The Pilot's Redemption

The Pilot's Redemption Part 1

The Pilot's Redemption

Chapter 1

    *Present Day*

    Charles Martin found himself back at the one place he didn't want to be. Back at the place where he lost everything. Much as it pains him to be in Asheville, he had to get help from the only person that could help him. Charles took a deep breath and raised his right hand to knock on the blue door but stopped just short of connecting. "Come on Charles. We need her. I just hope she forgives me." Charles turned around and adjusted his black jacket and took another breath before knocking.

   Charles was greeted by a tall man with a nice physique. His green tank top hung off his muscular frame and a tattoo on his chest of a broken heart with the name Maria on it. "May I help you?" The man said in a somewhat agitated voice. Charles cleared his throat and spoke, "Um yeah yes, yes you can. I'm looking for Carol. I need to speak to her. It's very important." The man's eyebrow raised as he crossed his arms and looked Charles up and down. "Who the hell are you and what do you need with Carol?" Charles sighed really hoping not to have to introduce himself but seeing no other option he reluctantly told him his name. "Charles. Charles Martin."

   The man's eyes grew and his arms fell to his side and he formed a fist. "Charles Martin? The mother fucker who almost cost Carol her job? The stupid mother fucker who endangered the lives of hundreds of people to let an entitled princess fly when she has no business being there?!" Charles rolled his eyes and nodded his head. "Yeah, that's me. I know. Can I please see her?" Before the man could respond, a voice shouted from inside the room. "Marcus, let him in." Marcus looked at Charles, then let him. He led him to Carol who was sitting on a grey couch with a woman wrapped around her arm. Marcus took a seat on the other side of Carol and planted a kiss on her lips.

   "I see you're doing the Thruple thing. How'd that happen?" Charles asked as he looked around the house. It was a very nice house and the furniture was gorgeous and complimented the curtains and rugs perfectly. Carol sat up and leaned forward. "I would love to know why I should tell you about my love life? There was a time when I would've called you first to talk about it. That time has passed." Carol pushed a glass of whiskey towards Charles. He looked down at the glass then up at the three people sitting on the couch across from him. They held their glasses up waiting for him. Charles grabbed the glass and raised it before downing the whole glass in one shot. "Fine Charles, I figured I might as well tell you. Consider it a gift for someone who was once my best friend."

*4 months ago*

   "So, you said we needed to talk?" Carol anxiously awaited a response. "Yeah, we do. I didn't mean to run away that night. It's just-" Carol cut him off mid sentence. "Meet me at the bar where we first met. We can talk there." Carol hung up the phone. She wasted no time in calling Maria afterwards. "Hola Mi Amor. I was hoping you'd call. I miss you so-" Carol stopped her and spoke. "Maria. I need you to meet me at the bar in the hotel." Carol sighed as she knew she was about to have a conversation that she didn't know how to go about starting.

Carol sat at the bar pushing her glass back and forth lost in her own thoughts. "I hope they're up for this conversation." Her thoughts were interrupted by Marcus arriving. "Hey Carol." Marcus hugged her and sat down next to her. "Ok, I have a lot to explain. I didn't mean to run that night. It's just….Maria caused me so much pain. I loved her and she toyed with me. I didn't think I'd see her again but she called the night I met you and I…" Marcus took a moment to clear his mind. "I didn't really talk to her. I brushed her off as my attention was focused on you. Then seeing that you knew her only brought up those feelings again. I didn't know if she was using you to get to me or what. I panicked and I'm sorry. But I promise you, I'm not running again."

   Carol felt Marcus' hands cover hers. She smiled and took another sip of her whiskey. Maria arrived a few moments later. "Hey Carol, how…" she trailed off as she noticed Marcus holding her hands. "I see. So you called me here to tell me you've chosen Marcus? Yo debería haber sabido." Maria sat down, hurt and feeling defeated. But a part of her felt she deserved this for what she did to Marcus. " Marcus, for what it's worth, I am sorry for what happened. I was in a bad place and I had no right to take it out on you. Just…" tears filled her eyes and began falling down her face. "Just be good to her Marcus."

  As she got up to leave Carol grabbed her hand and gave her a hug. "That's all I needed to hear" Carol stated as she released the hug. "I called you both here to talk about us….being a couple…or Thruple. I care about both of you and I know this may not be something either of you want but….I have to ask. So if you're willing to try…I would like to try with both of you." Carol held Maria's and Marcus' hands awaiting a response. The two looked at each other then at Carol. Marcus smirked, "I guess I could see where this goes. Maria, you do seem to have changed and Carol means something to both of us." Maria wiped her tears and smiled. "If Marcus can forgive me and you truly want this Carol, then I'm willing to try." Carol smiled and the three hugged as they drank their whiskey.

*Present Day*

"So, now you know Charles. Now what's so important you risk coming back here?" Charles shook his head reeling from the story. "Oh well, first and foremost, congratulations. You deserve happiness. I always hoped you would find it." Charles fiddled with hands. Knowing the gravity of what he was about to ask of his former best friend. "Secondly, I need your help to deliver a large amount of cargo…..if not, the Cartel will not just kill me….but anyone I care about and they are thorough so they know we were friends and were close so they'd come for you too. As well as you two Marcus and Maria."

   Charles could only hope that Carol would help. It was asking a lot to even hope she would hear him out let alone, agree to help. Charles was startled a little bit by Marcus slamming his hand on the coffee table in front of them. "How, how the FUCK did you get mixed up with the Cartel? Better yet, WHY? Was it about sex again?" Charles knew he couldn't argue back so explaining everything was his best option. "No it wasn't about a woman. Look it's easier if I just explain. They gave me a week so I can tell you the story from the beginning."