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Having to watch TK and Owen leave him behind at the gate was one of the worst things Carlos had experienced in the past year, and that was after the breakup and TK’s accident.
He’d been bumped from their flight to New York. There wasn’t any reason he could fight it. The person taking his seat was active military with orders, and he’d been the last person confirmed for the flight. It sucked, in ways he couldn’t describe, but he dealt with it. He gave TK the tightest hug he could possibly give, promised he’d be on the next flight he could catch, and wished them well. He didn’t have to like it.
As soon as the plane officially took off, he let himself collapse in the nearest chair, waiting for the airline attendant to call him back up with his new boarding information. There was the normal crowd of people around the desk demanding attention, so he was trying to be patient. It wasn’t working, but he was trying. That had to count for something.
Thirty minutes later, he was settled in his new gate, a direct flight to New York only an hour away. He’d sent a text to TK’s phone just giving him his new flight details. Just in case.
Carlos finally felt like he could breathe. They’d only gotten the news just over fourteen hours ago, and TK had been absolutely destroyed. He’d had to call Owen himself, practically begging him to come over and comfort his son, not knowing that Enzo had called Owen first to warn him, and Owen was already almost at their front door. The others did what they could to help, but it was clear that he didn’t even register their presence, so once Owen had arrived, they left to give them space. Not, of course, without giving their condolences to their Captain first, who had accepted them graciously for both him and his son.
As soon as the door closed behind Mateo, Carlos was on the phone with three different airlines, trying to get their flights set up for their emergency flight the next morning. It was a bit of phone tag, but finally they had their seats secured. Then he had to get off of his work schedule for a few days, which was an argument and a half.
He’d figured out how to make it work, just for everything they’d planned to crumble by a young shoulder needing to follow his orders. The young man was so apologetic when Carlos was told the bad news, though Carlos let him down gently. He understood duty, more than most.
And now, he just had to keep his head on straight for the next
His phone buzzed in his pocket.
A quick glance showed that it was just a text from his mom, just acknowledging his flight details changing. He didn’t bother reading the message, just quickly calling her back.
“Hey Mom,” he said, getting more comfortable in his seat.
“Carlitos, you let them separate you from TK right now?” She sounded harsh, but he could hear the worry in her voice.
“I didn’t have much of a choice, and TK has Captain Strand with him. I’ll be just an hour-”
“Oh my god!”
Carlos stood and quickly ran towards the sound of the scream. A woman was in the middle of a crowd, pointing at a screen.
“Flight 391 experienced a mid-air explosion in one of its engines…”
“Mom,” he choked out, “I gotta go.”
Around him, the stunned silence exploded in noise, people rushing to counters to cancel their tickets, others trying to call for rides. He just froze among the people, eyes unfocused, shock setting in.
Flight 391, the flight he was supposed to be on. The flight that carried the love of his life and his possible father-in-law.
One hand shakingly raised and grasped the crucifix around his neck. Please, God, if You can hear me, help them. Bring them home to me. I can’t… I can’t lose him again.
He could only hope his prayers were answered.