Gotta Be You

Chapter 11

JANE

As Jaciva and I entered the airport, the familiar scent of excitement and anticipation filled the air. Today, I disguised myself with a plain attire and a cap pulled low. I was determined to blend in seamlessly with the crowd, concealing my true identity as a princess.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please. This is a second boarding call for Elvaria Airways flight EA123 to Manila, Philippines. All passengers are kindly requested to proceed to Gate 12 for immediate boarding. The aircraft is now fully ready for departure." That was the airport announcer.

I settled onto a nearby bench, taking a moment to rest as Jaciva headed off to handle our tickets.

Eager passengers hurried past me, their eyes darting between the overhead screens displaying gate numbers and departure times. As I continued looking around, a gentle tap on my shoulder caught my attention. I turned and saw an elderly traveler, her eyes filled with uncertainty.

"Pardon me, young one," she said, her voice trembling ever so slightly. "Might I trouble you for a moment? I seem to have lost my way."

Immediately, my heart stirred with compassion. I offered her a warm smile and replied, "Certainly, madam. I'd be delighted to assist you. Pray tell, where are you headed?"

Her frail hand reached into her bag and retrieved a crinkled boarding pass. She handed it to me, and I delicately examined the worn paper.

"I'm trying to find my gate for the flight to Paris," she explained, her voice tinged with concern. "But I'm afraid I've become a bit disoriented in this large airport."

Assuring her that we would figure it out together, I took a moment to study the boarding bass. With a glimmer of relief, I discovered that her gate was located in the next terminal, labeled D14.

We walked together up to her gate up until we found it. Her eyes lit up with gratitude as we are about to say our goodbyes.

"Bless your soul, young one," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "I couldn't have managed without you. I'm so grateful."

"You are most welcome, madam. It is my utmost pleasure to be of service." I smiled at her.

"But before we part ways, my dear, there is something I must share with you."

"What is it, madam?"

"As we walked together, a peculiar familiarity began to stir within me. Your grace, your poise, and your compassionate nature... they remind me of someone I know. Someone I had the honor of meeting long ago."

I was taken aback.

"My dear princess, I don't know where you're heading to today but I have a strong feeling that the path you have chosen may not lead you to the answers you seek."

"If your flight were to be redirected, if a detour presents itself, my dear princess, I urge you not to hesitate. Sometimes, the unexpected paths are the ones that lead us to our true destinies."

Before I could even respond, Jaciva rushed over with a worried expression.

"Why are you here? You could've been recognized!" she exclaimed. Her voice was filled with concern as she wrapped her scarf around my neck.

Caught off guard, I opened my mouth to explain I was merely helping an old lady. But as I turned, my heart skipped a beat. The old lady mysteriously disappeared.

The air was thick with confusion as Jaciva hurriedly pulled me to the corner.

"We have a problem." She paused. "There are no more tickets for flights to Europe and North America. The only option left is a flight to Asia, Philippines specifically, and it's leaving in 30 minutes."

Her words caused me to pause and reconsider. The old lady's advice echoed in my mind. As I weighed my options, a spark of curiosity ignited within me. Perhaps this detour was meant to teach me something, to reveal answers I hadn't even considered.

With a newfound resolve, I looked at Jaciva. "You know what? Let's do it. Let's board that flight to the Philippines."

"Attention all passengers, this is the final boarding call for flight EA123 to Manila, Philippines. The aircraft is now ready for departure, and all remaining passengers are kindly requested to proceed to the boarding gate immediately. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding. This is the last opportunity to board the flight to the Philippines. Once again, final boarding call for flight EA123 to Manila, Philippines. Thank you."

The old lady's mysterious disappearance remained an unsolved puzzle, but in that moment, I trusted that everything happened for a reason.