Dad: The change in flight was $200. I'll add that to your ever-expanding tab.
"How much was the voucher for someone willing to go later?" I moved to the edge of my seat as the desire to do something good left me overwhelmed.
"Two hundred dollars, but it’s okay. I'm sure it will all get worked out."
"Watch my stuff." I got up and walked up to the podium, sliding my ticket across to the flight attendant. "I'd like to give up my seat to that guy over there and I'll take the later flight."
"Are you sure, Miss Burke? You were scheduled on the earlier flight and are already going to be arriving late."
"I'm sure."
"It's first class and the next flight only has coach."
"That's okay. I don't mind at all. Just apply the voucher to the fee you charged my father for me missing the first flight. Less for me to hear about later," I laughed, feeling good about my decision.
"The fee has been waived, and we'll just give you the voucher for your kindness."
"Oh no, I don't want it. Apply it to the guy over there. Give him a break. I'm blessed as it is."
Her smile was filled with warmth as she nodded. "Will do. Merry Christmas."
"You, too." I walked back over and reached out, patting the stranger on the hand. "It's all fixed. You're in my seat and the drinks are free. If you look as young as you are, no asking for one."
He sat up as tears filled his eyes. "Are you shitting me?"
"No. Merry Christmas." I smiled and turned back to my drawing, letting out a yelp as he pulled me into an awkward side hug.
He had thanked me ten times by the time the flight was called. I didn't think it was appropriate to tell him that his story echoed mine, but it was a good reminder that the world didn't revolve around me. It was a lesson I wished my Dad would learn.
* * * *
&nbs
p; "Tell me why the hell we're picking you up twelve hours later than we should have been," My father barked at me as he loaded up the back of the SUV with me beside him. Parker was already in the backseat, obviously not wanting to hear the fight that was sure to happen.
"Some guy's mom was dying. I gave him my seat." I turned and walked to the passenger side door and got in.
"Everyone dies, Chloe." My dad got in and gave me a stern look as he buckled up, letting out a huff.
"Yep, but it's nice to get to hold their hand as they go. The airport waived the fee, so that's one less thing for you to pop a vein over." I dug in my purse, hoping to avoid the daggers he was throwing my way.
"Time is money. We've been waiting around all day."
"Sorry." I shrugged, looking like the apathetic teenager he expected me to be.
"Right. Thanks." His tone let me know that the conversation was over, and I was relieved to have it as such.
The ride home was tense, but the minute we arrived at my father's large log cabin, excitement sprouted in my belly and I couldn't wait to check out the rooms and snuggle up with my brother.
"I'll help Sis get the bags out of the car. You're going to be late if you don't get going." Parker leaned up between our seats and patted our father on his arm.
"Right. You guys order take-out and have it delivered. I'll be back late tonight." He put the car in park and glanced over at me. "We're glad you're here."
"I’m glad I am, too, Dad. Thanks for the ride."
I got out of the car and moved to the back, helping Parker with my stuff as Dad stayed in the comfortable warmth of the car. It was freezing outside and the winter wind blew violently, forcing my teeth to start chattering.
"Why do you have to always egg him on?" Parker grabbed two of the bags and hauled them to the large ornate house.