Chasing Justin

Jacob Miller and his father, Will Miller arrived at San Francisco International Airport three hours before their plane was due to leave. They joined the end of the line which did not appear to be going anywhere. Sighing softly in annoyance, Jacob put his two year-old son Justin on the ground. Immediately, he wished he hadn’t; Justin was off like a shot, weaving through people and giggling madly. Jacob left the line and chased after his son.

“Justin come back here!” he cried.

Justin’s response was another loud giggle followed by an endless stream of babbling. Will rolled his eyes and shifted Justin’s twin Dustin in his arms. His son returned several minutes with Justin in his arms. The two year-old squirmed so much Jacob had to put him down. He promptly ran off again.

“Justin!” Jacob protested.

He followed. Will’s gaze dropped to Dustin, who was staring up at him through innocent blue eyes. Will smiled, just a little. By some miracle, they made it to the front of the line and then to one of the desks.

“Can you watch the twins?” Jacob asked, getting ready to show the lady their boarding passes and passports.

“But…” Will protested.

But Jacob was already busy with the agent. Justin peeked out from his father’s legs at Will. He made a face and then ran off. Will groaned softly and set Dustin on the ground.

“Just…stay there okay? Please?” he asked.

Dustin nodded. Will didn’t have time to be surprised. Justin was already halfway across the terminal. Will sprinted after him. Somehow, he managed to catch up to him and grabbed him before he managed to get on an escalator heading for a different part of the terminal. He brought Justin back, set him on the ground, and picked up Dustin. He realized his mistake too late. Justin was off again. Will cursed softly under his breath and sprinted after him. He didn’t let Justin get too far this time. He cursed again when he realized that he was still holding Dustin. He grabbed Justin by the wrist and pulled him back towards the place where they were checking in. Justin squealed and dug his heels into the ground.

“Come…on…you…brat,” Will growled, pulling harder.

“NO!” Justin screeched.

He made a scene all the way across the terminal. By the time Will made it back to Jacob, Justin was throwing an epic sized tantrum and Will was nursing a migraine.

“Here,” he said, shoving the howling child at Jacob. “He’s your problem now. I don’t do temper tantrums.”