Chapter 18
He just finished his graduation at Adanneth University and off went Richard to take up Russell Logistics. Dahlia was definitely happy to get relieved of all the stress of the business.
Ellie pursued being a special needs teacher and she was studying for that, she was then 19 and Richard was 22.
Their relationship had grown a lot in one year and they were really closer than ever. Not a day went where they didn't meet, or were not thankful for each other.
When Ellie fell ill, it was Richard who held her hand and took care of her. Davis and Dahlia were really happy for their children, even though they didn't have an actual chat or anything, they didn't want to rush it. They decided that was the time for Richard and Ellie's relationship to flourish.
Richard wore a suit and he put on his dad's old watch. It was his first day going to work and be introduced to the team at Russell Logistics. He had a medium length, messy quiff hairstyle and the blonde tint gave it an elegant shine.
He picked up Ellie from university and they went off to his inauguration. It was supposed to be held in the morning, but he didn't want to leave Ellie out of his big day. Besides, even Kiaan needed to be there, and since he had taken up an extra photography course, Richard waited for him.
Ellie wanted it to be special so she put on the dress which she wore on her 18th birthday. She left her hair open and had wore a simple black pumps.
Richard stepped out the car with his formal shoes and showed courtesy by opening the door for his mother and Ellie.
Dahlia Russell was proud of her son on that day. Not only was she relieved of the business, but she was also proud of the man Richard had become.
Richard was overjoyed that everyone who he valued was there at his precious moment: His mum, Kiaan, Ellie, her dad, Gogo, Sarita and Susheel, even Gogo and Sizwe, the people who made up his little world.
Just like every other inauguration, a huge scissors laid on a table for him to cut the ribbon that was tied across the entrance.
"So, this is it!" he said and looked at everyone.
"To your new boring life," Kiaan shouted out.
Richard flashed a face of dismay and adjusted his watch to look fancy.
"Oh whatever," Kiaan replied to his action.
Everyone laughed and Richard went forward and picked up the scissors.
Before he could cut the ribbon, he paused and called out, "Now am I to do this alone? Come on everyone! I've got a lazy family."
They all laughed and went ahead to hold the scissor and cut it with him.
Cheers erupted in the building, from the staff and everyone present there.
He took his mother's arm and they entered, whilst she introduced him to all the employees.
The afternoon was filed with a happiness, cheers and the start to his new beginning in the world of work.
Richard was more than appreciative for everyone being there. His little family, his support and everyone he loved.
They decided to have an after-party at his place and it was just a proud and wonderful moment for everyone.
"I'm starving!" Kiaan said as they entered.
"You just ate chips," Ellie replied and showed an expression of confusion.
She tied her hair in a plait and took a seat on the couch.
"Chips Ellie! Chips! That's not in any way a means to fill hunger!" Kiaan protested.
"Okay, well not all of us are hippos here," she said and everyone laughed.
"Will you keep that mouth closed or should I tell your Rich- oh wait Mr Russell?" and he burst out laughing.
"Oh wait till you get a girlfriend!"Richard exclaimed.
Richard hit his stomach and he hit him back. They were punching each other and Dahlia, Sarita and Susheel were not surprised to see them in this situation again.
"Will you two stop being like little kids? Richard and Kiaan! You guys are 22 not two!" Sarita reprimanded them.
They stopped their antics and eventually laughed.
"You have a beautiful house," Davis acknowledged.
It was a double-storey and it was indeed beautiful. It was painted a light shade of peach and the interior was a solid white colour.
The walls were decorated with Richard's pictures, with Kiaan, with his Dad, with Ellie. A big living room, and the kitchen was right across it. A bookshelf occupied the space on the right hand side, filled with Dahlia's favourites.
Dahlia and Richard thanked him and they proceeded to eat dinner.
Richard made sure to make everyone feel at home, even Gogo and Sizwe were having a great time.
"Well I don't worry about weight or anything. It's the satisfaction that I ate enough," Gogo joked as she ate.
"Good point. Honesty award will go to you Zobuhle!" Dahlia laughed.
Sizwe chuckled, "We can see the satisfaction Gogo."
"Don't be rude!" Ellie said, while laughing.
It was then 9pm and Kiaan offered to drop Gogo and Sizwe home.
They went away and when he got back it was just him, his parents, Richard, Ellie and Davis in the house. They would go a little later on, Richard was getting to know Davis a little better so he didn't want to ruin the opportunity to talk to him. Besides he did say he'd drop them off, so it was convenient.
They were seated comfortably on the couches and having drinks.
"Aunt you've honestly done a great job with managing the business. I think Mr Russell will do an amazing job too," and she squeezed his hand. He was seated next to her.
"Thanks dear. And you do aviation classes right Davis? That's amazing, " she said.
"Thanks and yes, I do tuitions and classes for aviation," he said.
"It really is amazing! Oh and I've been meaning to ask, why didn't you go into the airport setting though uncle?" Richard asked.
He looked down and his voice became softer , "I did. I was a pilot a long while ago."
Richard noticed his uneasiness and in a calm tone he said, "It's okay if you don't want to talk about it uncle. Don't worry, or get uncomfortable."
Davis smiled, "No no Richard, it's okay. Actually I was a pilot around 18 years ago. I stopped when I lost control once, there was a fault in the engine, and it crashed. My survival was quite miraculous, because," and he paused, "there were many passengers who did pass away in that crash."
Ellie went to her dad and held his hand. Saying those words out loud made his heart pierce.
"It's okay man," Susheel went up to him and patted his back.
He wasn't crying but there was a distinct melancholic radiance from his voice that made everyone realise his feelings.
"Yeah, that's my story. I loved being a pilot actually," and he chuckled, in the pursuit to lighten the mood.
"I know all the emotions related to these airplane incidents," Dahlia said and then looked down.
Richard did tell Ellie about his father's death and she didn't want to say anything to make Dahlia feel worse.
Richard hugged Dahlia, "Come on Mum! Now don't get sad too. Why is everyone so emotional? Be more like Kiaan and I!"
They laughed and then a thought struck Dahlia's mind suddenly.
She looked at Davis and asked, "How many years ago?"
"It was 18, Dahlia."
She clenched onto her dress, "What was the name of the airplane?"
He remembered that name very well. It was etched into his mind forever.
"Caelum-710"
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