Page 18 of Beauty Beneath the Sorrow
On my way to the terminal, I take the first seat by the door on the sky tram. I’m heading out for the next three days. When the doors open, everyone clears the small space as more people crowd in. The beginning and end of the week are much busier than mid-week. Since this is a Monday and a typical day for commuters, the airport is filled with people traveling for work.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. Looking at the screen, I notice it’s a Florida number. The only people I know in Florida are the Navy.
“Hello, I’m looking for Captain Carter Hernandez?” the woman on the other end of the phone asks.
“Yes, this is Hernandez.” I walk into a quiet nook on the bottom floor of the airport.
“Hi, Captain Hernandez, this is Maggie Wilder. I’m from the Naval Flight School, based out of Florida. Do you have a minute to speak with me?”
I rest my hand on the extended handle of my luggage and stand up straighter. “I do.”
“Great. We wanted to touch base regarding your interest in joining our team and would like to know if you’d be willing to come out to see us in the next few weeks. One of our experienced flight instructors will officially retire next fall, and we’re looking for someone with your experience to fill his position.”
I was on the path to becoming a flight instructor when I found out that my grandmother’s disease was progressing at a rapid pace. I couldn’t pursue it. I kindly turned them down, telling them I had some family matters that needed my attention. She’s the closest thing to a mother I’ve known. I knew I had to take time away to ensure she was cared for.
“Yeah, I’d love to come out to meet you, but I’m not sure I’d be able to relocate by then,” I say, checking my watch.
“We understand, Captain, but we want to keep the conversation open until you are ready to come aboard.”
My friend Brian had been working as a commercial pilot for a few years, and even though his airline wasn’t hiring, he got me in with one where I could be based in Phoenix. This gave me the opportunity to move my grandmother into the best memory care facility in the state. Now, I get to see her often and monitor her care. Her time is short, so I’ve started the process for the two naval aviation schools out of the state.
“Understood. Let me look at my flight schedule for the next month, and I will get back to you as soon as I can,” I offer. This isan excellent opportunity to move into a more rewarding role. I’d love to give to the next generation in this rewarding career field.
“That sounds great. We look forward to hearing from you. Happy landings.”
I can’t even think about leaving my grandmother right now. I flip on my cap and start walking. “Thank you. We’ll be in touch soon.”
Walking through the bustling airport, I always find myself searching for Lina. A quick glimpse of her or a simple conversation makes coming to work that much more exciting. I head to the crew lounge to grab some snacks and a coffee before my flight. There I see my friend Brian on his laptop by the window.
“Hey, man,” I greet, sitting in the chair next to him.
He closes his computer. “What’s up, Hernandez?”
“Nothing much. Just getting ready to head out.”
“Same. So, how’s my daughter?” Brian asks, sitting back in the leather lounger. I cringe. The way my friend refers to Lina as hisdaughtermakes me feel fucked up for the thoughts I’ve had about her.
I always knew Brian had a daughter when he was young, although he barely spoke about her. When he did, he’d get emotional and tell me she was better off with her mother. I recall a time when I asked him why he never had any pictures of her, and he got defensive and said it was too painful.
Like me, Brian didn’t have a typical upbringing. His family lived in poverty, and they barely survived off of government-funded housing and food stamps. He knew the service was his only chance to better his life. I’ve always respectedhim for that, and I think that led to our brotherly relationship.
I straighten my black tie. “I don’t see her very often, but I’m sure I will more now since we’re partnered up for the charity run in a couple of months.”
“Yeah, how about that? What are the odds that my daughter and my oldest friend would get partnered up, considering how many people work for the airline.” He observes casually.
There’s that word again,daughter.
I shrug, trying to hide my joy at the fact that I made it happen. “I don’t know.”
“I invited her to lunch with Bristol and me last week.” His jaw briefly clenches. “It did not go over too well.”
I’m sure Lina was not happy about that. The little I’ve gotten to know her, she was probably upset by Brian asking her to meet someone he’s recently started dating. I’m sure she felt disrespected. But that’s Brian. His heart is in the right place, but his actions don’t always reflect that.
“I’m not surprised. You haven’t been with your new girlfriend for very long. And didn’t you try to have Lina meet the esthetician you were dating last spring too?”
He gives me a half smile. “Yeah, but that’s because I thought they’d have a lot in common. They both like to get facials and are the same age.”
“Dude. Really? No. I’m sure that’s fucking weird for her.” I sip my coffee. “Lina didn’t grow up with you around. She probably wants to spend the time getting to know you as her dad.”
