Why Can't I Be Yours?

YOU OPENED THIS BOOK, A BIG THANK YOU.

***

"Maureen!" Claudia, my short blonde colleague said and I rushed to her.

"What's the matter?" I asked in confusion as her face bore sadness and it lingered on it.

"Maureen! Please help me!" She called out and I became worried.

"What?" I exclaimed.

"It's my friend," she said and paused thereby keeping me in suspense before she spoke again.

"It's Hannah, my childhood friend. Her mother called and informed me that Hannah hasn't called since she left for Tokyo. Marise confirmed that she didn't get any phone calls from Hannah when she arrived at the airport which became a norm since Hannah had been traveling. She wasn't even honoured with a message. She also said that her flight took off by 9:30 a.m."

"Calm down!" I admonished.

"How can I? I'm worried about her. I'm more scared because it's been a long time since she left. She didn't even send a message or a pic. What if it's serious?"

"You don't need to be bothered. She could have forgotten, don't let this weigh you down, c'mon. It could be that her phone was stolen before she arrived at the airport or has been misplaced. Worse, her sim card could have been destroyed by the thieves. You don't need to take this to heart. Please don't." I begged and wiped the tears off her face but she didn't yield my words and she kept crying.

"What if she was abducted? Marise said she was having a weird feeling and believe me a mother's instincts shouldn't be disregarded.

"It hasn't gotten to that. Relax a little." I continued.

"Look at me, Claudia. You need to calm down; everything will be alright."

Done with drying her tears, I turned her to face me.

"The only thing you can do is have faith that all will be well. You shouldn't welcome negative thoughts because they won't help– not even a little bit. Please think positively and I promise you will be surprised." I said as I glared at her.

"You're right. I shouldn't be like this over a phone call besides she travels often to Japan for business and like you said her phone could be stolen. I hope that's the case." She said, sniffing and wiping her face.

"That's more like it," I said as I watched her wake up.

"Thanks."

"Oh c'mon, don't thank me. I'm glad that you feel better. I'd head back to the kitchen okay." I said.

"Okay," she said and I left.

***

A FEW HOURS EARLIER

It was 11:30 a.m. when Airstay A245 MAX - one of Westland Airlines' passenger aeroplanes basked in the warmth of the clouds. Then suddenly, it developed a fault.

The plane was to travel to Tokyo Narita (NRT), Japan 5,487 miles from Los Angeles (LAX), The United States but just around The North Pacific Ocean - a few kilometres from its destination, the pilots lost control over it. The plane started losing balance and the air controllers lost contact with the pilots.

"Fasten your seat belt and use your masks immediately." The air hostesses instructed as they walked along the aisle.

"What's the essence when we will all die? There's no use of it if we won't survive." one of the middle-aged passengers said in a sad tone.

"Please be calm and follow our instructions." a blonde hair hostess replied as she understood the old lady's feelings.

"What do you mean by I should be calm." the lady yelled and the hostess became angry.

"Can you be calm? You're not the only one on this plane and I'm young, I don't want to die. All we can do is cooperate and hope a miracle happens." the hostess replied.

"Fasten the band to your masks and ensure it's tight." Other hostesses advised.

Some hostesses could be seen assisting the passengers to wear protective masks. Tension sprawled in the plane and the passengers started panicking.

The tension intensified as well as the panic and screams filled the plane through the voices of weeping children and yelling adults. Innocent babies cried as though they understood the gravity of the situation at hand, that they were all going to die.

Mothers clutched at their children imagining the pain, torment and screams of them being burnt to ashes. Soon, the adult's cry of anguish overpowered that of the children.

Speedily, the plane went down through the nose and the passengers screamed as it happened. The force at which it moved was strong and the turbulence increased as the weather made the flight a more difficult one.

One of the right engines caught fire, and then so did the other, thereby making it go lower. Soon, the remaining engines of the plane, the power plant as well as the wings caught on fire and it made the plane fly into the wind.

Realizing the danger of what was happening, some people said their last prayers while others closed their eyes to embrace death. As the plane moved freely in the air, other parts (empennage and fuselage) caught fire and it dived into the ocean with the water splashing as it did.

Quickly, the plane exploded and all the lives were lost.

All this took place in the early hours Of Christmas Eve.

*****

Dallas Fort–Worth, Texas, USA.

24th December 2021.

Charles Jackson - the Chief Executive Officer of WestLand Airlines stood in the cemetery bearing the saddest look on his face at 11:57.

It became a norm after the tragedy struck his heart. The atmospheric condition of his surroundings depicts and symbolizes his unhappiness.

He stood like the loneliest man, crushed and betrayed by all as agony surfaced throughout his whole life. A feeling that resurfaces every time he visits the cemetery. He held a bouquet of red roses looking at the tomb which bore an epitaph:

"Teresa Jackson

16th April 1940

24th December 2005

She lives on."

Looking straight at it, he felt emotional and he shed a tear in his left eye. Surprisingly, he wasn't over the death of his paternal grandmother even after sixteen years had passed.

Many believed that he must have been over the tragedy since he suffered from it as a 12 years old boy. Well, they are unaware that he lives in his past. He wished she was here with him and that he could bring her back but unfortunately, she lies six feet underneath the earth.

Still looking, he wipes his face and bends to drop the flower on the tomb. Afterwards, he kneels, bends some more and kisses the tomb with his eyes closed.

Bending, his height does not betray him and his body gives it away that he's 6.3 feet tall.

His shoulder is in action as he whimpers, weeping softly.

Standing up, his tears are visible on his face and the tomb. His concentration is broken by the beep of his phone which is laid in his suit's inner pocket. Quickly, he picked it up and spoke into the phone.

"Sir, flight A245 MAX is missing. It dropped from the radar, sir."

The person at the other end spoke. With this, it's obvious that the plane has failed the flight plan. Charles has just been informed about the disappearance of the plane which took off at 9:30 a.m. A missing plane entails that it has crashed and hundreds of lives will be lost.

"What!!" He said, cut the call and rushed out. He walked to his car, the chauffeur opened the door and he sat anxiously.

"Set up a conference meeting immediately." He engaged in another call and quickly hung up. Afterwards, he started breathing heavily as he stared blankly with his chin propped on his palm.

"Drive fast!" He ordered as the car started.

In the car, he was worried and it dangled on his face as he stared out the window. Charles arrived at West Land Airlines- a company owned by the Jackson family.

His grandfather Thomas Jackson founded WL and passed it on to James Jackson, Charles's father. As a result, he had the majority of shares in the company.

WL was first known as TJ, an acronym for Thomas Jackson. For some years, Charles has taken charge of the company and it has improved massively.

People respect him because he has achieved a lot at the age of 28 while others took almost twenty years to build a legacy. As the head of affairs, he approves contracts for the construction of aeroplanes and multi-billion dollar deals that have yielded the business.

He has a degree and an MBA in Business Administration. No wonder why the stocks skyrocketed yearly.

Westland Airlines profited daily, every minute counts for thousands of US dollars. It gained accolades as the best airline in the whole of America.

Their airplanes were properly maintained and many prefer to board on WL. Charles had a good reason to be proud. With all the achievements, why wouldn't he?

He was worshipped for the heights which WL reached globally. WL had global recognition besides, anything for the Americas is for the world.

So, Charles was the dream of every girl in the United States because of who he was- the hot, sexy, handsome, famous, wealthy guy. And apart from that, he was an intelligent man with power adding to the reason why girls will keep drooling for him.

Arriving at WestLand Airlines, he stormed out of the car without being serviced, heading for his office which was on the last floor. As he ran, some employees looked his way in surprise but he didn't feel bothered. He rushed into the lift and pressed the button to be taken to the 20th floor.

Arriving, Ethan Bauer- his dutiful personal assistant who works at a desk outside Charles's office stood up. Standing, it's evident that he's a slim and tall young man, although shorter than Charles.

"What exactly happened and how can a plane go missing? It has never happened before." He yelled.

Anger was laced on his face and he couldn't control his feelings because he was fully aware of the implications of this kind of incident as well as the dangers that might affect the company when the public comes into knowledge of it.

"Sir," Ethan said as the words weren't forming.

He bent his head sadly, unable to face Charles's anger although the incident had nothing to do with him since it is unrelated to his job.

Hastily, Charles rushed to his office and placed a call to the General Manager concerning the conference meeting he instructed her to organize and soon, she arrived.

As Charles got into the office, Helena Hughes came in, mounting elegantly. She approached Ethan who was sitting outside Charles's office on his swivel chair.

Quickly, he placed a call to Charles as Helena waited for a response. The phone beeped in Charles's office and it broke the silence.

"Sir, the general manager would like to see you. May I permit?" He asked over the phone.

"Let her in." He said swiftly and beads of sweat were visible on his temple due to anxiety.

Ethan stood to his feet and opened the door for Helena.

"Thanks." She said as she beamed a smile at Ethan.

Helena Hughes - a woman not more than 27 walked in as gracious as an elite high-class personage. She is slim and of average height.

She has dark hair which was parted in halves into a classy bob. She had a straight brown skirt on her matching her beautiful brown eyes. She wore a plain white shirt and black stiletto heels to complete the look.

Also, she wore stud earrings and a simple necklace. Her earring was visible because she tugged her hair behind her right ear. She had a casual makeover and she looked simple but expensive.

"Sir, the meeting has been organised." She informed Charles who sat behind his desk.

It was obvious that he was impatient to receive her feedback as he swivelled his chair anxiously.

Quickly, he stood up and they made their way out. As they passed Ethan's desk, worry lay on his face as he was just as helpless as Charles. Being so close to his boss, he felt so bad.

*****

Arriving at the conference room, they all had long faces and they looked so pitiful.

"What has been done concerning finding the aircraft?" Charles asked, bearing the longest face.

"We're in touch with the area controller and we're waiting for their feedback." Mr Shane, the Chief Information Officer replied.

"Is that all you can tell me? What's going on with the maintenance team? From the reports I have here, the weather was calm so, how did an aircraft go missing? How? Are you all aware of the number of lives at stake and the implication of this?" Charles yelled as he banged a file on the desk.

He was fed with all that had been happening and he was putting his frustration on his workers. Not that he's being mean, it's just that an aircraft that flew in perfect condition with no complaint from the flight crew is suddenly missing and stands a chance of not being found soon.

You won't blame him for being harsh and angry even though it might have also appeared as a surprise to them. Everything was getting to him because the company's reputation will be tarnished publicly.

After he left the conference room, he headed for his office and placed a call to the air traffic controllers. Swiftly, he grabbed the landline and placed the receiver on his left ear in panic. Indistinct sounds erupted from the phone and Charles put his frustration on the caller at the other end who tried to explain things to him.

"Do something!!" He yelled and dropped the phone.

He became unstable and started pacing in his office space. He was dissatisfied with everything: the conference meeting, the non-productive phone call and worse, the disappearance of the aircraft which is the root of the problem. As he paced, he placed his hands behind his neck with them clocked and he breathed out. He was feeling weak as the situation was getting out of hand.

He was fully aware of the implications of the plane's disappearance as well as the fact that it must have crashed- a phenomenon that's known by all. Still, in confusion, he reached for his whiskey, poured it into the glass and took it in a gulp. He did this repeatedly and after he took three gulps, he left the area and sat on the couch with a glass of whiskey in hand.

He was losing it and fear washed in. Due to this, he became sombre and a tear fell from his eyes. His heart was racing and its speed was uncontrollable.

It seemed unbelievable because Charles is a strong individual who is used to fighting battles of the heart. Nothing has proved possible to sway him after his experiences as a child.

After conquering his past and his afflictions with his family, he decided to mould his life according to his prospects and live by them. At this point, he felt weak and helpless because he didn't want all his hard work to be in vain.

He became lost in his thoughts and due to his dissatisfaction with the matter at hand, a scowl formed on his face. With his back resting on the couch, he shook his head and another tear fell off his face. He spread his hand over his face and breathed out. Tired of thinking, he sat up and swallowed another gulp from the glass in hand.

*****

It's 3: 05 p.m. A phone beeped in the Jacksons' residence and it came from the study room.

James Jackson, Charles' father and a man in his fifties faced the window staring at nothing in particular. His shoulders were firm and his dark hair shone on his grey suit. As soon as he heard the beep, he left the spot and reached for his phone which lay on the desk.

"Any news Andrew?" He asked his personnel who kept him updated about West Land Airlines.

"Yes, Chairman but it will displease you," Andrew answered.

"Let me decide that. Go on." James ordered and silence surged for a while before Andrew spoke.

"Sir, the flight that took off this morning for Tokyo is missing. I'm sorry sir."

"What!!!" James yelled in surprise and his phone dropped due to the shock he was in.

"I'm sorry sir. Andrew said again before the call got disconnected but James was too shocked to respond.

As his phone fell, he lost balance and put his weight on the desk as he rested his hand on it. Soon, he was facing down and squeezing his chest. As James' voice bellowed in the mansion, Henry Jackson, Charles' fifteen years old brother came rushing.

"Dad! Dad!!" he called out but his father who clutched at his chest didn't respond. He placed his hand on his father's chest and held him firmly as James was becoming weak. James groaned and this made Henry scared.

"Dad!" He called out again but James collapsed.

Without hesitation, he spoke again. "Mom! Mom!! Somebody!" he shouted and Veronica Jackson, a beautiful, elegant and classy woman in her early fifties and Charles' mother came in.

She was shocked by the scenario as her husband lay on the floor with her son looking helpless and the sound from her heels gratified her as she started rushing toward them.

"James! James!!" she yelled as she shook his body.

"Martha!" she yelled again and a beautiful maid arrived.

Just when she stood by the door, Veronica ordered. "Call Daniel. I need him now."

Quickly, Martha went out and came back with Daniel, James'. Daniel rushed toward them and assisted Henry in lifting his father.

"Call the doctor immediately!" Veronica ordered Martha and the young lady rushed to grab the phone.

"Okay, ma'am."

She checked the phone book which was in James' room and did as she was told. Veronica was worried about James and it lingered on her face. She was panicking because she didn't know what went wrong. With Daniels's help, James was placed on his bed.

"Ma'am, I've done as you instructed," Martha said as she came into the room and then, she stood looking at James.

"I hope it's not serious," Daniel said.

Veronica was disgusted by this as she hates being in the presence of the workers. Veronica was more disgusted by their commentary because she doesn't see why they should share their opinions or get involved in personal issues.

Veronica moved closer to James' bed and sat by his side. She held her husband's hand and looked at Daniel before she spoke.

"You can leave now," she said rudely and they both looked at her a little surprised. Martha was more surprised because she didn't expect Veronica to behave like this in such a situation.

"I said leave my presence!" she ordered and they rushed out.

Henry was surprised by his mom's attitude because all they did was worry about his father's state of health.

"Mom, that was unfair to them. You called them and all they did was help."

"You said it. I called them, that means that I can dismiss them whenever I want as well," she replied.

"Mom!" he called out in surprise.

"Look, that should be the least of your worries. What happened to your father?" Veronica asked and Henry frowned.

"I don't know. I'm confused." After his utterance, Veronica looked at him in a confused manner.

"What do you mean by you don't know? I met you with him," she said.

"I heard dads voice and I rushed to study. When I got to him, he was clutching his chest and I tried to help him but he collapsed in my arms."

"Did you see him doing anything before he fainted?" she asked worriedly and waited for her son to reply.

"No. Wait, his phone fell. I think he received a phone call."

"Oh goodness, it must be related to the company's stocks. I've told him to stay off the business since Charles has been running it. Why can't he adhere to instructions? He's too stubborn." she said angrily.

"Mum, this isn't the time for lectures and besides he isn't awake. We should hope that it isn't fatal." Henry suggested.

"Excuse me, ma'am, Doctor Michael is here." Martha interrupted their conversation.

"Send him in," she said without turning to face her.

"Good day." Dr Michael greeted them as he came in.

"Good day doc," Veronica responded.

"What happened exactly?" he asked and Veronica was quick to respond, "He fainted after he received a phone call."

"I hope it's not fatal." she continued.

"Can I have a moment with him?" Dr Michael asked and Veronica nodded before answering. "Sure!"

Quickly, Veronica left the bedroom and Henry waited outside while she went to the study. Henry's words sparked her senses and she became inquisitive, desiring to find out what led to James' condition. She picked up his phone and searched through the call logs. Without hesitation, she dialled Andrews's number.

"Sir," Andrew answered.

"Andrew, what did you tell James?" she spoke.

"Ma'am I'm sorry about what I'm about to tell you," he said, realizing that Veronica was the one calling.

"What is it?" she said anxiously.

"Westland aircraft are missing." Veronica stared wide-eyed after his utterance, it sank in and she fell out of breath.

The air traffic controllers were still on the search for Westland aircraft and utilized all the radar systems they had available to track it down. After the disappearance of WL flight, A245 MAX which dropped from the radar in Los Angeles (LA) and thereby lost contact with the airport control tower, the next radar system part of the plane's flight plan was contacted to track down the plane and then, a host of others.

With all radar facilities utilised, the destination airport, Narita International Airport in Tokyo was informed. Irrespective of all efforts, the plane was still missing and Charles was deeply disturbed.

It was a long day for him as he hasn't been himself since he has been pinned on the search for his missing aircraft. It was late and yet the employees and search personnel were still working.

They couldn't abandon the issue at hand as it posed a threat to the lives of many individuals as well as the airline. Charles was sitting on his couch when his phone beeped and then, he rushed to his office desk to pick it up.

"Yes," he said as he picked up the landline.

"Charles! How could you have let this happen? This is grievous and quick actions must be made before it gets out of hand." Veronica said over the phone and Charles cut the call carelessly.

If he knew that his mother was on the line, he wouldn't have picked it. She is the one whose voice he detests and doesn't want to hear. She has been trying to call his phone but he left it in his drawer since she got the news and also called the landline but Charles was absent from his office regularly.

"Argh..." he said after he dropped the phone aggressively and then he dug his fingers into his face.

He hated being helpless as he took Veronica's statement as ridicule. He just didn't need that and wouldn't want to attract further attention which will only bring forth annoyance and pain to him.

Still angered about the call, he kept his hand on his face then Ethan knocked.

"Come in," he said softly and Ethan walked into the office.

"Sir, different representatives of broadcasting agencies have crowded the company and they request an interview with you," he informed.

Charles was displeased with this not because he was scared to face them but because he hated the media as they often twist the narrative and worsen the case.

He didn't bother to speak but nodded instead and Ethan came forward to him to fix his clothing.

"This is not the time for this. Leave and send them in," he said.

Charles said and adjusted his clothing himself. He wasn't in the mood and didn't worry about his looks for the first time. How could he when people's lives were in danger? The reporters came into his office and Charles had his interview.

"We are deeply sorry for the delay in finding flight A245 MAX and we hope you can bear with us," Charles said to conclude all that he had said and the camera was taken off his face.

The reporter took over and started speaking.

"We just had the CEO of Westland Airlines and he claims that the appropriate measures have been taken to curb the problem. I'm Aimie Gerald and I'm reporting live from Dallas Fort- Worth in Texas."

A while after his interview, Charles walked out of his office wanting to go out to breathe and Ethan followed suit. He got into the lift and went to the first floor and there he saw reporters. He didn't know that they were hosted in the company and he was displeased with it.

As he walked in, lightly flicked from the cameras and the hall was surrounded by reporters. This appeared to be another set of reporters and he felt cornered.

"Is it true that WestLand passenger aircraft are reported to be missing?" a female journalist asked.

"Yes," Charles answered.

"How long has the issue been reported and what measures have been taken to find the aircraft?" a male reporter inquired.

"It was reported a few minutes before noon specifically, it's been 9 hours since the search was conducted. Other agencies and cooperations have collaborated with us in locating the plane and we hope that it gets found. We are doing our best to locate it on radar and the search team is giving their best to find the aircraft." Charles spoke.

"How long do you think it will take for the matter to be resolved?" another asked and Ethan started making way for Charles in the crowd along with other of Charles' employees. The reporters were adamant and tried to force words out of him.

"That would be all for now," Charles responded and started leaving the hall.

As they left, reporters followed suit. Ethan and Charles along with other employees and bodyguards went into the lift to avoid them but this didn't stop them. They followed suit and as they neared the lift, it closed leaving them outside and keeping Charles and his crew locked in.

Out of the lift, Charles spoke while the other employees left for their office. "What was that for?" he asked.

"Sir, I have no idea about it. They weren't there previously and I least expected to see them by this time." Ethan said.

He wasn't happy about the condition his boss had found himself in and it lingered on his face through a frown.

"Sir, are you alright?" Ethan continued.

"I'm good. You should get back to work." Charles said and entered his office.

He was tired from the numerous meetings he attended and the press engagement. He didn't deserve all that was happening to him.

If others were to be punished, he shouldn't. He took charge of the company early, immediately after he gained his Master in Business Administration (MBA), and within three years of his reign as the CEO, the company attained more profit and fame.

*****

It's almost 10:00 p.m. and Sir Charles hasn't returned. Standing, I took a glance at the mirror and it reflected my perfectly carved brows as well as my deep dark eyes which are surrounded by my thick dark and long lashes.

Still looking, I directed my view to my pink and dark plump lips which are full and pretty thanks to my African origin. I touched my face placing my hand vis-a-vis and I pushed my big cheeks.

Standing, it's obvious that I'm not among those lucky to be tall whom I admire greatly, being slightly above 5.2 ft. Stretching my right hand to my back and while reaching for my black hair, the weight seemed too heavy for one hand so I stretched the other to properly extend my hair just below my butt.

Afterwards, I slid my hands on my hips to adjust my dress and I could feel them even from my pink nightie. They were so large that they could be seen even if I was to wear one of Sir Charles's baggy trousers.

I continued arranging my nightie which was below my knee thereby revealing my fat legs. I arranged my nightie some more, adjusting the sleeve of my dress and ensuring that my breast wasn't revealed since I'd be serving Sir Charles when he returns. Staring closely, I realised that my nightie glowed on my pure-white skin and I loved it.

Afterwards, I sat on my bed and grabbed my phone to check the time. It was already 9:45 p.m. and I felt disappointed because Sir Charles wasn't fond of coming home late. If he was to arrive late, he would have placed a call to notify us that he would sleep out.

Not pleased that sir Charles, my boss and love wasn't back, I paced my room and It dawned on me that something could have gone wrong since he isn't back or probably, is he in danger. I wouldn't want that. It would hurt my heart and soul and I can't afford for him to be in harm's way.

Since the first day I arrived at the mansion, I have always loved him and seeing him, it appeared pleasing to work as a maid. He means everything to me and I still can't believe that I fell in love so easily. I had always thought that love grew through dedication in a relationship but I was wrong.

Now, I realise that love happens especially when you least expect it. It's pleasing to finally fall in love and at that, while young. I never expected to find love at 19.

I thought I wasn't born to love someone but now I'm aware that everyone would be allowed to love at least once. I'm aware that our differences are much because of who he is and the position I hold but lately, he has been nicer and I think it's not a bad idea to be loved and noticed. As I thought of him, my cheeks felt hot and I realised that I was blushing.

Images of his figure filled my head, his thick brows, his shiny beard hair, his awesome deep blue eyes, amazing and perfect lips, his broad and muscular chest that anyone would crave to touch, his abs, his silky jet black hair and how awesome he looks on his office wear. It all replayed like he was present and it earned a broad smile on me. On a deeper thought, I realised that Sir Charles looks Hindu, or maybe it's because of his beard and pointed nose.

"He's so handsome."

I said as I thought deeper about him. I couldn't drag him out of my mind and it made me wonder how I would feel if I were given a little attention.

I think I'd run mad for him. I'm crazy about him and I know that there's nothing I can do about It. I can only wish that my plans for school surface and that I stand a chance of being with him after doing so. Quickly, I repositioned myself on the bed as I waited for him to return.