Damon helped Barbara as they walked out.
“Wait for me.” She muttered, trying to tie her shoelace.

“Come here, I’d do that for you.” He squat and helped her with it. Barbara held her hair up with a smile. Everything went well with Damon as they walked down the road, hand in hand.

Meanwhile, Elvira and Jeremy were having an evening rest on the hammock in the garden. Jeremy was reading his wife a novel when Elvira caught their view. It was an old book that Adelaide wrote. A romance novel about two people in love that lived together. Although people closely challenged them for being together.

“Awwwwnn... Isn’t that cute? Barbara must have been his first girlfriend.” Elvira chuckled, just from watching the both of them.

“Come on, how can you tell? He’s just helping her out. Ladies...” He rolled his eyes at what she might think of the innocent teenagers.

“Whatever. They look cute together.” Elvira pulled away from him in excitement. “Should I ask him? Damon would tell me if he finally has a girlfriend, right?”

“Elvie, you worry too much! You’re interrupting our reading.” Jeremy pointed out.

“You’re interrupting them.” Elvira argued. “You never met his Dad that’s why. Damon used to be every lady’s man. Not just their crush. He has his taste in women, though. Damon was player not until he met Adelaide.”

“And he broke her heart by impregnating another.”

“It wasn’t his fault, Jeremy. His mother compelled him. Damon was confused then, and it wasn’t his fault. I told you what happened, right?”

“I know what happened, Wifey. They all died.” he sighed, uninterested.

“Ugh! You’re so not romantic!” she cheered and watched them. With this, Jeremy pulled Elvira back, resting her head on his chest.

“You’re so annoying.” She crossed her arms and pouted her mouth like she had suddenly lost interest in reading.

“The truth needs to be told. No matter how blurred it is, it would still be the truth, okay?” His hand slides up her back, warm and soothing.

Elvira blew out her cheek as she glanced sideways..

“Don’t let Damon hear you. He’d be really heartbroken.” She melts into his touch and squeezes her once slim body, which has gone plump over the years, into his. “Telling him his parents died in an accident was a tough choice I had to make. It’s so bad, we had to make him believe in our lies.”

“It’s for his own good. Anyway, where would you like us to go for our 20th wedding anniversary?”

“I think Dubai or Maldives. We could go to both. Omg! Thinking about it, five years is just by the corner.” Elvira gasped.

“Yes... It was just like yesterday. I want to make it grand. We could spend a week... Alone. I don’t want it to be like our honeymoon that got interrupted by Damon and Julia’s drama. I just hope we would have the time when the time comes.”

“Definitely. We will.” Elvira smiled. She wanted more, but just couldn’t seem to get it.

Elvira pulled away, and their eyes met. She couldn’t help but to smack her palm against her forehead, blushing with flushed cheeks. Even though she and Jeremy had been married for 15 years now, there are cute and crazy moments between them. It’s quite fortunate that Elvira met her soul mate. Jeremy has been the perfect gentleman all the way. He noticed her hand curled up and slightly wrapped her hand around her exposed arm since she was wearing a simple flora dress.

“Are you cold?”

“Come to think of it, I wonder how you’re warm every time.” She raised an eyebrow and tucked in her cheek.

“It’s simply because I’m a man.” Jeremy pulled her closer, but she pulled away.

“As if... Don’t touch me! It’s getting dark. We should go inside.” She climbed down from the hammock and put on her slippers.

“Wait for me!” Jeremy whooped and grabbed Elvira’s hand into his, but before he could put on his slippers. She sprinted into the house, leaving him at the spot while he dragged his feet after her.

“Come on, naughty! We are no longer kids. You don’t have to run!” He grabbed the book and walked inside.

***

5 Years Later...

At the airport

It’s been said that life is a journey. Every man has his own path and his own journey. But when paths cross and journey are shared. Then we experience the genuine beauty of living.

Elvira Young Davis and her husband, Jeremy Davis’s aim, was to spend time together and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Elvira settled for Sovena Fushi resort at Maldives. Jeremy booked a Qatar plane as they were to spend a night at Dubai before heading to Maldives to spend a week.

The airplane took off late at night. The passengers got in through the stairs to get their seats as directed by the flight attendants. They placed their luggage in the aircraft box which are the cabinets above the seats. The Qatar airplane took off by the air runaway as its wings and body ascended into the sky. The engine has a chilly feel and all the windows were well closed for safety.

It’s been two hours since the plane took off from land. Elvira and Jeremy were having a great discussion when the fight attendant served them chilled fruit juice and some cookies.

“Jeez! These tastes like heaven. Reminds me of our daughter’s baking.” Elvira busted after tasting the first spoon.

“Ava Dior is a genuine talent. I wish she opens a restaurant someday.” Jeremy smiled, looking at the beautiful smile on his wife’s face.

“Oh Jeremy! Stop speaking as if you don’t know how stubborn your daughter could be. I’ve discussed with Mrs Betty to take her cooking classes. Even though Ava Dior agrees, she still wants to be a businesswoman like me.”

Elvira was the woman of his dreams indeed and its outstanding how their daughter had taken everything from her.

“The choice is hers, anyway. What about Damon? Heard from him?”

“Oh, that reminds me. I was about to call him before leaving.” She gasped. “Oh, my gosh! It totally escaped my mind. Next week is 4th of July!”

“What’s happening next week?”

“His graduation and his 22nd birthday fall on the same day! We should pay him a surprise visit to England.”

“That’s immediately after our vacation?”

“Yes, honey.” She replied, while scrolling through her phone to contact Damon.

“Hello son!” Elvira started.

“Hey mum! It’s been a while!” Damon adjusted himself as he pulled closer to his system. It was a video call.

“Yes, I’ve been so busy with work and preparation for this trip.”

“You’re traveling?” his eyes wondered, noted the background.

“It’s going to be our 20th wedding anniversary tomorrow. Jeremy and I would land in Dubai soon...i just wanted to hear from you.”

“Congratulations, mum. I can’t tell you how often I’m inspired by the love you two share.” His angular chin lifted as a grin formed across his perfect lips. “Best wishes for the years ahead!”

“Thanks, Damon.” Jeremy intervened, smiling with both eyes and cheeks. “And how’s studies?”

“I’m through with my final exams. I’m just waiting for our speech and prize giving day. My friends and I plan to visit Dubai, too.”

“What for?” she raised an eyebrow.

“Just for fun, mum. I thought I told you about it.”

“Whatever! Jeremy and I plan to visit you in England so we’d take pictures and meet your friends like how other family do. And possibly celebrate your birthday with you.”

“Mummy!” he mumbled over the phone. “But I’m a grownup guy! I can decide for myself.”

“No matter how old you are, you’re still my son. Awwwwnn... Adelaide and Damon would be so proud of you. May their souls rest in peace.” She gushed while watching how cute Damon has become. “Anyway. I can’t wait to have you back home. I’d throw a party for you whenever... You should take over the business. Finally... And I hope you would have time with your sister.”

“You mean Ava Dior.” Damon looked bored by her talk. His eyes rolled with pride at Elvira’s words.

“Yes, Ava Dior. She would be in grade 12 in less than a month and clocking 16, too. I should plan your parties together.

“We’re not even celebrating in the same month, mom. Ava is August 31st.”

“Still the same to me. Okay, now. I’d call you later.”

“Bye, mum.” a slight frown spread on his face while Elvira disconnected the video call.

“What a tough boy to deal with. Jeremy nodded in disbelief. It was six years since Damon left, but he hasn’t changed a bit.”

“Damon wouldn’t change, okay? And nothing is wrong with our son.”

‘Beep! Beeeeppppp!! Beeeeepppp!!!’

The plane alerted the passengers and Elvira thought they were close to land or something. But it should be almost 17 hours to Dubai. She faced Jeremy with worry written all over her face.

Suddenly, the overhead luggage began falling. Some directly on people’s head like leaves playing in the wind before rainfall. It felt like trembling around in a washing machine. Elvira turned to her side and looked through the window. She saw lightening strikes and flashes coming from the dark clouded sky as if it was judgment day. And it was time to pay for all her sins, known and unknown.

“Oh my God! Are we going to die?” Elvira's shivered as she held her black pause tight.

“Don't worry dear. There must be a fault somewhere, everything will be fine.” Jeremy muttered just to make her feel at ease.

The threatening strikes of thunderstorm battered their plane, over and over as Jeremy grabbed the edge of his seat abs gels unto his wife and gasped into her ears.

“Close your eyes and pray, Wifey. I hope we get out of this, pretty soon.” He had to raise his voice in order for her to hear him clearly.

Watching others shiver, Elvira tried to ignore the horrible screams but couldn’t focus on the prayer. Out of thoughts, her eyes caught a sleeping baby that just woke up to the commotion. He started crying in his young mother’s arms.

In pain and fear, the fierce sky sent bolts of grenades clashing deep inside Elvira, while Jeremy felt hot and cold at the same time. The pilots were trying to reach out to help and trying to get safety as well, but they were in the middle of the Pacific ocean.

Among other screaming, crying, and yelling from the passengers, all Jeremy could do was to hold Elvira closer. He stared at her as if this would be his last.

“I would complete 20 years since we took our wedding vows, Elvie. I never planned for it to be like this, but... I want you to know that if I still have one more day to live. I’d want to spend it with you. Wifey, I'm happy you're here with me. In case you make it out, alive. Take care of our daughter.”

“What’s are you saying, Jeremy?! We would make it out alive, okay? Being together...” she explained.

Beside them, she heard a nun counting holy beads and reciting silent prayers while she closed her eyes tight with shivering body. She was a very tiny woman, only God knows why she was on this flight to Dubai.

‘Trr-trrrrr-trrrrrrr’

Tiny rain drops interrupted. Just then, it occurred to Elvira that they won’t possibly land, or make it out alive.

In a nosedive, the airplane fell straight down from the sky towards the ocean. The place was like a center blade towards the air that came driving through as the wind completely tore off the plane wings.

Elvira held Jeremy tight as gut-wrenching sobs escaped her lips.

“I love you too, Jeremy Davis. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” she went speechless and broke down in tears.

The couple held themselves as tight as their arms could till their chairs tumbled apart as if thrown into a rolling fire. Holding the chair wasn’t enough. The entire roll in front of them scattered as the plane windows suddenly chattered in the gust of wind. The scram of people roared along with the breaking sound of the engine increased. All Elvira could see were burning fire and raindrops and herself rolling towards the endless sea. She, along with Jeremy and 10,000 other passengers, tumbled 1,000 feet down the ocean and then a great splash.

Jeremy had seen nothing so horrible except in movies.

The world was ghost-quiet; except for the cracked of sails on the burning of water against the remains of the sinking aircraft.

Another thing about the journey is that it comes and ends. However, the joy experienced, the grief witnessed, the lessons learned and the beautiful moments stay with us forever till it ends.