EAGLE FLIGHT 

“Well done, Penelope. Now  take a smooth landing. Over" her supervisor instructed. 

"Roger that. Over." Penelope answered on the radio and She landed her air vehicle.

Penelope  removed her headgear before unstrapping her safety belts. 

“Now, to face the Head. my father,” Penelope thought with a sigh. 

"Here, she comes. The daughter of our Head, Mr. Steins”, a fellow pilot called Newton spoke as Penelope entered the cafeteria. Penelope ignored him and went to take her lunch. "Drop it before she comes and beats you up.” one of his mates warned him. 

"I heard she beat up four guys for making rude comments about being treated special by her father." another added! 

“But it's true. Her father is the Head. Too bad he doesn't allow her to go into the real deal " one sneered. 

Penelope sighed. She had been hearing these comments ever since she'd  gotten here "Penelope Steins, report to my office,” the speaker announced.

“Oooh! Little girl is in trouble with Daddy "Newton mocked. Penelope got up and emptied her tray.  “I have passed all my exams unlike you who had to do remedial exams three times in a row.” Penelope said before leaving. Newton flushed in embarrassment as his colleagues laughed at him. Penelope made her way to the Head's office. She knocked once and waited for a reply before she entered the room. Her gaze meets eyes like her own. She'd her father's hazel eyes, but inherited her late mother's glossy chestnut hair which she always put in a bun. "Penelope, well done in your test,” her father said. Penelope nodded in thanks. "But you're still not ready for missions. '' her father pointed out. 

“Why?! Is it because I'm the only female among the guys?!" Penelope exploded.

  “Penelope, it's for the best. We've been through this several times, her father said. 

"But I passed every exam and test excellently! Is it because mom died in an accident during one of her missions?! Is that it?! Penelope bellowed. Her father's face turned red 

"Penelope! Your mom was one of the best! But I'm keeping you safe.” her father told her 

"No, you are keeping me as a prisoner even though you allow me to be part of the training." Penelope protested angrily and left. 

“This talk is not over!” her father bellowed from behind her.

As she left the room, she was surprised to see the last person she never taught to see again, It was Rick Summers, her longtime childhood friend as well as her bully. Rick smiled at her. war. He had sandy hair accompanied with twinkling mischievous coffee brown eyes. "Well, if it isn't  Lope." Rick said using the nickname that she'd hated ever since she was a child. 

“Hi, Rick Penelope said, sarcastically. 

"Wow! You look good I guess." Rick teased.

 "You always enjoyed getting on my nerves. Anyway, what are you doing here?" she asked 

"I got transferred here." he answered, smiling expecting her to be furious or shocked. 

"Okay. Bye," Penelope dismissed him and was about to pass by him until he stopped her.

 "Aren't you angry? "he questioned. 

“Why should I be? It's your life. I've no control over it." She told him, surprised by his outburst. 

“You want me to be frustrated like when I was a child. No more. I'm an adult now.”

She added and walked away.

1 

"What has made her become so stiff?” Rick thought to himself.

“So what's your punishment?" One male pilot mocked her as Penelope was reading through a novel. Penelope just turned the next page, ignoring the crowd of male pilots surrounding her. 

“Watch it or you will be spanked by her,'' another added. 

"No, by me!” a voice bellowed behind them. 

Penelope raised her head to see Rick at the doorway, looking very angry. 

"Who are you?" Newton spoke up.

The guy's gonna beat you up if you don't leave her alone." Rick shot at him. 

“She's not complaining. Newton shot back. 

“Doesn't matter. "Rick scowled. 

The other male pilots began to murmur and mutter among themselves. Furious shouts about Rick came out.

" Who are you?!"! Get out of here! Stupid!" the crowd of male pilots shouted. Rick fumed with anger. 

Penelope sighed and she took her novel and was about to get up to leave the swarm of males until Newton blocked her way. Before he could say anything, Penelop twisted his arm and pushed him away. Newton groaned in pain and the man became silent. Rick was taken back by this action. She passed by Rick and turned to face her shocked mates. 

"You better not go against him. Rick Summers  is one of the best pilots in war missions. He has a high rank here. If you cross him, he can easily get you kicked out.” Penelope said and left. After a pause, Rick followed her. The crowd of male pilots murmured among themselves.

 "Lope! Wait!" Rick called her. Penelope stopped.

 "What?"" Penelope asked, not bothered by the nickname, but it bothered Rick because of her reaction. 

      “Do you get bullied... like this?" he asked. 

"Yes a and?" She urged him on.

"Don't you know how to say thank you! '' he questioned.

“ Actually, I saved you. You tried, but didn't.” She corrected hiM. 

 “But  how did you learn to do that?”he asked. 

"Training." she simply answered. “Now please excuse me "she dismissed 

“Look, I know you want to go on missions. So I spoke to your father and he has agreed but only if I come with you.” Rick said.

"I can't believe this!" Penelope exclaimed. She had headed to her father's office to talk about the situation.

 "You got what you wanted.” her father stated. 

“Yeah, but I don't want a bodyguard." Penelope protested. 

 

“He’s your partner. her father corrected her.

 

 "No! He's just my tormenter! Whatever! I will go!" Penelope shot at him. She left the office, leaving Rick very hurt, but he knew she was right. He'd always teased her 

  since they were kids, but that was because he had a crush on her. And now it has developed more into feelings, now that they're adults. Penelope's father gave an

apologetic look. 

"Don't worry, she'll come around." he  assured Rick. Rick nodded, still feeling hurt 

“You should have treated her better.'' he told him. Rick became confused. 

"I know you fell for my daughter ever since you met her during your childhood, but 

you bullied her to ward the other boys away and keep her for yourself." he explained. Rick blushed 

"Sir..." "Rick managed to speak. 

“I approve of you. You just have to win her heart. She had closed her heart because of the crude comments she gets from her other male pilots fellows.” he  explained.

“I will do my best.” Rick said, firmly.

                                               

                                                            ***

Well you cannot be angry for long. Rick spoke behind her. Penelope rolled her eyes and continued to pack her belongings. They were setting off to  their mission from another center. 

“Are you really... angry? He questioned. Penelope didn't respond. Once she was done packing, she slammed her locker shut.

“See you outside." Penelope said and left. Rick sighed and punched his locker in frustration. Penelope had ignored him for the past few days. 

“Will it be like that for the whole of their time together? Penelope had never been on good terms with males especially since an idiot like him bullied me to  save her for himself. What a disaster! 

 

Rick and Penelope, got on their aircraft and set off. Rick had attempted to make a conversation, but Penelope ignored him He then began to make jokes, but she didn't 

react. One hour later, Rick was getting exhausted and irritated. 

"What's wrong with you?!” He exclaimed in anger.

 

“Just keep focus on the journey.” she simply said.

                 

                  “Penelope, why are you torturing me?" Rick asked. Penelope gave a laugh. 

                      

                       "Me?". I haven't done anything," she told him 

 

               “Exactly my point! You didn't do anything! You made me act like a fool talking to    myself.” Rick pointed out.

              "Then continue to act like one. Just keep me out of it." Penelope dismissed him. 

        Rick felt like a bullet had hit his guts. Penelope was cold as ice. This wasn't the girl he fell for. And it was his fault, including the idiotic males in her life who criticized her 

for being a pilot. Before he could say. anything, a tornado was heading their way.

Penelope and Bick tried to move away, but it was too late. The aircraft became damaged and both of them had to eject immediately. Rick screamed Penelope's name, but she'd already blacked out.

 

"Penelope, wake up!" Rick's voice urged her and Pendope slowly opened her eyes. Rick was pleased to see her confused hazel eyes. 

“Rick.” she whispered.  Rick smiled 

“Hi, Lope” he said, smiling. 

“Where are we?" she asked as he helped her up on her feet.

 

“We're on an island. Rick folded her.

        

 "I see. So how do we get rescued? She asked.

  "Well... "We don't have phones to call but once they notice the aircraft didn't make it they'll look for us." Rick replied. 

    "My father's gonna kill me." she muttered. 

    "Hey! It wasn't your fault. At least we are still alive." Rick pointed out.

 

         “Yeah and I am stuck here with you. She protested.  

         “Lope, you sound like you'd rather be anywhere than be with me,'' Rick said, feeling hurt. 

         "You got that right.” Penelope told him.

 

After a pause, Penelope broke the silence.

"I'm gonna find some shelter and food. If you're coming with me, then hurry. If not, then do what you want." Penelope said and headed towards the crowded tall trees. Rick then followed her in silence. “I will continue to  protect her no matter how she hurts me.” Rick vowed.

So Rick and  Penelope were able to find a cave for shelter and Rick found firewood for the fire. Both of  them were able to find a lake nearby as well as some fruits. After their light meal, they sat opposite each other with the fire between them "Good night. "Penelope said and laid down to sleep.

 "Night. "Rick replied, feeling sad. 

 

The next morning, Rick and Penelope took their baths in the sea, but at different times. Penelope guarded their shelter while Rick searched for food. It was almost noon and Rick hadn't returned. Penelope became worried. She went to search for him. 

“Rick! Rick!" she called his name as she took the path he'd headed earlier. 

Then she heard a loud growl behind her. It sounded like a bear. Penelope took to her heels. Frantically, she ran for her life, but she fell into a pit. Penelope tried to get up, but had injured her left leg. She supported herself by leaning against the wall of the earth. She touched her head and saw blood. She must have hit her head on something. 

 

“What do I do now? Rick might not find me. It's hopeless. It's better he thinks I'm dead. "Penelope sighed as she dropped to the ground, feeling helpless.

Evening came Penelope finally heard Rick calling for her. She stood up, but pain shot up from her wounded leg. Her loud groan drew Rick's attention to the pit. With the moonlight, Rick spotted Penelope, looking hungry and miserable. Once he saw blood steaming down her face, he took action. 

“Don't move! I'll get you out of here! Hold on!” He exclaimed in panic.

 

“What else will I be doing?" she muttered. 

“Shut up for once, Penelope." Rick shot at her. Shocked, she kept her mouth shut. Rick found a strong vine and used it to climb downwards. He then carried her on his back and climbed upwards. He carried her all the way to the cave. He put her down and set to bandage her wounds. Beads of sweat trickled down his face. 

“How long have you been searching?" She asked.

"Since afternoon," he replied. 

“Have you eaten?" she questioned. 

 

“Neither have you, so don't ask stupid questions.” he shot at her.

 

Rick gave her some fruits to eat and forced her to sleep, but she protested. Rick then became furious. 

“For once in your life. Shut up and listen to sense," he exclaimed and Penelope was shocked. She then drifted off to sleep. 

The next day, Penelope felt much better. She woke up to see Rick shivering. feverishly She   crawled to his spot. She touched his forehead. It was hot. Rick had a fever. He must have got it while searching for her.  Penelope wanted to burst into tears. “Don't worry, Rick. You will be fine." she assured him

She took off her jacket and covered him with it then  she tore one of her shirts and  limped to the lake to dip it before returning to sponge him. As she worked, she kept on encouraging him. 

“Come on, Rick. Call me Lope and I will react like I usually do. Just do it. Anything." Penelope was close to tears  and without medical  equipment, she was helpless. The fever finally broke after four days. Rick opened his eyes to see a smiling, but tired Penelope.

“How long?” he whispered.

“Four days.” she answered. 

“Have you been by my side the whole time?" he asked.

“Not really except bathing and eating?" she replied. 

“I thought you hated me,'' Rick said. 

"I don't.” she replied.  Rick was surprised.

   Then she laughed. 

“What’s so funny?" he asked.

“We are a match. Me being injured and you being sick.” She chuckled. Rick just smiled. 

“Thanks, Lope," he said.

“You're welcome. Just don't die on me. She whispered.  Rick was astonished.

 "Where were you during the time you were searching for food? You were out for a long time." she said. 

“I spotted some fruits, but they were very high, so I'd to think of a way to get them." Rick answered. 

"Were you... looking for me?" Rick asked. Penelope blushed. 

"Because you were hungry?” he guessed.

“No… because I was worried. "she corrected him. Rick was bewildered at her response. Back then,she would've denied it. Then Penelope narrated her story of how she ended up in the pit.    

 "Please... never do that. again. You could have been killed, " Rick pointed out.

"Alright, I'll try," she told him. 

"Stubborn as usual,” he teased. Penelope laughed.

 

So Rick got better and then nursed Penelope's wounds. Both of them began to get along with each other. Penelope then began to soften towards Rick. Rick was happy, but he was in love with her. To tell her his feelings might break their newfound friendship and he didn't want that so he'd kept quiet and decided to wait for the right time. One night, they were watching the stars and enjoying the silence. Then Penelope spoke up.

“Can I ask you a question?” she asked.

“Sure,” he said.

“Rick, why did you bully me when we were young? Did I ever hurt you or you just hated me?" Penelope asked in a low tone. 

Rick bent his head in shame. 

“I mean we could have gotten along  like now" Penelope added 

"I'm really sorry, Penelope. "Rick apologized.

 "It's okay. Despite the males I've encountered in my life, you're the only one who at least never went far with bullying me. And now you're like my best friend" Penelope said. Rick kept quiet.

“ I even thought you were cute back then when we were kids even though you bullied me.” Penelope chuckled. Rick raised his head at that remark.

"You did?" he blurted out. Penelope giggled.

"Yup, but I forgive you. So don't work-". Rick cut her off with a kiss. Penelope was surprised, but kissed him back. Rick broke it after some minutes.

"That's the reason why I... bullied you.” Rick whispered. The truth dawned on Penelope. She blushed and turned her face away. She then giggled. 

"You are so childish." She chuckled. 

"I was a child, Lope," he pointed out, grinning.

“ I always liked that name. I just got angry back then because everybody in the class was calling me Lope,” she confessed. "But I wanted  you to only call me that," she added. Rick kissed her again.

 "I love you.'' he whispered.

“ Love you  too." she replied before embracing him. 

 

For the rest of the weeks, the couple enjoyed themselves and weren't really worried about being rescued.  One night, Rick had talked about them marrying one day, but Penelope wasn't intrigued about it. 

“What do you mean?! How do you expect that to happen when we're still stuck here?!" Penelope exclaimed. 

Rick was surprised about her  reaction.

"Oh, Come on, Lope, Don't give up. We will be rescued and then marry," he assured her 

“But what if not?! Use your common sense,” she pointed out. 

 

“Lope, please don't do this." he warned her.

“ Don't call me that! I'm furious at a blind fool!” Penelope shot at him. 

“Penelope watch that tongue of yours! This blind fool happens to be in love with you and doesn’t care as long as we're together. I guess I'm the only one in love!” Rick bellowed and left. 

Penelope clamped her mouth down and burst into tears. She didn't mean what she said. She just wanted to be Rick's wife and have his child. That's all she wanted.

 

For the past few days, the couple avoided each other's company. Rick was still angry and Penelope was trying to find a way to reconcile with Rick. Penelope then decided to surprise him with dinner. That afternoon, she dived into the sea to hunt for some fish. Penelope almost caught one until she felt a strong wave pushing her backwards Although she was a strong swimmer, the current was stronger.

“ I'm in big trouble.” she thought as she began to black out, but then strong arms gripped her and pulled her. Penelope finally realized she was back on shore and Rick stared at her with a panicked look.  “Sorry.”She managed to speak after throwing up water from her mouth. Rick pulled into a tight embrace. Without a word, he carried her back to the cave to rest.

 

"I'm sorry. I wanted to make up withy so I intended to surprise you with dinner. I tried to catch some fish" Penelope explained. Rick was still quiet. Penelope sighed.

"I know. You want to break up with me.” she whispered, feeling rejected. Rick just smiled.

“I've never loved such a reckless, but strong woman before.” he chuckled. Penelope began to smile. 

“So we're good?” She asked." 

"Yup," he confirmed. 

"I'm sorry about earlier. I just wanted to accomplish my dream." She told him. 

       

     “And what’s your dream?" he asked. 

Penelope smiled and just kissed him.  They got interrupted with a bright light shining on them. It was a helicopter. "It's them. Let's go." Rick urged her. They stepped out of the cave and waved to grab the attention of the helicopter. So Rick and Penelope were rescued. 

When they got back, Penelope was surprised to see that her fellow male pilots missed her, especially Newton. He apologized frequently. Rick got a bit jealous of the attention Penelope was receiving, especially since she had now left her glossy chestnut hair cascading shoulders. Penelope's father was overjoyed to see her. 

  "I know you're gonna ban me from flying again." Penelope said. 

"Actually No. It's your life, not mine. Your mother would've been proud of you. '' her father said, surprising her. Penelope hugged her father. That's when Rick bent on one knee.  

"I know this isn't the right time, but I want to live with you for the rest of my life. hope, will you marry me?" Rick asked, nervously 

"Yes!" Penelope screamed and rushed into his arms. Her father nodded in acknowledgement.

"I'm glad you finally accepted his feelings, " her father said. 

"You knew?" Penelope gasped, turning to her father. He nodded in response. Penelope laughed and Rick blushed. 

 Rick and Penelope got married and all her fellow male pilots attended the wedding. It was an exclusive sight. Rick and Penelope went back to the island for their honeymoon, but this time packed with clothes and other necessities. One afternoon, Penelope told him that her dream had come true. "I'm pregnant" she told him. Rick grabbed her and whirled her round, feeling overjoyed. They'd a baby boy and three girls came after that.

                                           

                                                         THE  END.