The longest flight of my life
There was scattered applause. Someone at the front even shouted “congratulations!” Mason looked at me with tears.
“Mom, who is Laila?” Why did Dad say he's gonna be his wife? Are you going to leave us?
Then we talked, my love. Now breathe with me.
But you are his wife.
He started crying quietly and I pressed him against my chest. I wanted to scream. I wanted to walk to the cabin and demand explanations. But the plane was already moving and my son needed me to be the anchor. The flight lasted less than two hours. It felt like ten. Mason didn't touch the gummies. The drawing was folded inside the backpack.
History
Upon landing, we wait for almost everyone to come down. I had no idea what I would say to Tyler, I just knew I wouldn't leave the airport without looking him in the eye. When I left for the terminal I saw him immediately, standing near the entrance of an airline lounge. Next to her was her. Laila. Very different from the woman I had cried on my porch: impeccable hair, expensive clothes, and a pregnancy that was already impossible to hide. A hand rested on his belly. I was smiling at Tyler. Then he saw me and Mason. Her smile twisted. Tyler followed his gaze and the color went out of his face.
The confrontation
“Megan?” It was the first thing he started to say.
Mason broke down again. “Dad, what’s going on?”
What do you do on this flight?
I almost laughed. “We’ve come to surprise you.
Flights
He closed his eyes. Laila, on the other hand, did not seem ashamed. On the contrary, it seemed relieved.
“Isn’t this the same Laila who came crying to my house six months ago?” I asked, pointing to her.
Megan, this is not the place.
“You just announced to a plane full of strangers that she’s expecting a son of yours and that you plan to marry her. You can answer me in public.
Laila crossed her arms. “At least you know.
I took a step towards her. Tyler got in the way.
“Megan, Mason is here. Think about it before you make a scandal.
Now you're worried about what Mason sees.
I asked him how long that had been. Tyler looked at Laila. Then he looked at me.
