Beneath the clear blue sky

Beneath the clear blue sky chapter 10

CHAPTER X

THE DEPARTURE

                        The chilly wind infiltrated into the house. Soon enough I will be frozen like a strawberry popsicle stick. I opened my wardrobe to look for something to wear. There were two leather jackets hung on the side. The one I bought from the thrift store and the one I borrowed from the night-stranger. I should have given it back by now. I put on the stranger's jacket. It has its awful leathery smell. 

Dad was outside waiting for the cab to arrive. He seem stable and calm. As I walk through the living room to the front porch, I saw our family photograph.We looked so ideal and happy. When I looked into my mom's eyes, everything just stopped for a moment. It makes my day better when she wears that smile. I remember when she migrated to Serbia to seek for job opportunities, I was a kid back then,I didn't know where she was heading. I thought she would only be gone for a few days. That few days in my head turned into months then into years. My dad did the same. 

My family had financial issues that it forced my parents to seek opportunity abroad. Lana and I were taken care of by our distant relatives. Their absence did not get to me because I was too young to care. Those nights when I look into our family photograph, I saw my mom's smile. Her smile reminded me that I had a mother who will return whom I will be waiting at the airport, longing for her hug.

                         'Lian are you ready?, the cab's here already..' Dad said carrying his luggage into the cab. I closed the front door behind me and took a deep breath. During the journey to the airport I slipped my head out the window and let the freezing wind touch my face. I closed my eyes for a moment. It felt like I was in a rushing stream. I heard the pleasant flow of a cascading river every pebbles rolling on the riverbed. Then I heard that familiar lullaby. That cradle song that my mom whistle when I can't sleep through the stormy nights.

 I opened my eyes and realised that dad was staring at me. 'I will be back Lian, this is just temporary..' he said and ruffled my hair. I couldn't say anything to him so I gave him a smile. I felt my body stiffened as we arrived at the airport. My eyes became teary as dad walked towards the departure area. He turned his head to me and waved. I watched him until he finally entered the gate. The gate of no return. As dad disappeared into the deep, I turned away. I placed my right palm against my aching heart. It was painful to realise that he just left and I could not do anything to stop him.

                             I stayed at the airport until the next morning.The couch at the 24 hour coffee shop gave me back ache. My ass feel numb as hell. I heard my bones popped when I tried to stand. I was blinded by the sun light as I walked towards the exit. My eyes hurt not because of the sun, but it was swollen. Then a voice came. 'Are you really gonna live here forever?' Sandy grinned at me. It was such a relief when I heard her voice. 'I can't see..' I said to her squinting my eyes. 'Oh my god, did you cried all night?' Sandy was giggling finding humour in the situation. 'Just bring me home or somewhere far away from here please..' I said covering my eyes. Sandy held my hand and led me to her car. Sandy's car was such a wreck. I told her once that she should get her bumper fixed.She hadn't because she doesn't have the money.

 Sandy doesn't care if her car looks like a half-eaten sandwich as long as her car can take her far from home its alright. However, its not alright to me. I smell onions in her car. She must have eaten burritos while she was driving and hid the wrappers somewhere into the abyss because she knows that I can't stand the smell of onion. Luckily,I found two cotton balls in the front compartment of the car and stuck it into my nostrils. I wished I had taken the bus ride home,well I guess its too late for that.

                            Sandy dropped me off in front of my house. I gave her a hug before I got off the car. 'You can drop by at my place any time..just give me a call..' Sandy brushed her red hair softly with her fingers. 'Alright, I missed hanging out with you and Vina though..' I replied. 'Perfect!..Josh Davis is throwing a party..we should go..we must go!..' Her eyes glittering with excitement. Before I could add something she drove off and left me with my mouth open. Wide enough for a helicopter.