Taking Flight (Part Three)

The alarm woke Kadi. As quick as it rang she slapped her hand over it so it wouldn't. Peeking back at Jay still sleeping she breathed a sigh of relief. If not for her agenda, she may never have moved from where she was. With Jay’s warm body wrapped around hers, she was content to stay there in his arms forever. But she had things to prepare before his departure, as sad as it made her. Jay didn't wake up when she slipped out from beneath his arm; he didn't wake up when she dropped the first pan, or the second. Kadi was trying to be quiet, she really was.

Dragging himself out of bed after finally registering the hideous racket she was making, Jay found his wife in the kitchen, every dish they owned strewn about the floor. He watched her until she noticed he was there. Surprised by his presence, Kadi dropped the spatula she was holding. Jay laughed.

“No!” She grumbled. “You’re supposed to be asleep.”

He chuckled. “Love, no one could sleep through that.”

“Oh God, was it that loud?” She blushed a little. “I wanted to surprise you with breakfast in bed as a going away treat.”

He stepped over the mess on the floor to stand before her. “I am surprised.”

She threw her hands up. “It’s not the same!”

He smiled. She was adorable. “Why don’t we clean this up?”

“No! Go sit down; I’ll bring you something.”

She shooed him out of the kitchen so she could rummage through the cupboards in search of a quick and easy breakfast. She’d always been a lousy cook. She was lousy at everything compared to Jay and she didn't want to give him another reason to not love her.

Finally she decided on cereal and was relieved to see a delighted smile spread across Jay’s face when he saw her carrying a box of Frosted Flakes. “I love it!” He laughed. I love you.

They ate their breakfast in silence, neither wanting to say what had to be said: goodbye. Jay was leaving on a month long business trip in only a few hours and they were both heartbroken. Still in the stage of complete bliss, the newlyweds had a hard time even leaving each other to go to work for a few hours. Kadi didn't know what she’d do without him for 30 days.

When they were done, she picked up their empty bowls solemnly. “I’ll take care of this. You just…finish packing.”

He nodded, unable to speak around the lump in his throat. The trip was a huge thorn in his side and there was nothing he could do about it. His boss was insistent that he had to go and since he was up for a promotion, this was a big opportunity. But when Jay looked at Kadi’s sad face he didn't want to go. When he looked at her he didn't care about a promotion or a job or money. Who needed that?

Kadi picked up the mess she’d left in the kitchen, tossing dishes in the sink to be washed when she felt like it, which wasn't now. Jay came out with his suitcase and a laptop bag slung over his shoulder.

“Just let me get changed,” she muttered, rushing past him to the safety of their bedroom. Tears slid down her cheeks as she furiously wiped them away. She didn't want him to feel bad for leaving, he couldn't see. So she quickly composed herself, got dressed, and grabbed the car keys. “Let’s go.”

Jay followed her out the door in silence and it lingered all the way to the airport. It lingered as she parked and as they walked and even as he wrapped his fingers around hers in the waiting area.

Finally his flight was called and he stood to leave. Kadi threw herself into Jay's arms and he stumbled a little, but held her tightly, burying his face in her hair the way that made him calm. He took a breath and kept breathing her in; God he loved her.

“Are you sure you have to go?” She whispered.

“Yes.” Jay brushed her hair from her face. In the end he was told it was “nonnegotiable.”

“Call me when you land?”

“I will.”

“I love you.” She sighed and put her hand to his cheek.

“I love you too.”

And then Kadi kissed him with such ferocity that he knew it was true. Their lips didn't break apart for a long moment; time was suspended between them until the last call for his flight was announced.

“I really have to go now,” Jay sighed.

Kadi nodded, but grabbed him by the front of the shirt and kissed him one last time. “Go out and have fun for me,” he told her.

“I can’t.”

“Why?”

She bit her lip. “Because I don’t want to?”

“Kadi, just go out.”

“Fine.” She could just agree and then "change her mind."

He smiled. “Great because I already called Margaret and you’re meeting her for a real breakfast.”

“You dog!” but Kadi was smiling and she thought it was sweet.

The ticket checker spoke up. “Sir, are you getting on the plane?”

“Yes.” Jay handed the man his ticket and disappeared down the tunnel to board his plane.

Longing to go after him, Kadi made herself turn on her heels and march out of the airport. She knew she and Margret had set plans now, but she didn't expect to see her so soon. When Kadi arrived at her car, Margaret was sitting on the hood sunbathing in the early morning light.

“Hey K, ready to go?”

Kadi just stood there.

Margaret lifted her sunglasses to rest on the top of her head. “I had someone drop me off so you have to drive. We’re going to the Pancake House down the block.”

“I’m not really hungry.”

“Well I’m starving.” Margaret stood there with her arms crossed and gave Kadi a cold stare. “Come on K! No time to mope.”

She pouted. “I can mope all I want. I have good reason.”

Margaret rolled her eyes. “I know you’re in love with my brother and you’re all sad and stuff because he’s gone, but that’s why he called. Trust me, pancakes make everything better.”

Kadi unlocked the car and got in, because frankly, she knew she’d never win against Margaret. And maybe if she got some pancakes in her mouth she’d just shut up and let Kadi wallow. They drove the three blocks to the restaurant and were seated almost immediately.

Margaret really was hungry. “I’ll have a triple stack of strawberry pancakes, a side of hash browns, and an orange juice please.” Kadi could practically see her mouth watering already.

“And for you miss?” The waiter asked.

“Just a coffee please.” Kadi said.

Margaret rolled her eyes. “Bring her a triple stack of regular.”

As if Kadi could even stomach the thought of eating right now. Margaret chattered her ear off while they waited for their order. Kadi didn't mind, she wasn't really listening and she knew Margaret was trying to make her feel better. Margaret thought she was distracting her friend from her misery, but Kadi was only sinking farther into it; she stared blankly at the reality show on the TV across from her booth and sighed.