Flight attendant told me, ‘Stay after Landing Please, the Pilot Wants to Talk to You Personally’

My important business trip to Los Angeles was going to be normal until the pilot made a strange request that made me ponder my background.

His truth would change my destiny in ways I never imagined.

My two-hour travel was intended to go well, but what happened changed my life. First, let me explain why I had to get to LA that day.

As an architect at a reputable building firm, this is my dream job. I wasn’t lucky to get here. My hard work and sleepless hours in college improved my talents and taught me new concepts.

My manager recently let me propose a major initiative to our top Los Angeles investors. The possibility of a long-awaited promotion was huge, so I gladly accepted.

Because I could make my mom, Melissa, proud, I was grateful. I’m best friends with her because she raised me as a single parent. She said my father died before I was born, yet she never stopped me from dreaming. I love my mom for always supporting me.

After I told her about the LA meeting, she hugged me and said, “Go get ’em, sweetie!” My prayers are for you.”

I settled comfortably aboard the plane, preparing to take off. The flight attendants were friendly, and I got an empty seat!

 

I was excited as the plane rose. I prepared my presentation nicely, expecting investors would appreciate it.

Bethany, a cheerful flight attendant, brought me a tray of refreshments a few minutes after takeoff.

“Can I get you something to sip?” she said cheerfully. “Just orange juice, please,” I said, taking the glass. Bethany looked down at my wrist birthmark.

Sorry, may I have your passport? She asked abruptly.

That’s odd, I thought. Confused but unwilling to argue, I gave it over. Bethany thoroughly reviewed it and nodded.

Typical protocol check. Thank you!”

Sounds good. Soon, Bethany returned to my seat.

“Excuse me, will you rush after we land?” she inquired. I said, “Yeah, I have a connecting flight and I’m already running late,” reflexively clasping my hands.

“Well, the pilot wants to talk to you after landing.”

“The pilot?” I asked. “Why? Can he talk to me now? “I’m afraid not,” Bethany said seriously. “He wants to talk face-to-face. I realize you’re busy, but you’ll want to hear this. You’ll regret not doing so.”

Sitting there, I was confused. The plane landed. As other passengers left, I braced myself and awaited the pilot.

A tall gray-haired guy entered the deserted cabin. Mom showed me old images of him, and I knew him immediately. Steve was her childhood pal.

He didn’t seem glad to see me.

He cried when he hugged me. I stood perplexed as he sobbed into my shoulder.

“What’s up?” Shaking, I asked. What happened?

He backed off and looked at me with burning eyes. Then he softly took my hand and showed me his wrist birthmark. It matched mine perfectly.

“Courtney,” he cried, “I’m your father.”

Wait, what? Wide-eyed, I watched him. My father? But Mom said…

Mom lied to me—why? My thoughts. Why did she never tell me Steve was my father?

“I don’t know what Melissa told you, Courtney, but this is the truth,” Steve said. “She vanished when I was about to start aviation school.

“She didn’t tell me she was pregnant…” I… I learned from a buddy years after your birth.”

At that moment, I only wanted to confront Mom. I wondered why she left Steve. She kept everything from me—why?

I rang her immediately.

“Why didn’t you tell me about Steve, Mom?” I demanded after she replied. I put her on speakerphone for Steve. Why did you hide this? “Steve? She asked, “What do you mean, sweetie?” still attempting to lie to me. Please stop, mom! Rolling my eyes. “Just met Steve on the plane. He’s with me. Tell me everything. I need answers. He needs answers!”

Mom spoke after a little silence. As she explained, her voice was emotional.

 

“Oh, Courtney, I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. When we were kids, Steve wanted to go to aviation school and fly. After becoming pregnant with you, I knew Dad would sacrifice his goals to be with us. “I couldn’t let him do that,” she said, pausing. So I departed without telling him. I thought it was right at the time, but now I understand how badly it affected us all.”

Listening made Steve’s face crumble. “Melissa,” he sputtered, “I… Loved you so. I would’ve done anything for you and our child… Why didn’t you believe me? “Steve? Oh my…” Mom gasped. “I… I thought I shielded you. It scared me. I’m sorry Steve. Sorry, so sorry.”

My mom had lied to me about my father’s fate for years, and now he was a stranger pouring his heart out to us. I couldn’t comprehend. I felt dizzy.

Mom, this is… “This is a lot to process,” I stuttered. “I’m late for key investor meeting… No idea how I’ll travel to LA.”

Steve’s eyes widened when I mentioned investors.

You’re going to LA? A meeting about what?

Steve received the information shortly. I explained how I would submit a huge project to get a big promotion at work.

His expression changed when I told him about the company and investors.

He said, “Well then, we can’t let you miss that meeting, Courtney, because I know those investors very well.”

“What? How?” I requested.

Steve said, “I used to fly their private jet a few years ago, and they were very kind to me,” sliding out his phone. “Let me make some calls and get you in front of them today.”

He kept his promise and made several quiet calls. Within an hour, I was taken to a luxurious meeting room. I was stunned.

The meeting went better than expected, which was the nicest part. The investors liked my project and funded it. In addition, my manager called and offered me the promotion I wanted. I was thrilled!

I left the room to find Steve waiting with wide arms.

“You did it!” he screamed, embracing me. Courtney, I’m proud of you.”

Holding him, I had a lump in my throat.

This man was now part of my life, and it felt right. Years of feeling like something was missing lead me to this moment, and I wondered what the future held.

Steve visited our house the following week to meet Mom.

It was an emotional reunion with tears, laughter, and a long-needed sense of wholeness. I experienced full family life that day.

I kept thinking about the extraordinary turn of events as I laid in bed that night. Who would have guessed an ordinary flight to LA would reveal my long-lost father? A movie-only plot twist. Here I was, living it.

Though overwhelming, I felt thankfulness and optimism for the future.

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