The Hurried Trip
The Hurried Trip
Santiago
Late at night, I received a phone call from Luis, who told me some shocking news that pierced my soul. It is about Annetta, my godmother. She is very ill and, on hearing the news, I immediately ask Alvaro to get the private jet ready for me to fly to Mexico as soon as possible. It is four o'clock in the morning. I get up slowly so as not to wake Orely, who is sleeping peacefully. A few seconds later, just as I am about to go downstairs with my clothes from the wardrobe to brush my teeth and take a bath in the ground-floor bathroom, I receive a message from Luis. He warns me that I will have to wait a little because of the bad weather, and that the pilot will be here in an hour.
I stay calm because there is nothing to do. In the meantime, I take a quick shower and then head for the kitchen to make myself a coffee. I decide to go to my computer in the living room to look at the company accounts, just to take my mind off things. Glancing at my watch, I see that it is almost half past six and my phone is vibrating on the table. It is Alvaro this time.
"Tell me."
"The jet is finally ready, boss. The driver is on his way and will be here in ten minutes." He tells me.
"Perfect," I reply, and as I hang up, I see Orely arrive, all beautiful in her little red silk nightie.
"Good morning, my pretty, did I wake you up?" I ask her.
"Good morning, my hero. Uh, no, as I did not see you in bed, so I went to brush my teeth and here I am. Are you going somewhere?"
Oh, it is the first time she has called me that and I like it.
“Yes, I have an emergency," I reply, but before I can finish my sentence, the car horn sounds outside.
"Yes, I must leave urgently.." but before I can finish my sentence, the car horn sounds outside.
"Your driver?" she asks, and I nod.
"I am sorry, but I have got to go. Let's get together tonight and I will tell you all about it, okay? I say, kissing her on the forehead, and she nods.
I grab my phone, take a last sip of my cold coffee and head out to meet my driver.
×××
The sky is colored in pastel shades and a soft dawn light slowly spreads over the horizon. I head for the airport and the morning freshness caressing my face feels good, but as I think of my godmother, I feel an icy chill inside me. This news has hit me like a thunderclap in the chest, and every minute that passes seems like an eternity. After a thirty-minute drive, I arrive at the small airstrip and see the private jet waiting for me. The sound of the engines in the background reminds me of the urgency of the situation. I get out of the car and walk towards the plane, my face neutral. The ground staff greet me, but my mind is so absorbed in the gravity of this journey that I pay it no mind. Once inside the jet, I settle into a leather seat and fasten my seatbelt. As the plane takes off, I look out of the window at the clouds beginning to gather in the sky and the lights of the city slowly fading away. Suddenly, Orely's face appears in my thoughts. I have not had time to tell her about my hasty departure, and at the same time I have a feeling I should not have left her alone. I will make sure I get home as soon as possible to be with her.
In the meantime, I ask Leopoldo to take a look at the villa on the beach and reinforce Orely's security until I get back home. I have a knot in one's stomach as I think of the times I spent with her, my godmother, when I was still a kid. She always knew how to comfort me, reminding me of the unconditional love she generously spreads around her. During this period of reflection, the noise of the engines masks my thoughts and I close my eyes for a moment, trying to chase away the dark images that impose themselves on me.
"Alright, everything will be fine". I reassure myself as I open my eyes to look through the porthole until we reach our destination.
×××
The plane finally lands smoothly on the tarmac of a secluded airport, surrounded by palm trees and the sweltering heat of the Mexican sun. The engines are still humming as I descend the steps, a determined look on my face. I adjust my shirt, already slightly creased from the journey, and glance around. The air is heavy with the scent of spices and tropical flowers and I can't help but think of Orely at this very moment. She'd be delighted to be here. No sooner had my feet touched the ground than I spotted an armored jeep parked nearby, the engine humming softly. Luis was waiting for me under a tree, looking solemn, and I did not hesitate for a second, moving quickly towards the vehicle, my footsteps echoing on the asphalt.
As soon as I settle into the passenger seat, the driver steps on the gas pedal, making the tires squeal on the ground. The jeep speeds off, kicking up a cloud of dust behind it. I lean forward slightly, while the landscape flashes past colorful villages and green fields. The speed is dizzying, every bend taken to the limit, a mixture of adrenalin and urgency. Time was running out and I had to get to my godmother before time ran out. I can't deny that the weight of expectation and worry weighs on my shoulders.
As we approach our destination, the jeep pulls out onto a narrow road lined with palm trees and fresh herbs. I sit up straight in my seat, thinking that the long-awaited moment is finally at hand.