Love on Air

Chapter II: Farewells and Beginnings

PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. PERKINS ON THE SIDE

Chapter II: Farewells and Beginnings

~ ALEX ~

     The flash back had suddenly dusted off my mind. And I noticed that my mother was beside me, soothing my back with her soft hands. I turned so I can face her and she wiped the tear that escaped my eye.

     "Are you ready, darling?", she said, playing with my hair.

     I sighed, missing my brother's presence.

     "Yes, Mom." As simple as that.

     "You miss him, do you?", she smiled kindly at me. And I know she misses him, too.

     "I do. I miss Mike so much."

     "He'll be proud of you right now, sweetie...", she chuckled, then continued, "...going to college on your own."

     "I don't think so. He'll be living with me in the hotel, too." I grinned, thinking of how he was always protective of me.

     We laughed, because we know he'll do.

     Our laughter subsided as we both knew that he's already in peace, taking care of me in every way. Only in the heavens.

     I stepped into the car, waiting for my dad to put all the luggages in the compartment. A minute later, he got behind the stirring wheel and drove to Chicago. To Chicago River North Hotel, to be exact. It's too fancy for me though. But Dad told me that he can't let me live in a hotel that has a poor condition. Or low-class, if that's what he meant.

     My parents tried not to talk about me or how they'll miss me. I was just staring out of the window, looking at things that are quite engrossing to gaze at.

     I'll really miss them as much as they'll miss me. I thought.

     They started chattering about how a banana-flavored ice cream is way better than vanilla; how algebra became too difficult and challenging to study these days; and how scientists became mad and started to count their hair strands.

     The ride to the hotel was long and I had the time to rest a bit more.

     I was then awakened by my mother's soft taps on my shoulder. She gave me a smile of 'honey, we're here'. Once we were already at the reception table, Dad explained to me where my room is and how he'll pay for it. Then, he told me that they're in a hurry to catch a meeting in the office so he kissed my forehead goodbye and left for the car.

     Three weeks before, I already told them that I'll miss them a lot, so they could stop muttering about it. But I obviously know it won't work.

     "I'm missing you already, honey. Thinking of how my life will be at home without you.", my mom said sadly, looking straight into my eyes.

     "Mom, you know I'll be okay. I got my brother by my side.", I smiled at the last sentence, hoping that he invisibly is.

     "If you say so.", she paused. "Here's your room key. . . and Mr. Robinson is expecting you at the lounge. You should see him."

     Mr. Robinson. My driver.

     "Mmm-kay, Mom. Take care. I love you."

     "I love you, too, honey."

     We finally said our last goodbyes and I marched straight to the table where Mr. Robinson was sitting.

     I sat across him and he seems so surprised. And his eyes furrowed in confusion, saying, "Is that you, Miss Perkins?"

     I nodded, with a cheeky smile on my face.

     He smiled at me, exposing his wrinkles on each side of his eyes.

     "You've grown so well, Miss Perkins. Do you mind if I ask you how old you already are? I got lost on tracks, since I last saw your father."

     He's been my dad's driver when he was young. Mr. Robinson was always there for Dad. From elementary to high school to college and to getting his new job at the Chicago Tribune. Mr. Robinson resigned after Dad met Mom. "But he was still there to be our chauffeur in the wedding." Dad would always remind me. 

     I've never really met Mr. Robinson but Dad said he's a good man in his job. 

     "No, it's okay. I don't mind at all. I just turned nineteen last month."

     "Young. Very young, indeed. Belated Happy Birthday, Miss Perkins." I mumbled a 'thank you' as he paused and took a sip from his coffee. "Would you like some? You can order one if you want. It's actually free."

     I gestured my hand and smiled, "No, but thank you, Mr. Robinson."

     "Very well. You should be heading to your room now, before we can go to the university.", he insisted.

     "Oh. I can check my room later. We better get going."

     "As you wish."

     And with that, he led me to a black SUV limo. I hesitantly shoved myself in and he closed the door for me. He sat behind the wheel and started to drive.

     "Is this your car?", I asked him, overthinking that this is too much.

     "It's yours, Miss Perkins. Why? You want something bigger?", he chuckled. I think he got a lot of humor more than I do.

     We drove there twenty minutes from the hotel and I didn't got bored. There were a lot of interesting things to pass by.

     "Miss Perkins, we're here.", and he got out to open the door for me.

     "You know, you didn't have to do that.", I casually said.

     I turned my head to the scenery I was in front of .

     Shocked. Shocked as ever.

     "Woah."

     Is the only thing that came out of my mouth.