A Change of Heart

Chapter 48

Defeat has just punched me in the face. All that hope of seeing everyone, gone. What will mom think? I promised her I’d be there! Now I have to tell her I’m not going! 

“I’ll call Becky and tell her I can’t go,” I sigh. I’m about to get up, but Joanna stops me.

“Wait… I’ll talk to them. See if there’s any way I can convince them,” she explains.

“How? Your parents couldn’t care less about the employees,” I ask.

“Guess we’ll just need to have faith,” she smiles. Have faith. Right now, we have no control over this situation, so just let God be God. 

I head out of the house and drive home. I can’t help but think about tonight. The happiness of my family and myself relies on Joanna’s parents. I feel utterly helpless. 

Don’t doubt Howard. You serve a God who can do anything. Just trust in Him. I pray and go to sleep.

When I get to work, I see that everyone’s smiling and cheerful. That means… Joanna’s not here! Did something happen to her? I was just with her last night! Ok, calm down.

I sit in my cubicle and think practically. Joanna couldn’t have gotten some random disease out of the blue. She had no reason to leave her house last night, so it would have been an armed burglary or something. But that wouldn’t make sense because too many employees are too happy for her to have been killed or injured. So, why isn’t she here today?

Then it dawns on me, she said she would try and talk to her parents. So, she went to see them. But why would she skip work today if she could just call them? Well, it’s my most logical assumption so far, so I’ll just go with it. 

The rest of work goes as normal, but anticipation is killing me. Why is Joanna not here? And did she really go to talk to her parents? Once I get home, I see that Joanna sent me a text.

Joanna: Hello Howard, I’m currently at a hotel near my parents' house. I’ll be talking to them tomorrow. 

Me: Good, I was worried something had happened to you.

Joanna: Thank you for your concern, I’m fine.

Me: Well, I wish you good luck.

Joanna: Goodnight, Howard.

Me: Goodnight.

********************************************

Joanna’s coming back today. I’ve been thinking about it all day. She said she’d come to my house once she got back. Just 3 more hours.

The day always feels longer when you have something to look forward to. I feel like I’ve just been left on a cliffhanger in a movie, waiting for the sequel. Can’t work go faster? Finally, it’s 7pm.

I hurry out of the building like everyone else and drive home. Joanna’s car is parked in front of my house, though she hasn’t come out. I park behind her car and get out. Her car door opens once I’ve reached her.

“Well?” I ask, allowing myself a sliver of hope. I can’t read her face; it’s like she’s trying to drag it out.

“I can’t tell you how I did it-” Before she can continue, I lift her up and spin her around.

“They said yes!” I cheer. I feel like I’m on cloud 9. I put Joanna down. She smiles at me, and without thinking, I kiss her.

For once, I’m not lusting after her as we kiss, wanting to touch parts of her I know I shouldn’t. I’m just filled with love and joy.

“Thank you, I’m so proud of you,” I whisper. I’m not fully sure why I said the second part, but I feel like God made me say it. She’s flustered and glassy eyed, like a teenage girl.

“You’re welcome,” she replies. I lead her inside and open a bottle of champagne (gifted to me by Calvin). We sit on the couch, drinking and smiling.

“Joanna, there’s something I want to ask you,” I announce.

“What is it?” she says.

“I wanted to wait until I was sure that I could go. Do you want to go to Becky’s wedding as my date?” I ask. Joanna looks at me, surprised.

“I don’t know if I should go, there’s still work that needs to be done,” she explains.

“Joanna, all your employees will be on holiday. What work is going to hurt you if you leave it for a week? You deserve a break for getting us one. Besides, Becky's one of your best friends. You can't miss her wedding,” I say. I’m still grinning. I’m going to go see my family. No calls or video chats, but face to face.

“If that’s what you want,” she sighs. We continue our celebration for a few more hours, then Joanna leaves. 

I head to my room with a stride in my step. God really works wonders. First Joanna, now her parents? I head to sleep with the fattest smile on my face.