A Change of Heart

Chapter 49

I'm currently at work, sitting at my cubicle, signing a contract. Joanna's parents want everyone to fill out a form for our one week vacation (though everyone else thinks it's Joanna's idea). We fill in the places to say where we're going, why we're going there, and if we're going to see specific people, how we're going to get there and other things. Then we have to sign, promising not to say anything about the business and agreeing to wearing a mic the entire time so they can make sure we don't say anything. If you take off the mic at any time (they made it waterproof so I mean anytime) we will be dealt with.

As crazy as this contract is, it still doesn't dim my happiness. I'm going to see my family! When I told Becky, she was ecstatic. I'm pretty sure she was crying because her voice started breaking. Imagining the looks on everyone's faces when I visit is worth any contract (except ones for selling my soul). Once I've finished filling in the form I wait in the line just like everyone else. I've never seen these people happier.

For once they look truly alive, like actual humans. It warms my heart, and I bet it warms Anna's too. After about 2 hours, I make it into Joanna's office. She clearly seems exhausted. It's expected since she has to read everyone's form.

"See, this is why you need a vacation," I say.

"Just give me your paper," Joanna sighs. I hand her the form and watch her flip through the pages. Joanna's probably the fastest reader I know. If she had time to read novels, she'd probably finish them in 3 days. She hands me back the form.

"Howard, how many more are out there?" she asks.

"It looked like about 50," I answer.

"If I fall asleep during Becky's wedding, tell her this is why," Joanna groans. I chuckle and leave her office. As I walk past, I see the hope, joy and excitement on everyone's face. I did this, well it was God, Joanna, and her parents but I'm the one who started this. My mission will soon come to an end, once I can get Maya out.

After work I head over to the grocery store. It's currently empty, which is good so that I can talk to him.

"Seems pretty busy here," I say.

"Your presence probably intimidated people from coming in here," Arthur replies. I get my groceries and head to the register.

"I gotta say Howard, I don't know how you did it, or how you got this far," Arthur admits.

"Well, I probably would've failed a while back without you," I say.

"Guess we both made this happen, with help from God," he answers.

"My first vacation in, how many years?" I say.

"Five turning six," he replies. I've been working there for six years? I didn't even realise it's been that long.

"Well, I just know it's going to be great," I sigh.

"When you get there, tell your mom to make that blueberry streusel cake so you can bring some for me," Arthur smiles.

"Alright, but if I eat it on the way home, it wasn't my fault," I respond. We both laugh as Arthur hands me the receipt. I take my groceries and go back to my car. Just one more month.

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I've just told Jace about Becky's wedding. Obviously he doesn't know about the fact that this is my first vacation since I started working for Joanna.

"Well, I'm glad you're so happy to be leaving me for a month," Jace pretends to sigh.

"It's not like I'm here that often," I chuckle.

"That's true, which is why you're not as fit as me," he smirks.

"Is it so hard for you to be serious?" I ask.

"Yes, especially when you have someone to be the serious one for the both of you," Jace explains. Shockingly, I can relate. I may not be as immature as Jace, but Joanna's definitely able to be serious for both of us. We continue talking throughout our workouts.

After that, I head home. Becky calls me on the way.

"Hey Howard," she says.

"Hey, how's wedding planning going?" I ask.

"Well, Liam's taking us on a spa weekend cause I've apparently been stressing out about the wedding," she answers.

"You probably have, you are a former wedding planner and full time perfectionist," I explain.

"If we were in the same room, I'd throw you into the next one. Anyways, for the reservations should I book you and Joanna for a one bedroom or two?" she asks.

"Two bedrooms," I answer. Definitely shouldn't be sharing a bed with someone I'm not married or related to.

"Alright, have you read the agenda I sent?" Becky says.

"Yes, I have. You should become a writer, because your agenda was as long as a novel," I remark.

"Ha ha," Becky hangs up the phone. I head inside my home, and head to sleep.