I knew that something was out of the moment Clark offered a flight reservation.
Don’t ask me how – I just did it. Call it the intuition of your wife. It was nothing obvious, just a little flashing of restlessness when he said, “I’ll take care of it, honey.” Too eager. Too smooth. As if he was doing kindness instead of manipulating his righteous share.
But did I listen to that little voice in my head? Of course not. Because I was too busy throwing a toddler, I wrapped myself for four people and prayed, I wouldn’t forget someone’s toothbrush. If I just knew what was coming …
I’m Sophie and let me tell you about my husband, Clark. Do you know the type – workaholic, constantly stressed and convinced that his work is the most important thing in space? I really understand it, but we don’t pretend that my mom is a walk in the park. And this time? Oh, he really overcame.
So last month we were supposed to visit his family for the holidays. The whole idea was to relax, join, and create some fun for children. Simple enough, right?
Clark stood up to reserve our flights and I thought, “Great, one less thing on the plate.”
Oh, as I was naive.
“Clark, gold, where are our seats?” I asked at the airport, juggling a toddler on one hip and a diaper bag on the other. The terminal buzzed with frantic families and trade passengers rushing to their gates.
Clark, my dear husband eight years old, barely looked up from his phone. “Oh, um, about that …”
I was hit by a diving feeling. “What do you mean,” that? ”
In the end, he put down the phone and blinked the grin that I knew too well. “Well, I managed to get upgraded for me and my mom to the first class. You know how long it is, and I really need a little quiet time … ”
Wait. Upgrading only for two of them? I stared and waited for a punch. It never came.
“So let me,” I said, and the eyes narrowed. “You and your mother are flying the first class when I got stuck in the economy with both children?”
Clark had nerves to shrub. “Oh, well. Stop being dramatic! It’s just a few hours. You’ll be fine. ”
As if his mother Nadia appeared on Cue and overturned her branded luggage. “Clark, darling, are we ready for our luxury flight?” She grinned and glowed with self-confidence.
I watched them roll to the first-class lounge when I stayed behind with two eccentric children and the growing urge for revenge.
“Oh, it will be luxurious,” I murmured, a plan formed in my mind. “Just wait.”
As soon as we started, the contrast between the first class and the economy was obvious. Clark and Nadia have already sipped champagne while struggling with our bag.
“Mom, I want to sit with my dad!” Myfive-year-old whistled.
I forced a smile. “Not this time, sweetheart. Dad and grandmother are in a special part of the aircraft. ”
“Why can’t we sit there either?”
“Because Dad is a special kind – never mind.”
At that time I remembered – I had Clark’s wallet. Previously, while he was scattered chatting with his mother, I gently unloaded them from his manual and slipped them into my bag. He never noticed. Genius, right?
Back in the economy my children eventually fell asleep and I was finally able to relax. Then I noticed a stewardess that served a first-class gourmet meal. When I watched Clark ordered the items on the menu, with alcohol top two.
“Would you like something from refreshments, Madam?” The stewardess asked me.
I smiled. “Just water, please. And maybe some popcorn. I feel that fun will be good.”
Sure, thirty minutes later, I watched Clark tap his pockets, his expression moved from confusion to a full panic.
He spoke furiously with a stewardess and showed wildly. Even though I didn’t hear everything, I caught pieces like, “I swear I had it!” and “I can’t pay when we land?”
I leaned and chewed at my popcorn. That was better than the movies in Flight.
In the end, he looked desperate and Clark got to my place.
“Soph,” he whispered urgently, crouching beside me. “I can’t find my wallet. Please tell me you have some money. ”
I lined my best-worried face. “Oh no! That’s terrible, honey. How much do you need? ”
Trip. “Uh … about $ 1,500?”
I was almost choking on the water. “Fifteen hundred dollars? What did you order, the whole whale? ”
“Soph, it’s not funny. Do you have it or not? ”
I made a showcase of digging my purse. “Hmm … I have about $ 200. Will it help?”
The appearance of pure horror on his face was priceless.
When he turned to leave, I added sweetly, “Hey, does your mom have his credit card? I’m sure she would like to help! ”
The color was exhausted from Clark’s face. Do you ask Nadia for money? Oh, that was too good.
For the rest of the flight, Clark sat in silence, their luxury experience thoroughly destroyed. Meanwhile, I enjoyed my economic seat like never before.
When we landed, Clark looked as bad as a child who lost ice cream.
“I can’t believe I lost my wallet,” he gripped, patting his pockets again.
“Are you sure you didn’t leave it in the first class?” I asked and barely held a smile.
He moaned. “I’ve already checked. Twice.”
“Maybe it fell out during one of those fantastic meals you enjoyed.”
He shot my gaze. “It’s not funny, Soph. This is a nightmare.”
“Yeah, that would be unhappy.”
When Clark still emphasized his missing wallet, I closed my purse carelessly. Oh, I would return it … Finally. But not before I treat something nice first. Little creative justice has never hurt anyone.
So, travelers, if your partner ever tries to upgrade while leaving you behind, remember: A little well-planned return can make the way much sweeter. After all, in the flight of life, we are all together – economy or first class!
In the end, Clark learned a valuable lesson: A little selfishness could go a long way – but not as he expected. While he hoped for luxuries without stress, he first had the taste of what it was like he had left, all because of his actions. As for me? I enjoyed my well-earned revenge every second.
Did it fix it all? Probably not. But it certainly makes things a little more interesting. And if nothing else, I like to think he will think twice before he ever pulls such a stuntman.
So, when your significant other tries to leave you in the dust-already on the plane or anywhere else-remember: karma flies as fast as any first-class ticket. And sometimes it even sits right next to you in the economy, with a smug smile and a stolen wallet.