Chapter 09

Avery had to admit she was dumbfounded when she received a reply email from Aurora the day after she sent hers. She was shocked that it was from the assistant CEO himself but she guessed Andy really went all lengths to help her out.

Of course, the first thing she did was to call Andy and thank him. Andy had laughed and said it was nothing. He had even urged her to contact him if anything came up because apparently, even if she was divorced from Caden, it was still his job as Caden’s best friend.

Avery got up that morning, feeling refreshed as ever. She was back in her habitat as a pilot and she couldn’t wait to experience the new journey. Serene was an amazing company, but nothing could beat Aurora.

When Avery reached the building with large block letters that read “AURORA AIRLINES”, she felt her heart bloom. It was really happening.

She walked in with a big smile, greeting almost all the co-workers who she was yet to know. She walked toward the reception and leaned to the counter.

“I’m Avery Foster. A new pilot that was recruited under this year’s intake.”

A big smile spread across her face, but the receptionist frowned immediately at the name.

“Oh, it’s you.”

It was as if the woman knew her already.

“You are supposed to be in the meeting room with other intakes in another fifteen minutes. I would appreciate it if you would have reported a little early. Kind of unprofessional to show up at the last minute on the first day, don’t you think?”

She gave her the sour eye, making Avery’s smile fade away. At first, she felt like she should retort because she was fifteen minutes early, but then she decided against it. It was her first day, she didn’t want to give a bad impression.

“I’m sorry. I just arrived at the time the email wanted me to arrive. I will try my best to not disappoint next time.”

The woman scoffed as she passed Avery the company identity.

“Of course, you came here pulling the strings of the assistant CEO so you think you’re entitled. But don’t worry, everyone here will show you your place soon.”

Avery’s mouth gaped open in shock, not knowing how to react at the sudden throw. But before she could comprehend, the woman shoved the identity to her hand.

“I guess that email also mentioned the building plan. Please find your own way.”

The receptionist told Avery as she turned away and continued her own work. Avery just stood there, lost.

It was true she emailed the management. But she didn’t know it was to the assistant CEO and heck! She didn’t even know who the man was.

Avery leaned to the counter again.

“Miss… I think this is some sort of misunderstanding. I don’t know why you hate- “

“Excuse me, Avery?”

Before Avery could complete, she heard a voice from behind. She turned, hoping it was not another problem.

“Yes?”

She asked, sounding as polite as possible and the girl who was around her same age chuckled.

“I think you’re the famous new intake. I’ve always wanted to meet you. I know the way to the meeting room. Do you want to go with me?”

Though there were a lot of questions that Avery could ask from the things the girl said, her smile was so vibrant and sweet that Avery forgot all of it. The girl’s eyes squeezed close when she gave her widest smile and that was the smile that would reach the heart of a person. So genuine.

“Yes, please.”

Avery sighed thankfully before she nodded and the girl suddenly put her arm around Avery’s before pulling Avery with her.

But it didn’t go unnoticed to Avery, how that girl turned to the receptionist to glare at the woman and how the woman was terrified of it.

What was even happening on the first day?

“That woman was clearly rude to you. She didn’t have to be so mean. All you did was email requesting justice for what happened to you.”

“Wait.”

Avery stopped walking, making the girl stop in her tracks as their arms were entangled.

“How do you know about the email?”

“Everybody knows about it, I guess. It was the hottest topic in the Airline Magazine this morning. The news of how the best female pilot of the country was looked down because of her gender by the Head of the HR of Aurora. Your name was in bold letters for standing up for yourself and getting the head fired.”

“The head got fired?”

Avery almost screamed, getting the attention of everyone.

“No wonder they hate me. I got one of their co-workers kicked out.”

Avery muttered but the girl shrugged and pulled her to walk again.

“But you didn’t do anything wrong. Their co-worker or not, they should be able to decipher the right from the wrong. I’m Janet, by the way.”

“I’m Avery Foster.”

“Aware.”

Janet said, eyeing her intently, and Avery rolled her eyes, chuckling.

“I expected people here would know me given my career, but now they know me for entirely different reasons.”

“At least they know you.”

Janet replied as they got into the elevator and, after walking through a few corridors, they were at the meeting room.

Just when they were about to enter the room, one of the employees of Aurora came out and smiled widely at Janet.

“Oh- “

“Hi Harry. Good to see you again. Are you the instructor in charge of the new intakes? Go easy on me, will you?”

Janet said without letting the boy finish and though at first, the boy was confused, he soon smiled and nodded.

“Anything for my childhood friend.”

He said as he greeted Avery and walked away. Before Avery could ask any questions, Janet spoke.

“Isn’t he handsome? I always wanted him to notice me more than just a friend. But he never does.”

Janet wiped fake tears, making Avery laugh and already realizing Janet is somewhat of a crackhead, Avery ignored the rest of the things she said as she pulled the girl into the meeting room along with her.

But what shocked Avery was the reaction of the instructors when they entered the room. Their bodies stiffened and they almost stood up and… all their eyes were fixed on Janet.

At this point, Avery didn’t know what to do. Janet was so cheerful and bubbly toward her. But Avery would have to be blind to not see how she was toward everyone else. And on the reciprocal, everyone also seemed scared and respectful to her.

Even now, Janet seemed different from what she was when she eyes the instructors in a manner as if telling them something with their eyes.

Avery didn’t have much time to think after that because the meeting was about to start. Avery and Janet took their seats next to each other. They had a roll call and to confirm every intake was there. Avery was under the list of pilots while Janet was under the list of the cabin crew.

“So, you’re a hostess?”

Avery asked when the meeting was over and Janet nodded.

“Yeah, it has been my dream since I was a kid. My mom was one too. She worked here.”

“Oh, is that why they seem to know you?”

Avery asked, the realization finally hitting her.

“Huh?”

Janet replied, confused at first, but then laughed loudly before she said.

“Ah yes, yes. I used to come here with my mom when I was a kid. So, most of the people here know me. She used to bring me here until the year she retired and those instructors were amateurs back then.”

Avery felt relieved. Thank God! Janet wasn’t someone who was in disguise or something.

“Oh, speaking of which, shouldn’t you thank the assistant CEO? I know it wasn’t a favor or anything given that you’re really talented. But wouldn’t it be nice if you thank him?”

“Of course I should. But I don’t know who he is. He didn’t mention any name in his email.”

“What?”

Now it was Janet’s turn to get confused as she stared at Avery and Avery smiled pettily.

“I’m supposed to know?”

But before Janet could reply, the instructors told them to divide into groups in such a way that the pilots and the cabin crews were separated, detaching Avery from Janet. It was to give a tour around the place.

“His name is Andy Miles. Hope that will help you find him.”

Janet said before she disappeared with her crew and Avery stood there as if a lightning struck her.

Who did she say the assistant CEO was?

“Andy Miles? Like Andy?”

Avery muttered to herself as she got dragged away with her crew and the instructor. The instructor showed them the way around but nothing registered in Avery’s mind. She was still so stunned by the news.

So Andy was the assistant CEO of Aurora Airlines?

The moment they were given the permission to scatter, Avery dialed Andy’s number and tried reaching him. But it was no use. Andy didn’t answer.

Then she tried searching for Janet to ask her more about what she said and, for some odd reason, Janet was nowhere to be seen, either. She had searched for her with the other intakes of the cabin crew and even asked them about her. But none of them had an idea of where she was.

Giving up and realizing that she needed to calm down, Avery sat on a table at the café with other pilots who were starting their journey in Aurora. While she was lost in thoughts, an announcement was made.

“Good morning, employees and our newly recruited members! This is to remind you that our Team Building Retreat Starts from tomorrow onwards running on for a week. Please collect your passes in the reception and note this is compulsory. We have a special destination prepared for you this time. Hope to see you there in the opening ceremony! Thank you.”

It was not a new announcement for Avery or any other recruits, as they were already informed about it in the meeting. So, she didn’t pay much attention to it and kept on sipping her chocolate milkshake while chatting with the other employees.

Once they were done catching up in the café, they were once again taken by the instructors for the evening session and, once that ended, they were allowed to go home for the day.

Avery had tried searching for Janet all the time, but she hadn’t seen her anywhere. But when she went to collect her pass at the reception before she went home, Janet had appeared behind her once again.

This time, formally dressed.

“Janet, where have you been?”

Avery said with a sigh of relief. Janet looked different but that was not what mattered. Avery waited for Janet to reply cheerfully as before but instead, Janet extended her a pass with a little grin playing on her lips.

“The assistant CEO wanted me to give this to you personally.”

“Where is Andy? Wait, Janet, who exactly are you?”

Avery didn’t take the pass to her hand but questioned instead. Janet smiled as she took Avery’s hand and placed the pass on her hand. She looked directly into her eyes.

“He wants you to be dressed in the most beautiful dress you have, Avery. It was nice getting to know you. Good luck.”