The Only One He Wants

“Mom, I’m so happy for you. I can’t believe you’ll finally see your dreams come true, and with a man you love!” Alesha said from the other side, jumping and shouting on the phone.

“It’s so overwhelming. I can’t wrap my head around it yet. Everything happened so fast,” she replied as she put a dress in the suitcase.

“So, Mauritius! A great start. I’m sure you’ll have the best time.”

“I hope so, too. I’m flying today. Once I land I’ll call you, okay?” Gabrielle said and zipped the full suitcase. Her fingers were all shaking and her heart as well. It seemed to her that adrenaline coursed through her body, replacing all the blood in her veins.

“Yeah, please call me. We’ll be thinking about you and Michael. And yeah, here is Francis shouting from excitement and joy as well. He says hi and have a nice trip,” she replied.

“Thanks!” Gabrielle giggled. “Lots of hugs and kisses to the both of you!”

“And don’t worry about the apartment,” Alesha said. “Francis and I will take care of everything with the rent and stuff.”

“Oh, thank you, thank you, baby! You’re sure it wouldn’t be a problem?”

“No, no. Enjoy yourself, mom. You deserve it!” Alesha said and Gabrielle could hear that she was crying tears of joy.

“You know what? You are the best daughter in the world. Not the world. You are the best daughter in the whole universe!” Gabrielle said as tears started welling up in her eyes as well.

They hung up and Gabrielle flopped on the bed. Her heart was going to explode. She was smiling and laughing like a lunatic, drunk with love and delight. It was too surreal for her. Everything was as if placed on a treadmill, speeding forward and not stopping. She didn’t even entirely believe that she was going traveling with Michael. It was too good to be true. And yet it was happening to her.

Her cell binged. A message. It was from Michael.

Babe, meet me at the airport in 1 hour or 2. Will be waiting for you there. So excited. Love you. XOXO

As she read it, tears slipped from her eyes and fell down on the bedsheets. The same bed, in which she cared for him, was with him. The bed in which she loved him.

“I love you, Mikey. So, so much,” she whispered as if someone could hear her in the empty apartment in the City That Never Sleeps.

After composing herself, she took the suitcase and went downstairs to catch a cab.

“Where to, ma’am?”

“The airport,” she replied and struggled to catch her breath from all the hype.

“Business or pleasure, ma’am?” It appeared that he was a chatty fellow.

“Hmm… Pleasure. I’m going on a trip to Mauritius,” she said proudly.

“Okay, ma’am,” he replied and drove.

As the cabbie passed through the city, she said bye to the skyscrapers, the crowds of people, the shiny billboards and the American oxygen. It was bittersweet, yes. It was her home after all. However, the song on the radio promised her that everything would be all right and she smiled at that omen.

Michael’s parked car welcomed her before the entrance of the airport. He climbed down from the jeep and hugged her tightly, taking her off her feet and spinning her in the air.

“I love you and I will always love you,” he told her.

Her lips on his and her tongue intertwining with his were her response. “I love you, too, Michael. I was waiting for this moment my entire life!”

Michael chuckled. The grin didn’t leave his face and she wondered if the muscles on his face hurt him.

“Let’s go,” he said taking her hand in his.

“Bye, bye, America and hello Mauritius,” she said and laughed.

As they entered, a female voice announced that the flight to Mauritius was going to leave very shortly. So they had to hurry, going through all the procedures before stepping inside the plane. During the long lines, Gabrielle only had to look her lover in his eyes and know that he would grant her all the safety, love and affection she needed.

Finally, the moment came. She was a bit flabbergasted and even frightened when she saw the enormity of the plane. The huge white vehicle stood on the ground like a huge thunderbird ready to roam and conquer the blue skies.

“Come on,” he said, obviously understanding the overwhelming emotions washing over her. His hand never left hers, squeezing it softly for reassurance. He guided her inside and she finally sat on her seat in first class.

“Many years ago I was thinking of buying a private jet, you know. But I’m glad I didn’t. Because honestly it’s a waste of money and I actually give the difference of how much it would cost to charity,” he said, buckling himself.

“I knew you were generous, but not that you were a philanthropist as well. What charity do you donate to?” she replied. Her heart, she thought, was going to come out of her ribcage any moment now.

“Thanks, dear. It’s an organization actually devoted to fighting children’s illnesses. Make sure to remind me to take you there one day. I’m sure you’ll love it. It’s full of energy and positivity and hope,” he said, kissing her nose.

“I’d definitely love that,” she replied.

They didn’t have any more time for conversation because the flight attendant announced the beginning of the flight and ran them through the procedures, tips, and protocols.

Gabrielle was sweating. She kept rubbing her hands on her pants to wipe off the sweat. She was also breathing in and out like she had when she’d been giving birth to the little Alesha.

“Everything is going to be all right,” Michael said. “I am with you. Always.”