Swell

Swell is a long wave on water that moves continuously without breaking. When ditching an aircraft, the selection of a landing direction which will result in the minimum relative speed between the aircraft and sea swell will reduce impact forces and minimize structural damage.

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Ever since that date sa Las Casas at officially na naming masasabi sa iba na "kami" na nga ni Sage, naging busy naman kaagad kaming dalawa sa mga works namin. For one, the Christmas season is drawing closer and closer.

At my end, it only means more traffic to anticipate, as well as simulang isipin kung kailan ang magiging leave ko, since 'di naman pwede na sa holidays ako mag-leave. At Sage's end, however, mas drastic ang naging pagka-busy niya: One, it is only common na magdagdag ng flights ang airlines for the holidays; and two, he's part of the selected ones to be assigned for a new flight route.

For a pilot, I know na masyadong crucial ang ma-assign sa panibagong route. I have my fair share noong student pa lamang ako at sinasabihan ako ng mga FIs ko that we're going here and there. Sa una, of course, masaya and exciting, since it will be a new destination. Pero kapag paulit-ulit na, you'll certainly be able to be there even with your eyes closed. However, kasabay ng initial excitement is also the worry, because it is another new and foreign territory na 'di ka pa sure. Much more for an airline pilot. The pressure of it that you're heading to a new destination with eager passengers... that is something worthy of crucial studies and preparations.

May times na nakakapagkita pa naman kami ni Sage despite that. We work to meet, ika nga nila. I visit him sa condo niya to find the array of paperworks, and he ensures to have time for me. With his intentions back then no longer hanging between us as some game's timer, we grow comfortable with just having one another present and with kisses.

A month later, after I've settled to a straight four-hour shift and had been idling for my four-hour rest, bigla namang nag-buzz ang phone ko. My heart soars upon finding that it is a notification that I've been waiting for.

By the time na nagising ako kanina ay nakatanggap ako ng message kay Sage that they're to start boarding and preparing for their flight. That's a message I received at roughly four in the morning. And I've replied back to him pagkabasa ko, and maging bago magsimula ang shift ko for today. As expected, wala namang naging reply si Sage.

Sage: Sorry kung ngayon lang nakapag-reply. We've just landed at New York, finished all the post-briefing, and had been taken to the hotel.

Of course... hindi niya naman mababasa ang message ko sa kanya kahit ba na may mga build-in wi-fi na ngayon sa mga eroplano. Work and safety is the utmost priority. Kahit even during his rest period sa flight...

Sage: Good luck with the Manila traffic. Delayed ang takeoff namin kanina ng mga kalahating oras. Perhaps, if it had been your shift, you'll give us the priority for an immediate departure and grant our requested altitude.

In my times ever since na nag-reunite ulit kami ni Sage months ago, wala pang time na nagkakatagpo ang schedules namin na may lipad siya and may shift ako. If ever, it is that I am using my rest hours at the time of them being turned over to the control.

A part of me had been wishing that it will be incredible to hear his voice through the other end of the line. From the initial call and up to the end. However, I am also wishing na hindi. Dahil alam ko na hindi kakayanin ng puso ko na marinig how cool he could even sound.

Well, for one thing, it had been a known fact among us ATCs that we can easily define the airlines of every pilot we talk to kahit na 'di nila sabihin ang callsigns nila. One airline is posh and clear, another usually stammers, another is loud and rush, and there's Royal Orient Airways. The ones we dubbed to be the "eloquent, ethereal and smart". The type of voices over the frequency that make you really wonder how they were trained to sound so professional.

Sage: Just kidding. Alam ko na aircraft in distress are always the priority.

Sage: But I really want to hear your voice through the radio even just once.

That's also what I wanted to happen. Kahit isang beses nga lang talaga...

I get all warm and fuzzy inside.

Me: Me, too. Kumusta? Hindi ka pa ba nagpapahinga? 'Di ba't morning diyan?

It is apparently breakfast in New York, kaya naging reply niya sa akin kaagad is a snap picture of his current meal—eggs benedict and coffee. And mukhang ang sarap na nag-crave kaagad ako, kahit na dapat iniisip ko ngayon is dinner.

Sage: Mahilig ka ba sa eggs benedict, Yvonne?

Me: Yes! Anything na sandwich or bread. Game na game ako!

After a bit of silly back and forth messages, Sage ends our conversation with a "good night".

He's being so considerate of the time difference... but I realize na noong natapos ang pag-uusap namin ay siyang tamang oras na rin para mag-out ako. Hindi ko namalayan na nagtagal ng apat na oras ang pag-uusap namin about random things. And dapat ay maging considerate rin ako, since he also needs the rest.

A certain promise comes to mind at once.

"Kapag talaga nagawa mo akong ma-in love sa iyo, dadalhin kita sa New York. Special privilege na mag-breakfast kasama ako sa New York bilang girlfriend ko."

Napaisip naman ako if that offer is still on the table. Parte iyon ng condition namin for our game back then, at baka hindi na available 'yon.

On my way out, biglang tumunog ulit ang phone ko. A message from him telling me that he'll be back on Tuesday, Manila time.

I know that he'll be exhausted after that flight. I want nothing more than to see him, but I shouldn't be too selfish about that.

Pinigilan ko ang sarili ko na sabihin iyon sa kanya, at nag-reply na lang ulit sa kanya na magpahinga, mag-ingat, at i-enjoy kahit papaano ang few days of necessary rest sa New York.

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The day Sage returns to Manila, I'll be lying to say na hindi ako umaasang makatanggap sa kanya ng invitation for us to meet. Alam ko na darating siya about early evening, but it doesn't mean na tapos na kaagad ang trabaho niya after that. Post-briefings often give me the chills with my flight instructors back then pagkatapos ng lipad and magasikaso lahat ng documents.

"I'm back," a message I received from Sage, certainly immediately after their parking given that it is a message he sent to me just a few minutes after Flightradar24 showed that they've landed.

Nagpadala ako kaagad sa kanya ng reply na "Welcome home".

This is the perfect opportunity for him to invite me...

Siguro kailangan ko rin maging vocal sa gusto ko kaya naman ako na ang nagtanong sa kanya if pwede kami magkita tonight. Dead hours pa naman ang duty ko tomorrow, kaya it is almost like wala akong trabaho na proproblemahin if magkita man kami tonight.

When my phone buzzes, the long-awaited message is a surprisingly short one.

Sage: Hindi ko pa alam. Unsettled pa 'yong prior meeting ko with my batchmates.

Oh. I only remember it now.

Ngayong napansin ko kung anong date ngayon, at nabanggit nga ni Sage that hindi pa siya sigurado if talagang may exact details ang meeting niya with his batchmates back then from WAA... naalala ko naman kung ano ang mayroon. According to him, today's their batch's sixth anniversary ever since embarking on their flight training journey. He still considers them as his batchmates, when, in reality, they are like meeting as Royal Orient Airways' board members.

Sage: I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Sage: For now, make use of your rest day. You need to take care of your health. I'll attach a recipe I often use for my own.

Napabuntong-hininga na lamang ako at napaisip if talaga bang laging ganito siya ka-considerate?

Naalala ko kung paano siya noong nag-reunite kami. He'd been so high-handed and self-important. 'Yong tipong ang sarap sampalin at ilibing ng buhay. It's just... His attitude has completely changed since we started dating. Noong una ay handang-handa siya na i-test 'yong compatibility namin, at kaagad niya naman tinigil iyon upang sabihin sa akin na gusto niya munang ma-experience lahat ng uri ng love.

Siguro ako lang itong nag-iisip ng kung anu-ano. Isang buwan pa lamang kaming nag-dadate, kaya hindi talaga namin kailangan mag-madali pa.

While I'm overjoyed by the fact that I've became Sage's girlfriend, there's a part of me that may have been... impatient.

Me: Sorry. Siguraduhin mo na you'll also rest and take care of yourself.

Afterwards, I place my phone in a "Do Not Disturb" mode and make use of my rest day just as I always do.

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Ever since tinanggap nila Papa at Mama ang mga early retirements nila sa kanilang sari-sariling kumpanya na pinagtratrabuhan ay naging madalas na ako lamang ang naiiwan sa bahay. Holidays for them turn out to be week-long holidays; and 'di ko naman sila pinipigilan for that, knowing that they deserve the break after years of working for the family, especially for me. And, until now, ever since umuwi sila sa probinsya para sa Undas about a week ago, ay hindi pa rin sila bumabalik at sinabihan lamang ako to take care of myself and they'll be back before I know it.

Take care of myself and kahit may mga linuto si Mama na pwede kong iinit sa microwave ay I opted for a cup noodles tonight. Tinatamad ako maghugas ng madami-daming hugasin at parang napagod ang katawan ko kakapahinga lamang sa buong araw.

Slurping on the heated cup noodles habang nanonood ng kung anong trending na K-drama sa Netflix, bigla namang tumunog ang phone ko. At nawala kaagad ang pagod ko noong nabasa ko ang message na natanggap ko.

Sage: I really want to see you.

It takes everything I have not to let out a little scream, at parang nabuhay naman kaagad muli ang diwa ko.

Me: Me, too.

Me: I really, REALLY want to see you.

Me: Gusto mo puntahan kita?

Hindi man lang ako nag-iisip noong sinagot ko iyon bago niya pa mabawi ang sinabi niya. Napatingin ako sa orasan at napagtanto na hindi pa naman ganoon ka-late para umalis, and given na nagmukmok na nga ako sa kwarto ko ng buong araw... let's say that we're a night owl.

Sage: Wala pa ako sa Verity, and I don't think I'll make it there tonight. I have an early start of a meeting tomorrow, so I'm staying at a hotel near HQ.

Sage: Instead, I'll head over to you. Probably in an hour or two.

Me: No! Okay lang. Nasa labas pa naman din ako. Ako na lang ang pupunta sa iyo, if okay lang.

Talk about lying... Nakakahiyang dayuhin niya pa ako knowing that he'll need to be early tomorrow, and ako naman is gabi pa duty ko.

Sage: If that's the case, let's meet at the lounge. You know which. No rush.

The place where we first meet one another again after all those years...

My heart is beating just as erratically now as it was then, but for a completely different reason. Finishing up the rest of my cup noodles and preparing myself in a rush, I hail a taxi for the best and fastest route.

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"I'm Yvonne Jade Astilla. I've got a reservation with Captain Sage Nathaniel Martinez."

The same receptionist meets me during the first time I visited Royal Orient Airways' Operation Building. The way she looks at me right now... if looks could actually kill! Halata na curious talaga siya kung bakit ako ulit nandito. Pero, this time, inasikaso niya ang necessary documents nang walang hassle. Noong binigay niya ang Visitor's Pass ko, sinabihan niya ako na maupo lang muna sa lounge and maghintay kay Sage; since hindi naman lahat ng tao is allowed to enter the VIP floor.

My memories about the last time I've been here appear faded, and all the while waiting, I try to look back and remember as much as I can. But something is clearly surprising for me right now.

Sino mag-aakala na pupunta ulit ako rito bilang girlfriend ni Sage?

"Yvonne."

Lumingon kaagad ako kung saan ko narinig ang tumawag sa pangalan ko at kaagad naman bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko noong napagtanto ko na si Sage iyon. Palapit siya sa akin na may ngiti at naka-uniform pa rin siya.

Tumayo ako at madali naman siyang linapitan. "Sage," bulong ko na may ngiti rin sa aking mga labi.

Kaagad niyang linapat ang kamay niya sa likuran ko at bahagya akong hinalikan sa pisngi. He ushers me onward to the elevators, kahit na nararamdaman ko ang ibang tao na nakatingin sa amin.

"I'm sorry kung pinapunta pa kita. Given how late it is already," he says as we wait for the elevator. "'Di ko alam kasi kung anong oras matatapos, and given na may meeting bukas, akala ko maaga silang magsasabi na uwian na. Unfortunately, para namang hindi pa ako sanay sa kanila."

"Okay lang. Masaya ako na nakapagkita pa tayo ng ganito. Pero..." Mas curious ako sa mga huling sinabi niya. "Anong ibig-sabihin mo na 'hindi ka pa sanay sa kanila'?"

The elevator we're waiting for opens up and we walk in. After pressing the fourth floor, he chuckles lightly and says, "Well, I don't want to pressure you much but I am willing to give you a head's up. My batchmates are all eager to meet you."

"A-Ano?!" Nabalot ako kaagad sa kaba. Tumingin ako sa isang salamin sa loob mismo ng elevator at sinuklay ang buhok ko gamit ang aking mga kamay. "As in ngayon na?"

"Nabanggit ko naman sa iyo na anniversary namin as a batch today, ano?" I can hint a cheeky smirk on his face right now through his reflection. "At huwag ka mag-alala sa kanila. They don't bite. To be honest, they're very welcome with anyone on board."

Bahagya kong binalik ang tingin ko sa kanya. "And when you say 'on board', meaning?"

"Let's say that they'll just take it as an issue, since first time ko magsama ng babae during meetings as this." His smile becomes warmer just in time for the elevator to stop and the doors open at the fourth floor. This time, he takes my hand and walks me out. "Don't worry. They won't ask much, and it is time to meet my Number Three."

I remember back then that "Number Three" wasn't actually a woman. For Sage, "Number Three", is his work and anyone involved with it. To be exact, it very much involves the family that he had found and formed with his batchmates ever since his flight training days at WAA.

This time, the VIP lounge isn't empty. Though it remains relatively quiet, except for the drunk singing of whoever has hold of the microphone for the karaoke this time we walk in. I didn't notice it back then, only now that it had been a wild group either in business suits or pilot's uniforms had gathered at a huge couch closest to a KTV set, all the while four bartenders had been serving ordered drinks.

And, to be honest, hindi ko inaasahan na makilala ang higher-ups ng Royal Orient Airways sa ganitong pamamaraan. To be exact, over drinks, chips and cigarettes, in a rather unruly but chilled way.

Sage cut right through the chase, catching everyone's attention as their eyes had settled on the two of us, particularly to me. He introduces me to everyone, and the spiraling list of names when he gives me a rundown of all that had gathered makes me shy and insecure na hindi maala ang kanilang mga pangalan. Mukhang lahat naman ay kasa-kasama ang kanilang mga partners, since based sa introductions ni Sage, isa pa lang sa kanila ang kasal, and there are a few who had enjoyed the life of being single and two had been absent for the fun due to commitments.

My ears perked at a few names. Captain Kael Martinez, a name I remember noong tinanong ako ng receptionist the first time noong sinabi ko lang ay 'Martinez'; it seems that he is the other Martinez. Christine Medel, though mentioned to be married but present now without her husband; the name Medel is enough for my brain to make a connection between her and the popular Medel actors and vloggers, na siyang pinatotoo naman ni Sage. And, of course, Nikolai Verano, the one and only right here in flesh and blood; one of the youngest and richest most sought bachelor of the country who clearly has it all, and even a charming and down-to-earth fiancée, who is seated right next to him that clearly screams they're a perfect match. I suddenly feel sorry for even thinking of using Sage to know the man when he is visibly happy and too much in love.

But, sino ba ako to be within this circle? Sage's batchmates alone screams at me like I am sitting along with millionaires, or even billionaires. Hindi ko man lang naramdaman ang ganito noong date namin ni Sage, even if magkatabi kami ng ganito; pero ngayon... kahit na lahat ay naging mabait at friendly sa akin, hindi ko magawang hindi mapraning.

Sage places a hand onto my knee, almost causing me to jump in surprise. He leans closer to my ear, whispering, "You still seem so uptight. Anong gusto mong inumin?" With his freehand, he calls for a bartender close to us. "Margarita?"

Umiling ako. "May duty ako bukas ng gabi. Mahirap na magka-hangover."

"Hmm... Blushing rose siguro," he informs the bartender. Pumaling ulit siya sa akin at sinabi, "Iyon. Hindi matapang. Light lang. And I know that the guys are the best for any cocktails."

I smile timidly. "Thanks."

Kahit na mukhang isang batch reunion sila ngayon, halata naman na hindi naman fully nakatuon ang atensyon nila sa mga inumin at sa currently na kumakanta. To be honest, I slowly relax, too, noong naisip ko na it also feels like it is just me and Sage amidst this group.

"I'm glad that you came, Yvonne," bulong ni Sage sa akin. "I hope you don't mind taking home a surprise present from me today as well."

When I look at him, I am surprise to find out that our faces are just a few inches away. In the soft glow of the lounge, with a rather off-key singing that it is almost laughable, a certain spark within me wish to lean closer to him. But, thankfully, I manage to hold back my desire before doing something the two of us agreed to take slowly.

Bumalik ang bartender at ibinigay sa akin ang in-order na drink ni Sage para sa akin. It is a good excuse to pull away and take a drink instead. The lipstick I'm wearing leaves a faint mark on the glass and as I wipe it off with a tissue, Sage notices it.

"You're wearing the lipstick I gave you," he remarks.

Namula ako, at sana ay hindi masyadong halata. "Of course I am."

Special na para sa akin itong lipstick na ito.

Kahit na tinuon ko ang atensyon ko sa currently na kinakanta ni Mister Cristofer, or was it Mister Marcus?—I don't know with all the names—napansin ko through my peripherals na nakatitig sa aking maigi si Sage. And it seems na mas ako pa ang nahiya na mahuli siyang nakatingin, than the other way around. This time, the burning in his eyes is much more evident, and so much closer than I remember him being.

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A/N: Hello! How are you all doing? I've received last Friday a notice that our PPL had been issued already, but I am no longer returning back to flying for now. At least, until June. I am planning to return by July or August with the rest of my batch mates; but I am going to start processing my exam permit for an Instrument Rating since I'm bound to take it within this year, too. However, the biggest question is about whether I am going to continue with A320 already or not.

It is true that the aviation industry is booming. Airlines are starting to hire their pilots another time, and there had been retirements. Of course, pilots are lacking but experienced ones are the most needed. Anyway, the pilot shortage still continues. However, one thing that is stopping me is the uncertainty about the future of the aviation. Not because of the pandemic but because of the lacking "situational awareness" of the "declared president". Sorry to say, but just as investors don't want to risk the lack of foresight, as a pilot trained to expect the unexpected and remain being aware of your aircraft first and foremost, it is a big question mark. After all, it is not only time that we are to waste, but also money.

Anyway, I have updated the Author's Notes with two topics that had been mentioned throughout this chapter: The first one is about "The voice of the pilot" (you know what I mean about sounding sharp and intelligent not just through the intercom but also in the radio), and the other one is about "What happens next after every flight?" (which is if you've read Flight Plan, you'll realize that it is the de-briefing or post-briefing; since flights do not start with the takeoff and ends with the landing).

Also, I've updated the Dramatis Personae and the Glossary.

Vote, comment and share! 👀 Also, follow me on twitter @23meraki for more updates, trivia about the story, aesthetic boards, and etc. Love, love, love! <3

UPDATED: 30 May 2024 | 0547H

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