One Last Chance

Rumors

The airport bustled with a crowd outside, they were holding up a sign that glowed with “C-H-A-R-L-O-T-T-E”. There were even cardboard cutouts of Phalo, Tofu and Kyiew waving in the air. The Smileys were here to show their support for their idol leaving for Paris, everyone was eager to see Charlotte before she flew.

A personal Alphard pulled up at the departure entrance, Nuay stepped out with Charlotte’s beauty team. All of them took turns carrying big and small luggages, however their long awaited figure still did not step out. The fans were puzzled and asked loudly, “Where’s P’Char?” “Is P’Fa coming?”

Unbeknownst to them, P’Sun had driven Engfa’s BMW into the airport’s VIP parking. They were glad that the airport did not authorize the crowd to gather indoors this time, but did not feel like seeing them at the door. It seemed entirely unfair, but Charlotte and Engfa treasured their privacy even more after they were married. They hadn’t been apart for almost nine months, they did not want to share their departure in front of everyone.

Originally, Charlotte did not plan to release the date of flying but somehow it got leaked. After all, the intention of becoming a fashion model in Paris was to fulfil her own personal dream, and not to regain fame or reputation. Once she returned, she planned to focus all of her attention into growing her family with her wife.

They were in the VIP lounge, far away from nosy eyes and phones. There was half an hour more before Charlotte had to go, her heart was heavy. She kept doubting if this was the right thing to do, she couldn’t bear leaving Engfa alone.

“Remember to drink the tea everyday, sleep early and eat on time.” Charlotte said one more time to her wife, her eyes couldn’t hide her endless worries. Her hand’s on Engfa’s waist tightened, she was reluctant to let go.

“I know, Char. You have to take care too, don’t give yourself too much pressure. I will be there on the event day.” Engfa added, “I’m really proud of you for doing this, baby.”

“If you’re not feeling well, tell P’Sun immediately.” Charlotte nagged some more.

“Chai, yaaa.” Engfa teased, “Char, I’ll be fine. It’s just 10 days.”

Finally, Charlotte nodded and turned to P’Sun. She hugged him briefly and before she could say anything, he was already patting her back and reassuring her.

“Don’t worry, sao. I’ll keep an eye on her.” They pulled back and P’Sun teased, “You know you two have been apart for way longer than 10 days before right? It’s not like you’re going to war.”

“It’s different now.” Charlotte gave him a knowing look.

“Passengers of Emirates 1280, the plane will be departing soon in ten minutes. I repeat…”

Sadness flashed in the women’s eyes and Charlotte hugged her wife again. In her ears, she mumbled “I love you. See you soon.”

Engfa returned the sentiment and they exchanged a tender kiss, just a gentle press onto each other’s lips.

Nuay approached from behind, a gentle reminder that it was time for Charlotte to go. Charlotte waved goodbye before pulling her own luggage from her assistant. She was slow to walk away but didn’t turn around, her heart was screaming at her to hug her wife one more time. She had been keeping it in but tears still stung her eyes as she walked down the terminal with Nuay.

On the other hand, Engfa was not doing any better. Her mood instantly plummeted as she watched her wife slowly disappear from her view. P’Sun put his hand on her shoulder and comforted, “Come on, the plane is already taking flight now.”