Chapter 469
“Didn’t you say you wanted me?” Her tone was laced with bitterness. “Are you not even listening to me now?”
Eric paused, taken aback by her sharpness. He stood motionless, unsure how to proceed.
Now that Hadley had everything arranged on her end, the only remaining step was for the dance troupe to finalize their itinerary. After that, they would be ready to depart.
Hadley arrived at the airport well ahead of time, ensuring Joy was safely escorted by the ground staff.
“This kind lady will accompany you onto the plane shortly,” Hadley explained to Joy.
Joy, gripping the card hanging around her neck, looked up anxiously. “Aren’t you coming with me, Mom?”
Regretfully, Hadley couldn’t accompany her; she needed to stay with the troupe and handle things since she was one of the few dancers who hadn’t been injured. Hadley had made arrangements for Joy to travel as an unaccompanied minor. Kneeling down, she looked Joy in the eye. “Mommy has work to do, so I won’t be able to sit with you, but we’re on the same flight, okay?”
“Okay!” Joy nodded, her face showing understanding. “I’ll be okay, Mom. I’ll listen to the lady and be good.”
“You’re such a good girl,” Hadley said, handing Joy to the attendant with a grateful smile. “Thank you for taking care of her.”
The attendant smiled back. “It’s absolutely my pleasure.”
Hadley gave Joy one last gentle reminder to behave herself and, with a heavy heart, turned and joined the waiting troupe.
The attendant escorted Joy to the first-class lounge, a privilege afforded by her ticket and the service she was enrolled in.
Joy carried nothing but her cherished plush toy, which the attendant carefully held for her.
As they settled into the lounge, the attendant gently asked, “Should I place your toy here?”
“Thanks!” Joy responded, nodding appreciatively as she clutched her large toy. The toy, quite noticeable, caught the eyes of many around, including Eric, who was intrigued by its familiarity. It resembled the pricey one he’d helped Hadley purchase.
His attention shifted from the toy to Joy.
With a softer expression, Eric rose and approached her. “Joy.”
Joy looked up, briefly startled, but quickly smiled widely. “Sir! It’s so good to see you again!”
“Indeed,” Eric replied, returning her smile. He felt a certain sense of fate had brought them together again.
“And where might you be off to today?”
Beaming with joy, she said, “I’m staying with Mom forever now! No more long trips away!”
“Is that so?” Eric’s surprise was evident, but he was visibly pleased.
He nodded and said, “That sounds wonderful.”
“It really is!” Joy’s enthusiasm was clear. “I love my mom more than anyone else.”
Just then, an announcement over the public address system caught Eric’s attention—it was time for him to board the plane. He was heading to Prineville, not on the same route as Joy and Hadley.
“One second, Joy,” Eric said warmly, giving her head a gentle pat.
He quickly stepped over to a nearby shop and returned with a treat—a pack of strawberry milk, bringing a joyful sparkle to Joy’s eyes.