The One Who Holds Me (Sovereign Love #4)

28. Alex

28

ALEX

THEN

M y grip tightens around my backpack strap as Dad and I wait for the escalator, taking us up to the security gate. Unfortunately, Mom couldn’t swap her shift at the hospital, so Dad was the only one who could accompany me to the airport. My flight is at nine AM, so we left home two hours ago to allow enough time to check in my bags.

The check-in process was smooth because the line wasn’t long and I’m only taking one large suitcase with me. My main priority is to meet my birth parents, but I also plan on visiting some important tourist spots. I planned to only take my backpack and a small suitcase, but Dad encouraged me to take a large suitcase as well, so I’ll have space for any souvenirs I find.

Dad connected me with a tour guide from his friend’s agency. His name is Stephen, and Dad vetted him before he agreed to link him up with me. Stephen messaged me and he seems like a cool dude. The plan is for him to meet me at the airport and we will make it to the apartment from there.

When we get out of the elevator and climb up the stairs, I cover my mouth to suppress a yawn. My anxious brain kept waking me up every hour last night because I thought I would miss my flight. In the end, Dad was the one who woke me up at six AM after I missed my alarm. Dad bought me a cup of coffee with breakfast on our way here, but I still need a good sleep.

“Don’t worry, you’ll sleep when you land.” Dad pats my back and smiles, as if reading my thoughts.

I toss the empty coffee cup in the trash can and fall in step with him. “What about on the plane? They’ll let me sleep, right?”

Dad’s baritone laugh erupts from his lips. “Of course they will. But with the uncomfortable seats and the interruptions for food and drinks, I can never get quality sleep on a plane.”

“Well, it’s a good thing I have a window seat. At least I don’t have to worry about anyone disturbing me during their toilet breaks.”

We share a laugh as we walk past a family dragging their suitcases in the opposite direction. Their two younger girls are whining about how they need to sleep while the teenage-looking son keeps rolling his eyes and asking the parents to make his sisters stop talking.

An announcement goes out about keeping all belongings with you and also reporting any suspicious baggage. We walk past a line of restaurants, coffee shops, and bookstores as different aromas of coffees and food tease my nostrils.

I would’ve bought something to binge on while waiting for the plane, but Dad warned about how expensive airport food is and also that they wouldn’t let me go past the security gate with any food or drinks.

“Well, here’s my last stop. You’re on your own from here, son.” He nods toward the security gate at the end of the corridor.

I swallow to wet my dry mouth and for the first time, I regret my decision to do this alone. Lowering my head, I ask a question that has been on my mind since I told them about my impulse decision to go to Ghana. “Dad, are you mad at me?”

His brows crease together in a frown. “Mad? Why would I be?”

I shrug. “For taking this trip alone. Mom still thinks it’s a bad idea.”

Dad clears his throat. “Yaw, not everyone will be on board with some decisions you make in life. Your mom and I had a long talk about the recent events and we agreed it would’ve been best to tell you sooner. She’s not mad at you.”

“Are you sure?”

Dad nods. “Positive. You’re an adult now and I guess some journeys are better made on your own. I hope you find what you’re looking for, son. Just always remember that your mom and I love you very much.”

“I love you too.”

Dad must have noticed the tears in my eyes because he wraps his arms around me and pulls me close, giving me enough time to blink the tears away. “You’re going to be fine, son. Again, I’m sorry that things turned out this way.”

I shake my head when we break the hug. “It’s not your fault, Dad. Thank you for understanding. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

Dad nods and wipes his eyes before touching my shoulder. “Please call us as soon as you land, okay? You know your mom won’t let me rest with her questions if you don’t.”

I chuckle. “Of course. I’ll update you about my location at all times.”

“That’s my boy.”

I drag my suitcase to the security gate and when I join the line, I turn around to find Dad still standing there, one hand in his pocket and the other hand waving at me.

My heart rate quickens as I approach the front of the line. What if they find something in my bag or they decide to detain me in Ghana for whatever reason? Mom and Dad won’t be there to protect me.

I clear my dry throat so many times and from the side-eyes the people behind me are giving, I’m sure they’re wondering whether I’m bringing a viral illness with me on the plane. The check-in process is seamless and soon I’m through the security gate and sitting in front of my boarding gate with all the other passengers going to Accra.

I take out my phone and send a text message to Olanna to let her know that I’m on my way to Portland—as I had previously mentioned. I could’ve easily told her we were going to Ghana, but she would’ve wanted to know why we were going earlier instead of next summer.

How I became so comfortable lying to the girl I love scares me to the core. This is not me, and Kwame was right. But let me see this through to the end and then I can amend my ways and fix things with Olanna.

When I’m all settled in the plane, I try not to think about all the advice Dad gave about not going anywhere alone, being careful about eating street food and also not staying out too late. When the plane takes off, I channel all my nerves into the excitement of what is waiting for me in Accra.

What if my birth mom has other children of her own? Will she know where my dad is? What if she ended up getting married to my real dad? That means there’s a whole side of my family I’ve never met. After living my whole life believing I’m the only child and envying other people with large families, this prospect excites me.

When the turbulence dies down, the flight attendants hand out breakfast, but because I’m still so full from the sandwich and coffee Dad bought me, I decline and listen to some worship music instead.

I turn my head to the window, watching the clouds float below as endless thoughts swim around in my brain. Soon, even my excitement and imaginative thoughts can’t keep me awake any longer as sleep finally sneaks in and takes me away to dreamland.