Jumpseat- A Tale of Twisted Fate by E. E. Valenciana

Author:E. E. Valenciana [Valenciana, E. E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-06-14T04:30:00+00:00

Chapter XIII

Mario Reddick, CEO of the airline, wanted to express his personal condolences to the families of the deceased crew-members. The plan was to have the airline host a religious memorial service for all who may have had some connection to the tragedy. St. Anastasia’s Catholic Church was chosen, located right beside LAX in nearby Westchester. Daisy contacted me and made it clear that it would be beneficial for all if I was in attendance. She continued,

“Have you thought about joining us for the associate meetings at the other bases?” My anger rose again, but I realized I was also to blame. Had not the Magnificent Edmundo been part of the presentation? I was deeply torn. I certainly wanted to appear as part of the team but I was also recognizing that such cooperation had consequences. A refusal would not get me any closer to finding the answers I knew I sorely needed if ever I was going to heal.

“So much is happening and so fast, Daisy.” I sought to delay a decision. “I will speak to you at the company service.”

“So, I can rely on you being at the church.” Daisy stated.

Arriving at St. Anastasia for the company memorial service, I was surprised to find the grounds of the church empty. Had I gone to the wrong place? I waited in front of the church with some regret.

“What good did prayer do for Reina?” I recalled the religious periodical upon her lap as she sat on her jumpseat on descent. Now we were to pray once more. “Why? They're already gone.” Around five minutes before the service was to start, everyone seemed to arrive all at once, exiting their vehicles at the same time. Ackley caught sight of me.

“Certainly you’ll sit with me, won't you, Eddy?”

As I stood in front of the house of worship I was hesitant to enter. I studied the participants and began to recognize the faces of the family members of 2605’s crew. Since I had attended several of the previous services I sorted them out and began to wonder why Reddick thought holding this memorial was a good idea. I focused on their eyes and wondered, did they hope to get some answers today? Was there anger mixed with their sorrow?

Senora Torres entered the church with Reina’s brothers, sister, and the uncle who had delivered her eulogy. Embarrassed for living, I wanted to run and hide under a wooden pew.

“May I sit here, Edmundo?” Mario Reddick, dressed immaculately, wanted to share a seat with the survivor.

“NO, damn it! Go hang yourself.” My mouth wouldn’t let these words escape. “Certainly,” came out instead, I slid over. Daisy joined us from the other end. There I remained, stuck in between Mario Reddick and Darling Ackley. How in heaven’s name did I end up here? I could not fathom a more ridiculous position. I wished for the whole thing to just go away. What I truly wanted was to join my companions from 2605. I was not

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