20 Questions

Chapter 42

"Miss Janes?" I am pulled out of my thoughts by the airline employee. I had been so focused on worrying about my parents that I hadn't heard her come back to the phone.

"Yes, I am here. What did you find out?"

"I spoke to my supervisor and told him about your situation. There is a flight leaving in about an hour that we can fit you into. Normally, there is a fee for changing flights, but we are going to wave that due to the circumstances. Would you be able to be here in time for that flight?"

"Oh my gosh. Thank you! Thank you so much!" I cry. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate you and everything you are doing for me. I will definitely make that flight. I am in route to the airport now. I should be there in about twenty minutes. Thank you again."

"It is my pleasure, ma'am. I am happy to help in any way that I can. I am sorry about your dad. You and your family will be in my prayers tonight."

I thank her and hang up the phone. I lean my head against the window as the tears pour down my face. I can't believe this is happening. I should have insisted my dad have his "indigestion" checked out sooner. I should have pushed my mom to make sure he did. I have so many "what ifs" going through my mind and it's beginning to feel like déjà vu. I did the same thing when Jansen died. What if I would have moved him in with me? What if I insisted my aunt and uncle press charges after he stole from them the third time? What if I hadn't pushed him away that night I saw him after dinner? I shake my head and try to clear the uncertainties and regrets from my mind. Deep down, I know there was nothing I could have done differently. He wasn't going to change unless he wanted to. There's nothing I could have done about my dad either. He's too damn hard-headed and he would have refused.

I check my phone once more, but I have no new calls or messages. I know Hunter isn't supposed to be back until eight, but I was hoping maybe they would come back early. I wish I could hear his voice right now. Maybe it would calm me slightly. He would reassure me and tell me that everything will be ok. I miss him so much already. He was supposed to meet my parents tomorrow. He was going to get my dad's blessing to marry me. That will have to wait, but it doesn't break my heart any less.

We pull up in front of the airport and I jump out as soon as the van comes to a stop. The lodge employee tells me to go on inside and get my flight sorted out and he will bring in my suitcases. I thank him and run inside. I rush up to the counter and give the airline my name. They said they have been expecting me and they already have everything switched over for me. I thank them profusely and check in my carry-on bag that the lodge employee just brought in.

I turn to hug the lodge employee. He has been extremely kind, from having the shuttle bus ready for me to picking up and dropping off my luggage and also the kind and reassuring words on our way to the airport. The lodge was the most wonderful place that I have ever been and not just because I met the man of my dreams there. They treated you like family and bent over backwards to make sure every need was met. I can't wait to return next year. As for now, I am running through the airport to reach my terminal in time. I still have twenty minutes before they board the plane, but I have to make it through the long security checkpoint line and to the other end of the airport. I can't miss this flight.

I make it to the terminal with five minutes to spare. I sit in one of the chairs and pull out my phone. There is a new text from my mom.

They don't allow you to talk on your phone at the hospital. Your dad is in the ER and I am holding up impatiently in the waiting room. They said they will come get me when I can go back. The nurse said he is having an EKG and chest X-ray done. I feel sorry for the poor nurse who has to put in his IV.