My spouse, Clark, purchased first-class tickets for his mother and himself, leaving economy for our children and me. I, however, was not going to overlook that. I made sure there was some turbulence on his “luxury” flight so he would learn a valuable lesson from the experience.
Clark is one of those workaholics who believes his job is the most important thing in the world. My name is Sophie. I understand that he works hard, but being a mother is also not easy! This is what transpired, then.
Clark had arranged for our family’s vacation accommodations. Upon arriving at the airport, I discovered that he and his mother were traveling in first class, while I was stuck in economy with the kids.
Rather than pouting, I chose to put him through discomfort. Every few minutes, I would send the children up to first class. “Go ask Daddy for a snack,” or “Tell Grandma you want to sit with her.” The kids didn’t stop, and soon, Clark’s peaceful flight turned into chaos. His first-class luxury wasn’t so relaxing anymore.
By the end of the flight, Clark wasn’t as smug. Lesson learned: if you’re going to leave your wife and kids in economy, don’t expect a smooth flight!
Whoa, was I mistaken.
With our child and a diaper bag in tow, I asked Clark where our seats were when we arrived at the airport. Clark hardly looked up from his phone. “Oh, regarding that,” he said.
I was uncomfortable. What does “about that” mean, exactly?
At last, he raised his head and gave me a grin I’ve come to fear. “Well, I was able to get Mom and myself a first-class upgrade. I really need to get some rest, and you know how she is with such flights.”
Just the two of them, wait? I looked at him expectantly, waiting for a joke that never came.
“Let me be clear on this. While your mother and you go first class, my family and I stay in economy.
With a shrug, Clark seemed unconcerned. Come on, Soph, it’s only going to be a few hours. You’ll be alright.
Then his mother, Nadia, arrived, grinning, carrying her high-end bags. “Well, Clark, are you ready for this opulent journey?” I swear I could have melted under her intense look as she grinned at me.
They walked off to enjoy their first-class experience, leaving me with the kids. I, however, was not going to accept it. A strategy started to take shape in my head as I boarded with the kids. It was going to get interesting on this flight.
As soon as we were seated, I could tell the difference between first class and economy. While I was having trouble with our luggage, there they were, already enjoying champagne. I had to tell my five-year-old that “Daddy and Grandma are in a special part of the plane” when she insisted on sitting alongside her father.
After the kids had settled in, I realized something crucial: I had found Clark’s wallet. I had stealthily removed his money from his bag at the security check earlier, all the while avoiding his notice. I gave myself a small smile. It was going to be enjoyable.
After the kids had fallen asleep for two hours, I was relishing the silence. I observed the first class flight attendants offering delicious meals. Clark was indulging in every luxury, placing elaborate food and premium liquor orders.
I caught Clark feverishly picking his pockets not too long afterward. It dawned on him that his wallet was gone. While she waited for him to pay, the flight attendant stood there. When Clark attempted to clarify that he was having trouble finding his wallet, the flight attendant was uninterested.
It was like watching my own private performance as the economy developed. When a flight attendant tried to get me something, I merely said that I was ready to see the rest of the drama and requested for some water and popcorn.
Clark arrived at economics, appearing anxious. “Soph, I can’t find my wallet,” he muttered as he knelt down beside my seat. Do you possess any money?
I tried to look worried. “Oh no! That is quite awful. What is the required amount?
“It’s about $1,500,” he sighed.
I almost burst out laughing. “Did you order everything on the menu?”
A panicked “It doesn’t matter,” he said. “Is it with you or not?”
I dug about in my purse. “I possess $200. Would that be beneficial?
He appeared desperate when he accepted the money. “Maybe your mother’s credit card is with her?” I made a kind suggestion.
Clark paled. He knew he would have to get his mother involved. His flawless first-class experience was wrecked beyond repair.
Clark and his mother sat there in stony silence for the remainder of the flight. I felt content as I relaxed on my economy seat in the interim.
Clark made a final trip to the economy as we touched down. Are you certain you haven’t seen my wallet, Sophie?
I pretended to be innocent. “No, sweetie. Perhaps you forgot it at home.
Clark raked his hands over his hair in frustration. “This is not a good dream.”
“Well, at least you got to experience first class, right?” I said.
He gave me a scowl. “Yes, it’s really fun.”
Clark was grumpy after the flight and kept grumbling about his wallet being missing. His mother retreated into the restroom, evading the stress. My suggestion that he may have left it in first class didn’t make him feel any better.
I was a little excited as we drove out of the airport. I still had his wallet, which I intended to return after treating myself to something special. Nobody ever hurt by a little retribution.
So, a little inventive retaliation could be exactly what you need if your companion ever tries to go on and abandon you. After all, whether we are traveling first class or economy, we are all traveling through life together!