The Long Flight Home
      Chapter 3
 

Somewhere Over The Atlantic

Michelle heaved a sigh of relief as the Jumbo Jet reached its cruising altitude. There had been some rough moments when the plane had lifted off the runway and began its ascent into the stormy skies. Booms of thunder had shaken the large craft, and lightning had eerily lit the planes cabin with pure white light. Michelle had promptly pulled her window shade at the first signs of the lightning, which caused her seat mate, Pilar, to laugh uproariously. Michelle had been suddenly struck with an ominous feeling of dread and a queasiness in her stomach. The contagious laughter of Pilar banished her nervous stomach, yet her feeling of unease remained. After a couple of glasses of champagne, Michelle had loosened up a bit. She was not a drinker by nature, but the champagne had offered her some liquid courage to weather out the storm. Now, when she looked out her window, all she could see was the inky blackness of the night sky, and the rhythmic flashing of the plane's wing lights.

Pilar had certainly made herself at home, Michelle thought. Her seat back was reclined and her feet rested on the foot stool provided in front of her. She had removed her soft kid high heeled boots, and Michelle noticed that her toenail polish matched her manicured hands perfectly. Michelle couldn't help but smile. She had never taken the time for manicures, herself. For that matter she had never had a pedicure either. She looked down at her stubby little nails with the glitter polish on them, and quickly curled them into her palms. Her toenails were another matter all together. She had allowed Marina to paint them before she left for Spain. The remnants of lilac polish still remained on them.. She hadn't bothered to take the time to remove it. Her heavy class schedule, her volunteer work in the hospital, and the AIDS Memorial Garden she had founded kept her far too busy for the niceties of life. She was not complaining, because she loved being involved in projects that allowed her to give back to the community she loved. Herhope was to someday follow in the footsteps of her father, Ed, and her brother, Rick. She wanted to become a doctor who made a difference in the physical and mental well being of their patients. She knew it was a lofty goal, but she was up for the challenge, especially now that she had no personal entanglements awaiting her at home. Seeing how comfortable Pilar looked, Michelle decided to remove her shoes too. Her Doc Marten sandals had been the most essential part of her dress code while she had been in Spain. After this long day though it felt good to get them off of her feet.

Pilar sat idly, twirling her long, straight, thick hair with a bemused expression. Michelle knew she must be thinking of the handsome man she had left behind. Pilar caught Michelle's glance and smiled.

"You're thinking of him, aren't you?", Michelle asked.

"I can't stop thinking about him", Pilar admitted. "He is the first man that I have ever given myself to completely", Pilar said. "I hope I haven't embarrassed you?"

"No, not really", responded Michelle. "I could tell immediately that he was someone special to you."

"Oh, don't repeat that to Mama", laughed Pilar. "She has already picked out the man for me. He is the perfect gentleman, with manners above reproach." Pilar said this last statement with a snotty upper class Bostonian accent. Michelle laughed, and couldn't help but be charmed by Pilar.

They talked about all kinds of things after that. They talked fashion, and the runway shows Pilar had seen this past summer. They swapped beauty secrets. Michelle's were good old-fashioned herbal remedies, Pilar's came from the world renowned health spas she had spent weeks at. Michelle promised to try the Ginseng lotion that Pilar recommended as working wonders for troubled spots, and in turn Pilar said she would try the oatmeal mask that Michelle said gave your skin a healthy, fresh glow.

They spoke of the beauty of the Spanish people and its countryside. Pilar told Michelle how she attended College in Barcelona, and this trip home was to visit with her family before classes began in the Fall. She told Michelle that her family lived outside the city of Springfield, a cosmopolitan place, yet still full of small town charm. Michelle thought her jaw must have dropped at Pilar's last statement. "I live in Springfield", Michelle said shocked! "I can't believe our paths have never crossed before!" Pilar looked equally shocked, and asked Michelle how long she had lived in Springfield. "I have lived there my entire life", Michelle told Pilar.

"How long have you lived in Springfield" Michelle asked.

"Oh, my family has been there for many years, but I have been living in Europe and attending school there for a number of years. I only come home for Holiday's and special occasions. I miss my family, but I have learned to accept my mother's wishes. I really miss my big brother Danny, I mean, Daniel. He is so unlike my mother. Where she is hard, he is soft. Where she keeps her emotions in check, he wears his on his sleeve, at least to me. He has always been my protector, and my champion. I lost my father when I was very young, and he has been both father and brother to me since. I am always so happy to see him when I come home. Spending time with him is the highlight of my visits". Pilar looked pensively at the seat in front of her as she made her last remark.

Michelle spoke quickly to cover Pilar's obvious sadness. "I think your brother sounds like he is the kind of brother every girl could wish for", Michelle added. "I, on the other hand lost my mother a few years ago in a traffic accident", Michelle gulped. "I thought that my life had ended, but my brother willed me to move on. He loves to protect me too, and give me unwanted advice about men".

Pilar laughed, shaking her head in agreement. "I know what you mean, Pilar sighed. "If Danny knew about Nino, and how my relationship with him has progressed, I don't think he would allow me to go back to Spain. So, I haven't said anything to him, or Mama. I think I'll wait till he comes for a visit to tell both of them", Pilar giggled. "I plan to be in Springfield for at least a month or two, so there will be plenty of time to introduce my "muy guapo" man to both of them", Pilar gushed.

"I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of you mother", Pilar said gently as she laid her hand over Michelle's. "Even though my mother can be a tyrant, I know she loves me very much, and wants only the best for me", she whispered.

Michelle thought how lucky Pilar was to have someone she loved wholeheartedly. Michelle pulled herself back just in time before she got morose again. Leaving Jesse had been her idea! She mustn't start second guessing herself again. Michelle came to with a start and realized that Pilar was staring at her. "Michelle, the flight attendant just asked you if you if you wanted coffee, do you?", Pilar questioned. Michelle turned her head to look at the flight attendant, thanking her, and accepting the steaming coffee she was offered. Michelle thought that the steaming brew might take away the sudden chill that had overcome her . Both she and Pilar partook of the iced petit fours that accompanied the coffee, and both of them laughed as some of the icing got caught on their upper lips. Michelle realized how good it was to laugh, how freeing it was. She hadn't had a lot to laugh about lately, and she was missing her mother more and more each day. Of course she had Rick to talk to, and Abby, but they were focused on one another. Michelle did not be-grudge them this intimacy, but she missed the soulful connection she had had with her mother, Maureen. Maureen always knew what Michelle was thinking and feeling even before she did. She had had the uncanny ability to read her mind and her heart. Her loving spirit calmed Michelle, and helped her find stability in a sometimes unforgiving world.

Michelle wished desperately for a soul mate. She knew there had to be someone out there for her, but where?

The rest of their flight seemed to pass quickly. Michelle and Pilar chatted more about their families, laughing at the antics of their respective brothers, especially how their brothers had treated prospective dates.

Michelle brought up Jesse hesitantly, hoping Pilar wouldn't feel sorry for her. Pilar was very sensitive to Michelle's pain, and re-assured her that there was someone perfect out there just waiting for her. "Hey, I've got an idea!", exclaimed Pilar. "You must meet my brother Danny, er, Daniel. He is quite the hottie, if I must say so myself", laughed Pilar. Michelle started to shake her head no, but Pilar waved her protest away with a shake of her hand. "I know , I have a picture of him in my traveling photo album. I carry these pictures where ever I go. It makes me feel connected to my family even though we are so far away from one another. Let me find it".

While Pilar rummaged around in her Coach Back Pack, Michelle busied herself looking out the plane window. She knew they were getting close to home now. Far below she could see the lights of cities and towns twinkling in the darkness. The plane was beginning its slow descent to Springfield. Reality was about to rear it's ugly head.

"Here it is", Pilar exclaimed, clutching a small leather bound photo album. As she flipped the cover open she showed Michelle the first picture. It was of her mother. She was a beautiful woman, Michelle thought, but there was a coldness to her eyes. "Here is my brother Daniel. Is he not as handsome as I told you he was?", Pilar quizzed.

Michelle could only stare in fascination at the picture before her. The man who looked back at her from the picture seemed to be looking straight into her eyes. Michelle almost gasped out loud. A strange feeling flowed through her, not any feeling that she could put a name to. His eyes mesmerized her own. She felt as if she was drowning in them. Get a grip on yourself woman, she said silently. This is a picture for gosh sakes. The more she tried to pry her eyes from the picture the more she couldn't look away. He was smiling, a cocky expression. He had his arm draped across Pilar's shoulder in a nonchalant way. His long fingers rested on the crook of her arm. He was dressed in an obviously expensive suit for it fitted his lean body like a glove. His hair was a wavy mass of rich, dark chocolate curls. Michelle had never seen such a devastatingly attractive man in her life, man being the operative word. He had an air of confidence about himself, an expression that said he knew what he wanted, and knew how to get it. She literally became breathless. Pilar looked at Michelle, looking at her brothers picture and smiled knowingly. Danny had this effect on all of her friends, but Pilar saw something more in Michelle's eyes. It was as if Michelle looked at him as if she had known him all of her life. There was something else Pilar couldn't define, a feeling in her gut that things might never be the same for Danny if she introduced Michelle to him. I will introduce them, Pilar thought. Michelle is just the type of girl to give my brother a run for his money. It would be wonderful to see a woman who could stand up to her brothers charm.

Pilar had realized over the course of this flight that Michelle possessed a spunky attitude and a generous heart. Danny could not go wrong in meeting Michelle, and Pilar bet that Danny could put a permanent smile on Michelle's face.

Pilar's voice cut through Michelle's thoughts. "So, what do you think of my handsome brother? Isn't he sexy looking? Michelle cleared her throat and willed her voice not to come out squeaky and shaky. "He's very good looking", she managed to choke out. "I bet he has a lot of female admirers".

"Oh, that he does", Pilar answered, "but no one special to talk of." Pilar let Michelle digest this news as she showed her the rest of her family pictures. On the very last page of the album there was an old family picture in black and white, and underneath it was the caption "Familia Santos".

Michelle choked back a shocked response. The Santos family? Pilar was part of that family? Michelle had heard stories of their business dealings, and their reputed ties to organized crime. Pilar didn't seem to fit in with the profile of what Michelle thought a mob family was. "Is something wrong Michelle?, you suddenly don't look so good", asked Pilar in a concerned tone. Michelle smiled weakly and just commented that she was tired from the long day and the even longer flight. She handed Pilar back the photo album, and thanked her for sharing her family pictures. The photo of Danny was burned forever in her mind. He was a Santos, but Michelle couldn't seem to shake his image from her mind. His eyes had beckoned her, and try as she might she couldn't forget them.

The Captain announced that they would be arriving in Springfield soon. The flight attendants strolled up and down the plane cabin collecting odd cups and throwing trash away. Pilar and Michelle put their footwear back on and stowed their tray tables. Pilar announced that she was going to call her home to arrange transportation. Her brother and Mother had gone to a fundraising dinner in Chicago and so would not be able to meet her at the gate. Michelle heaved a sigh of relief. She didn't trust herself to see or meet Pilar's family. The thought of meeting Daniel sent shivers up her spine. "You just broke up with someone", she hissed to herself. "Stop acting like a sex starved woman", she berated herself. "What did you say?", Pilar asked. "I was just talking to myself, trying to figure out how I'm going to get home after we land", Michelle replied. "My brother and his wife lead very crazy doctors hours, and I don't want to disturb them by having them come out so late at night", Michelle said half convincingly.

"I can give you a ride home Michelle!, Pilar exclaimed. Our driver Jimmy will be picking me up in the family car. It is a great big Mercedes Salon, and has oodles of room. Please, you must allow me to give you a ride home. You've let me talk your ear off the whole flight, and you've made me feel better about missing Nino, please?" Pilar looked at Michelle with such a silly pout that she couldn't say no. She found herself saying yes with more determination than she felt. "Thank you, Pilar, that is more than kind of you", Michelle conceded.

"This is wonderful", Pilar said, as she clapped her hands together. "We are going to have such fun. I love to drive Jimmy crazy when he drives me. I love to put the window that separates the driver from the passenger compartment up and down, and I love standing on the back seat and poking my head up through the sun-roof." Michelle giggled, despite herself. Pilar really was a breath of fresh air. Despite her misgivings at the Santos name, Michelle could see herself becoming friends with Pilar.

Pilar smiled to herself. This was great, she could kill two birds with one stone. Firstly, she would be doing Michelle a huge favor by giving her a ride home, and secondly, maybe she could convince Michelle to have dinner with her and her family. She thought Michelle would be the perfect distraction for Danny. If Danny was busy with Michelle, he wouldn't have time to grill her about her relationship with Nino when he came to visit.

She wasn't doing any harm in introducing the two of them to each other. Michelle was a beautiful blond with big, deep, brown eyes, and a mass of curly hair. Danny would be a dunce if he wasn't attracted to her. Yes, her plan was full proof, and everyone would get what they wanted. She would get Nino without distractions. Michelle would forget her troubles with Jesse, and Danny would get to meet his sparring equal. Having her plan set straight in her mind, Pilar turned to Michelle with a large smile on her face, just as the wheels of the plane touched down on the tarmac at Springfield International Airport. Life was just about to get very interesting, she mused.

Casa Santos

The phone rang ominously. Jimmy was expecting this call. The detached voice on the other end gave him his final instructions. He let out a clipped, "I understand", and hung up the phone. His last thought as he prepared to drive to the airport to pick up Pilar was that he would welcome death before he would ever dishonor the task set before him. This was for the glory of "La Familia", for the honor of something greater than his own life was worth. He accepted his fate with pride, and strode out to the car with a keen sense of fatalism.

Pilar and Michelle laughed as the luggage poured off the conveyor belt. Michelle had traveled light, but Pilar looked like she was traveling with an entourage. "I love to shop", she said sheepishly. "I have lots of gifts too", she added. "Where's Jimmy?, she wondered aloud. "He is usually so prompt. I'll have to give him a hard time about not being here to help me when I see him".
Michelle laughed inwardly at Pilar's conceit. She was a lovely person, but you could tell she had been very spoiled. Michelle wondered if her brother Danny was the same way. Get him out of your mind, she thought. You have other fish to fry, Michelle Bauer.
Just as they got the last of Pilar's luggage off the carousel, Jimmy showed up. "Where have you been Jimmy? We've had to struggle with this luggage all on our own", Pilar pouted. She winked at Michelle as Jimmy apologized for being late, but he told her that the roads were very slick from rains that had just stopped recently.
Oh, not another storm, thought Michelle. Why is the rain following me? Just then, Pilar tapped Michelle on the arm and told her, "Let's got to the car. Jimmy can deal with our luggage".
At her statement Jimmy whipped his head around. Who was this girl? Where had she come from? There was no mention of anyone else in his instructions. The plan was in motion. He could not call it off now. He wanted his death to be a source of pride to his kinsman. He didn't want to suffer a cowards death at the hands of "La Familia". Whoever this young woman was, she would have to meet the same fate as Pilar. He could let nothing ruin what destiny had deemed so long ago. They would be proud of him. He would tell no one of this complication, and when it was all over, he would be a hero.