Chapter 163 - The First Class (1/2)

Not in a million years did Claire ever expect to experience something like this. First time flying as a passenger is one thing, but flying first class in an airline that's rated to be the world's most luxurious is entirely another level of first.

”My hometown is just a few hours' away, Gab,” she whispers to him as an attendant obsequiously ushers them to a different entrance, past the path used by regular passengers. ”Isn't this too extravagant?”

”Extravagant? I don't know that word,” Gabriel says. He grins. ”This is our first trip together. I want it to be memorable.”

There's only a small handful of passengers who proceed to the upper deck of the plane, the ”first class” section. Claire didn't know what to expect. Of course, she's not entirely ignorant; she knows there would be seats. She remembers how just hours previously, she was onboard a provincial bus. ”Can I have a window seat?” She whispers again, too embarrassed to let the flight attendant hear her. but she must have heard Claire, if that slight smile is any indication.

Gabriel laughs and gives her a peck on the cheek. ”Claire, my love, every seat is a window seat. Look!”

Claire stops. Indeed, the cabin is spacious.

”Let me show you to your suites,” the attendant says, almost in sing-song, as she leads them inside. They don't have to walk very long—as it turns out, Claire and Gabriel's ”suites” are the first one in front.

Claire peers inside her suite; her jaw drops. ”Is this really for passengers? This looks like a family could live here.”

Gabriel laughs. He chuckles as he examines his own suite right opposite Claire's. He looks at it askance, then looks back at Claire, who is closely examining every knick-knack in her suite, much to the amusement of the attendant.

”You know what,” he says. ”I think we can sit together in your suite.” Then he turns to the attendant. ”Your finest refreshments, please, for the lady. And champagne for me.”

��Right away, Mr. Tan,” the attendant makes a slight bow and leaves.

Claire is trying out her seat. ”This chair feels really good. Like I think I can fall asleep right now.”

There's a ”buddy seat” in a corner opposite Claire's, and Gabriel plunks himself in it. ”Is sleep the foremost thing in your mind right now?”

Claire looks at him. ”Not really. We have a lot to talk about. First is, why are we doing this?”

”Don't you think it's high time?” He sighs and looks out the window, where he could see the tarmac strewn with lights. The nose of the plane glistens from the wash of light, and the engines begin to whirr, although they could bȧrėly be aware of it. ”You know, when I was going out of my mind looking for you, I realize I didn't really know you. We didn't really know each other. I didn't know the names of your parents, or every single one of the people you love. I'd like to know them all, Claire. I'd like to get to know you more, away from the distractions of my own life.”

Claire chokes on her emotions upon hearing those words, but she keeps it inside; she smiles, although her eyes betray her. ”Thank you. I thought you'd never ask.”

Gabriel gazes at her for a moment. ”I'm sorry. I was just too stupid. I had been stupid for a long time, Claire. Forgive me if I'm only starting to wake up now. After all those things that happened to us.”

”I'm stupid, too, if it's any consolation,” she says. They both laugh. ”I don't know what I was thinking, walking away like that. Not telling you anything. I'm sorry. I won't let something like that happen again. From now on, before I make any drastic decision, I will always, always consider your feelings. I can't believe…”