Who You Say I Am (A Jai Courtney Fanfic)

Chapter 102-Meg

Meg

My mom accompanies me to the freight shop for a quote between my shifts. They asked if I would bring a couple samples—a sculpture and a framed item. I brought a shadow box so they'll properly support them since there's a lot of empty space in there. I shake the man's hand before he inspects my artwork with gloved hands and the utmost care.  As I watch him, I realize my dad was right. This may cost a lot but this is where I should go.  He takes us into an office and sits down to calculate the packaging and shipping fees. It is exceedingly costly but I realize God put that amount on Mrs Philips's heart for a reason. I helped her out and she did the same for me. I agree to the price and write a check. They will be over tomorrow afternoon to package and ship the items. My crates will take up half a truck so the items will be delivered on Thursday—in two days.  I smile at how fast that is. They assure me that everything will be brought into their warehouse to protect from the weather overnight and labeled for shipping Thursday morning. I shake his hand again and thank him.
As my mom drives us home, I send a message to the gallery to expect my artwork on Thursday. I start looking into hotels for that week and I realize I might exceed my checking account. I'm tempted to look into hostels since I'm certain I could afford that but I'm not sure how safe it would be.
"You know, your father gets points from his credit card and we rarely use them anymore since we don't take many family vacations. I'm wondering how much of a discount he could get you on the Marriott in downtown Chicago," she says almost reading my mind.
"Could he?" I ask. "I was thinking of staying at a hostel."
"You absolutely will not," she tells me firmly. "Maybe in my day they were safe but I don't know about now. Those are often shared rooms. Chicago isn't what it once was. Especially if you're bringing your camera gear and computer which I know you will."
"I was," I nod in agreement.
"We'll see what your father can do," she insists.
She calls my dad when we get home and he promises to look into it.

*****

Wednesday morning at work is a blur and the afternoon pick up is organized chaos. They put down a mat and use dollies to bring the crates and supplies in. They pack them up with labels and then roll them out back on the dolly to the truck. I am in awe of the care they put into my work and I start to doubt if my artwork is worth all of this fuss. I shake that thought out of my head and remember that they accepted my first line, asked for more, and then immediately approved the rest. They're interested and they feel that it is worth the hassle so I continue to watch as my treasures are packed up and shipped off. I sigh in relief and help my mom clean up the house after they've gone.
I go to church on my own since Mikey is busy with a study group. He has a test tomorrow and I'm praying he passes. He's worried—I can tell.
I step in and see Gale pacing. She comes up and hugs me.
"How've you been?" she asks.
"Okay," I tell her honestly. "I've been keeping busy. That's definitely helping me get through it. Any down time and I start missing him again."
"Yeah, you two were inseparable," she agrees. I feel a twinge in my heart and I frown. "We're all praying for you."
I nod and thank her. She tells me someone else is filling in so she can sit with me. I thank her for that. She holds my hand as we worship and listen to God's word. I really do feel like this gets me through my week.
I go home to read my Bible study and realize by this time tomorrow, my artwork will be getting unboxed. That concept should make me happy but my thoughts drift to Jai.  I don't think I'd even consider applying if it weren't for his encouragement. I only cry a little tonight before I drift off.

*****

Over the next several days, I spend my scheduled time working, my free time designing, cutting, and sewing. I finish the blue dress in no time and work on the black one since I have the fabric and design. Even if I don't use it for what I anticipated, I still want to make it. My mom advises me at first but then my memory kicks in from high school and I recall just what to do. She does show me how to handle the collar but I do all the work. It comes out close to what I'd imagined and I'm in awe when I finish it. Both dresses need little alteration and my mom pins them for me. She tells me my father booked my stay and the points covered everything, including the daily breakfast. I laugh in surprise and relief thanking her.
I make sure I save more than enough for food and tourism in Chicago but I decide to go back to the fabric store in my free time. I make a few more dressy and dress casual ensembles for Chicago and just start putting together other formal wear. I even get some casual ideas and sew them up quickly. I generally shop the bargain bin or sale items. I use my mom's stockpile of coupons and discounts.
I decide to redo my business cards and include fashion design on it. I print off my own since I know they can take forever to arrive by mail order. I stack cut them at the lab and put them in a box. I examine one—they look perfect and professional. I got a paper with a metallic iridescent sheen of pastel green, blue, fuchsia, and gold on both sides. I figure that I'll take these with me to Chicago since I'll be wearing some of my art.
Sunday comes around and I open the fridge at church. I see the frozen disaster in there and realize I've got to make time for that. I can come after work sometime and deal with it. I set a reminder on my phone so I don't forget...