Is The Wait Over?

Time was passing away like a shadow. The vigorous engine of several aircrafts roared throughout Los Angeles International Airport. The clock just struck noon and a horde of passengers just boarded United Airlines Flight 727 to Houston, Texas. Standing by a burrito stand, Alex James repeatedly glared at his leather strapped watch. He had been patiently waiting for over two hours for his flight to arrive. There was no sign of American Airlines Flight 223 to Newark, New Jersey. Alex had to return to New Jersey urgently because it was his brother's big day. He was getting married! Alex was already behind schedule and could not afford to miss out on his only sibling’s marriage. Alex was staggered at the moment, as this kind of incident has yet to cross his ways. Puzzled, Alex made his way towards the flight reception desk in expectation of being assisted with his conundrum. 

“Excuse me! My name is Alex James. I was scheduled to board American Airlines Flight 223 at 10 a.m. I have been waiting over two hours now and there is no update by the airline. Can you please give me the current status of the flight?” Alex anxiously exclaimed towards the receptionist. 

The receptionist scanned Alex from head to toe and began to look at him in a very displeased manner. The receptionist was tired of being asked the same question about the same flight for the past two hours. 

“Sir, American Airlines 223 has been delayed due to extreme weather conditions taking place at the current setting of the aircraft. It will end up being a minimum two-hour wait for our next available flight to Newark, New Jersey. You will be permitted to wait in our lounge until further instruction has been specified. Just take a right from here and continue to move straight, you will find the sign, ‘AIRPORT WAITING LOUNGE’.” The receptionist replied. 

As Alex turned from the receptionist’s desk, in front of him was what appeared to be a never-ending tunnel leading to the middle of nowhere. The glaring airport lights begin to extremely beam on Alex like a spotlight. He started to feel anxiety rush down his spine. All that was going through his mind were visions of his brother rehearsing his vows. Nonetheless, Alex ventured towards the airport waiting lounge as that was the only task he had left to do. The millisecond Alex opened the crusty wooden door, he witnessed a multitude of people present. 

Alex stared at his watch abruptly. Another one hour and forty-five-minute wait for the flight to arrive. It was not rocket science for Alex to realize how his stay in the waiting lounge was going to be. Babies crying left and right, the occasional middle-aged men snoring, and the constant dings and rings of smartphones were just some of his problems adding onto his anxiety. There was a row of chairs in the order of A-G. Most, if not all, the seats were occupied by other passengers. From the corner of his eye, Alex notices a lanky young man stride into the room. The olive green top, camouflage pants, and tall black boots all lead to one profession. This man was a United States Army soldier. The soldier looked around the waiting room and then took the seat just beside Alex. He placed his stuffed bag beside him and shifted his attention to the sweat invaded individual aside from him. 

Five minutes pass as slow as the tortoise beats the hare. Alex finally snapped out of his miserable, theoretical mindset. He would have stayed in his little world longer if it weren't for the soldier beside him who rested his hand on Alex’s shoulder. 

“It seems to me like this flight cancellation has played a significant toll on your life. I know it has on mine, extremely. You know, fun fact, if someone tends to talk their problems out to another person, all that stress, anxiety, and tension tend to get shockingly better. Do you feel comfortable talking to me about it?” The soldier cautiously mentioned to Alex. 

“I-. I’m sorry, I am drawing a blank here. I appreciate the concern and distress, but I don’t even know your name, sir. Can we please introduce ourselves and get to know each other before we explore the problems we are facing. We have a copious amount of time to spare.” Alex warily declared. 

"My apologies my friend. I should have known by your manner this is a serious situation. I am twenty-four years old and as you may be able to tell, I am issued as part of the United States Army, 5th division. I was deployed to serve in Istanbul and now, I am going back to my family in New Jersey after three long years. With the flight being delayed, it is preventing me from rejoining with my family.” 

“You have taken my breath away by your inspirational actions. For starters, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your service. Who knows what this world would be like without valorous individuals like yourself. To add, my name is Alex James. I was supposed to board flight 223 much like you. My brother’s wedding is scheduled for first thing tomorrow morning and due to the delayed flight, I fear that I won’t be able to reach him.” Alex began to panic uncontrollably once again. 

“Look, I understand how hard it is to miss important moments in the lives of your loved ones. I have missed my sister's graduation, my mother’s birthday, as well as my own father's burial. I have to live without these memories due to my love for this country. Let me ask you this question Alex, do you love your brother unlike any other person on this planet?” The unnamed soldier replied with great passion. 

“Endlessly. He is my rock. My brother had got me through an extensive amount of absurd situations. Situations that I can’t pay him back for. Situations which I can’t thank him enough for. Situations which I can’t love him enough for.” 

“Those we love never leave our side. Through thick and thin. Through the darkest times. Through the happiest of times. They are always stuck to us like glue. In your case, your brother is your best friend. Just because you are not present at his wedding, does not mean he will cut you off from his life for the rest of time! He will understand and be the person you can rely on upon through the darkest of times.” The soldier and Alex stared at each other for three seconds until they heard a deafening sound. 

“SCREECH.”

“Attention all passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 223 to Newark, New Jersey, the flight has arrived for your escort. Gate 7B has now opened for your boarding. Please exit the waiting lounge civilly and graciously. We thank you for your cooperation.” 

The gracious voice of the receptionist filled the entire lounge with glee. Every passenger was ready to see their family! All passengers began to rise from their seats and head towards the gate. Alex was full of exhilaration due to there being a very high possibility that he will make his brother’s wedding day! Before making any moves, Alex turned to his side to express his gratitude towards the soldier. 

Through Alex’s hazel eyes, all he saw was an empty navy blue seat. The soldier had taken off! Alex was in complete awe. He abruptly scanned the lounge to find that lanky man. Little did he know, he spotted a slender individual in an olive green top! 

“Hey!” Alex roared beyond the gratitude of passengers. “Soldier, thank you for everything! I never caught you na-.” Before Alex had the chance of finishing that sentence, the man had vanished. 

That brief time Alex took in the waiting lounge of Los Angeles International Airport, was one of the most influential moments of his life. Alex James will never forget the man who showed light to Alex’s dark tunnel. Alex James will never forget his guardian angel, the soldier.