Chapter Fifteen

Indya

We are back in the blacked-out SUV with the driver, heading to Minneapolis. The driver, Don, said we would stay close to the bus, in case they need Atlas for anything, and he is riding with us. He said they usually are not allowed to do this, but his coach has a soft spot for Haven, so he caved. This is more than likely the reason Atlas was carrying Haven to the coach's area, when he asked about a transportation change for the next couple of days.

It takes us a little under four hours to get to the hotel that is reserved for us in Minneapolis. This one is just as fancy as the one we stayed at in Chicago, though this one is called Four Seasons.

Again, we get a two-bedroom suite, where Amara swears, she is loving having nightly sleep overs with Haven. We can see the Mississippi River through the floor-to-ceiling windows. It is breathtaking. The hotel has so many amenities, it's thrilling just to be here.

It's only ten in the morning, and Atlas said that the plane Zander reserved leaves at ten forty-five, it will take a little over an hour to get to our destination, giving us plenty of time to see everything. The guys were told they have an eleven o'clock curfew tonight since they were leaving the area.

After getting everything settled in our designated rooms, we all load back into the SUV, with Zander with us this time, making our way to the airfield.

As we step onto our private plane, courtesy of Zander, the three of us females become overwhelmed with the sight. The plane is not an ordinary plane, it is more luxury and comfortable than double seats on either side with a walkway down the center.

There are a total of ten seats, which look like overstuffed recliners, lining each side of the aisle. The red plush carpet beneath my sandals tickles the skin on my feet not covered in straps and the sole of the shoe.

Haven tries every chair before deciding which she feels the most comfortable in, deciding on sitting next to Zander, who is seated closest to the door we came in.

Atlas and I sit next to each other, across the expansive walkway from Zander and Haven, leaving Amara to choose her seat last. She seems to be having a mental argument with herself on whether she should sit across from Atlas and I or across from Zander and Haven or to sit in one of the two seats that are solo behind the sets of chairs.

"Excuse me, miss. The pilot says we are about to take off and we need you to find your seat and fasten your safety belt," a beautiful red-haired stewardess tells Amara.

"Oh, I'm sorry, yes of course." Amara stumbles over her response to the woman, then takes the seat across from Haven.

"I figured I would sit here in case any translating needs done. You know, since she signs faster when she is excited. Why are you looking at me like that, Indya?"

Amara is trying to explain her way out of a hole for opening her mouth on the reasons she chose the seat she did. I know she is crushing on Zander, but sadly, he doesn't seem to notice or mirror the crush. If she would have just sat in the seat across from Haven without explaining, I wouldn't have been giving her the look that says, yeah, use my kid as an excuse to eye-fuck the pitcher, but I just shake my head giving her a shrug and eyeroll.

"Whatever," Amara mumbles.

After we are in the air, the flight attendant comes back out to introduce herself, and not in the most professional way, at least it doesn't seem that way to me. I haven't been on many flights, but the flight attendants are usually professional.

"Good morning, my name is Rebecca, and I will be your flight attendant today to and from Sioux Falls. The flight will be short and smooth, as we have clear beautiful skies, both trips. If you need anything from me, anything at all, please do not hesitate to ask." Rebecca makes eye contact with Zander and Atlas, in a very seductive way, especially the way her voice dropped when she said, " anything at all."

I look at Amara and she is giving Rebecca the evil eye, so I know she is thinking the same thing I am. Atlas and I are holding hands for fuck's sake, and she is being blatantly obvious in her flirtation towards him.

Atlas clears his throat, he seems to know we are talking shit about the woman without speaking, sometimes I feel as though he can read minds. He leans closer to me, kissing my cheek and whisper, "You are the only one I see, my only thought, my only reason, when it comes to women, there is only one. You.

Understand?"

My cheeks flush, I nod my head, then kiss his mouth, just a peck, since Haven is on board. However, if my daughter wasn't within eyesight, I would show that woman, just what she is missing, and will never get.

"I love you," I say against his lips, he smirks.

"I know. I love you, Indy," he responds.

I feel the warmth of someone standing next to me, and a wave of strong scent of plum, cinnamon, and something else I can't recall. But it is so strong my eyes are beginning to water.

"Would you like anything, Atlas? I can bring it to you right away?" Rebecca is being flirtatious, desperate, completely ignoring the fact that I am sitting right here. I am getting nervous about how Atlas is going to respond to her advances that are not subtle at all.

"You want a snack or something to drink, Indy?" Atlas asks, knowing that Rebecca is being forward, and that jealousy is eating me alive on the inside.

"I'm good right now," I say to him in a low whisper. Apparently, Rebecca is not concerned whether I want something to eat or drink at the moment, just Atlas.

"We are good, thank you. I would, however, appreciate a little respect in front of my girlfriend, if you wouldn't mind. I feel as though you are being a little disrespectful," Atlas tells her, his voice severe and his face only showing anger and irritation.

Rebecca's face is bright red, but she doesn't say anything, Atlas embarrassed her in front of all of us, and we haven't even been in the air for ten minutes.

"Would any of you like anything," Rebecca says to Zander, Amara, and Haven, ensuring she makes eye contact with all three of them. I think she learned her lesson with Atlas and does not want to make the same mistake with Zander and Amara.

"My niece, Haven, would like some juice, apple, if you have it, and some type of cookie or cracker that is not saltines or oyster crackers. You know like animal crackers or graham, if it is a cookie, anything will do. For myself, I would like a glass of white wine, whatever is back there is fine," Amara tells her, speaking and signing, so Haven is involved in the request as well. Zander just shakes his head no, not even making eye contact with her, which makes Atlas chuckle.

The rest of the flight was uneventful, Rebecca stopped flirting and other than checking on us halfway through the flight, we didn't hear or see her.

Zander was the last off the plane, and as he walked over to where Atlas was carrying Haven, he grabbed her from his arms and plopped her on his shoulders. Her smile is broad, and excitement is pouring off of her.

A white limousine, a black SUV, and a black sedan are all waiting. We just stand around waiting for Zander to tell us if we are taking the SUV or the sedan. Hopefully the SUV because, hello, there are five of us, and one of us needs a booster seat.

With Haven on top of his shoulder, her hands gripping his ears, he heads towards the white limo.

"Are you serious right now?" I ask no one in particular.

"Just go with it, he wanted Haven to have the princess treatment. He wants her to have a good time, he means no harm. This is how he shows people he cares," Atlas says as he grabs my hand, linking our fingers.

The driver steps out from the driver seat and opens the door, just as Zander puts Haven on her feet. Haven is living her best life right now, bouncing on her toes, eyes wide, smiling so big, all her little teeth are on display.

I was pleased to see Zander had the forethought to request a booster seat, which makes me feel a little better about everything else.

Once we are all settled into the limo and we are heading toward our destination of Butterfly House and Aquarium, I take in the interior of the luxury vehicle.

The seats are buttery soft leather, dark gray, there are lights lining the roof changing from pink to purple. I wonder if it was done purposefully, or if those are the only colors available. There is also a bucket filled with ice and juice pouches, that sight makes me giggle. Zander really did put a lot of thought into this, all because my daughter was kind enough to make him a friendship bracelet and personalized them for each person, she gave one to.

My eyes go to the bracelet on Zander's wrist, to see which one he received; ah, now I know why he so taken by my daughter. His bracelet almost looks like the one she gave Atlas. The sign language charm is the same, the I love you sign made of a little solid metal hand, and a heart is in the middle of the two charms. His charm is a little metal baseball with the number thirty-four in the center.

I don't know if she had Amara look up at each of the players when I wasn't around or how she knew the pitcher of the Legends was number thirty-four. I think her heartfelt gift got him right in the feels, now he is trying to return the favor, by doing something extraordinary for Haven.

We finally arrive and I am surprised by the modern look of the exterior, the huge windows allowing the natural light to flood the interior of the building. As we walk toward the entrance, the landscape is beautiful, full of bright flowers, and lush bushes, it all feels magical, and we haven't even seen the inside yet. The outside giving away the enchantment that awaits us beyond the doors.

Once we enter, Haven is standing between Atlas and Zander, holding each of their hands. They walk over to the ticket booth just inside the door and Atlas holds one hand up to Zander while saying something I can't hear, and then pulls out his wallet.

The boy at the counter, who is looking at them both in awe, hands them something then they head back toward us.

"Can one of you ladies sign for me, please, I would like to talk to Haven, I want to make sure she understands what I am tryin' to accomplish today and get her input. My signin' is nowhere near ready to tackle a task such as a full conversation in sign language," Zanders says, his cheeks a little pink.

"Of course. There is no need to be ashamed about how much or how little you know when it comes to signing. We all start somewhere," I tell him. He gives me a nod in thanks and as he starts talking, I start signing to Haven.

Okay, Princess Haven, this place is called Butterfly House and Aquarium. If it is okay with you, we are going to start with the butterflies, then work our way to the aquarium, and after that we will see what the discovery den has to offer us. Before we leave, we can stop at the gift shop and grab some souvenirs to take home, so we have something to remember this magical day. Does that sound like a plan?

The more he speaks the wider her eyes get, of course she is still too young to read so she had no clue what we were doing here, she was just happy to be included in this adventure. She nods her head and starts looking around, as if the butterflies are going to come haul her away.

"I almost forgot somethin' in the car, I will be right back, y'all," Zander says and then rushes out the door.

Zan not staying with me, mama?

Poor girl looks heartbroken that Zander left, and when did she decide, she was going to call him Zan? I explained to her he had to go get something from the car, which is definitely not like any car I have ever seen, and he'll be right back. She seems satisfied with that answer, and starts climbing up Atlas as though he is a tree.

"Okay, sorry, uh, is it okay that I give Haven a gift from me? If not, it's okay, I won't be offended. I understand if you say no, you don't know me and your daughter doesn't know me, so there would be no hard feelin's," Zanders explains.

"Of course you can. But you didn't have to get her anything, this trip is plenty. Atlas said this was all your idea, and I appreciate you taking the time to think about something fun for my daughter to do why we are visiting. In case I forget to say it, thank you," I tell Zander, sincerely. He asks for me to sign again, and I agree.

I got you a gift, I hope you don't mind. Since you made me something that represents the two of us, I thought I would give you something from me that represents us.

He hands her a medium size metallic pink gift bag he must've had in the trunk or with the driver, because I don't remember seeing it in the back with us. Haven takes the bag and signs thank you. Zander looks a little nervous, I look to Atlas, and he smirks and jerks his head toward Haven.

She looks in the bag and her eyes widen, looking from each of us to the bag and back again. Her eyes land on Zander's and holds. She looks as though she is about to cry, and I go to step forward to comfort her, but Amara grabs my arm and shakes her head no. I turn my attention back to Haven and Zander, only to have my heart grow triple in size.

This generous man has filled the bag with all thing's princess. But the thing that hits me the hardest is when she pulls out a familiar looking rectangle box. I hold my breath, waiting for her to open it.

She opens the box and this time the tears break through, Zander takes his big hand wiping her tears, then looks back and me and asks me to sign again.

When I was younger, I had a little sister. She loved anything and everything butterfly related. She is not with us anymore; she went to heaven when she was your age. She was really sick, and the medicine from the doctors did not help. I was with Atlas when he bought the necklace, so I decided to get you the matching bracelet. It opens, and there is a picture of me on one side and you on the other. I hope you like it and would like to be best friends with me as well as with Atlas. Now we both have bracelets.

He lifts his long sleeve showing not only the threaded bracelet, but a silver bracelet that looks just like the one he gave her. I cannot believe the reaction these super-hot super wealthy men have when it comes to Haven. What gets me the most is when Haven lifts her little arm for him to put her bracelet on next to the ones on her wrist. Then she begins to sign.

We not best friends, Zan. Atlas my best friend. You be my brother.

Not a dry eye in this fucking reception area. Zander couldn't help but wrap his arms around her in acceptance. Taking the title of big brother with pride.

After the tears are dried, we head into the butterfly garden, which is magical, just being there. Haven feeds some of the butterflies with the help of a worker and Zander. Some even landing on her little hand as she tries to give them the special food.

The aquarium is so serene, the space washes a calm feeling over you, as if you are swimming under the water with all the marine wildlife.

Haven was excited to be able to learn about insects and marine life, in the discovery area of the building, and for it to be hands on, thrilled her like I have never seen.

She grabs two stuffed animals from the gift shop, even though the guys were trying to get her one of everything, she settled for a stuffed butterfly and a stuffed fish.

She named the butterfly Zan and the fish Atlas. Amara and I thought it was hilarious. They both seemed to be standing a little taller and a little prouder, as we walked out of the building and headed back to the airfield.

We load the plane, and something is different. Everything still looks the same, the chairs, the carpet, the location of the bathroom and cabins. It feels different.

We all sit in the same seats, and before we take off, two people come from behind the curtain of the front cabin. Rebecca, and a tall lanky guy with a bright yellow bow tie around his neck and matching suspenders. He is wearing a name tag that says, ‘Fly with me, I'm Quency.' He has a huge friendly smile on his face, while Rebecca is the opposite. She looks as though she ate something sour and smells something raunchy, her face is pinched so tight.

"I would like to apologize for my inappropriate behavior during the flight. I have been replaced, so unfortunately, I will not be on the flight with you to return back to Minneapolis. Again, my apologies." Rebecca says all this is the most monotone voice I have ever heard. She doesn't think how she acted was wrong.

We all sit there and watch as she walks off the plane with a security guard leading the way. Atlas is laughing so hard his body is shaking. He must think it is hilarious that Rebecca is being booted with an escort. I look over to Zander and he looks at me with a smirk, then goes back to putting a princess puzzle together with Haven. That must have been one of the items in the gift bag he gave her.

Zander looks up again, nodding to Quency and he nods to someone outside the opening of the door.

Once the doors have been closed, Quency begins his spiel that Rebecca completely missed. He goes over all the plane safety measures, Amara signs to Haven so she knows what is going on around her. The atmosphere is much better, relaxed, and comfortable.

After the safety speech, Quency remains standing in front of us, making eye contact with everyone, putting everyone at ease. I swear, if he lived in Riverside, he would be our new best friend. Then he goes to take everyone's orders.

"Okay, so we have two waters, two colas, no snacks for anyone. Hmm, I feel like I missed someone. Who did I miss?" He is looking around as if he doesn't know who was missed. Haven is waving her little arms around, pulling on Zander's arm and pointing at Quency.

Quency walks over to Haven, then turns to Amara and says, "Is there any way I can get you to move to that seat for just one moment, please, queen?" He points to the seat and Amara moves over, so now she is in front of Zander, and Quincy is in front of Haven.

I think we all gasp when he starts signing to her, but he isn't speaking as he signs. He wants it to be just the two of them in this conversation, even though Amara and I can tell everything he is saying to her.

"What is he signing?" Atlas asks me, pretty much leaning across my lap trying to get closer without getting out of his seat.

"He told her he heard there was a real-life princess on board, and he just had to come and have the evil queen removed. He wants to know if chocolate milk and cupcakes sound good for her trip back to the enchanted castle. Then she tells him it's a hotel, not a castle," I say ending on a laugh.

"Where did you learn to sign ASL, Quency," Atlas asks him.

"Oh, I have known it my entire life. Looking back, I always remember this is how we communicated with my gran and my little brother, growing up. My gran is long gone now, but my little brother is no longer little, he is in his thirties and living his best life. It is always a pleasure to put my first language to good use; I don't get to use sign language much anymore. My brother lives in New York and my home base is in Chicago, so we don't see each other as often as we like. Enough about me, let me go grab the drinks and snacks, for you all. Be back in a jiff," Quincy floats away behind the curtain.

"I didn't realize the deaf community was so large. It is kind of amazing meeting people who understand what it is like growing up around the hearing and hearing impaired. It almost makes me jealous how good he is at signing, and he is able to talk to her about anything. I probably sound like an infant talking to Haven," Atlas pouts.

"You will get there, Atlas, you just have to practice a lot. Quency has been doing this his entire life. You heard him, ASL is his first language, meaning English is his second. His house only signed, which makes him fluent in the language." I pat him on the thigh, leaning my head against his shoulder.

We landed back in Minneapolis, around eight, so we had a late dinner, stopping at a fast-food place and grabbed some burgers, and went back to the hotel.

Amara and Haven went to bed about an hour ago, and Zander went back to his room down the hall. Atlas, stood from the couch, "I should probably get going, we have a game at one and Minneapolis is no joke when it comes to baseball. I want to be on top of my game."

"You can sleep here, with me, if you'd like," I tell him, hoping he says yes. I want to wake up in his arms one more time, before we go home tomorrow after the game.

"I thought you would never ask," he responds.

Suddenly I am being lifted high in the air and thrown over his shoulder, I get smacked on the ass, then Atlas tells me, "I don't know if this is going to be good for my game, staying the night with you, but it will be fucking worth it."