My bags are packed, I got snacks, I've texted Becky what time I'm arriving, and I still think I'm dreaming. It's currently 8pm after work, and tomorrow I don't have to go back! And the day after, and the day after, and the day after! I'm too excited to wait another day, so I'm leaving right now. I've got a cup of coffee and lots of energy drinks, and the joy of the Holy Spirit to keep me awake. I pack everything into my car and drive. For the first time in six years, I'm driving home.
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I'm currently parked outside Joanna's gate. After a few minutes of driving, I was quite literally fighting to stay awake. I don't want to be in the hospital during my vacation (or kill anyone). So, I drove to Joanna's house instead. I hope she doesn't get too mad that I didn't park my car outside of the neighbourhood. I drag myself over to the retinal scan.
Why did I think I could do an all nighter road trip? My sleep schedule is an average of 2-6 hours. The gate opens and I walk to the house. I knock on the door. If someone doesn't answer any minute now, I might just fall asleep on the steps. The old lady (Clarissa, I learned her name a while back) opens the door.
"Howard, another surprise visit?" she asks, smiling.
"A failed road trip is what it is. Would Joanna mind if I sleep in one of the guest rooms?" I explain.
"Not at all," she answers. She takes me to the nearest guest room. I walk to the bed and fall onto the cloud of a mattress. Sleep... just what I need.
The next morning, I feel someone gently shaking me awake. I open my eyes and see it's one of Joanna's maids.
"Ms. Clieves would like you to get ready for your trip today," she says. I get up and see I'm still in my clothes from yesterday.
"Are my bags still in my car?" I ask.
"No, we brought them to your room," she says. I see my duffle bag and backpack.
"Oh, thanks. Tell Joanna I'm getting ready now," I yawn. She leaves the room while I get my toiletries.
After showering and brushing my teeth, I change into clean clothes and take my bags. I head to the kitchen (after taking a lot of wrong turns) and see that Joanna's just finished her breakfast.
"Good morning, Howard," she greets.
"Good morning," I reply. I sit on a stool and eat my plate of french toast with berries and honey.
"Sometime, I wish I could live here," I mumble with my mouth full.
"You can if you can afford to pay some of the bills," Joanna smirks. I need to find a way to get a better paying job.
We pack all of our luggage into our cars. I would've offered to drive us both but Joanna has 3 suitcases and a duffle bag, and that was not going to fit in my trunk.
I get in and start my car. This road trip has officially started. First, we head to the gas station. Turns out I forgot to fill my car the night before. After refilling my gas tank, we carry on with the roadtrip. About an hour in, Joanna calls me.
"Hello Howard, how are you feeling?" she asks.
"A lot better than last night," I reply.
"Maybe you shouldn't try to do late night road trips," she says.
"Clearly I shouldn't," I chuckle.
"So, when are we going to meet your family?" she asks.
"Becky said we'll be having dinner tonight at the hotel's restaurant," I answer.
"Ok then," she hangs up the phone.
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We drive to the underground parking. After a 4 hour drive, we're here. I get out of my car and call Joanna.
"Yes, Howard?" she asks.
"Where are you parked?" I ask back.
"I'm parked near the elevators," she answers.
"Alright, I'm heading there now," I tell her. I take my bag out of the trunk and go to the elevators. I see Joanna there with a bellhop.
"Aren't the bellhops supposed to be in the lobby?" I ask.
"I called him here," she replies. I put my bag on top of the rest of her luggage, while Joanna gets us an elevator. Becky said she'd be waiting for us at the lobby.
The elevator door opens and we go inside. This is it, my first visit in 6 years.
YOU ARE READING
A Change of Heart
RomanceWe clock in at 6 'o'clock, and out at 7pm. Vacations are a myth, even on Holidays. There's no time for family at all. You bring lunch from home, if you don't have any, you don't eat. Never complain if the temperature is too cold or too hot (which it...
