It was the start of Spring.
It was drizzly at times in J City, and the sun was high on others. The greens along the scenic areas within the city center invariably started to explode in a dazzle of hues.
Peach blossoms had also begun to flower in more than a few tourist attractions too. Once I have tied up the loose ends in J City, I brought Summer along to book tickets for K City.
At the airport.
Jackson and Nick insisted on seeing us all the way to the boarding gate. Jackson looked particularly reluctant to part from Summer as he held her. “I don’t understand why you have to leave when you could make as good a life for yourself here in J City.”
“I distinctly remember someone saying yesterday that it’s important to not part on bad terms. Are you worried about leaving Summer with me?”
“You’re her mother, so what’s there for me to worry about? Go on then. Stop being an eyesore and get out of here.”
I had just one carry-on with me as I did not own much, to begin with. It would be a hassle to lug the rest of my things around with Summer in tow, so I packed only her bottle and diapers with me.
Nick had instructed the flight crew so everything was loaded on board beforehand.
Seeing that it was almost time, Jackson apprehensively asked, “Are you really not going to say goodbye to Ashton?”
I shook my head and merely smiled.
He exhaled. “This is some major beef with the Moores, so he must have his hands full trying to stave off Zachary’s wrath. I’m doubtful that he’ll be able to make himself available to see you off anyway.”
I made no comment. With the air tickets in hand, I watched him wave to us. “Take care of yourselves!”
The man choked up as he was missing Summer already. “Send me a message when you’ve settled down. We’ll come to visit.”
I nodded. Nick had one hand in his pocket. “See you!”
“Bye, you guys!” I smiled.
Once inside the first-class cabin, the air stewardess brought a baby-sized bolster for Summer and had a child safety seat set up next to me.
Flying for the first time must have been very exciting for Summer as she did not sleep a wink in four hours.
Her endearing appearance ensured that some air stewardesses would come by and interact with her from time to time, all the way to K City. It was only when we disembarked that the little one fell asleep on my chest.
Outside the airport, I planned to hail a ride to take us directly to the hotel. This was when John’s call came in.
I switched off the phone and turned my attention toward looking for a cab instead.
As I waited, a black Bentley rolled to a halt in front of me. Then the window winded down.
John seemed to have thinned out since I last saw him several days ago. His facial features had become gaunter.
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