priorities-2

2

I tell Misty my plan to go to Europe and we exchange numbers with intentions ofkeeping in touch. The cab ride is quick but I find myself moping and feeling sorry formyself. Did I really want to be a mother at such a young age? Hell No, it would havebeen scary, and John didn't make it to the big leagues yet, maybe this was a blessing indisguise.

 I check in and wait for my flight, reflecting the entire time on what I told John, Igave him the green light to do whatever he wants. Maybe, I should do the same. It's notlike he cares and it's better then following him around like a lost puppy.I arrive in Paris two days before Carrie and Hunter. They are still working outkinks with Carrie's publisher who's located in Manchester. A man waits for me at theairport with my name on a sign, "Hi, Mya? Hunter instructed me to take you to yourhotel," he says pleasantly.

He picks up my bag, and I follow him to the car. I'm in Paris the city of love!Sadly, I wish John was with me to enjoy it. As quick as he enters my thoughts, I shovehim out, remembering how awful he made me feel before leaving me to go back toNiagara. I'm just an outlet for him. I admire the sights as we drive through a portion ofParis to get to the hotel they've booked me in.

The Hotel is six star, five just isn't good enough. My room is two levels. I have twobathrooms, two bedrooms and an office. My view of the Eiffel Tower has to be the bestview in Paris. I realize I've set my sights too low with John. THIS is the life. How Carriemanaged it I'll never know. 

 I put on my new designer jogging suit I bought before I found out I was pregnant. Inever jogged before but it's as good a time as any to learn. I lock up the room and takethe lift to the lobby

I stretch my calves and start with a brisk walk then an all out jog. I have mywireless ear buds in and I'm jogging to the beat of the first song, I don't get half waythrough and I'm starting to feel winded. How the heck to people do this? Setting a goal,to last one more song, I struggle through before I slow my pace to a brisk walk. I canstill see the hotel, I haven't gone far at all. Oh well, not bad for a first time. I see apatisserie and stop for an almond croissant and a cappuccino to reward myself.

The next day I do the same, but chose a different direction, (the other side of thehotel). I don't get much farther and curse myself for changing directions because nowI'm twice as far as I was yesterday from that delightful patisserie where I got thatAlmond croissant and cappuccino. I slow down from a super slow jog to a brisk walkand redirect back to that cafe.I sit on the patio, and people stare passer-byes as I sip my coffee and take babybites of my heated almond croissant. I notice a guy sitting at the next table with what Isuspect are his parents. He's wearing a grey beret and a hideous pant suit and sunglasseseven though it's not sunny out. His parents are dressed way better than him. I don'trealize I'm staring until he says with a British accent, "Pictures last longer. Would youlike one?" 

His sarcasm is offensive so I don't apologize for staring, "You really should teachyour son how to dress the way you do," I direct to what I think are his parents.His mother chuckles and his father grins, "We've been trying dear, I've ask him tocut his hair for years," she confides in me."It's no use," his father says. "He's trying to maintain an image," they explain. Youcan tell he's using his son's words. They seem super friendly, his parents are way morepersonable then him.I shake my head and sip my cappuccino, "Sorry for staring. Sometimes I don'trealize I'm doing it.""No worries," the father says, "we're sorry our son was rude to you." 

"I'm here you know," he reminds his parents."Our son usually evokes a lot of stares, we're used to it," his mum adds."Let's go," he hurries his parents with irritation."Take care," I say to them as they begin to leave. They were nice even if he wasn't.I go back to the room and wait for Carrie and Hunter, who said they would arriveby dinner.Carrie texts me to meet her in the lobby of the hotel. I take the lift down and see herand Hunter waiting for me, "Carrie!" I gush. I know it's only been a few days but it feelslike forever. We hug and then I greet Hunter."I'm starved," Carrie complains, "how are you feeling Mya.