I miss you

1980

Angel and Manuel are a Mexican couple since toddlers born in Mexico City. They grew up together as neighbours. Playing hide and seek, riding their bicycles, and scooters in their small neighbourhood called Polanco Street.

Then came playing in the same primary school, and holding hands in secondary school. In other words, when they were children, they were best friends. And in their teens, they were old enough to understand that they were insanely in love.

After high school junior, Angel turned eighteen and passed the highest GMAT score of 790 and got accepted into Harvard Business School. Which is located at Boston USA, across Charles River.

Angel will be studying a Masters of Business Administration, (MBA) degree, with a scholarship.

It was somewhat easier for Angel to make entry into Business School because she already has five years of experience working in an office as a secretary at her father’s major holding company.

The company is called Gomez Holdings. That was named after the successful businessman, Gordo Gomez. God forbid, should Mr Gomez pass away, Angel will become the majority shareholder and administration manager of the company.

It’s not that the Gomez family is poor, they’re financially stable but Gordo encouraged his daughter to work and study at the same time at a very young age because he wanted her to get out into the real world to not be a spoiled brat like other kids.

Angel didn’t refuse because she is the absolute spitting image of her father! So, it was a win-win for both of them. Mr Gomez is a man of discipline. Which is the reason why he is so successful now!

Mr Garcia, (Manuel) is twenty-two. He is a full time pilot for Aeromexico Airlines. He possesses a passion for flying aircrafts since the age of seven. Luckily, his flights are domestic so, Angel has the ability to see Manuel often because he returns home after every flight.

Manuel’s mother, Cecilia is also in the aviation industry as an air stewardess and they work together for the same airline. The couple is standing at the centre of the Mexico City International Airport for their tormenting farewell.

“Congratulations on your university confirmation!” Manuel exclaims.

“Thank you” Angel replied with a sad face.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you excited?”

“I am it’s just that I’ll be unable to see you for two years. I’m going to miss you so much.”

“I know me too but I’ll call you and write letters to you”

“I’m going to wait for your letter”

“I love you call me when you land and have a safe flight”

“Okay I love you.”

Manuel hugged her. Inhaling the smell of her into his nostrils one last time.

Their farewell was like torture. As if a demonic possession was pulling their crushed hearts and souls out of their bodies. The lovers since toddlers were parting seperate ways. Angel waves goodbye with tears and makes her way to the airside departing the landside.  

Western Airlines landed in Boston after five hours and thirty minutes. Angel hurried to call Manuel with her Nokia brick phone to inform him that she has arrived safely. And he said how much he misses her already.

Since Angel has a scholarship, her full tuition fees such as, textbooks, housing and food will all be covered by the university. She will be accommodating in a dormitory for residential housing because she doesn’t have a rental house or an apartment to stay in America. 

For the freshman year, she is going to stay in a dorm, and for the sophomore year, she will be in an upperclassman house. At the moment, her room is cosy and comfortable.

She even met a friendly roommate named Felicia. She offered her a walking tour of the campus, attended to her needs, and supported her. She definitely looked like a phenomenal friend!  

“So do you like the University?” Felicia asked after showing her around the campus.

“Yeah it’s extraordinary thank you!” Angel appreciated her kind gesture and smiled.

“I’m from Brazil. My boyfriend is studying business with me too.”

As soon as she said this, Angel got emotional...

“What’s wrong? Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?”

“No it’s okay I just remembered my boyfriend too. I came here to study from Mexico so I had to leave him there.”

“Oh I’m sorry to hear that. Do you maybe have a photo of him that you can look at when you miss him?”

“Yeah I have a few photos in my diary”

“Hey, you are in good company and I won’t leave you alone okay?”

“Thank you your such an amazing friend”

“My pleasure that’s what friends are for.”

Angel unpacked her brown leather suitcase and began to study hard. Getting into Harvard is extremely difficult. And you must be a genius to pass the modules. Undoubtedly, she is just that! Genetics also plays a role as to why she’s so intelligent- she takes it after her father.

The couple missed each other so much already from day one, and didn’t know how they were going to pull through without one another. For two whole years…

All they can do is dwell in their unforgettable love and hold onto their memories by looking at their taken photos. And reminiscing eating tacos and nachos together at their favourite Taqueria street food stand called El Torito.

As well as dancing like maniacs and drinking Tequila at a disco called San Luis. They have always shared deep attachment, in terms of, emotional and physical intimacy and, that’s what hurt the most.

Angel couldn’t find any time to write a letter to Manuel from all the assigned projects she was required to fulfil. So, she tried calling him with her Nokia brick phone at least every five days because of the expensive surcharges.

Angel has a scholarship but she still had to tighten up her budget so that she can afford other expenses too. Such as, bags, shoes, clothing, hair, and makeup items.

Manuel called her every three days. Depending on his scheduled flight roster. As soon as they heard each other’s voices, they were content and relieved. It took fourteen days for Angel to receive Manuel’s letter from Mexico to Boston.

Leaving his scent, he wrote that he is busy flying his scheduled roster as usual. One day to Acapulco, another day to Puerto Vallarta, and so on. He also said he would have loved to visit her but unfortunately his flights are not international.

And there is no route from Mexico to Boston with Aeromexico Airlines at this current moment.

Angel was happy to hear from him. She gushed showing her dimples, and sensations of butterflies fluttering in her stomach, every time she read his letter. She kept a collection box of all his upcoming letters too.

Angel treasured and kept a record of every detail about his love. Their first sight, first kiss, first date, and other personal anniversaries. She loved him so much and he loved her. 

Later on, when she got familiar with her busy timetable, she found the time to write Manuel a letter at least on weekends. Leaving her scent, she wrote about how difficult it is to write complex business documents and accounting spreadsheets.

Time passed slowly for them. They spent their time phone calling, letter writing, studying, and working. Keeping in contact as much as possible. They missed each other so much.

They craved each others presence, that desirable passion, and they imagined endless fantasies. To put it simply, the longing only got worse! A long-distance relationship was harder than they had expected.

Manuel never stopped loving Angel, nor did he lay eyes on any other girl. The longing was unbearable at times. But once they heard each others voices on the phone, and received their letters each time, it was all worth it and the best feeling on earth!

Earning a Master’s degree was important for Angel’s career. This decision wasn’t just to make her father proud. So, she had to attain successfully.

And Manuel always respected her decisions and was willing to wait for her even if it’s for two years because his love for her is so true. 

Angel wrote Manuel one last letter about her last exam to finals. She is planning on surprising him as soon as she graduates! She will also bade farewell to Felicia. They became best friends and they promised that they will keep in touch for the foreseeable future.

1982

Two years later, in a snowy January, Angel’s breaths are visible in the chilly air. She passed her final exam top of the class and… graduated her Master’s degree with plenty of credit! Her ceremony was spectacular.

After the ceremony came to an end, the friends said their last vows.

“I wish you prosperity and success in your business career!” Felicia said giving Angel a big hug.

“Same to you and thank you for all your support”

“Promise me to always call and write letters”  

“Of course I promise!”

The friends giggled with girly laughter and tossed their graduation caps in the air! The pearl-white snow drizzled faster, landing on their hair.  

Angel will now go back to her hometown with her two-way ticket. To finally see Manuel. Without him knowing. She waited for two whole years to see him again! 

Felicia’s plane already took off to Brazil but Angel’s flight is later so she is alone in her room. While she is packing her brown leather suitcase, the telly is showing the news about a plane fire near the Caribbean Sea, located at the Gulf of Mexico.

It looked like Mr Garcia’s plane!

Suddenly the old tv box turned off so she couldn’t see the rest of the story. Angel then tried to read the Boston Herald American newspaper to search for information but in that panic, she spilt her glass of water on it.

Her hands and legs are shaking now. She is shocked and devastated!  

Angel just got her Master’s degree with the highest score of her class. It meant nothing to her if she lost the love of her life now. Angel began to overthink in sickening regret.

She thought about why she abandoned him in the first place when she loved him so much from birth? She asked herself, was studying abroad really that important, more than his worthful life?

When she was born, she opened her eyes and only saw him. And she wanted him to be the last person she saw when she closed her eyes. Until death do them part. Angel never knew any other love. She only loved one man in her entire life. And that was Manuel.

Their love is like no other love. A love so powerful, so deep. A childhood love is so intense that it’s never forgotton because the marks and footprints always stays with you. It’s the kind of love that is long-lasting and forever.

Amid Boston Logan International Airport, the ticket officer yelled "two-way tickets" so Angel boarded Western Airlines. The plane took off with turbulence due to rainy and windy weather conditions. 

Angel's flight duration is six hours and thirty minutes. A short distance but sluggishly draining for her.

Silently crying. Hoping and praying that Manuel is okay. She was so desperate to finally land that she counted all the altitudes. 31,000 to 37,000 feet; using her scientific calculator her business lecturer gave her as a gift from university.

When Angel landed in Mexico City, an announcement was made. “Attention all air traffic control, please take extra precautions for McDonnell Douglas MD-82 Airlines thank you.” The ticket agent said at the counter. Now she is certain that the pilot, Mr Garcia is in danger!  

After hearing that haunting announcement, it kept on echoing in Angel’s head! To escape it, she ran straight past baggage checks, security scanning, passport control, and just collected her suitcase.

Angel would do anything to rescue her first and true love. Using her  superwomen willpower! Her eyes darted around outside the window and she saw that there was a crowd standing on the apron, (tarmac) with an Aeromexico plane on fire.

So, she swiftly ran outside. Her mind and body felt paralysed when she saw the smokey charcoal ashes coming from the fuselage of the plane.

The firefighters are spraying fog stream to extinguish the flames. All the passengers already deplaned from the evacuation slide, women sitting down rolling onto their blankets, sobbing in shock, and children squealing. 

Angel spied with her eyes to find Mr Garcia but he was nowhere to be seen. She spoke to a hostess, who was Mrs Garcia. 

Cecilia hugged Angel when she saw her. After all, she regards her like her own daughter and, she knows her since her childhood. Angel asked information about him. Cecilia tried to assure her that he is safe and alive but she was still worried and couldn’t stand still.

“Madam, for the third time, I assure you that our pilot is safe and alive. You have nothing to worry about.” Mrs Garcia protested, showing no annoyance whatsoever.

As an air stewardess, she is trained to look calm and professional in every catastrophic circumstance. She takes her job seriously, that’s why, she has a formal morality as opposed to being at home.

When they watch tv altogether as a close family, on days off, she has a warm, and friendly personality. 

“Then where is he? This is absurd you’re lying to me!” Angel snapped.

“Madam, it is my legal obligation to do my job truthfully, I am not allowed to lie in any situation for my passengers safety. Do you understand?” Mrs Garcia stated the facts that are written in the airline policy.

Angel is still dissatisfied. Four minutes later, Manuel came holding two gallons of water to assist in extinguishing the fire. Cecilia looked relieved now.

When Angel catched Manuel’s gaze, she dropped her suitcase from her hand and almost collapsed to the ground from the strength of her love!

“My love oh my God I was so scared thank God you’re okay!” Angel shouted and threw herself in his arms.  

Manuel is shocked when he saw her now. Cecilia studied her son and (soon to be) daughter-in-law with affection.

“Angel! Oh my God it’s you! Hey it’s okay now just a minor accident.”

“What happened?” She asked. 

“When I was passing through the Caribbean Sea, at 29,000 to 37,000 feet, an Iraqi terrorist named Jamal lit up a cigarette. When the smoke detector bell rang, he got aggressive and set a fire with a flammable liquid.”

“So, I had to make an emergency landing in the closest airport, escort and get him arrested.” Mr Garcia explained the incident that occured in the flight scene.

“I was so scared I thought I was never going to see you again!”

“I’m so happy to finally see you again! It’s been two years! I missed you so much! I thought you were having your last exam from what you wrote to me in your last letter.”

“Yeah, I came to surprise you. I graduated!”

“What? Wow congratulations!”

“Thank you”

“So, that means no more separation?”

“Yes, my love, no more longing, I missed you so much!”

They hugged again. This time, with tears of relief and happiness!