’m surprised you don’t know all the words yet.”
“I do.”
I laugh softly. “Right, of course.”
Once the movie is on, Sofia settles down, eyes glued to the screen as her comfort movie, The Lion King, plays. It’s not an uncommon occurrence to find Sofia watching the movie over and over again.
I watch her for a while. She’s been a trooper this whole trip even though the new routine has thrown us all off kilter.
I open a magazine and try to relax, willing my awful headache to go away.
Once I collect Leon and can finally hold him in my arms again, I’ll feel better and can spend some time on taking care of myself.
It’s nothing I need to worry about. It’s just the stress of the world sitting on my shoulders.
Nothing I can’t handle or haven’t handled before.
“Mama,” Sofia says softly, “do you think I can use the headphones?”
“Sure thing.” I dig through our carry-on for the headphones and untangle them.
“Ma’am, can I get either of you a drink?” the flight attendant asks.
I shake my head and lean back, my eyes closing.
It’s going to be a long flight, plus a stopover in New York—because even with the overnight hotel cost, that was way cheaper than a direct flight.
But in two days’ time, I’ll get to hold my baby boy again, and all will be right in the world.
That’s the thought I latch on to. The one that puts a smile on my face.
Leon spending time with Geliy is good though. Or so I’ve told myself these last three weeks. Trying to see the positive in a situation doesn’t make me weak or a pushover. It’s a quiet strength. One that makes me who I am.
My thoughts keep racing though. Despite how hard I try to grab on to the good things rather than the bad.
I can’t shake how my gut tightens into knots, and it has nothing to do with the turbulence.
The last text I had from Geliy was particularly short.
It wasn’t bad. It wasn’t good either. It just felt a little off.
Maybe he was busy with something—because nine-month-olds are a lot of work.
I want to give him the benefit of the doubt, but I can’t shake the unease settling in me.
And I know that the sooner we’re back in Vegas, the sooner I can check and make sure my son is just as healthy and happy as when I boarded the plane with Sofia.